Feature
March
25
Cleanest City Contest
by Mary Downer
Spring is in the air and it’s time to start cleaning! Houma is once again proudly taking part in the state wide Cleanest City Contest. Sponsored by the Louisiana Garden Club Federation and hosted by the Terrebonne Garden Club, this contest puts Houma in competition against other cities in the 32,000-population category. Other cities competing against Houma include Hammond, Shreveport, Monroe and Houma’s biggest competition, New Iberia. District judging is conducted in March and April. Winners will move on to the state competition.
In 1958, the L.G.C.F. was among the first members of the National Garden Clubs to sponsor a state wide Cleanest City Contest. The purpose of the contest is to instill civic pride in the citizens of the communities and improve the appearance of towns and cities nationwide. Each year the competition becomes a little stronger and cities are setting higher standards of cleanliness. There are an increasing number of communities that work year round to keep their cities clean and beautiful.
“We want to increase public awareness of the contest,” says Linda Brashier, Cleanest City committee chairwoman. “Why do people litter? We have started programs that allow us to go into the schools and teach the children about not littering, the impact litter has on the environment, and taking pride in their community.”
Judges are invited from around the state for a one-day ride around each city. The rules require that judges be shown the same areas in each community including several public buildings, schools, churches, hospitals, libraries, fire stations, city hall, and nursing homes. Along the route, they will view a few chosen business establishments and residential areas. They will judge streets, sidewalks and neutral grounds. Vacant lots along the route must be free of litter, junk and abandoned vehicles. They are looking for lawns to be well kept and litter free and fences to be painted. The judges also want to establish community involvement. The participation of other service clubs, church groups and schools is necessary to maintain cleanliness. The goal is that the judges leave with an overall impression of cleanliness.
The Houma route mostly winds through the downtown area. The area is thoroughly scrutinized by members of the local garden club prior to the judges’ arrival. Often neighbors organize neighborhood “cleaning parties” to help weed, plant and maintain public areas.
“We invite the public to take part in the contest by cleaning their yards and helping their neighbors out,” says Brashier. She believes that the cleaning is contagious. Cleaning carries on to areas not on the judges’ route and in turn benefits our entire city. “The recycling project that has begun in our parish has made a positive impact on the litter problem. It seems that people want to help, they want to be ‘green’ and make a difference.”
“We are using all resources available to present our city in its best light, to our own citizens and our visitors,” stated Parish President Michel Claudet. “It is my belief that when we clean up the city, it causes our people to be proud. And a little bit of pride goes a long way.”
“The Terrebonne Garden Club will host the state convention in two years,” Brashier proudly stated. “Being the cleanest city is actually going to bring a positive economic impact to Houma.”
The district judging will take place on Tuesday, March 30. This year’s route will bring the judges along Hwy 311, Barrow Street, Main Street, West Park Avenue, Wilson Avenue, Central Avenue, Birch Street, Civic Center Boulevard, Library Drive, and Bayou Black Drive (old Hwy. 90).
Cleanest City Contest Committee
Judy Navarre, Sybil Webb, Linda Brashier, Linda Downer, Jeanne Wurzlow
