The city’s efforts to clean up the town must be more than a committee attempt &045; it requires residents also take an active role.

The mayor took the first step when she set up the Albert Lea Beautification Committee. The group has worked fervently to order flowers, flags and banners, and keeps coming up with new projects to enhance the community. Their enthusiasm is contagious.

One project the committee has championed is the Curb Appeal contest. This is where resident participation is crucial because it asks them to make a small effort to keep their yards spiffy.

It is evident when driving into some communities &045; in Minnesota as well as other states &045; the pride people have

for their own small piece of real estate and their community. Those towns seem more welcoming &045; a sense of friendliness emanates through the very atmosphere.

The mayor, through the beautification committee, seeks to extend that same sense of friendliness and apparent pride in our homes and community.

Really, it doesn’t take much to present our best foot &045; mow your yard, trim tall grass and bushes, clean up clutter, old cars, and other items which should be trashed or stored.

Perhaps if personal finances allow, plant a flower or two.

The only investment necessary, in most cases, is time.

The community has so many positive things happening right now, it seems the perfect time to show our own pride in our town.

Please take the time to create a clean, friendly place for people to visit and return to &045; so many more good things can happen when residents take pride in their community.