Litter survey shows situation slightly worse
Last week, volunteers spent an entire day on a bus touring Rome and Floyd County to score the amount of litter they saw. The results of that tour have been tabulated and the measurement of litter is a little worse than it was a year ago.
The survey provides validation for a new Joint Litter Task Force that is going to make a concerted effort to increase awareness of the problems and try to further educate the public about the myriad problems that can be the result of litter.
The survey has been conducted annually since 1978 and uses a simple four point scale with 1 equal to virtually no litter, up to 4, signifying extremely littered, including the presence of illegal dump sites.
Keep Rome Floyd Beautiful Program Manager Emma Wells said the survey group noted a drastic increase in areas with outside storage issues along with numerous junked or abandoned vehicles.
“Participants often commented on the amount of litter near waterways but also commended the upkeep of much of Floyd County’s public housing,” Wells said.
The score this year was 1.97, which was an increase from 1.74 a year ago. Wells said that the rating this year was probably an even more accurate assessment of the problem because the survey covered a much larger area..
“We hope this route will provide baseline data to measure the future impact of KRFB programs,” Wells said.
Lemonade and cookies to benefit the Open Door Home
The Eighth annual Whit’s Lemonade and Cookie Stand will set up on Fourth Street in Rome once again on Wednesday, July 31.
Whit Molnar will be selling lemonade and cookies to benefit the Open Door Home in Rome between 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at 210 East Fourth Street, in the between the Rivers Historic District and will be held rain or shine.
Large quantity delivery options will be available for groups of offices that would like to make a purchase. Call 706-266-7708 to make arrangements for the larger orders.
In addition to the lemonade, Whit, who his mom says wants to be a pastry chef one day, will be cooking all varieties of cookies, from chocolate chip cookies to snickerdoodles, Rice Krispie treats and more.
“We’ve never set a price,” said Whits mom Sarah Molnar. “Whether it’s a quarter or a $50 dollar bill, it’s all about the donation. A lot of people have come in with $5 bills and said keep the change.”
For every $25 donation, Whit will make a special surprise gift donation while supplies last.
Checks will be accepted and should be made out to the Open Door Home. People can also make contributions online at @opendoorhome.org or Venmo@ WhitsLemonade
Tractor Supply to host animal swap
Rabbits, goats and chickens, oh my!
Got some critters you’d like to get rid of, or perhaps trade for others? Tractor Supply in Rome will host an Animal Swap on Saturday, August 10 at the store on US 411 East.
Folks are encouraged to drop by the store between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. to meet with other backyard animal enthusiasts to swap or sell their small animals or livestock.
“This is an event that speaks directly to the interests and lifestyle of our customers,” said Carrington Cook, manager of the Rome Tractor Supply. “We invite guests to bring everything from goats, chickens, rabbits and ducks to guineas, quail, sheep and more. Even if attendees just want to learn more about owning animals, this event is a great place to start.”
Pony rides will also be available for the small children. Contact the Rome Tractor Supply store at 706-2914450 for more details.