The Belle Community Betterment Association hosted a variety of accomplishments in 2022, 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 2023 brings!
Thanks to BCBA Secretary Barb Schaller for putting this list together for us:
* BCBA continued their work on the Welcome to Belle sign during the year. In November 2022, the sign was completed and fully installed. BCBA spread the word through The Maries County Advocate newspaper and posted information on their Facebook page. The community members posted numerous comments about how wonderful the sign looked as people drove into and visited the Belle community. This was a significant accomplishment for BCBA as we had to hold numerous events to raise approximately $25,000.00 to complete this project.
* During the spring of 2022, BCBA members cleaned all the flower beds at the park and replanted various flowers. BCBA also donated and planted the flowers. In addition, they donated mulch, and volunteers from BCBA and the community spread it in all the flower beds and around newly planted trees at the park.
* BCBA members worked with the Belle Fair Board and the City of Belle to clean up the park for upcoming events. They donated several loads of white rock and assisted in cleaning the bathrooms, pavilions, and bleachers.
* During 2022, 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 Maries County Advocate to support them and make the community aware. BCBA also provided updates and photos on their BCBA Facebook page.
* In February 2022, BCBA organized and hosted a Trivia Night at the Belle Community Center. Approximately 90 people attended the event with the theme of “Home for the Holidays.” An auction was also held to raise funds for BCBA to do projects throughout the community.
* BCBA worked closely with the City of Belle to volunteer labor for various projects the City works on (primarily at the City Park). For example, BCBA had volunteers paint the storage building (Quasent Hut) at Belle City Park this year.
* On June 12, 2022, BCBA held its 5th annual Swap Meet at Belle City Park. This event takes months of planning and coordination. BCBA hosted 120 vendors from across the state. The car show featured more than 65 vehicles and remained a favorite of those attending. Over 1,400 visitors attended this one-day event. The swap meet generated much-needed funds for the BCBA to complete projects within the community. This event brings the community together and is a good boost for local businesses.
* 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.
* In July, BCBA hosted the Beer Garden at the Belle community fair. In addition, members coordinated and held a corn hole event. People enjoyed this event as several local residents participated.
* In August 2022, BCBA members discussed the newly formed Belle Soccer Club and the new group’s various needs. Because of the poor condition of the soccer field parking lot and other needed repairs, BCBA supported this new group by approving a donation of $1,000 to assist with repairs at the soccer complex. Members felt it was essential to support our youth and do what we could to keep the soccer club moving forward.
* In September, numerous BCBA members helped the Ya Ya’s non-profit organization with their annual rodeo event. Our members worked the entry gates to the event, assisted with parking, and helped in the food stands.
* In October 2022, BCBA held its first Mother/Son event. This event was held at the Maries RII School gym, and the evening was spent enjoying various games and a movie. The Missouri State Highway Patrol provided a commercial popcorn machine for BCBA to use, and needless to say, the popcorn was the favorite snack of the evening. Approximately 40 boys attended the event with their mothers.
* In December 2022, BCBA coordinated and held the “Under The Sea” Father/Daughter Dance at the Belle Community Center. This is a favorite event in our community as fathers throughout the Maries RII School District bring their daughters to this dance and enjoy the evening. We had a live DJ, a photo booth (extremely popular), and prizes for various age groups. About 140 people attended the event. BCBA holds this event to bring the community together.
* During late November, BCBA members decorated all the flower planters and City Council Chambers with greenery, Christmas bows, and bulbs. They also provided foliage and wreaths to various businesses in the Legends shopping center and downtown area to assist them with decorating for the season.
* In November and December, BCBA members cleaned and winterized all the flower beds at Belle City Park, the Flag Park across from Caseys, the park gazebo, and the post office.
We look forward to serving the community in 2023! Thanks for your support.
~ The Belle Betterment Community Association