NEW EDINBURG, Ark. — Members of the Re-New-ing Edinburg community group gathered May 19 at the New Edinburg Community Center to discuss ongoing cleanup projects, upcoming community events, and plans to recognize local volunteers for their service efforts.
President Trenna Kemp opened the meeting and welcomed those in attendance. Minutes from the previous meeting were approved following a motion by Melody Spears and a second by David Kemp.
Treasurer Linda Hornaday distributed the group’s financial statement, which will be filed for audit after a brief discussion.
Kemp reminded members that the Great American Cleanup campaign continues through May 31. Fifteen volunteers are currently participating in the effort, with approximately 18 miles of roads being cleaned throughout the New Edinburg area. Roads included in the cleanup effort are Mt. Lebanon Road, Farm to Market, Ron Scott Road, Mt. Elba Road, Old School Road, Towery Road, and Tolefree Road.
As part of the cleanup initiative, volunteers have also refurbished and planted downtown flower boxes. Members encouraged residents to continue helping keep roadsides near their properties free of litter.
The group also discussed preparations for the fall junk hunt. Members recently traveled to Sheridan and Fordyce to collect donated furniture and household items that will be sold during the event. Donations included mattress sets, tables and chairs, dressers, entertainment centers, coffee tables, side tables, and various kitchen items. Organizers noted the items are already available for purchase for anyone interested.
Roger and Patricia McClellan attended the Kickstart Cleveland County quarterly meeting on May 18, where Re-New-ing Edinburg reported approximately 365 volunteer hours for the year. Activities contributing to those hours included the February game night, the Great American Cleanup, the South Arkansas Junk Hunt, the April All School Reunion, downtown flower box projects, and placing flags throughout town.
During the countywide meeting, organizations also shared information about upcoming regional events, including the Pioneer Village car show and Cruisin’ Cleveland County bike ride on June 6, Fourth of July fireworks celebrations, the Cleveland County Fair Sept. 15-19, a rodeo Sept. 11-12, the Kickstart Kingsland Rhythm Music Festival on Sept. 26, the Great South Arkansas Junk Hunt Sept. 24-27, and the Rison Shine Festival on Oct. 10.
Members voted to host a free Memorial Day cookout for volunteers on Memorial Day at 11:30 a.m. as a thank-you for their work throughout the year. Volunteers signed up to provide food items including hamburgers, hot dogs, homemade ice cream, baked beans, brownies, chips, drinks, desserts, and other cookout favorites.
The group also approved a proposal by Brenda Triplett to decorate the veterans park and the sign at the community center for Memorial Day. Small flags will also be placed in flower boxes throughout downtown New Edinburg.
The meeting adjourned following a motion by David Kemp and a second by Roger McClellan. The next Re-New-ing Edinburg meeting is scheduled for June 16 at 6 p.m.
