
Earth Day cleanup volunteers gather at the armory on Saturday prior to their sendoff.
Ansonia’s Second Annual Earth Day Cleanup proved even more successful than last year as more than 40 volunteers participated in cleaning 20 miles of City streets of paper, bottles, cans and more.
When the final numbers were tallied, 40 50-gallon bags of debris totaling almost 1,000 pounds were picked up and carted off to Public Works. The totals represent about double the amount cleaned last year.
Mayor Dave Cassetti brought back Earth Day Cleanup last April after a several year lapse. “Litter is a top 10 quality of life issue for residents,” said Cassetti. “I just wish those who habitually litter had the same social concern as these volunteers.”
Nine groups of five volunteers each were outfitted with donated reflective vests, trash grabbers and garbage bags, and assigned specific problem litter streets to cover.
Groups participating included Venture Crew 77 of Holy Rosary Church, Ansonia Boys/Girls Club, Ansonia High School, Reclaim Church, Macedonia Church and several city residents.
After the cleanup, volunteers were treated to a cookout at the Nature Center pavilion and were joined by another 20 volunteers who were busy planting flowers and cleaning the center grounds of winter’s branches and leaves.