The Caernarvon Township Parks and Recreation board hosted its first Morgantown Community Clean Up on Saturday. April 25.
Clad in matching orange vests, 22 people helped pick up trash. The attendees included local residents of all ages, state representatives and community leaders. This clean-up was focused in the center of Caernarvon Township and encompassed Route 23, North Street, South Street, and intersecting streets.
The local community and travelers not only benefit from this event, but the local environment does as well. The participants made sure to clean the drains that lined the major roads. This will continue to allow the water to flow through during extreme rain. Storm drains often get clogged with trash, leaves, mulch, and other debris. Maintaining street drains keep the local creeks clean also due to the fact that storm drains empty directly into creeks.
Sen. Judy Schwank and her staff attended the event. This is Schwank’s fourth year attending a community clean up and her first time here in Morgantown. She travels to different communities with her staff and she is positive about the outcome of these events.
“Our goal is to keep Pennsylvania beautiful and this is the chance to do our part,” said Schwank.
Tasks to keep the community clean included sweeping the sidewalks, clearing the gutters and picking up trash and recycling.
Nora Seidel, member of the Parks and Recreation board, has never done an event like this. She was enthusiastic about the outcomes and positive effects it will have on the community.
“It’s nice to have the town cleaned up, we are proud of this town,” Seidel said.
Scott Filmore, resident, said Route 23 is a heavily traveled road. “We want to do our part to let travelers enjoy passing through our ‘village,'” he said.
Chase Tennant and Zach Starzmann, 13, show their enthusiasm about participating in this event.
“It’s nice to give back to the community after everything they have done for us,” Tennant said while picking up trash with his friend.
All residents were encouraged to participate in making the community clean and attractive. Residents who were unable to join the clean up were encouraged to still be a part of the community wide event by sweeping their sidewalks, driveways or by cleaning their flower beds.
Fran Ippoliti, resident, has lived in this town for many years and drives on Route 23, numerous times a day.
“Hopefully the rest of the community will see that there is a need for a clean up and continue to do their part,” Ippoliti said.
Ken and Faye Heffner, residents, enjoy helping to make the community a better place.
“This is good for the community. We take pride in our community and do what we can,” Ken said.
Lowe’s, Elverson, donated three push-brooms to the clean up crew.
All who attended and participated included State Senator Judy Schwank and staff, Township Supervisors Pauly Whiteman and Jennifer Tennant, Park & Rec Board members Dottie Regetta, Mazie Holland, and Nora Seidel, and residents Scott Filmore, Dominic and Zach Starzmann, Chase, Gracie and Abby Tennant, Alex and Cameron Whiteman, Faye and Ken Heffner, Frank Ippoliti, Carol Fastuca, Elizabeth Cursey and friend.
