To promote recycling and celebrate America Recycles Day, Nov. 15, the York County Solid Waste Authority (YCSWA) sponsored puppet show assembly programs. Programs were held at various local elementary schools, including Canadochly, which hosted the program on Nov. 10.

The recycling-themed program, titled "Magic Pots and Recycled Bottles," was created and presented by Kathleen Jacobs of Kathleen Jacobs & Puppets. Students saw ordinary household items "recycled" into characters who promote care of the environment through reduction of waste, reuse, and recycling of materials. Performances ran approximately 45 minutes and featured audience participation. The schools received performances at no charge. Jacobs has also developed the YCSWA mascot, Buster the Combustor Dragon, into a character who tells students of the waste-to-energy technology used at the York County Resource Recovery Center.

Jacobs is an award-winning artist who has been writing, producing, and performing interactive theater for more than 30 years. She combines folklore with imagination to create plays filled with audience participation. The former art teacher designs and constructs all the puppets, costumes, and sets. Kathleen Jacobs & Puppets has performed thousands of programs for schools, libraries, museums, camps, festivals, theaters, and community events throughout the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond.

America Recycles Day is a national all-volunteer, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. The goal of the annual campaign is to encourage Americans to recycle and to buy recycled products. Since its inception in 1997, the campaign has grown substantially. Last year, residents in every state of the nation participated in America Recycles Day and pledged to recycle.

For more information about YCSWA, visit http://www.ycswa.com.