Earth Day (April 22), a global celebration centered around keeping our planet clean and protecting the environment, has inspired Derby Mayor Anita Dugatto to promote Derby’s Adopt-a-Spot program, an initiative that enlists the help of volunteers to cleanup and beautify the city’s public spaces.
“So many of our residents work hard maintaining and beautifying their property. The results of that care and attention foster tremendous pride in their neighborhoods. Earth Day is the perfect time to encourage residents to make the same commitment to Derby’s public spaces and extend that pride throughout the entire city,” Dugatto said.
The Adopt-a-Spot program, instituted by Derby’s Board of Aldermen in 2007, was immediately met with great success. Several areas around the city, including Veteran’s Memorial at Witek Park, Academy Hill Green, and the traffic circle at Cedric and Hawthorne Avenues were beneficiaries of volunteer efforts.
Beautification projects included new plantings, weeding, brush removal, shrub trimming, and regular litter removal.
“Making a difference in Derby’s neighborhoods doesn’t require a tremendous amount of time or a large financial commitment, and the physical exercise it affords is a wonderful added benefit,” Dugatto commented.
Interested volunteers can sign up for the program at the Adopt-a-Spot booth at the upcoming EcoFest, sponsored by Derby’s Cultural Commission, Saturday, May 17, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on First Street.
All registrants will receive a member kit, which includes a safety vest. The Derby Inaugural Ball Community Fund has generously donated the safety vests, which will serve to identify volunteers and draw attention to the important work they are doing throughout the city.
For additional information on the Adopt-a-Spot program or to sign up as a volunteer, please contact Victoria LaRue at 203 – 736-1453.
