Viva Cuba Revives Adopt-A-Street Program for a Cleaner Cuba
Viva Cuba's old Adopt-A-Street sign on Smith Street is bent. We will get a new sign and pick up trash on the section from Alps to Recklein Auditorium.
The beautification organization Viva Cuba would like to see more Adopt-A-Street signs in town.
The City of Cuba and Viva Cuba are partnering to revive the Adopt-A-Street program in Cuba, which has lost some of its momentum in recent years. Some of those who had adopted streets for trash pickup have passed away, or organizations are no longer active. As part of its Treasure Cuba Program, Viva Cuba decided to bring the program up-to-date and promote it to new adopters.
According to Viva Cuba committee person Kim Baldwin, “Our goal is to have all the streets adopted by individuals, organizations, and businesses so that we can have a cleaner community.”
First, the city revised its contract for adopting streets. Then, Viva Cuba reviewed the streets that were already adopted to see if individuals or groups wanted to renew their commitment to their streets.
The next step is to replace the old signs. The old signs are faded, bent, and, in some cases missing names. There is no charge for the new signs for individuals or groups who already have streets in the program.
Viva Cuba’s next job is to encourage new adopters to choose streets, read over the criteria for adoption, and pay $38.50 for their street sign and name. Trash has to be picked up on both sides of the street(s) as needed, or at a minimum of four times a year. The size/length of the area adopted varies with the location and the interest of the adopter. The city will be placing new signs.
Some of the previous adopters have agreed to re-adopt their areas. Some of the obsolete signs will be removed. If you are interested in the program, you can visit the cubamomurals.com website and go to the Adopt-A-Street link to read the adoption agreement and see what streets are available. You can print the application, fill it out, and take the check for the sign to the reception desk at the Hwy.19 Peoples Bank. If you would like to pick up an agreement application in person, you can pick one up at the bank.
Some new streets are already being adopted. Get together with your friends, neighbors, or organization, and join the program for a cleaner Cuba. This is a good way for your business, church, or organization to give back to Cuba and show that you are serious about making it a better place to live.
You can put your name or your organization’s on your sign or even the website of your business as long as it’s appropriate and meets the city’s guidelines.
Viva Cuba member and website developer Lisa Hoover says this about her adoption of a street. “I was sitting in the meeting and talking about how to put the Adopt-A-Street info on the website. Then I realized it would just be the right thing for me to adopt a street myself. I didn’t want my name on the sign, so I just put the website of my company on it.” Hoover adopted part of East Washington as her area.
You can go to the Viva Cuba website and click on the Adopt-A-Street link to see what streets are adopted or go here. As soon as you turn in your application and money, your street will be reserved.
Viva Cuba’s Adopt-A-Street is Smith Street from Alps to the corner at Recklein Auditorium. Join Viva Cuba for a cleaner Cuba. It’s not just a one day activity.
Groups should take safety precautions and follow all pedestrian guidelines when picking up trash, and if your group involves young people, they should be adequately supervised.
Any groups wanting to adopt a section of state highway, must apply to the Missouri Department of Transportation and follow their guidelines as stated on their website.
Disclaimer: If you tend to be obsessive compulsive, once you a Adopt-A-Street, you may become a bit too compulsive about keeping “your” street clean. It is still a public roadway. You can not ask people to “go around” your street or in any other way interfere with traffic, whether pedestrian or motor driven. Don’t try to scare people into not littering. Don’t stalk your street. If you cannot control these urges, step away from your street and seek therapy.
Ok, where do I get therapy? I’ll admit to being a bit over the top when it comes to picking up trash! This morning, while walking, I found a trash bag along Oak Hill Rd. and immediately starting collecting trash. Luckily, I found another plastic bag and managed to arrive at the Mobil Station with two stuffed bags of trash. I need HELP….smile!
Better make it group therapy. I am getting ready to go to town and walk and was wondering if I should take a trash bag or just work from trash can to trash can. My husband is getting ready to go to town and pick up trash on the street he adopted.
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