Clean Up, Clean Up, Everybody Clean Up ...

The town's annual "Project Greensweep" effort attracted upwards of 200-300 volunteers who took some time on a gorgeous, sunny day last Saturday to give back to their town.  

In fact, at the Town Council meeting Monday night, Mayor John Harkins noted that 15 tons of various trash was collected on Saturday in both the inland and waterside cleanups.

The inland cleanup project was sponsored by the Beautification and Conservation committees, and members Rita Scacchia and Jeffrey Thompson of the Beautification Committee were among the volunteers working on the Town Hall grounds. 

While Scacchia raked the lawn, Thompson cleared the flower beds.

“It’s a feel-good activity," said Thompson, noting that "town workers can’t do it all.”

Thompson, who has been with the Beautification Committee for 12 years, added, “I really think in my heart of hearts, beautification is the first wall against blight.”

Outside Perry House, the oldest house in Stratford, there were signs of spring cleaning - bags of trash waiting to be picked up.   Town Planner Dave Killeen was among those doing his share at Perry House and the Baldwin Center.

Elsewhere, volunteers teamed up to work on their assigned territories, putting in as many or a few hours as they could.  Those designated areas included most town parks - including Wooster, Boothe Memorial Park, Long Brook Park, Clover Field - as well as schools grounds and Town buildings.

According to Thompson, the police person assigned to the program for the day drove around and provided gloves, trash bags, water, and, of course, a first-aid kit, if needed.

Among the volunteers were high school groups, volunteer clubs, green clubs, Scouts, and others.

The reason for the formal effort is simple.

“We want you to come off the highway and be impressed with our Town,” said Thompson, as he worked the flower beds while the spring sun worked on his tan.

Throughout the day -  from forest to shore -  the weather cooperated beautifully and organizers said they wanted to thank everyone who came out on Saturday, and to remind people that every day is "clean up day."