The Belle Community Betterment Association hosted a variety of accomplishments in 2020, creating and sustaining growth to improve the community.
The BCBA is honored to serve the community of Belle and we can’t wait to see what 2021 brings!
Thanks to BCBA Secretary Barb Schaller for putting this list together for us:
JANUARY/FEBRUARY
1) BCBA members again worked in the community to raise funds to purchase Christmas lighting to place on electric poles along Highway 28 that runs through our community. BCBA was able to raise sufficient donations to purchase nine (9) double bell Christmas decorations. Thank you letters and donation receipts were prepared and given to all donors.
2) A volunteer from our Association worked at our Belle City Park to paint the small pavilion where visitors sit and watch children play ball. In addition, one volunteer assisted the City of Belle with cleaning of pavilions throughout the park.
3) Volunteers from our group assisted with beautification efforts by planting flowers at the park entrance and in various flower beds throughout the park. In addition, members of our group helped the 4-H children in preparing flowering planters all along our business district in the community.
JUNE
BCBA members planned, coordinated, and held a BCBA Swap Meet and Car Show event at our city park. Approximately 110 vendors participated in the Swap Meet.
This was somewhat challenging during the COVID-19 pandemic as we had to implement all safety precautions mandated by Missouri Department of Health. We succeeded in these endeavors.
Over 1,300 people attended this event which in turn benefited various businesses throughout the community. Gas stations, restaurants, ice cream shops, and convenience stores reported brisk business throughout the day and were grateful that the event was held.
The BCBA received many compliments from the residents and attendees about this event – they report, “It does their hearts good to see events like this being held in Belle!”
JULY
1) BCBA members supported the Belle Fair by working in the food stands during the day and evening.
2) BCBA members hosted the beer garden at the Belle community fair. A shortened fair was held this year due to COVID-19; however, the community wanted to hold the fair in support of the livestock needing to be sold by the children.
SEPTEMBER
1) Some of our member assisted another organization with vendor placement at the Belle Fall Festival. Our BCBA group tries to work with other organizations to hold at least one event within the community each month.
2) Eleven BCBA members assisted the Ya Ya’s non-profit organization with their annual rodeo event. Most of our members worked the entry gates and parking.
OCTOBER
1) BCBA organized and hosted a Trivia Night & Chili Cook-off fundraiser event at the Belle Community Center. Approximately 120 people attended. BCBA is holding more fundraiser events to raise funds for a second Welcome to Belle sign to be placed on the east side of our community.
2) The BCBA coordinated with the City of Belle to amend their Pole Use Agreement with Ameren Electrical. Members worked with local businesses for donations and held fundraiser to purchase lighted Christmas bells to install on 9 electric poles located along highway 28 in the Belle community.
Sufficient funds were raised, the Christmas bells were purchased and members of the community helped install the required electrical connections to the poles. The decorations were installed in December of 2020. The BCBA received many compliments on the successful completion of this project.
NOVEMBER
1) BCBA organized and hosted a Father/Daughter Dance at the Belle Community Center. This event received a great deal of praise as it brought parents and children together in a way that other events have not.
2) A DJ played music for fathers and daughters. A member of BCBA announced songs and winners of prizes that we had donated for the event. Approximately 160 people were in attendance.
3) In October and November, several BCBA members cleaned all flower beds at park and flower pots in the business district of our community. All plants were cut back and bushes pruned to prepare flowers beds for dormant season.
DECEMBER
1) During the first week of December, BCBA members decorated all the flower pots along Main Street, installed lighting in bushes and trees. They also hung wreaths at numerous businesses and provided greenery/decorations to business owners.
2) BCBA organized and hosted Santa and Mrs. Claus drive through event at the Belle City Park. No other organization was going to host Santa this year due to COVID, so BCBA members decided to do this. The group asked two local residents to be Santa and Mrs. Claus. Bags of fruit and candy were assembled by the group. Parents and their children drove through the park and were handed bags of fruit & candy.
3) BCBA members worked on the installation of the Welcome to Belle sign during the summer and fall of 2020. Thus far, they have laid and installed electrical wiring, prepared the ground and poured the concrete.
We look forward to serving the community in 2021! Thanks for your support.
~ The Belle Betterment Community Association