Everyone seems to be getting into the spring cleaning mood, and our county will be better off because of it. First, on April 22, Master Gardeners replanted hanging baskets, flower pots and flower gardens throughout Clanton. More than 1,000 plants were distributed to the more than 20 volunteers, and the city’s Beautification Department helped.

Monday will begin a week in which employees of the City of Jemison will pick up all unwanted household items, such as old furniture and other things that wouldn’t normally be included in garbage pick up. Exceptions are car batteries, tires and hazardous chemicals, but the effort is a great way to conclude Spring Cleanup Month.

Finally, volunteers will meet at Thorsby’s Richard Wood Park at 8 a.m. on May 9 to clean up the town.

These efforts make our county more attractive to potential residents and businesses. So, we encourage everyone to participate in these clean-ups. We would also like to see pride in the appearance of our cities and towns and willingness to help keep them looking nice an everyday occurrence instead of an every year occurrence.