Hello ER!
I want to start off this edition by giving a big THANK YOU to all the volunteers who helped on April 30th to spruce up our downtown trees! A large group of volunteers pitched in to dig out the old mulch around all the trees and beds, rake and install fresh mulch. The old saying “many hands make light work” really held true as this was done in just a few short hours. Special thanks to the Downtown Development Authority who organized this event and the City of Eaton Rapids DPW for assisting us with the equipment, mulch and giving us extra hands! We had past and present City Council members, business owners, residents and teens from the Teen Center participate. It was truly a great event!
River Clean Up
Mark your calendars for a RivER clean up on June 4th. Volunteers will meet at 11am at Mill Pointe Park to get instructions on how to safely clean the river, with plans of being in boats by Noon. Bring your own Kayak, Canoe, or other vessel. The group will paddle down to Bunker Rd to clean debris and other “treasures” along the Grand. Speaking of this, it reminds me that years ago (mid 90’s maybe?) we did the first river clean up and named it “Give the Grand a Hand”. We cleaned out just surrounding the Island, but it was fun and had a lot of volunteers who helped. Would be great to get a lot of folks to turn out for this event on June 4th. If you would like more information, please contact Paul Malewski at paulmalewski@gmail.com.
Sign Dedication – Public Safety Building
Another event was held on May 14th for a sign dedication at the Public Safety Building. The new digital sign was sponsored in part by former police Chief Mike Seely’s family who wanted to donate to the city in Mike’s honor and for other fallen public safety officials. Former Mayor and Police Chief Paul Malewski gave the dedication of the sign, and the event was attended by many former Eaton Rapids Police officers, current Police Chief Larry Weeks and officers, Fire Chief Roger McNutt, and several firefighters, as well as City Council. Mike was a great guy who loved Eaton Rapids and was especially proud to be a police officer in our community. We miss him but every time we see the sign, we will think of him and smile.
City Manager
City Council has had a busy couple of weeks, as well as some challenges, but it’s all good. We learn the most when faced with adversity and usually come out stronger. With the separation with the City Manager, we’ve implemented Interim-Managers with City Treasurer Marrie Jo Carr and Public Works Director Rob Pierce. We have no doubt that with their leadership and experience the city will continue to function in a professional and positive manner.
Memorial Day Parade
The annual Memorial Day parade is on Monday, May 30th at 11am. Line up starts on Marilin St. with the parade route going north on Main St. and ending at Knight St. If you would like to participate in the parade, please get in touch with me. Remember, this is a solemn event, no candy or political campaigning will be allowed. This is to honor our fallen heroes. There will also be a ceremony on newly renovated G.A.R Island Park immediately after the parade. G.A.R Museum & Memorial Hall Board President Keith Harrison will read the Memorial Day Order, along with guest speaker and Iraq War Veteran Jeremy Whittum will give a few words. The High School Choir will perform, and a gun salute and laying of wreaths will take place at the end of the ceremony.
Placing of Flags – Rosehill Cemetery
There will also be placing of flags at veterans’ graves on Saturday, May 28th at 9am at Rosehill Cemetery. Volunteers are welcome! Meet at the back of the cemetery where the maintenance building is located. Flags and flag holders will be provided.
Board Opportunities
We still have opportunities on several boards, such as our Zoning Board of Appeals, Local Development Finance Authority, and our Local Officers Compensation Commission. These boards function best when we have full membership. If you are interested in serving on any of these, or have questions, please contact me.
Questions?
As always, if you have any questions, comments, ideas or would like more information about serving our city, please reach out to me at pcolestock@cityofeatonrapids.com or call me at 517- 489-3064.
Have a great rest of May!
