Rathdrum Prairie News: Volunteers get down-to-earth for cleanup
The day was cloudy and cold, and train whistles sounded in the background as two groups of workers cleaned up Rathdrum’s city streets the morning of April 22. The only sign of their passing was an orange bag left alongside the road here and there and a stretch of litter-free roadside. The workers, four women and their four daughters, showed up to take part in Rathdrum’s Earth Day project – first suggested by two of the young women, Amanda Pluid and Sarah Johnson.
The two girls and their mothers, Jennifer Bourne and Jennifer Oscarson, worked their way along Main Street while a second group, Joanna and Erica Valli and Wendy and Rebekah Booker, picked up litter on another street nearby.
“We are out here to do our civic duty and to be good role models for our daughters,” said Wendy Booker.
“It’s amazing what an impact four people can have in one hour of time,” added Joanna Valli, pointing to a long stretch of road they had just finished cleaning.
Although Lance Bridges, Parks and Recreation director, was on hand to distribute gloves and fluorescent bags and vests and the mayor stopped by to see how the project was going, the big question of the day was, “Where were the men?”
While all involved agree the day and time (Sunday morning) wasn’t the best to get a crowd, they were pleased with what they accomplished, and Bridges indicated another cleanup day will probably be organized. Bridges hopes a second cleanup day would give area groups like the Boy and Girl Scouts a chance to participate.
Spirit Lake Chamber gets creative
The Spirit Lake Chamber of Commerce recently mailed a business directory and resource guide to 10,000 area residents. The professionally designed booklet was produced by Marc and Cynthia Kroetch, of Trademarc Sign and Display of Spirit Lake. Chamber members used the guide as a recruiting tool, and by tying business ads to membership, were able to double the chamber’s membership with the project.
“The project worked really well for a membership drive,” said chamber board member Marc Kroetch, who reported membership had risen from 38 or 40 members to 86.
The guide includes city and school information, a map of Spirit Lake, and a listing of community events and organizations, in addition to a membership service directory.
Hershey Track and Field Games registration
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Hershey Track and Field Games. More than 10 million young people have participated in the games that grew from a single community playground event into an international program that encourages physical fitness and sportsmanship. A joint venture between the Hershey Foods Corp. and the National Recreation and Park Association, the program gives children the chance to participate in track and field events.
Locally, the Hershey Foods Corp. and Idaho Recreation and Parks Association have teamed up to offer Rathdrum youths between the ages of 9 and 14 the chance to see how fast they can run, how far they can throw and high they can jump.
The June 1 event is free and will take place at Lakeland High School at 6 p.m. Rathdrum Parks and Recreation will coordinate the event; registration runs through June 1.
Contact Rathdrum Parks and Recreation at 687-2399 for more information, or stop by to sign up.