Gathering to Rid Milford Roads of Trash
Volunteers will collect trash on Milford Borough streets on April 22, equipped by the state, at the third annual cleanup event.
By Frances Ruth Harris
Trash dots the landscape around Milford Borough’s historic architecture, as elsewhere. Trash is a national problem.
“Food wrappers, cups and bottles, cigarette packs and butts are the most common trash, but we have picked up all kinds of refuse,” said Eileen Smith.
Milford Borough’s annual cleanup day began three years ago. From the beginning, Smith has coordinated the event. Each year 175-200 people turn out. Last year, volunteers collected 200 bags of trash, she said.
"We have fun. We get to meet new teams. Some of the teams dress alike to promote who they are," said Smith. "It's all part of a statewide cleanup, and we're supported by Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. They provide gloves and safety vests.All of Broad and Hartford and alleys and all the parks are cleaned up, and we do all the triangle welcome signs."
Smith has been active in the community since moving to Milford in 2018. As vice-chairman of the MEC, among other duties, she oversees the Community Clean Up. She is also active on the board of Grey Towers Heritage Association.
People can sign up as a team, as a family, as a group, or as an individual. Milford Boy Scouts and cub scouts clean up Ann Street Park. Every year a sponsor donates t-shirts.
Those wanting to volunteer for the April 22 event can sign up themselves, or with friends, family and coworkers at MilfordEnhancementCommittee@gmail.com, or call (570) 832-4789 and leave a detailed message.
Volunteers can also sign up here: https://www.milfordenhancement.com/volunteer .
Cleanup champs
Each year a community volunteer is honored for their dedication to Milford and its environment. The first year's honors went to Bill Kiger, who, Smith said, "always picks up trash and makes the effort, as he walks around town." Kiger is president of the Historical Preservation Trust of Pike County (https://milfordpa.us/about-milford/historic-preservation-trust/).
The second year's honors went to Paul Labounty. "Paul volunteered with the borough's Shade Tree Commision, planting and caring for all the borough trees for many years."
This year, the third year, Smith said, "The Milford Garden Club is being honored for all their service to Milford."
Connie Nichols, Milford Garden Club president, will accept for the garden club. The Milford Hospitality Group, which represents many restaurants and hotels, will provide meals, and the Dimmick Inn will provide pizzas for kids.
Milford Enhancement and local bus contributions provided 14 trash receptacles strategically placed for use.
"We hope this will reduce the amount of litter," said Smith, who designed the trash bins with a trash receptacle on one side and borough welcome sign on the other side. The tree emblem represents Milford Borough as a national tree city, as well as the birthplace of conservation.
Please join the MEC at Milford Community House, Broad and Harford Streets, at 9:30 am on April 22 for the cleanup.
This Milford Enhancement Committee event is sponsored this year by Grey Towers Heritage Association in honor of Earth Day. Lunch will be provided by various local businesses. Grey Towers Heritage Assoc. is a 501c3 organization that supports the forest service and promotes the legacy of the Pinchots.
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