A little green goes a long way in Martins Ferry
Project Forward plant 18 trees through JB Green Team grant
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MARTINS FERRY -- Project Forward, Martins Ferry Lions Club, city council members and volunteers spent Tuesday evening installing 18 evergreen trees throughout the city.
The trees were installed into planters made out of 100% recycled materials from JB Green Team.
The project was funded by two $5,000 grants from JB Green Team totaling $10,000.
Project Forward anchor member Melissa Yeso said that the project acts as a solution for the trees that the city recently cut down, which left a hole in our landscaping.
"One of the missions of Project Forward is downtown revitalization, and this takes us in for a step forward and cleaning up the downtown," Yeso said. "We're so incredibly thankful for the support of JB Green Teen and their belief in both Project Forward and the City of Martins Ferry."
She added that she wants to thank Ferry Hardware owners Renee and Mike Miklas, who received all 18 trees and kept them in a secure location until Tuesday.
"None of this would have been possible without them. And then I am very grateful. My parents [Mike and Constance Yeso] own the toy store [Deluxe Toy & Hobby store.] My father received all of the pallets of dirt, went and picked up all of the trees, and has been a godsend in helping with installation," Yeso said.
She added that Project Forward's main priority is to not only beautify the city but improve it as a whole.
"This is phase one for downtown revitalization. If anything, we want to try to inspire the people that live in Martins Ferry to show up to volunteer. If they care about the city, there are two great organizations they can join: Project Forward and the Lions Club," Yeso said. "We need to be progressive in taking action. It’s not solely up to the city to get things done. But if you believe in love for the community, then you have to step forward and just take the initiative yourself."
She added that if anyone is interested in joining Project Forward, they can reach out to Yeso, and if they are interested in joining the Lions Club, they can contact Miklas.
Yeso added that each organization takes on different projects. Project Forward hosts the Strawberry Festival and is part of downtown revitalization, while the Lions Club is focused on the city's park.
Project Forward President Paul Stecker said that he hopes the beautification project will help brighten the streets and hopefully attract new businesses into the city.
"Almost everyone in the group grew up in Martin’s Ferry, lives here, or has businesses here, and we care about the city, and we want to see it succeed," Stecker said.