National Volunteer Week – Beautification committee seeks volunteers for planting, trail clean-up

In keeping with the spirit of National Volunteer Week, the Beautification Committee of De Pere is looking to expand its ranks.

“There’s a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes to keep our community looking festive and tidy,” explains Rose Smits, chair of the Beautification Committee, which is a program of the De Pere Area Chamber Foundation. “We receive invaluable assistance from members of the De Pere Woman’s Club, but we can always use additional help tending to flower beds and other plantings, and also with the weekly clean-up along the Fox River Trail in the downtown area.”

The committee is responsible for planting and maintaining annual and perennial flowers in beds at eight different sites in the city. Last year, more than 2,300 plants – including globe artichokes and kale grown by students at West De Pere High School – were planted. This year, spring bulbs are scheduled to be planted in the large roundabout at the bridge approach. Flowers are usually planted the last week in May, and volunteers weed the beds weekly.

Committee volunteers also walk the Fox River Trail weekly between Cook Street and the Kress Library to pick up litter. “This is a very relaxing and enjoyable volunteer experience,” Smits notes. “After the major trail clean-up in the spring, it is easy for one or two volunteers to grab a coffee or soft drink at one end of the trail and walk to the other end with a garbage bag. The trail is a tremendous asset to our downtown, and our committee is happy to work with other local groups to keep it clean and attractive.”

Persons interested in volunteering for the Beautification Committee should contact Dr. Beth Nasal, the chamber’s volunteer coordinator, at 336-9595, or e-mail her at volunteers@deperechamber.org

De Pere Area Chamber of Commerce Announces 2010 Executive Committee Officers and Board Members

The De Pere Area Chamber of Commerce proudly announces the 2010 Board of Directors and Executive Committee officers.  Jeffrey De Bakker, Vice President of M&I Bank, was elected as Chairman. Becky Fabry who served as the Chamber’s 2009 Chairman, remains on the Executive Committee as Immediate Past Chair.

Jackie Olson of American Transmission Company was elected as Vice Chairman/Chair-Elect. Deb Barlament of Bayland Buildings, Inc., will serve as Secretary and Steve Handrick of Hawkins, Ash, Baptie & Co., remains as Treasurer.  Mary Van Vonderen of MEGTEC Systems, Inc., Chris Battle of Groeschl Strategic Wealth Management, and Mark Wells of Pack & Ship of De Pere serve on the Board’s Executive Committee as members at large.

Board members continuing to serve are Amy Sorenson, St. Norbert College,  Dr. Beth Nasal, Happy Tails Veterinary Clinic,  Chris Forslund, The Selmer Company, Chad Yenchesky, Foxview Dental, Kathy Rupiper, hey, Daisy! Shops, Ken Pabich, City of De Pere and Ryan Jennings of xo Fitness.  Serving as ex-officio board members are Mayor Mike Walsh and Larry Delo, City of De Pere and Cheryl Detrick.

The De Pere community is fortunate to have a board of professionals such as this. This talented group of professionals volunteer many hours  of their time to help achieve the Chamber’s goals and objectives by providing governance of the Chambers activities.  I am honored to have the opportunity to work closely with the members of the board.

New volunteer Volunteer Coordinator

Nope, that isn’t an accidentally doubled word!  We have a new volunteer Volunteer Coordinator.

Dr. Beth Nasal, owner and veterinarian of Happy Tails Veterinary Clinic in De Pere, has been named Volunteer Coordinator by the De Pere Area Chamber of Commerce.  Dr. Nasal, also a board member of the De Pere Area Chamber, will coordinate the efforts of the many volunteers needed for Chamber committees, programs and events.  The Coordinator position, a volunteer position in itself, will serve as a contact point for people wanting to volunteer. In addition , Dr. Nasal will oversee the development of a volunteer database and survey process for matching needs with talents.

For more information on volunteer opportunities with the De Pere Area Chamber of Commerce, contact Dr. Beth Nasal at volunteers@deperechamber.org, or by contacting the Chamber office at 338-0000. The Chamber office is located inside the Chase Bank Building at 441 Main Avenue, De Pere.

For more information about Happy Tails Veterinary Clinic, visit www.happytailsclinic.com.