Compost Site update and United Way volunteer opportunities

There was a discussion at the last council meeting about the compost site.  To set the record straight, the compose site was open 24 hours during most of July to enable residents to bring their brush out.  The compost site has now returned to its regular hours:  Mondays and Thursdays 4:00 – 7:00 pm and Saturday 10:00 – 3:00.  This service is for city residents only. Please remember the site is for grass clippings, vegetation, and small brush only.  If you bring these items out in bags, you must take the bags back with you.  It is unfortunate we cannot keep the site open 24 hours, but it has been abused with garbage which city workers have to take their precious time to pick up. This is not a good use of our employees’ time.  The city will also return to its once-a-month brush pick-up from boulevards on the last Friday of the month.  If any city resident has a specific time and has a full load they would like to bring to the compost site, please call the city office (523-2361) and arrangements may be made to have site open for a short, specific time.  We ask everyone’s cooperation as we continue our city clean-up from the storms of July 1^st and 10th. 

The United Way of West Central Minnesota of which Olivia is a participating member is having their week of action, August 22 to 26.  Olivia’s Community Day is Wednesday, August 24^th.  We are still accepting projects and volunteers so if you know of any projects or are interested in volunteering that day please feel free to call me (523-1785) or email (smhilgert@gmail.com).  United Way funds a number of local projects including the Imagination Library, preschool programming and also the BOLD backpack program to name just a few.  It will be a fun day of community helping.  

Corn Capital Days are Fun!

Corn Capital Days has come and gone with its usual success.  Nester Park looked great in spite of the loss of 12 trees.  Thank you to the city workers.  Thank you also to all the many people who volunteer their time to make this event successful.  The weather was the usual hot July summer day but spirits are always cheery and it is so much fun to see past residents and friends.  I heard so many positive comments about our city, how nice it looks, the beautiful streets and the warmth and friendliness of the people.  I truly enjoyed riding in the parade with my two grandnieces from St. Paul.  They also love our festival; especially the sweet corn which I felt was excellent.  Kudos to the Schmoll Family for providing the corn and always coming through for the city.  From my serving station, it seemed like there were more people in the park than previous years.  I know there were more Arts and Crafts booths in the park than previous and thank you to the Kiwanis for organizing it.  Crazy Days was fun and I appreciate all the bargains the businesses have to offer.  A new treat this year was the corn ice cream cones at Citizens State Bank.  I hope that becomes an annual event, it was great.  The Arts and Craft show at Master’s is always a favorite of mine.  The Kiddie Parade, the Car Show, the Library Used Book Sale are all successful events that could not be done without loads of volunteer time.  The Methodist Church Kids Fair was fun and I know people enjoyed the Outdoor Community Bingo at Golden Living Center and the Outdoor Worship Service.  There were numerous music venues this year with something for everyone.  It was terrific to have the teen dance on Friday night at Nester Park and the kids seemed to be having a terrific time.  The Lions Fly-In Pancake Breakfast was its usual fun event with lots of folks enjoying the meal.  Thanks to all those volunteers.  I know there were events I didn’t participate in because of visiting family, but my city relatives thoroughly enjoyed themselves.  I thank all who volunteered in any way.  It was a wonderful festival.  Congratulations to everyone who contributed to the success of Corn Capital Days.