ATHOL — In honor of Earth Day last month, dozens of volunteers made a clean sweep of town by picking up what amounted to two tons of trash. The first time Green Clean Athol project was such a success that there are plans to do it again some time in the fall. According to event coordinator Heidi Strickland, between 75 and 100 people of all ages showed up from area towns to volunteer, despite the rainy start. “It was a good crowd,” she said. “The enthusiasm was amazing. People came up to me to ask when we were going to do this again.”
Strickland said 600 tires were collected and taken to Pete’s Tire Barn’s tire disposal collection which took place the same day. One woman collected about 75 needles picked up by volunteers. The Department of Public Works provided town trucks and drivers, and along with other pickup truck owners, delivered trash to the Athol transfer station.
Initially, a group met for several weeks at the Millers River Environmental Center solely to brainstorm for the event, but afterwards it was decided to keep the momentum going by meeting once a month to talk about other potential projects. “There’s a lot to do in town,” Strickland said. “It’s a really positive community experience.”
Strickland purchased 100 t-shirts for the volunteers. The logo was designed by Paul Goyetche, who also made some pins with the logo that were given out to the volunteers. Marie La Lena ironed the logo on each t-shirt.
Volunteers provided hot dogs and rolls along with baked goods. The Athol Salvation Army cooked, and supplied chips, fruit and drinks served on compostible plates. Strickland later brought the plates to Clearview Composting. Tables and chairs were provided from the Town Hall. “Everybody got a lot of thank yous,” Strickland said. “Everybody cooperated. I can’t say enough.”
On Thursday night a volunteer crew will be picking up trash along Main Street between L. S. Starrett’s and CVS.
Those interested in becoming involved with Green Clean Athol are encouraged to email Heidi Strickland at greencleanathol@gmail.com.