Mayor Bill Jenks, III |
Despite the winter-like weather that is
hanging on during the transition to spring on March 20, there are plenty
festivities and community events that are lined up for the next several weeks,
and well into the summer months here in Rolla.
But before
I discuss some of the great things happening in the Meramec Valley region, I
would like to first express my thanks and appreciation to all the City
departments, including the Public Works, Police, Fire & Rescue, Parks and
Recreation and Environmental Services, for all of the services and assistance
they provided the St. Pat’s Board and St. Pat’s Planning committee prior to,
during, and after the 105th St. Pat’s Parade – one of the best
attended parades in many years in downtown Rolla.
From road closures, to traffic signage, to
traffic control, to public safety, use of the downtown bandshell and City Hall
(for the concert following the parade); recycling, and even trash pick-up by
Public Works employees along Pine Street last Sunday, so much more goes on
behind the scenes by these departments who seamlessly incorporate these duties
along with their day to day responsibilities.
Spring Break for the 4,000 students who attend Rolla Public Schools
began Friday, March 22 and continues through this Friday, March 29. I mention
this as the Citywide Clean-Up is just around the corner on Saturday, April 6,
and this coming week may be the perfect opportunity for your kids to assist
with cleaning out the garage, car-port, shed, closet or any other storage area
that needs organizing and cleaning up. The nice thing about the Clean Up on
April 6 is that you can take some of your unwanted household items and simply
take them to your curb that Saturday morning by 6 a.m. The residential clean up
is offered as part of your weekly service, so you don’t want to miss out on
this annual event. And please remember that due to the large decline in
household items being picked up at the Clean-Ups, the City will be holding this
event once a year in April (first Saturday), and no longer in the fall, which
was traditionally the second Citywide clean-up of the year.
Looking ahead to next Saturday, March 30,
Breakfast With the Bunny will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. at The Centre
(1200 N. Holloway Street). This fun, family-oriented event is free and open to
the public. And don’t forget to bring your camera for a great photo opportunity
with the Easter Bunny. For more information about this event, please call
341-2386.
The
month of April includes the Rolla Municipal General Election on Tuesday, April
2 (polls open at 6 a.m.); the Citywide Clean-Up on April 6, the free Family
Education Fair – Growing Green! Learn, Grow, Harvest hosted by the Phelps
County Master Gardeners on Saturday, April 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the
Ministry Center of the First Baptist Church (located at 10th and
North Cedar Streets in Rolla).
Additional
events you want to put on your calendar include Rolla Earth Day, which will be
held on Monday, April 22. Local Government Week (April 28-May 4) will celebrate
the many services provided by the City of Rolla through a proclamation, and a
display at the Rolla Public Library that will showcase and feature books and
literature on the many professions that encompass City government such as the
Parks and Recreation, Police, Fire, and Public Works Departments.
The
month of May is jam-packed with more community events, including the Mayor’s
Prayer Breakfast on Thursday, May 2 beginning at 6:30 a.m. at the Havener
Center; Public Works Day Celebration on Saturday, May 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
at the Downtown Bandshell; and Rolla Downtown Days Art and Music Festival that
will be held Friday, May 17 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the downtown business
district and Saturday, May18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be an art walk,
live entertainment, photography, poetry readings, a wine tasting, and great
specials offered at the many establishments in the downtown area.
A
tentative Grand Opening for the new Environmental Services facility (located
off McCutchen Drive behind the Rolla Recycling Center) that houses the City’s
Vehicle Maintenance and Sanitation Divisions, is also being planned for
Wednesday, May 22, (which also happens to be the last day of school for Rolla
Public School students).
Have
a safe weekend and a great week ahead!
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