Volunteers leave lasting legacy

Last weekend’s Buff up the Bluff collected more than 52 tons of unwanted items from residents. It was 6 tons more than the year before.
The annual event allows residents to drop off everything from unwanted appliances to old furniture, at no cost. Curbside pick up is also offered for residents aged 65 and older.
On Monday, City Manager Matt Winters recognized the volunteers who helped this year with the curbside pick up. Those volunteers included Ashton, Chris and Ross DeGaris, Dylan Jones, Jake Butterfield, Eric Starnes and council member Robert Smith. Poplar Bluff Street Department crews also helped with collections.
Among that list of volunteers every year, you’ll notice those who were inspired to donate their time by the late Ed DeGaris. DeGaris served as a city police officer and later city council member. He also volunteered his time on projects throughout Poplar Bluff.
He left a legacy of love for his community of which we still reap the rewards.
For DeGaris, improving Poplar Bluff, helping it grow and shine, wasn’t something he just talked about, it was something he did.
From him, and those like the board members of the Rodgers Theatre, we have a lot to be inspired by.
Their efforts have literally changed the face of Poplar Bluff, with its streets cleaner and the historic theatre now brightly lit.
I know we will see more good to come.
If you’re interested in helping clean up Poplar Bluff, there are many ways. Great organizations like the Rodgers Theatre, Inc., board, MO-ARK Regional Railroad Museum and Poplar Bluff History Museum board are always in need of extra helping hands.
The city also offers an Adopt-A-Street program. You may have seen volunteers from Smith & Company helping with this near their Vine Street location.
The city supplies the trash bags and picks up the full bags along the route. They just need volunteers willing to help clean up a small section of roadway.
“The Adopt-A-Street Program is designed to promote a volunteer spirit and instill pride in the City of Poplar Bluff. It allows citizens, organizations and church or civic clubs to work with the City by adopting a segment of a roadway and agreeing to keep it clean.
“This offers a way for people and organizations in the community to work together while making Poplar Bluff a better place to live and receive publicity for their contribution,” the city shares on its website.
A sign displaying the individual or organizations name will be installed after two consecutive pickups have been completed by the individual or organization. The sign may be removed following two consecutive periods of no activity as specified in the application.
A minimum number of cleanup activities must be at least once every quarter. A minimum of 4 blocks to care for and improve the appearance on both sides of the road.
For more information, contact the street department at 573-686-8646.
Donna Farley is editor of the Daily American Republic. She can be reached at dfarley@darnews.com.