By Patrick J. McNally, Reporter
Spring Cleaning took on a whole new meaning on Saturday, April 24 during the third Sterling Town-Wide Cleanup Day. With last year’s event cancelled due to Covid-19, there was added excitement and energy on display among the participants in this year’s well-coordinated effort.
The Town Common was buzzing from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., as hundreds of Sterling residents and volunteers stopped by to check the map, select their location, and gather their supplies before taking to the streets.
A great deal of planning and cooperation preceded this event. Dick Maki, Cleanup Day organizer, implemented a strategy to ensure maximum coverage for those areas that needed the most attention. Using a large-scale laminated map of Sterling, along with his trusted red marker, Maki highlighted the best areas for each group to address.
“With this map, we have a wonderful representation of the roads we are taking care of,” Maki said. “Most neighborhoods are fairly clean. It is the sections in between, usually wooded areas, where people discard the beer cans, cups, etc.”
Based on the turnout, he said, “we will cover 70-80% of the town, which is beyond our expectations.”
Reflecting on past events, Dick was proud that “each year has grown and grown. We have had a lot of cooperation from our volunteers, the DPW and Sterling Police Department.” He noted that “the event was being sponsored by the Economic Development Committee, and we had contributions from several local companies. Maki Building Supply donated materials, Hendrickson Signs helped with advertising, among others. This has been our most successful year.”
The Sterling Garden Club, which celebrated its 85th anniversary last year, provided plenty of assistance, too. Mary Roy, current Club President, was happy to combine forces this year.
“We wanted to do something for Earth Day, it’s important to us. I found out the town was already organizing something, so it just worked out. A few of our members are here volunteering. We check people in and provide them with gloves and yellow trash bags, which will then be picked up by the DPW.”
Laura Ricci oversaw the raffle, which was free to enter and included some great prizes. Prior to the event, Ricci was out on Route 12 getting a head start on the Cleanup. By her count, she collected 60 bags of trash in over 30 hours of work, just by herself. Thanks to her efforts, and to the many generous sponsors, over $,1500 worth of goods and services were donated by local artists, restaurants, and organizations.
Sterling Garden Club Member Jane Roseberry added that there were approximately 50 groups of people signed up. “Some single volunteers, a few couples; one group had a family of five,” she said. The Boy Scouts, The Girl Scouts, and The Rotary Club also participated.
Y.A.H.O.O. (“Young Adults Helping Out Others”) was in full force, led by adult advisors Karen and Stuart Ormsbee. The group had already cleaned five yards that morning, and they were back for more.
People of all ages wanted to contribute, some with their pets.
Jon Hagberg, Christine Mariano, and their dog, Tucker, were happy to assist. Sterling residents for eight years, this was their first time at the Cleanup. “We usually do it on our own,” Christine said. “Each year on Earth Day we go out and we pick up the trash near the trailhead. This year, we saw it was organized, so we said, “Let’s get involved…We’re so proud to live in a town that does this, it’s great!”
“It’s hard not to be outdoors today,” said John Lloyd, when asked what brought him, his wife Jocelyn, and son Colyn to the event. “We have a dog, and we go for a lot of walks on the roads in Sterling. There’s so much trash, and we look forward to this event every year to help clean things up a bit.”
Sharon Moynihan was also happy to contribute. “I just wanted to help. It is beautiful out, so I just thought it would be kind of fun.”
Free snacks and refreshments were provided, and Gatorade was the preferred choice for young Cameron Bass. With parents Eric and Richelle leading the way, the family worked together and made our town proud.
Mother Nature did her part, and the residents of Sterling most certainly did theirs. The tremendous efforts of those involved are to be commended, and we must continue to do whatever we can to keep Sterling shining bright all year long.
Right Photo: “Safety First!” Sterling resident Holly McClure and her two children, ages 4 and 2, arrived at the Town Wide Cleanup Day in bright, reflective clothing ideal for cleaning near a road. Credit: Patrick J. McNally