|
 The objective of the day was to go out in teams
and pick up trash along the right of ways of the roads that lead
visitors into the city. The idea of an annual clean-up day came from Lincolnite Scott Turner who saw a need within the community and
chose to take action.
As was noted by Scott’s daughter Amber on Saturday, instead of
saying “someone needs to do something,” Turner took it upon himself
to step up and take the reins on a clean-up project. In the past few
years he has organized this day, Turner has garnered a lot of
support from the community through volunteerism and also through
sponsorship from area businesses, organizations, and individuals.
Registration for the Saturday event started at 8 a.m.
As volunteers arrived they were asked to register and assigned to a
team they would work with. Gloves were made available for those who
needed them.
Volunteers were also invited to carb-up with donuts
from Mel-O-Crème served by Miss Logan County Fair Queen Faith Doer,
Junior Miss Grace Carter, Little Miss Aubrey Rogers and special
guest server Miss Illinois County Fair Queen Kelsi Kessler.
The morning was a bit chilly and a drizzling rain was
present throughout the event. As 9 a.m. approached, Turner called
everyone to attention and thanked them all for coming to help clean
up our town. He explained that the groups would go out together and
work until about 11 a.m. For two groups, transportation was provided
by C & J Party Bus and the First United Methodist Church. Pick-up
trucks went with each group and were used to collect the bags of
trash and deliver them to the roll away dumpster provided by Area
Disposal and located across the street from Latham Park.
Turner told everyone to feel free to stop a bit early if the rain
became heavier, and to be sure to return to the park for free food
provided by Nuthatch Hill BBQ, Stuffed Aria Pizza, and Top Hat
Creamery.
Among those in the crowd ready to get to work were
newly elected Lincoln Aldermen Rick Hoefle and Wanda Lee Rohlfs.
Both will be sworn into office during the first Lincoln City Council
meeting in May.
Others in attendance included newly elected Lincoln
Mayor Tracy Welch and wife Annette who serves on the Logan County
Board, departing Alderman Ron Keller and United States Congressman
for the Illinois 18th District Darin LaHood.
[to top of second column] |
Several folks, including Little Miss Logan County
Aubrey Rogers, took a moment to sign their name on the large
sponsorship sign on display at the park, before heading out to do
the work of the day.
LDN caught up with only a few groups during the
morning. One group was busy collecting trash along Lincoln Parkway
in front of the Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital walking path.
Another pair was working around the intersection west
of Lincoln Parkway on Woodlawn Road.
A large group was busy gathering trash closer to the
interstate, in the ditches and rights of ways adjacent to Thornton’s
and Steak & Shake.
The Steak & Shake group had their pick-up truck full to the brim by
10:30 a.m. and returned to the city owned parking lot across from
Latham Park to unload. Bags were being counted as they were thrown
into the dumpster. From 10:30 a.m. to a little past 11 a.m. vehicles
continued to arrive and off-load the bags of trash from truck to
dumpster. The final count for the day, 2,020 large plastic bags
filled with garbage were collected along the right of ways.
As people filtered back into the park, food was
served by Nuthatch Hill BBQ, and Turner arrived with a large order
of pizza.
After the main meal, dessert of ice cream in three
flavor options was offered by Top Hat Creamery via the Traveling Top
Hat.
The day concluded with folks enjoying their food and
music provided by Marty Ryan.
After the event was over, Turner noted on his social media that he
was very thankful for all who had come out to help clean up Lincoln.
The efforts of Turner prove a point that many should consider. We
can all say something needs to be done, but when we step-up and make
ourselves the ones to do it, then great things happen.
Thank you Scott for being the one who chose to step-up.
[Nila Smith] |
