Volunteers in Post Falls take to the streets

POST FALLS – A local church group successfully lobbied the city of Post Falls this month to launch an adopt-a-street program. Then the organization became the program’s first volunteers.

Members of Community Presbyterian Church’s outreach committee suggested the plan, said Judy Grolla, a church elder who directs the committee.

It won hands-down approval from the City Council on July 17.

Grolla said that at 9 a.m. Saturday, about 20 church volunteers are expected to don bright orange vests and fan out along the street they’re taking charge of: Schneidmiller Avenue.

They’ll pick up litter on both sides of the thoroughfare, a long stretch of road parallel to Interstate 90 that’s home to the Hot Rod Café and other popular spots.

“It’s a whole pioneering process,” Grolla said of the program. “We think it’ll be a great thing for Post Falls.”

Mayor Clay Larkin agrees.

He thanked Grolla and church member Jann Kendle, who did much of the legwork for the program, for taking the lead in tidying up Post Falls’ streets.

The women, who addressed the council, joined council members in challenging other area organizations to adopt streets around town.

The city will post warning signs asking drivers to slow down in areas where volunteers are working. It also will provide orange safety vests, trash bags and trash collection, Grolla said.

Added Larkin: “If you see those orange vests, please slow down. They’re doing a good job.”