Councilmen say cleanup was as success

More than 150 volunteers came out last weekend to be a part of the Cleaner Safer Blytheville cleanup, which once again was a success according to city council members Stan Parks and John Musgraves who couldn't say enough good things about those who volunteered.

Despite a rainy Friday evening the day before, volunteers showed up Saturday morning ready to get things cleaned up around the city. Between individual volunteers, church groups and businesses there were more than 150 people helping, which prompted a thank-you letter from Musgraves and Parks directed towards all of those who gave up their time to try to make the city a cleaner, safer place.

"After all is said and done and I think about what has just taken place, I just say thank you Lord and God get the glory," the letter reads, "God has given us some of the best Pastors and leaders a city could hope for. I can't start to tell you how much each of you mean to this city. They have authentic vision for our city, a real concern, a realness in the direction of where our city need(s) to go, and again I thank each one of you for taking time out of your overwhelmingly busy schedule to even be a part of CSB."

The two councilmen made special mention of the help from Knights Disposable, Blytheville Iron & Metal, Goolsby Metal Recycling Cherry Construction and those living in the Alberta Jeneretta House on McHaney and 2nd streets, Grass Masters and Reeds Lawn Care and Terry Darby and his crew.

They also sent a "very special thanks" to the Blytheville Police Department, Mike Godsey and the Emergency Squad, Chief Mike Carney and the Blytheville Fire Department, Mo-Ark Communications, Healing & the Hood, Rough Riders, Randy Henderson's Family Dollar Store, Dollar General and pastor Laddie Whaley.

But both Musgraves and Parks said the day wouldn't have been nearly as successful without those who took ownership in the state of this city and volunteered.

"This would not and could not happen if it were not for you," the letter said of Saturday's volunteers, "You display a genuine concern about your city and a concern for moving forward. I love each and every one of you and I can't even start to explain (the) gratitude that is felt, it only brings tears to my eyes."

The letter ended with an invitation for everyone to come back in the spring for another clean up.

"Be ready, it will be a challenge."

cpinkard@blythevillecourier.com