Cleaning the streets, one neighborhood at a time

Published 9:25 am Saturday, August 4, 2018

By Dawn Burleigh

The Orange Leader

 

A plethora of response to the inaugural Keep Orange Clean event held in March, Mayor Larry Spears Jr., with Trashy Lady Sandra Hoke and Keep Orange County Beautiful announced joining together to kick off Second Saturday Clean Up.

“We are starting a monthly cleaning initiative on the second Saturday of each month,” Spears said.

Each month will be at a different location through out the city with the first one set for 8 a.m. – 9 a.m. Saturday, August 11 at Cordrey and 16th Street. The clean up will be along Cordrey Street.

“We will go to different neighborhoods to help,” Hoke said. “And to help educate on the importance of keeping it litter free.”

Spears said the event began with the Trashy Ladies pushing the issue on the need to clean the streets in the city.

“We want progress, but we have to show we can take care of what we have,” Spears said. “Several groups contacted me asking how to get involved with a Keep Orange Clean event, so we decided to name the second Saturday as a monthly event.”

Second Saturday Clean Up is open to all groups, organizations, churches, businesses and citizens who want to be involved in making Orange beautiful.

“Anyone who wants to take pride in the city,” Hoke said.

Keep Orange County Beautiful suggests how one can make a difference:

  • Set an example by not littering yourself!
  • Teach others why it’s important not to litter
  • Remember that public areas are yours to enjoy and care for.
  • Hike only where there are trails
  • Have your school class make a list of different public areas and what they are used for. Visit them to see how they serve the community’s needs.
  • Invite someone from a local park or nature center to visit your class and speak about the importance of caring for public areas and using them wisely.
  • Organize a group project to repair playground equipment, build benches or improve a neglected area.
  • Get involved