All are encouraged to keep Havre cleanOur view

All are encouraged to keep Havre clean

Our view

Saturday is the Havre Area Chamber of Commerce's annual spring cleanup. This year, like most years, the cleanup crews have their work cut out for them. Havre is a mess. There is litter strewn over our city, and there is no reason for it. Visitors to our city would judge us as a community that doesn't take pride in where we live.

Thankfully twice a year the Chamber's Pride Committee sets a Saturday for the residents to team up with businesses, clubs and groups to clean up our town. We commend Kim Cripps and the Pride Committee for the work they do prior to and the day of both the spring and fall cleanups.

There is no doubt that our city looks a whole lot better after both, but unfortunately the spruced-up appearance doesn't last for long.

Maintaining the appearance of our city is a yearlong job and is the responsibility of everyone. To begin with, everyone needs to remember not to litter, and convey that message to their children. Obviously, if everyone did that, there would be no need for Havre Pride cleanups. Knowing that there will always be lazy people who don't care enough about themselves and others to pick up their own trash, the rest of us need to try to do a little extra and police the areas where we live, work and play.

There is still time to pitch in for Saturday's Havre Pride cleanup. Beginning at 8:30 a.m. the Chamber will provide dumpsites at North Havre Community Food Bank, Stromberg's Sinclair, the VFW parking lot, Noon's in Highland Park and the Sixth Avenue Memorial Field lot where people can pick up trash bags and then drop off trash. Participants will be treated to prizes and coupons donated by area merchants and a free barbecue at the Havre Fire Department at 12:30 p.m.

We encourage everyone to join in the effort.