Volunteers spruce up Troy

By GWEN ALBERS Western News Reporter

Mayor Jim Hammons is pleased with how Troy looks.

Hammons can thank 150 youngsters and 50 adult chaperones for sprucing up the town as part of a June 23 and 24 community service project. The 14- to 18-year-olds made improvements to the Timber Beast Disc Golf Course near the Troy Museum and Visitor Center; painted the old city jail, concession stands, benches, and deck and railing at the fish pond in Roosevelt Park; repaired the grandstand at the baseball field; did landscaping at the park; and weeded around the walking path and pond at the park.

"They did an excellent job," Hammons said. "I was really impressed with how organized it was."

The youngsters from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints did the cleanup as part of their 2006 Youth Conference, said organizer Russ Hiatt of Bonners Ferry. They stayed in Bonners Ferry, where they had their meals, dances and devotions.

The youth came from churches in Troy, Libby, Bonners Ferry, Sandpoint and Clark Fork; Priest River, Idaho; and Newport, Wash.

"The church is really a service organization," Hiatt said. "We look for opportunities to serve. We did one (in another community) five years ago, and it made a difference. Troy's size was just right."

"Our youth are our future leaders and they are very involved in our church," he continued. "They're the fiber of our nation."

Britney Dufour, 15, of Troy participated.

"It was fun just knowing you'll make a difference," said Dufour, a ninth-grader at Troy High School. "Overall it was a good experience."

She helped with landscaping at the park and painting at Morrison Elementary School and concession stand.

During Troy Council's April 26 meeting, Stewart Briskin, president for the church's Troy branch, asked members for projects. Some supplies and materials were donated.