The Montevallo City Council recently proclaimed April as Beautification Month. Now, the Arbor and Beautification Board is planning activities to make this a reality.

“Clean-up and fix-up are other important elements of Beautification Month,” said Herschel Hale, chairman of the Arbor Board. “We are encouraging homeowners and businesses to look around their premises for needed paint and repairs and to routinely pick up the trash and sweep their walks. Schools are asked to clean their premises and to frequently remind their students of the importance of clean surroundings.”

Spring beautification awards will be granted in six separate categories. Nominations are sought for the most beautifully landscaped residence, apartment complex, business, school/civic building, church and mini-farm. A separate award will be granted to the business that best maintains its appearance throughout the year.

Nominations may be made by any citizen for any properties located within the city limits. A person may make more than one nomination. Nomination forms will be available at City Hall, the Chamber of Commerce, Parnell Library, Regions Bank and Bank Trust, March 30 through April 10. The deadline for submitting them is April 10.

Judging for the awards will take place on April 13 and winners will be announced shortly thereafter. Criteria for the judging will include curb appeal, landscape appearance, plants, shrubs, trees, creative design, neatness and the use of natural features such as older trees, rock outcroppings and the contour of the land.

Litter is a major problem in all cities and Montevallo is no exception. New trash receptacles have been placed in the downtown area and they are emptied daily. Walkers and hikers are asked to carry a plastic bag along on their journey and pick up the litter.

“We love this little city,” said Montevallo’s acting police chief Steve Holt. “And we want to keep it clean and beautiful. Especially in April we will look out for folks who litter and we will enforce the law. Our officers have been known to pull a car over because the driver threw a cigarette butt out the window. There is a place for trash and it’s not on the streets of Montevallo.”

The public is reminded that littering is a serious crime. In Montevallo the fine for littering can go as high as $500.

For information regarding the April beautification activities contact Hale at 665-2032.

Catherine Legg can be reached at clegg2@bellsouth.net.