Overview:
Over 160 people participated in the Green Clean Athol event, where they cleaned up the town and collected trash. The event was organized by Heather Heath, who was thrilled to see so many people, including high school students and scout troops, come out to help. The amount of trash collected will be determined in a week or so, but in recent years, two tons have been transported to the landfill, along with items ranging from car tires to TVs and mattresses. The event was a success, and organizers are looking to evolve and improve things every year.
ATHOL – More than 160 people spent their Saturday morning helping to clean up the town as part of Green Clean Athol.
Heather Heath, one of the organizers of the event, said it would probably be a week or so before it’s known exactly how much trash was picked up. In recent years, it has been typical for two tons being transported to the landfill, along with items ranging from car tires to TVs and mattresses.
“That was a record for us, and we’re very excited to see so many people in the community come out and help clean up. It was huge,” said Heath, regarding the number of participants. “We saw a lot more kids participating this year. We had a bunch of high-schoolers who came out – they actually came out and cleaned up around the high school and along Main Street, which was awesome. We had the high school Kindness Team come out with a group, we had a Boy Scout troop, a Girl Scout Troop. It was really awesome to see so many young people show up and try to do their fair share.”
Heath said a couple of youngsters decided to help out after seeing everyone gathering in the small park behind Athol Public Library.
“They were downtown and saw people picking up, and came over and said, ‘We want to help out,’” she said. “Just on their own, they decided to pick up some bags and got to work.”
There may be a few changes for next year’s cleanup, according to Heath, “but generally we were happy with the way things went. We kind of scrambled to get things set up for 9 a.m. while, at the same, time people were showing up early to sign up, which was great. So, when it comes to setup, there are some things we’ll be doing a little differently next year.”
She added that co-organizer Kim LaFleur has posted a message of thanks to volunteers on the event Facebook page, which includes an invitation to provide feedback.
“We’re definitely looking to evolve and improve things every year,” Heath said. “And if there’s anyone who wants to get involved in the planning going forward, we always welcome new voices.”
Heath said a meeting of Green Clean Athol organizers will be held soon to discuss this year’s event and begin planning for 2027.
Stephen MacLean was spotted picking up trash along Crescent Street, overlooking the Millers River just east of Lake Street. He said this was his first year as a Green Clean Athol participant.
“It’s not a bad day out here and just thought I’d get out and to some cleanup,” he said. “This area here can use it.”
Alexandra Valentin and her two sons were on Exchange Street, each with trash bags.
“We picked up along streets near our house and thought we’d walk down here to see what we could do,” she said. “I felt it was important to get the boys out, get them involved in giving back to the community. It’s important to give back.”
Paul Goyetche, 72, was an organizer when the event was started.
“I’m retired, so I need something to do,” he said with a smile. “I moved to Athol in 2009 and one of the first things I did was go to the Environmental Center. Then I started doing the Garden Club and the Bird and Nature Club, and the Millers River Watershed Council….So, when this started I thought I’d get involved with it. I just try to help out.”