The Belle Community Betterment Association (BCBA) achieved several accomplishments during the year 2023, creating and sustaining growth to improve the community, including:
– In January 2023, the BCBA submitted a grant application through the Meramec Regional Community Foundation for $500.00 to complete a landscaping project at the Welcome to Belle sign on Highway 28. In March, the grant application was approved, and during the summer, BCBA members completed the landscaping project by planting bushes and perennials and adding landscaping rock. They submitted the final grant report to the Foundation.
– In February 2023, BCBA hosted a Trivia Night at the Belle Community Center. Over 100 people attended the event, which also included a live auction to raise extra funds for community projects.
– During the spring of 2023, BCBA spent numerous hours cleaning all the flower beds and the gazebo at Belle City Park. They added new perennials to the beds, purchased and installed mulch in all the flower beds, and took care of the flower beds throughout the summer.
– In June 2023, BCBA members helped the Fair Board and City of Belle employees clean the park in preparation for the annual Swap Meet and Belle Fair. Volunteers cleaned and sanitized all bathroom facilities, pavilions, and bleachers. BCBA also donated funds to install electrical outlets and a water faucet at the site used for the Beer Garden.
– Throughout 2023, the BCBA hosted several ribbon cuttings for new businesses opening in the community. After the ribbon cutting, BCBA posted the news in The Maries County Advocate and on the BCBA Facebook page to inform the community. Additionally, BCBA now does ribbon cuttings for new businesses in the Bland community to continue supporting businesses in the Maries Country R-2 School District.
Are you interested in volunteering at one of our events, or want to know more about the Belle Community Betterment Association? Contact us today to learn more.
– BCBA supports other organizations within the community and donated microwaves and other items needed to the Belle Country Club/Golf Course Association, Tri-County Youth Association, Belle Fair Board, Soccer Club, and the MU Extension.
– BCBA members and volunteers from the community completed a beautification project at Belle City Park. They installed a concrete pad and purchased a memory bench in honor of a BCBA member. This bench was installed near the location designated for the Rock Island Bicycle/Walking Trail by the Belle City park.
– In June 2023, BCBA held its 6th annual Swap Meet at Belle City Park. Over 125 vendor spots were sold, and vendors from across the state participated in this eight-hour event. BCBA also hosted a large car show at the same time, and approximately 1,500 people attended the event. This event raises much-needed funds for BCBA to complete other projects within the community, and local businesses say this is one of their busiest days during the year.
– In July 2023, BCBA supported the Belle Fair by volunteering in the food stand, ticket booth, admissions gate, and other areas throughout each day and evening.
– BCBA hosted its annual beer garden and beer sales at the track during all four days of the Belle Fair. Members also hosted a Corn Hole Tournament on Saturday of the fair. The beer garden was supported through the efforts of many volunteers from the community.
– During September 2023, BCBA members assisted a local non-profit organization, the YaYa’s, with their annual rodeo event. They worked the admission gates, helped with parking, and worked in the food stands.
– During October 2023, BCBA members participated in the Halloween Treat Event held at the Belle Community Center. Two members decorated a “Treat” table and handed out candy to children.
– During October and November 2023, BCBA members cleaned and winterized all the flower beds at the city park, next to City Hall, the flower garden at the flag park across from Casey’s, and around the Gazebo. Members also cleaned and pruned all four tree groupings along Highway 28 coming into town.
– In October 2023, BCBA members attended the annual Meramec Regional Planning Commission’s Volunteer of the Year Award Ceremony. BCBA was recognized as Volunteer Organization of the Year by MRPC.
– In November 2023, BCBA members decorated all the flower pots along Main Street for the Christmas Season. They also decorated the City Council Chambers with greenery and bows and provided greenery and made Christmas bows for some of the businesses along Main Street. Additionally, in November, the BCBA hosted former Belle resident and current member of the BCBA, Sundi Jo Graham, at the American Realty Conference Center.
– In December, the BCBA organized its annual Father/Daughter Dance at the Belle Community Center. Fathers from throughout the Maries RII School District brought their daughters to this event to enjoy some special time together and dance the evening away. Special prizes were given out during the evening. The BCBA is dedicated to this event as it brings the community together in a unique way, creating memories for fathers and daughters alike. The event always draws an enthusiastic crowd of young girls.
– On December 20, 2023, the Belle Community Center hosted the 55 & Older Group Luncheon, which was organized by BCBA. A total of 148 guests were in attendance, and the meal was provided to everyone at no cost. The luncheon menu consisted of ham, potatoes, green beans, and dessert, all of which were served by BCBA.
– Also in December, the BCBA organized its first annual Christmas Parade and Business Decorating Contest. To participate in the parade, various businesses, churches, organizations, Maries RII Seniors, and citizens decorated a total of 40 Christmas floats. The business decorating contest was a success, with many businesses participating and decorating their storefronts. At the end of the event, prizes were awarded to the best-decorated floats and businesses.
– BCBA purchased new American flags and hardware to replace damaged flags in Belle’s downtown area and then donated them to the Belle City Council.
We look forward to serving the community in 2024! Thanks for your support.
~ The Belle Betterment Community Association