Jessie Kovall, Sartell
I am not a Sartell native; I am a transplant. I am not a DeZurik, a Then, a Traut. I don’t even live within the populated areas of Sartell. I am not from Stearns County. I am an Eastsider; I come from Benton County. I am a volunteer.
Have you noticed there are no desert planters along Pinecone Road this year and none along the roundabouts in the areas near Walmart and Sam’s Club? Have you noticed unkempt gardens and park areas in Sartell?
Did you know we no longer have a Volunteer Garden Club? There are a small handful of volunteers left from the club who continue to try and keep up with the growing parks and gardens in Sartell. The City employees can mow grass and use the weed eater, but it takes volunteers to pull the weeds, dandelions and thistle so they don’t reoccur.
Have you ever gone past an area someone was working in and thought, “Finally, someone is working on that garden?”
I was working on 1st Street hill last week on Wednesday. Dozens of cars went by. I’m sure many of you had that thought as you drove by. One nice man slowed down to thank me. He said he drives by the hill everyday on his way to work. He said I probably don’t hear “thank you” much.
How many of you took part in surveys and voting, asking for more parks throughout Sartell? How many of you have volunteered in those areas to help maintain them?
When I walk across the bridge, along our beautiful walking paths, I notice many areas that need attention. The next day, I usually take my spade and clippers into that area and work on it. I have never been chased off from the police and have never been yelled at by city employees. I have had the police ask if that is my vehicle parked in the median and ask if I need assistance. City employees have thanked me when they pass by.
You are the someone in “someone should.”
You can contact Sartell City Hall to volunteer for a specific area, or just help out where you see the need. We would like to know who you are so we can thank you, but if you would rather go anonymously, that is acceptable too.