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By Mayor Sam Hosler, Town of Kearny
The first Yard of the Month to be nominated by the children of Ray Elementary School is that of the Wernette family at 339 Fairhaven. Rilley Sosa, the nominator, was impressed with the clean look of the yard, the use of walkable gravel, and the simple decorations. An old and large evergreen is at one end, now covered with purplish-blue berries. A new tree, an exotic which grows quickly and sports tiny leaves, has been planted. Jay Wernette took out the old lawn and replaced it with gravel a few years ago, saving him from big water bills. Pictured are Jay, Angela, and Bella Wernette. Congratulations!
We live in a beautiful place. Kearny is a great town to live in, and this weekend I was privileged to see people caring for it.
First, the Science Club of Ray High School (sponsored by Miss Varley) spent a long time on the shores of the Gila River cleaning up the debris left by others. Several large bas were filled with trash and the river is now a better place.
Gary Hill presents yard tools to Anna Flores.
Next, the cleanup group from Ray High School (which is associated with Journey for a Clean Kearny) spent three hours mowing, raking, and clearing out detritus from two local homes. One of the parents went along to lend a hand. The group used the rakes, hoes, and trimmer donated by community members. The group will do work like this as often as it can.
I had the privilege of visiting the Wernette family to let them know that their yard is the new Yard of the Month for December. This is the first family to be nominated by the elementary school children of Kearny. Talk about a clean yard! No weed would be allowed to live in it.
Meanwhile, several residents of Kearny were surprised to receive a personally-delivered certificate of commendation for the cleanliness of their yards from the Journey for a Clean Kearny committee. This weekend also saw two residences doing major landscaping jobs on their homes.
Installing the tables at Hubbard Park.
On top of all this, the picnic tables for Hubbard Park were delivered and placed in the ramadas. These eight tables are the gift of ASARCO, and their employees delivered them and worked with our town crew to unload and place them. They are very heavy, and they are painted a bright, delightful blue color. The kids in town took an immediate liking to them. Our thanks go out to Mike Kotraba and everyone at ASARCO for this great improvement.
Mayor Sam Hosler and some young people enjoy sitting at the new picnic tables at Hubbard Park in Kearny.
Journey for a Clean Kearny is now in its third year. It is a volunteer group, connected with (but not funded by) the Town of Kearny. Any residents in need of help in cleaning and beautifying their yards may call Town Hall (363-5547, Monday through Thursday) and arrange for free assistance. The group would appreciate donations of rakes, hoes, gloves, goggles, trimmers and other such equipment.
Journey for a Clean Kearny will meet on Wednesday, Dec. 14, at 9 a.m. at the Town Hall. People interested in joining this work are invited to take part.
Santa Claus at the Light Parade in Kearny.
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