Special to Iredell Free News
The City of Statesville’s traditional Arbor Day festivities have had to be adjusted for a second year, but there are still plenty of ways for you to celebrate the city’s beauty on Saturday, April 17.
Litter Sweep
Start off the day by participating in the Litter Sweep, an effort to pick up trash along city streets and parks, sponsored by the Recreation and Parks Department. Volunteers are asked to meet at 9 a.m. at the Bristol Road Community Center, the Bentley Community Center, Garfield Park and Oakland Presbyterian Church, where they will receive trash bags and directions, and begin working in the surrounding neighborhoods from 9 to 11 a.m.
Register HERE.
Arboor Day
There’s no better way to celebrate Arbor Day than by planting a tree! Especially a free one! Beginning at noon on Saturday, April 17, the Statesville Recreation and Parks staff will hand out 300 tree saplings at the Statesville Soccer Complex, 2012 Simonton Road, until they are all gone. This is a drive-thru event and there will be a variety of trees appropriate for planting in our area. For more information, call 704-878-3429.
Other Activities
Other activities on April 17 include the Community Meeting with Police Chief David Addison at 1 p.m. and the Second Chance Resource Event, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Both will be held at Cove Church, 935 Crossroads Drive.
Chief Addison’s community meeting is held on the third Saturday of each month in different locations throughout the city. It’s a chance to ask questions and get updates on what’s going on in the police department and community. The public is invited to attend.
The Second Chance Resource Event is sponsored by the Statesville Police Department, the local Reentry Council and the newly formed Homelessness Collaborative in an effort to provide resources for criminal justice-involved individuals and those experiencing homelessness. Information on workforce development, training opportunities, substance abuse, mental health and health care will be available, as well as donations of food, clothing and personal items. Grill 4 God will serve lunch from 12 to 1 p.m.
All events will be following masking and social distancing recommendations.