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The Houston Road Community Committee (HRCC) hosted a litter collection event on March 5. Residents gathered on a beautiful Saturday morning to collect litter along the 3 mile stretch of Houston Road between Columbus and Hwy. 108 in Mill Spring. 

 

“This event was a great success. We enjoyed associating faces and names to driveways along Houston Road,” says Sherry Johnson, Houston Road Community Committee (HRCC) president. HRCC organized the collection event last year. Both 2021 and 2022 events were supported by the NC Polk County DOT, who provided bags, vests and litter sticks. In addition, several residents also made sticks for the event (thanks David Dimsdale and Adam Johnson).  

 

“It was an awesome event, and I enjoyed meeting fellow residents and seeing their passion for keeping the community clean,” say’s John Wilkins, another Houston Road resident. Some residents who couldn’t make the event took it upon themselves to collect trash along their sections days ahead of the event. The event was also supported by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, who patrolled the road as members of the community removed litter from the roadside.“The officers stayed on a few hours after their night shift ended to support the event and we are extremely grateful,” says Sherry Johnson. Deputies Brian Scoggins and Chris Willis were onsite greeting residents and creating a safe environment while residents collected litter.  

 

All ages were represented in the event. “We thought it was important to teach our son the importance of taking pride in where you live, and stepping outside of your space to help the community as a whole. That’s why we included our son, Peyton. It was a great experience for him to see people from all over the community working towards a common goal of keeping our community clean,” says Mike and Codie Conner.

 

HRCC has scheduled their second event for Saturday, October 22, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm (the alternate date is October 29). Residents who want to be reminded of these events can send their contact information to HRCC28722@yahoo.com. Contact information will not be shared with other residents.

 

Submitted by John Wilkins