FROM STAFF REPORTS

HELENA–On Saturday, March 4, the Helena Beautification Board held its annual Clean Up Day in Old Town Helena to spruce up the area as Spring approaches.

“This year’s event was a huge success. We had 46 Helena residents participate in making their town beautiful,” Beautification Board Chairman Chris VanCleave said.

During the event, volunteers shaped up shrubs and pulled weeds throughout Old Town and at the Helena Welcome Center Caboose. As a part of the event, the Old Town strip project began to take shape with the installation of pole planters and six new varieties of sustainable roses.

In total, 20 roses, five Rosemary shrubs and eight Nandina shrubs were planted. Six existing roses were relocated to Helena city hall. New this year was a “how to” demo led by Brian Puckett. Puckett demonstrated how to make and install pole planters, like those seen around town for little cost.

“This is a great way to save money and still have a great look in your garden,” Puckett said during the presentation. “Providing this information is just another way the board gives back to the community.”

To view more information and pictures from the event visit the Helena Beautification Board website at Helenabeautiful.com/2017_clean_up.html.

The Board thanked all of the residents and groups that participated in the event and had a special thanks to the local Girl Scout Troop, Donut Joe’s and Sunshine & Punkin’ Catering as well as the Helena Police Department for providing officers to ensure the safety of all of the participants.

The Helena Beautification Board’s next event will be the Annual Basket Planting Day scheduled for Saturday, April 1, from 8 a.m. to noon. Additional information will be available closer to the event.

The Helena Beautification Board is an appointed board of the Helena City Council. The Board believes that people and places are profoundly connected and thriving communities are rooted in individual responsibility and action. They host a variety of opportunities for the community to come together and serve each year. Events are posted on the Helena Beautiful Facebook page and announced via Twitter at @TweetHomeHelena.