Straight from The Horse’s Mouth

Our hometown and some eyeopening numbers

According to TXDOT in 2008 we had an average of 13,400 vehicles in a 24 hour period on hwy 79. Two years later the figures are probably higher. That's at LEAST 26,800 eye balls looking at our town - every - single - day. What do people see as they pass through? Those of us who live and work here become immune to the visual cues because that's how the brain works; see it every day and eventually you just don't see it any more. But those who could decide to stop and visit are paying attention, to be sure!

All we have to do to put a smile on the travelers faces is do a little spring cleaning. 'Earth Day' and the three day music festival/chili cook-off event called 'Buffalo's Spring Fest' are right around the corner. (Spring Fest is the week end of May 1st at Harriman Park) The weather is cooperating and it's a great time to get out and nurture our land and buildings. Cleaning up not only improves our own sense of well being, but very clearly leaves an impression on those who drive by. Imagine the difference when you see a run down exterior and trash piled up compared to a place that is clutter free with well cared for green spaces. Pride, as opposed to despair, is what comes to mind.

In Buffalo we could improve our image by leaps and bounds by tidying up. We are an inherently charming community and all it takes are small acts of personal responsibility to bump up the nostalgic draw. The value of 400,000 potential visitors per month to our community is really compelling. We do not have to attract those people, they're already here. We just need to share with them how we feel about our town.

Author Norman Bridwell teaches the value of civic responsibility in his 1997 children's book: Clifford's Spring Clean-Up. In the story Clifford is a Big Red Dog. His attempt at being helpful often causes more messes. For example, he licks the windows clean and dries them with his tail, leaving fur all over the windows. Another time, Clifford shakes out a rug, but shakes too hard and shreds it. For Earth Day, the neighborhood children decide to clean up a vacant lot and plant a garden. This time, Clifford’s size comes in handy, especially for digging. The story ends with Clifford cleaning out his doghouse and throwing out a huge pile of bones and rubber dog toys into the garbage truck. The final page is a short blurb about Earth Day and encourages readers to "Make every day Earth Day."

I was shocked when I saw the accounting of people who drive through Buffalo daily. Its strange to know that so many people are watching and we don't even realize it. My eyes have been opened!