Silver City -- Silver City Mayor Ken Ladner invites residents to join him and youth volunteers at 8 am on Saturday, October 19th, to complete and beautify several water catchment ponds in the median of NM 180 West, in front of Pizza Hut between Pope and Little Walnut streets.

These catchment ponds were created to collect and direct water, beautifying various streets around town.  As many as eight such ponds need to be weeded, then town staff will deliver river rocks to fill each of them. Mayor Ladner explained that he chose this particular project to continue his efforts to beautify the town and support local economic development. 

"We promote our community to tourists, visitors, and prospective new citizens, and given that a community is often judged by the first impression, it is important that we make that first impression a good one," said Ladner. "Two other programs, “Pick It Up and Toss No Mas” and “Cover Your Load” also help keep local streets clean and attractive.  Roads and streets that are attractive and litter free send the important message, “Now here is a community in which its citizens take pride.” The result is that they are more likely to want to come back and visit us again."

Each year each of the four town councilors and the mayor organize a volunteer day for the purpose of beautifying or improving the community, the idea of which came from the town's Territorial Charter which states that any male 18 years or older may be required to work on behalf of the town, explained James Marshall, assistant town manager.

"These community work days bring people together to improve the neighborhoods where we live, work and play," he said. "Rather than simply relying on town staff to take care of everything, these opportunities to beautify our neighborhoods remind us that we're all in this together. The quality of life here in Silver City largely depends upon everyone doing their part. Whenever people come together, it makes our community stronger."  

Volunteers are encouraged to bring gloves and sun protection, and to park along Grant Street in front of Penny Park. The project is expected to be completed by noon.

For more information, please contact James Marshall, assistant town manager, at (575) 597-6340, or asstmgr@silvercity.gov. To learn more about Silver City's "Pick it Up and Toss No Mas" and "Cover Your Load" litter prevention initiatives, please visit the town's website at www.townofsilvercity.org.