Current River Cleanup Saturday

AmeriCorps Seniors on Saturday will mark the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks by cleaning Current River in Van Buren.

The 9/11 Day of Service is a chance to recapture the spirit of unity that swept the nation in the aftermath of the 2001 attacks while paying tribute to those lost, heroic first responders, and the countless others who serve to defend the nation’s freedom at home and around the globe.

Jennifer Rosener is the program director for AmeriCorps Seniors, which includes Butler and Carter counties and formerly was known as RSVP, the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program. She recalls her experiences on 9/11.

“Like most Americans, 9/11 is a day that will never be forgotten, that’s the reason behind the national day of service,” Rosener said. “It’s to honor the people who lost their lives and those who served in some capacity that day and the months that followed by volunteering to do something good and make a difference in their community.”

Rosener recalls, “I was working at the newspaper on 9/11 and that day and the weeks that followed, we saw pictures coming over the AP wire most people didn’t see, it was rough. There was so much uncertainty and fear for everyone. So I’m glad there is this opportunity to be able to serve.”

Mossy Oak Properties MOZARK REALTY is joining AmeriCorps Seniors to sponsor the event.

“This is the first event we have done that is open to Butler and Carter residents and anyone who enjoys Current River,” Rosener said. “We are fortunate to have such a beautiful river in our area so we all need to do our part to keep the river clean.”

Waterways in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways are on America’s most endangered rivers list, Rosener said, and that is “one of the reasons we were looking into stream remediation. Big Spring is the National Park Service’s largest spring.

“As far as the (Current) River goes, our main focus area is going to be a 15-mile area from Pin Oak to Big Springs. The clean up will help all people, tourists, local residents, who live there and make the river look pretty, especially after the season when tourists may have littered. We can come in and help.”

In cleaning the river, “people can kayak if they want. They can bring their kayaks, go down the river and help clean up that way or they can walk alongside the river and help clean up. We’re hoping to have a huge crowd, party-type atmosphere, food and maybe some local bands to come out and play.”

The local RVSP program enlarged its senior service area into Carter County with the aid of an AmeriCorps Senior expansion grant. The three-year grant of $225,000 is allowing the group to expand services dealing with financial literacy, food insecurity and stream remediation.

Rosener knew the grant funding would create an opportunity to expand services.

“We’re super excited because we get to do a whole new focus area with the Current River, the stream remediation,” she said. “We’ve never done anything environmental. That’s exciting.”

Many of the services provided in Butler County will be offered in Carter County.

The majority of volunteers are generally 70 or older, but Rosener said, “our volunteers must be 55 and older. With a river cleanup, we’re hoping to attract more volunteers who are in the 55 to 65 age group. This is something they can do one or two times a year. It’s not something they have to commit to long term.”

Volunteers of any age are welcome to participate Saturday with the river cleanup.

“Without the agencies and the partnerships we develop with them, we wouldn’t be able to do half the activities we do,” she said.

Alejandra Nobles is the program coordinator.

Anyone from either county who wants to volunteer may contact 573-686-8624 or email jennifer.rosener@thecrc.org.