Winlock Cleanup Committee gaining steam

Viola Chickese leads a meeting of the Winlock Cleanup Committee Dec. 3 at City Hall to discuss projects the committee hopes to begin undertaking regularly on Feb. 8, with photos taken of specific problem areas around town.

The Winlock Cleanup Committee has chosen their motto: "Cleanin’ up the Coop," with regular beatification and improvement projects expected to begin on Feb. 8.

Set in motion by local businesswoman Viola Chickese, the Cleanup Committee was formed in response to the deteriorating condition of local structures, and the need for community members to pull together and take ownership of their town.

"Our main goal right now is to just go through and clean up garbage," said Chickese, stating a six-person board will be meeting regularly to discuss which more-involved projects can be addressed.

Among such projects mentioned, and brought to the public during an open meeting held Dec. 3 at City Hall, were the installation of new benches along First St. downtown, the application of new stucco to aging buildings and repairs to roofs in need of maintenance.

Chickese, an accountant by trade, has made it a point these projects will not be undertaken without the necessary steps, including contacting building owners before repairs are done, and coordinating with Winlock Public Works Superintendent Gregg Robinson.

"Gregg is all for this," she said, adding Robinson is one individual serving on the planning board.

To become involved with the Cleanup Committee, plan to attend their next regular meeting Dec. 16 at 6 p.m. in City Hall, or contact Chickese at (360) 785-0178 or WinlockClean@gmail.com.