Volunteers needed for Operation Neighborhood Clean Up

Mayor Bill Jenks, III

With less than two weeks before the 5th Annual Operation Neighborhood Clean-Up is held on Friday, Nov. 2, there are at least 30 households located throughout the City of Rolla that have been selected by the Rolla Police Department and Rolla Area Ministerial Alliance to receive assistance. 

And while many volunteers from past clean-ups have already signed up to help out with this year’s clean-up, there is always a need for more individuals and groups to help provide the kind of sweat-equity and teamwork that is required of this collaborative effort that involves numerous City departments. Rolla Municipal Utilities (RMU), Fidelity Communications, Century Link, and many other sponsors and supporters. 

If you are interested in volunteering, you are encouraged to contact Officer Vince Giacolone, VIPS Director at the Rolla Police Department (308-1213), or attend the welcome gathering the morning of the clean-up on Nov. 2 at 6:30 a.m. at the Greentree Christian Church Youth Center (located at 801 East 10th Street). A complimentary hot breakfast will be provided, and the clean-up will take place from 7 a.m. to 12-noon. 

Operation Neighborhood Clean-up is an opportunity for residents to partner with the Rolla Area Ministerial Alliance, community churches, and the Rolla Police Department to enhance a sense of community, well being, pride and property values among the neighborhoods where the clean-up is conducted. The clean-up effort involves limited tree trimming, hedge trimming, and the removal of brush piles, leaves, household items and trash. 

Rolla City Administrator John Butz and I both plan to roll up our sleeves, put our gloves on, and participate in this year’s clean-up. And we look forward to working side by side with all the volunteers who want to make a difference in our community, and provide the kind of resources and assistance to others that otherwise would not be available. 

I would like to express my appreciation in advance to Officer Vince Giacolone; Chris Foster, Assistant Pastor of Greentree Christian Church; Sgt. Jeremy Martens, Rolla Police Chief Mark Kearse; members of the Operation Neighborhood Clean-Up Committee; the Rolla Police Department; Rolla Area Ministerial Alliance; Fidelity Communications, Century Link, Rolla Municipal Utilities (RMU); several other sponsors and supporters, and others who have been planning and working behind the scenes for months to make this event the success that it always is! 

In closing, I’d like to mention that the fall foliage is beginning to peak in certain areas around Phelps County, and this weekend would be a great time to have an outdoor picnic at one of the City’s parks, or take a drive, stroll or bike ride. Fall is one the most beautiful seasons in the Ozark Highlands, and we are indeed fortunate to witness such a panoramic display of color and beauty as we pass by the eye-catching row of colorful oak trees in Ber Juan Park next to 10th Street. If you have not yet taken a walk along this beautiful trail or the walking trail that winds throughout Ber Juan Park, I encourage you to do so. Lions Club Park (located off Hwy 63 South), Beaver Creek Conservation Area, Little Prairie Conservation Area, Lane Springs, Tanager Trail Ozark Nature Preserve, Meramec Springs Park (in St. James), and of course the 1.5-million acre Mark Twain National Forest, all provide beautiful backdrops to enjoy the great outdoors, and changing of the leaves.

Enjoy the weekend, and have a safe week!