When Houston looks good, she looks good

Robin Blut, right, is shown at a youth education event with a supporter.

If you are living in Houston, take a look around you. If you admire what you see, it is likely, at least in part, you have Robin Blut to thank.

Blut, a Meyerland resident, has been executive director of Keep Houston Beautiful, an accredited charity organization that promotes area beautification, litter reduction and recycling education, since 1981.

Through her time holding that position, Blut has coordinated thousands of volunteers in projects aimed at area renovation, restoration, and generally making sure Houston is an environmentally healthy and beautiful place to live.

Currently she and KHB are joining forces with a national initiative called the Great American Clean Up. Blut said that on Saturday, April 28, millions of volunteers working through 30,000 programs will participate in activities geared toward enhancing the environment and added that Houston is one of 10 cities that will be holding special events.

“It’s what makes Houston unique in my eyes,” she said. “There is a wonderful community spirit here; people like to volunteer.” More information about these events and how you can help is posted on the KHB website at www.houstonbeautiful.org.

Prior to taking her current position, Blut worked in public relations for the Jackson Ballet Company in Jackson, Miss., for seven years.

Born in Virginia, Blut spent some early years in Houston, but also grew up in New Orleans. As her father was employed in the oil industry, she said she moved frequently between Louisiana and Texas. Later, she met her husband, who taught at Jackson State University, and she moved to Jackson.

She has four children and four grandchildren. In her spare time, much of what she enjoys is similar to her work. Blut says she loves to garden. She is a member of the Houston Garden Club and that she plants, among other things, roses, plants that attract butterflies and bulb Amaryllis flowers.

A little-known fact she shared is that she likes to sew children’s clothing. “I do English smocking, and I enjoy French hand sewing,” she said. “It’s a type of sewing that uses lace on the end of some fine fabrics and some hand embroidering on the garment.

“I learned how to do this type of handiwork in New Orleans when I was growing up. It’s something nice I do for my grandchildren, make beautiful garments for them.”

Also, she reads biographies and might go on a nature adventure in the near future. “My husband likes camping,” she said, “but I haven’t slept in a tent for a number of years. Everyone is telling me this is the year, and I’m game for it; we’ll go do that again.”

Name: Robin Blut

Age: Declined to say

Occupation: Keep Houston Beautiful executive director

Fast Fact: Robin Blut enjoys English smocking and French hand sewing.

Julia Bishop Beautie is a freelance journalist. She can be reached at reporterontheborder@gmail.com.