The Belle Community Betterment Association hosted a variety of accomplishments in 2021, 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 2022 brings!
Thanks to BCBA Secretary Barb Schaller for putting this list together for us:
* During 2021, the BCBA Business Development team worked diligently to bring two new businesses, Dollar Tree and Family Dollar, to our community. A new building was constructed by a local developer and the building has been leased to the two new businesses. They plan to open in the beginning months of 2022. This is the third business development endeavor by this team, earlier they were successful in promoting our community so that a Mexican restaurant and a packaging/distribution company established their business here.
* During 2021, the Social Media Team worked hard on the improvements to our BCBA website. This website is fully operational. This team uses the website and Facebook to promote BCBA, events, and businesses within the Belle Community.
* During 2021, BCBA members continued work on the Welcome To Belle Sign that is being installed along highway 28 at the west end of the community.
* During 2021, BCBA hosted various ribbon cuttings for new businesses opening in the Belle community. Each time a ribbon cutting was done, BCBA posted the ribbon cutting event in the Advocate newspaper to support the new business and to let the community know about the business.
* On February 27, 2021, BCBA organized and hosted a Trivia Night at the Belle Community Center. Approximately 100 people attended the event. An auction was also held to raise funds for BCBA to do projects throughout the community.
* During March and April, BCBA members worked on beautification upkeep on the planters in the business district (Main Street) of Belle, in front of City Council Building, trees along highway 28, and flower beds at park. New top soil was added to planters, weeds were pulled, flowers were planted in the flower beds at Belle City Park. The group also took over the maintenance of the flowers at the Park Gazebo. Bushes were trimmed and flowers cut back for new growth. Gazebo was cleaned and trash picked up.
* In March/April, 2021, members of BCBA researched and complete a grant application through Three Rivers’ Helping Hands Community Foundation in hopes of receiving financial assistance to renovate the bathroom facilities next to the ball field located at the east side of the Belle City Park. BCBA was successful and received a grant in the amount of $3,500 from the foundation.
* In May and June of 2021, BCBA members and volunteers from the community renovated the bathroom facilities next to ball field located at the east side of the Belle City Park. Both the Boys and Girls bathrooms were done. The old roof, including rafters, was torn off. New rafters and new roof were installed; new electrical conduit and wiring installed, privacy wall was fully enclosed, and both bathrooms were painted, cleaned and sanitized.
* BCBA planned, coordinated and hosted its 4th Annual BCBA Swap meet at the Belle City Park on June 11, 2021. BCBA had 115 vendors and even hosted a car show during this event. Over 1,400 visitors attended this one-day event. Everyone in the community is glad that BCBA does this event. This event brings
the community together and is a good boost for local businesses. Gas stations, convenience stores, restaurants, speciality shops and other shop owners report a brisk business throughout the day.
* In July, the BCBA members supported the Belle Fair by working in the food stands, admissions gate, ticket booths, etc. throughout the days and evenings.
* Also in July 2021, BCBA hosted the Beer Garden at the Belle community fair. In addition, members coordinated and held a corn hole event at the same time. People enjoyed this event as many local residents participated. Families brought their food to the area, visited and watched the corn hole participants. Later they enjoyed the live music.
* In September and October 2021, numerous BCBA members helped the Ya Ya’s non-profit organization with their annual rodeo event and then again with their Halloween event. Our members worked the entry gates to the event, assisted with parking and also helped in the food stands.
* On November 13, 2021, BCBA coordinated and held the “Boots and Beauties” Father/Daughter Dance at the Belle Community Center. This event is well received by the community as it gives “Dads” the opportunity to take their daughters to a special event and spend quality time with them. We had a live DJ and a photo booth (which was extremely popular) plus prizes for various age groups. Over 120 people attended the event. BCBA holds this event to bring the community together. A minimal door entry fee is charged to help cover costs of snacks for the attendees.
* During late November, BCBA members decorated all the flower planters and City Council Chambers with greenery, Christmas bows and bulbs. They also provided greenery and wreaths to various businesses in the Legends shopping center and downtown area to assist them with decorating for the season. BCBA also provided the Christmas lights for the downtown Christmas tree lighting. The local Girl Scout troop assisted with the lighting and decorating some of the businesses.
* In November and December, BCBA members cleaned and winterized all the flower beds at the Belle City Park.
* In November and December, BCBA members coordinated renovation of the Rest Stop/Bench area by the Belle Post Office. Two community volunteers took off the damaged roof and installed a metal roof. All the metal stands and actual bench were cleaned and painted by the volunteers. BCBA members coordinated getting the supplies and BCBA donated all the materials to complete the project.
We look forward to serving the community in 2022! Thanks for your support.
~ The Belle Betterment Community Association