The rising price of produce increased interest in gardening. The Ten Basics of Square Foot Gardening were given in the April issue of The Pioneer Post. Even those with little space can be successful gardeners in this form. Gardening tips were given in June's The Pioneer Post. Unusually wet and cool weather had impacted gardening, as well as planting crops. Spring arrived late this year but there was still time to plant vegetables, fruits, flowers, shrubs and trees. Keep aphids, grubs, snails, slugs, and broadleaf weeds under control (if you can). Build up your soil with compost, peat moss, and proper fertilization. Know how to conserve water, although this year's supply is ample. Some excellent tips for "going Green" for the summer from Waste Management, were given in the July 2011 issue of The Pioneer Post. We were told that each year, Americans toss out enough paper and plastic cups, forks, and spoons, to circle the equator 300 times. They suggest using reusable dishware, or renewable and biodegradable materials such as sugarcane and bamboo, or from recycled materials. Have a recycling receptacle available when you entertain, and use food scraps for composting. Buy food from the nearest farmers' market. Use aluminum foil instead of plastic wrap, and recycle the foil. Go digital with your invitations. Encourage guest to car pool. For your barbecue, use lump coal made from invasive tree species or harvested from sustainable managed forests. Use petroleum-free charcoal starter. We were also cautioned about safe handling of fireworks. The National Council on Fireworks advise soaking used fireworks in water and let them sit for 15 minutes before disposal in your trash can to prevent littering and fires. Cleaning Up To help with the spring clean-up, the City provided a dumpster at both the Marriott Park and the Slaterville Park. They were available from April 15-17, and were sponsored by the city and Waste Management. The Spring Clean Up was a disappointment to the City, as the dumpsters were not used properly. One dumpster at the Slaterville Park was filled with hay; the other one was filled with materials from a bam someone demolished. Councilman Rob Smout suggested that it needs to be made clear that there is no dumping of hazardous material, tires, paint, etc. Perhaps an article in the city newsletter would help, requesting the people to be courteous and not take advantage of this program. Fall Clean-up was scheduled for October 21-23, 2011, with a dumpster located at both the Marriott and Slaterville Parks again. The Pioneer Post reminded residents that all garbage should be completely inside the dumpster, not on the ground. This is a complimentary service, so we should be considerate of others and not monopolize the dumpster. Waste Management requested no tires or hazardous material be dumped. For disposal of junk cars, residents can call Bill Morris at the City Office. Weeds are ever with us. Councilman Delbert Hodson was thanked for removing Dyer's Woad and Scotch Thistle along roads where he could. President Ilium asked that weeds along the roads be mowed, so he could spray herbicide. Mr. Hodson requested the park on 17*1 Street be mowed again in the fall. The wet spring has brought an abundance of weeds (and we always have too many). Trim around fire hydrants so they are visible. Trim down weeds in your neighborhood. Eradicate invasive weeds such as poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, ragweed, puncture weed, Scottish thistle, morning glory (Bind Weed) Dyer's Woad, Phragmites and other noxious vegetation. 13