By Sam Hosler, Mayor Town of Kearny
I hope you enjoyed Pioneer Days, and I also hope you had a wonderful Easter. I enjoyed the days as much as I could, for a visit to my physical therapist had me aching and groaning through the events. But the feeling of being involved was still there, and I had a great time in the parade (especially with Council Member Nancy Hinojos, who was the Easter Bunny on our float). The kids loved her, and I think the adults did as well.
My big hope this week is that many of us will welcome the return of the landscape architecture students from Arizona State University who are working with us to renew the Gila River after the destructive fire last year. This Friday, April 1, they will hold an integrative workshop on the Gila at Ray Hall of The Church of the Good Shepherd. The students hope that everyone who took part in the previous workshop will be there, and they also are looking for wider involvement from Kearny residents, particularly younger adults and junior and high school students. Since the workshop is on a Friday, this should work out well. The workshop begins at 2 p.m. this Friday and will keep us busy for about two hours.
The students will present some of their findings from what they learned from us in the previous workshop, and then involve us in processes to refine the vision of what we hope for the Gila River. Please come and offer what you have to give in renewing this vital lifeline in our midst. Again, junior and senior high students are urged to take part.
Getting back to Pioneer Days, one entry in the parade was close to my heart. A bunch of people who have been on the Journey for a Clean Kearny committee had an entry in the parade advertising their hopes for a renewed uptown, complete with planters and hanging baskets filled with colorful flowers. They passed out brochures and talked about getting individuals, businesses, and community groups involved in purchasing flower containers and in planting and maintaining them in our wonderful uptown on Alden Road. This can be an involving and wonderful way to beautify our downtown and keep it going in its renewal. Talk with your friends… talk with the groups you belong to… talk with your family about adopting a planter and making it beautiful.
Yards are being cleaned, buildings are being painted (including the Town Library), and much more is in the works. If you would like to assist Journey for a Clean Kearny, please contact Town Manager Anna Flores at 363-5547.