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By MACKENZEE SIMMS | Staff Writer

HELENA – Bright and early, members of the Helena community rendezvoused at the Caboose to volunteer their time and improve the city as a part of the Helena Beautification Board’s annual Spring Clean-Up event on Saturday, March 9. From 8 a.m. to noon, volunteers pulled weeds from beds, trimmed back pergola vines and completed various other projects around the city.

This year, the weather interfered with the event, causing the beautification board to postpone the Spring Clean-Up from its original date of March 2 to the following Saturday, March 9.

According to Helena City Councilmember Chris VanCleave, the inclement weather and alternate schedule altered the plans of many volunteers. But those that couldn’t come on the new date, found time throughout the week to complete tasks in their free time.

“Our volunteers know that if we have an event scheduled and it rains, they can come a couple days before, or even after, and just jump in and do their thing,” VanCleave said.

The new mulch laid down in Old Town was one of the projects completed by volunteers over the week in preparation for the Spring Clean-Up.

VanCleave shared that the Helena Beautification Board is always open to volunteers that want to help in any capacity they can.

“Our volunteers know, and our board members know, that they can come and weed a bed anytime,” VanCleave said. “We’ll welcome anyone to come and do that. It’s a lot of fun.”

According to long-time resident Ron Holly, who volunteers at the Helena Welcome Center during the week, this inclusive attitude is typical for the Helena Beautification Board.

“The other thing that I think makes Helena unique is that the (beautification) committee doesn’t act like they’re in charge,” Holly said. “They’re liaisons (to the community). If you come up with an idea, they’ll let you run with it.”

Holly believes that the Spring Clean-Up and all of the effort from the volunteers is proof that the community of Helena is special.

“There’s a pride in Helena to keep things looking nice,” Holly said. “Most of these people aren’t getting a dime. They just love the city. It’s the community spirit.”

For member of the Helena Beautification Board Jennifer Stringfellow, the decision to give up her Saturday morning for the sake of improving the city was an easy one.

“I really enjoy working in the yard, so it’s nice to be able to come out here and help,” Stringfellow said.

The Helena Beautification Board hosts many volunteer events throughout the year. The next event will be a spring planting day in April where volunteers will receive lessons in how to construct hanging planters to line the street of Old Town.

Those interested in learning more about future beautification board events may visit Facebook.com/HelenaBeautiful.