New Flags Line Streets of Bridgeport
Carri Graham Trending
Nearly 30 American flags can be seen along some of the main roadways around the village of Bridgeport after officials were able to secure the necessary funding to purchase them.
Tim Smith, a member of the Bridgeport Park District Board, said the village has been able to purchase numerous items to assist in the community's beautification over the past couple years through available funding provided by the JB Green Team. Some of these village additions include new park benches, picnic tables, garbage bins, a bulletin board sign at the municipal building, and now 28 American flags.
Smith said once he discovered JB Green Team was offering around $100,000 in grant funds, he got to work spreading the word.
"The problem was that not many people were applying, so I set out to fix that," he said.
"I went to different organizations like the FOP, FOPA, the Masons, the Rotary. They (the local organizations) ended up applying and we got great stuff that Bridgeport never would have had otherwise."
Most recently, the village secured a $1,000 grant through JB Green Team that was used to purchase the flags, which are made with 100% recyclable materials.
"All these little communities, we're just blessed to have JB Green Team. We've been able to get numerous park benches, tables, garbage cans, you name it, that all came from JB Green Team. Without them, these little towns in Belmont County wouldn't be able to have that kind of stuff. They also do the River Sweep, which has been going on for 75 years, and that takes a lot of the trash out," he said.
Smith said each of the recently purchased flags is made of 15 recycled plastic water bottles; however, you would never be able to tell the difference.
"They're beautiful. They fly just like normal American flags. They feel and look just like regular flags, and they're made in the USA," he said.
On Monday, the new flags were installed in various locations around the village, including around the fountain and the monument. Though the flags will not be a permanent fixture, they will be reinstalled for various holidays.
"They'll be up for Labor Day, Flag Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July. … We'll leave them up for a couple of weeks and then take them down to help preserve the flags," Smith said.
Mayor Norma Teasdale said the flags are a welcome addition.
"We greatly appreciate the opportunity to participate in the grant program provided by the JB Green Team. The flags look beautiful," she added.