Cleanup and Annual Meeting Results

The weather held for our quarterly Adopt-A-Road Cleanup today.   Eight volunteers fanned out along Indian River Road and collected 6 bags of trash.   We had at least one person jump out of their car to say Thank You to the volunteers.   I also extend a Big Thank You to those who came out to make our neighborhood look better and keep the trash from being washed into the river and bay.   Your efforts matter and are appreciated.

We had a good turnout at the Annual Meeting on Thursday.   Congratulations to our newest At-Large board member Keith and to Jayne who will assume the role of Treasurer.   Rounding out the board we have myself as President, Diane as VP, Helene as Secretary, Amy and Sharon as At-Large members.  After the elections, we discussed plans for the coming year and reviewed the calendar of events (see http://www.friendsofindianriver.org/p/calendar.html).   Attendees shared ideas for expanding membership and continuing improvements in the community.

Everyone was interested in hearing updates about the shopping center.  Even during our cleanup, the owner of the Crossroad Cleaners hurried out to ask us about any news.   We have heard from the City Manager who indicated there was "significant progress" regarding the water supply issues and that discussions were "continuing to proceed about the economic development" of the center.   But there was no report of any breakthrough on negotiations.   We expect to have a follow-up meeting with the City staff at the end of January.

Our next meeting will be on Thursday, February 13th when Kathy Russell, outreach coordinator of TFC Recycling, will answer your other questions about recycling and the Recycling Perks program.    On Saturday, February 15th at 8:00, the Friends will sponsor an early morning bird walk in Indian River Park to try to find forest birds as part of the national Great Backyard Bird Count.  That same morning at 9:30 we will have a volunteer event to remove invasive Ivy in the park.   You are welcome to participate in either or both events.