Many groups and families are stepping up
By Barb Pert Templeton
When Algonac city officials decided to take a suggestion from a local resident to launch an Adopt-A-Street and Adopt-A-Park program earlier this year nobody was sure how things might turn out.
Yet much to the delight of city officials, lots of groups and families are stepping forward to join the program and improve the city.
In a memo to council members for the Nov. 21 regular meeting City Manager Denice Gerstenberg said the new programs create an activity that family members of all ages can participate in together. The opportunity can teach children about public service and encourage them to take pride in their own community.
The programs are modeled after the MDOT Adopt-A-Highway program, where volunteers are asked to pick up litter at least two times per year between April and October.
Several members of the Halkias family were recognized by the Algonac City Council for adopting a local street.
At the Nov. 21 meeting, a brief presentation for the latest family to join the program was given by Councilwoman Dawn Davey. She said Christina Halkias-Robb submitted an application to adopt Fruit Street from State Street to the cemetery in honor of her family. They have lived in Algonac all their lives, specifically on Fruit Street for nearly 70 years, and also operated their family business there for many of those years.
“The city is grateful for the interest and support of Chris, Annetta, Joan, and the Halkias family whose efforts make Algonac a better place to live, work, and play,” Davey stated.
Annetta Halkias said the family was honored to adopt a street in the community they have called home for so long and thanked officials for the recognition. She said she’s also been a teacher in the local school district for 36 years.
“It’s an honor to be able to do this and keep our community going as we grew up knowing our community; so thanks everybody,” Halkias said.
Girls Scouts Troop 76974 Adopts a Park
At an earlier meeting in November Councilman Corey Blair thanked Elaine Gooden, Troop Leader, and Girl Scout Troop #76974, for adopting Smith Recreation Field.
In 2021, the Girl Scout Troop donated new buddy benches and a trash receptacle at the skate park. the city recently started Adopt-A-Street and Adopt-A-Park programs.
“We’re just happy to do what we can for our community,” Gooden said.
The Adopt-A-Park program is modeled after the MDOT Adopt-A-Highway program, where volunteers are asked to pick up litter at least two times per year between April and October. These new programs create an activity that family members of all ages can participate in together, teach kids about public service and being involved locally, and encourage pride in the community.
During the council comments section of the meeting agenda members of the council thanked the Girl Scouts for their work.
“Congratulations Girl Scouts it’s great to see young people getting involved and doing things in the community,” Councilman Ed Carter said.
“Thank you, girls, it’s awesome that you are going to go there and clean things up and make things nice,” Councilwoman Dawn Davey said, then teased that the troop could come to her nearby home and help her clean up her yard.
Councilwoman Cathy Harris congratulated Gooden and her troop for adopting the park stating, “Good job girls.”
Mayor Pro Tem Ray Martin said he also wanted to thank the Girl Scouts for their interest in Smith’s Park.
Mayor Rocky Gillis thanked the troop for their work at Smith’s Field and complimented them for sitting through the council meeting, certainly not the most exciting thing they’ve had to do.
Interested volunteers, service groups, neighbors, or families who wish to take part in the program should submit an application to the city, which is available on the city’s website at www.cityofalgonac.org.
