By Katharine Maynard- DaSilva, Staff Writer
April 3, 2023
ROCKLAND- Lather up your sunscreen, wash your garden gloves, and prepare to get your hands dirty to keep Rockland looking beautiful!
On Saturday, April 15, Rockland will be hosting its biannual Community Cleanup.
The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Volunteers are recommended to show up before 9 a.m. to sign a waiver and to grab supplies at the Rockland Town Hall, 242 Union Street.
The Rockland Open Space Committee, a community-based group, is partnering for the event with the Rockland Park Department, Rockland Highway Department, and REiMAGINE Rockland.
The community cleanup started when the rail trail first opened in 2010. At first, only the rail trail was targeted for cleaning. However, the trash around Rockland slowly started to grow. Therefore, more locations were added.
Kathy Kirby, a member of the Open Space Committee, said, “we noticed that a lot of trash was accumulating, particularly in certain areas, so, the Open Space Committee organized the first cleanups, initially only the trail.”
To help find where the most cleaning is needed, organizers ask volunteers to point out areas that have a particularly high amount of trash a week before the event.
Christine Flaherty, a REiMAGINE Rockland staff member, recommends that the “Rail Trail, Hartsuff Park, Bicentennial Park, and around Union Street” should be targeted for cleaning.
This event attracts all different crowds of people. The Scouts are involved, the Rockland High School boy's lacrosse team, the National Junior Honor Society, Rockland’s state representatives, and Rockland Home Depot staff members.
For supplies, paper/plastic bags, gloves, and grabbers will be handed out. However, it was advised that volunteers bring supplies if they already have them. Also, sunscreen and bug spray are recommended.
This event will give the students an opportunity to get out of the house and socialize with fellow students, while also helping their community and the environment.
Flaherty said, “Students benefit greatly as they work to beautify the town and gain deeper pride in the community and themselves.”
If RHS students are in search of community service hours, then this event will be a great opportunity. If students have any questions about this event, they should contact Ms. Freea Leahy in the Guidance office or email her at fleahy@rocklandschools.org.