By By Lydia Grimes
features reporter
Today marks the nation’s  39th Earth Day celebration. In honor of the event, city officials in Brewton and East Brewton have planned special events for Saturday.
East Brewton officials are  making the city’s trash truck available for pickups, but only for those who call the city and request a truck.
If you live in East Brewton call 867-7998 to schedule a pickup.
The Jay Road landfill will be open from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m, to allow residents an opportunity to dispose of trash. No household garbage or chemicals will be accepted at the landfill.
Old appliances may also be taken to the landfill on Jay Road, however, no TVs or computer components will be accepted.
John Angel, Brewton City Clerk, said special arrangements are being made for other types of disposal.
Automobile batteries can be taken to Advance Auto Parts, Auto Zone or O’Reilly Auto Parts. All three stores will also accept automobile oil.
At Turtle Point in Flomaton, the staff is planning a special open house event from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.  The open house is sponsored by Legacy, Inc. Partners in Environmental Education.
Turtle Point Director Jackie Word  will present a special program in honor of Earth Month. As a special commemortion of the event, the first 100 families will receivea free re-usable grocery tote. Supplies will be availalbe to decorate the totes while on the campus of the facility.
Visitors can also enter drawings for eco-friendly gift baskets and other energy and cost-saving household supplies. The children’s basket will include child-sized gardening tools while the family basket will include eco-friendly cleaning supplies, compact fluorescent light bulbs and other exciting household items. Visitors will also enjoy learning about the animals, strolling down the boardwalk, and shopping in the gift shop.
Earth Day was founded by Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson in 1970. He later  received the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his work with Earth Day.
For additional information concerning the availability of dumpters, recycling locations or pick-up services contact the clerk’s office of Brewton or East Brewton city halls.