Listeners heard how they can recycle their free water bottles they’ve received since December, when the state launched the program — and how they can help contractors, when it’s time to replace their lead line in their house.
The recycling program is particularly important, as it reflects the spirit and initiative shown by the city’s residents – as an end to the water crisis finally appears in sight, a said Benton Harbor Second Ward City Commissioner Jerry Edwards, who would like to see more volunteer efforts recognized.
“There are a lot of volunteers handing out water, and the sites aren’t listed because they’re strictly volunteers,” Edwards said. “For example, at Harbor Towers, we were giving away five pallets of water, every two weeks – just for Harbor Towers. They came and helped. This site was not listed and there was no press at this subject, because you have volunteers.
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services project coordinator Dashuna Robinson spoke about the recycling program, which is offered from noon to 2 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday, noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
Residents can drop off their empty bottles behind Benton Harbor High School, 870 Colfax Ave., which is the main recycling point, Robinson said. Self-service pickup is also offered at the Southwest Community Action Agency, 331 Miller St., and pickup and door-to-door delivery of 33-gallon bags is also available, according to Robinson.
More than 11 million empty water bottles — or three tractor-trailer loads, weighing about 7,500 pounds — have been recycled since the program began, and the total number continues to rise, Robinson said. “We are extremely excited about where we are, as a community, with this initiative right now,” she said.
Abonmarche’s construction manager, Lucas Grosse, stressed the importance of completing right-of-entry forms, so contractors can get the job done efficiently. According to Grosse, “a very small number of residents” have not completed these forms, meaning their line cannot be filled out, he said in his pre-show interview.
“If we don’t get this entry fee, we won’t be able to complete the range of services. The problem is that we have to move on – we can’t sit and wait for this resident to let us in, because the teams have to move on, ”he said.
Listeners also heard from special guest Trenton Bowens, who reviewed plans for the 2nd Annual Benton Harbor Community Easter Egg Hunt, which will take place at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 16 in Union Park, 2350 Union Ave., Benton Harbor.
The Easter bunny will appear and be available to take pictures. Event organizers hope to provide more than 10,000 Easter eggs and prizes to children who show up, Bowens said. For more information or questions, contact Bowens at (269) 861-2861.
“Last year we produced 3,000 eggs, and this year our goal was to break a record. I said, ‘I don’t think Benton Harbor had an Easter egg hunt with 10,000. So we reached out to our community partners – different people in the town of Benton Harbour,’ Bowens said. “So it’s going to be very important, in our own community, and it’s free.”
Tuesday’s program ended with a prayer and some spiritual words from Bishop James Atterberry, pastor of Brotherhood Church, Benton Harbor, who reminded listeners of the true meaning of Easter – which celebrates the resurrection of Jesus – Christ, he noted.
“I thank God for this day – I’m delighted. That’s what it’s all about, hope,” Atterberry said. “If you are depressed today you can rise above your circumstances, and if you are in trouble today you should know that through Christ you can win. You are a conqueror in him. This is why this day is important.
About Benton Harbor Team Solutions Radio
Benton Harbor Team Solutions Radio broadcasts from 6 to 7 p.m., every Tuesday, on Benton Harbor’s 105.3 FM frequency. All content is created, produced and sourced locally, with format ranging from live commentary to call and preview interviews, edited and recorded by Team Solutions members.
Team Solutions team leader Princella Tobias and team member Eric Bradford co-host the weekly shows, with help from Spirit correspondent Nick Gunn, and all the passing political leaders and local personalities. by the studio. Spiritual correspondent Ralph Heibutzki conducts numerous interviews and edits the resulting sound clips for clarity and length.