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Monday, 27 April 2009 |
By KATIE YANTIS
Staff Writer
ST. MARYS — Spring is in full swing and that means it is time to get the local parks ready for the coming season.
 Staff photo/Katie Yantis: Jessica Slone, back right, Alison Sandberg and Aubrey Lambdin pick up trash along Ohio 364 during a lake cleanup day Saturday.
Volunteers arrived at Grand Lake St. Marys Saturday, to participate in the annual Grand Lake St. Marys Cleanup Day. Assistant Park Manager Ron Pyles said members of various Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and other local organizations go out to the lake to help clean up the body of water
“Wonderful, the weather has always been horrendously bad, so today should be great,” Pyles said.
In addition to cleaning up East Bank, Pyles said groups would be cleaning other locations around the lake.
“We have some groups going to West Bank and Windy Point,” Pyles said.
As the morning progressed a Girl Scout group arrived to help with clean up, as well as members from the Sailboat Club.
While the attendance was low Pyles said they appreciate those who did show to help with the cleaning.
Girl Scout Troop 20578 leader Chris Ewry said her troop participates in the cleanup to help the community.
“The scouts are stressing service to the community right now,” Ewry said. “We have been doing this for probably four years now. It’s a good service project for them.”
Troop member Alison Sandberg, 9 made a comment to her mom as she picked up another trash bag.
“It’s hard work to do this, but it’s helpful to the community,” Sandberg said.
Members of the Sailboat Club also said the cleanup day helps the park and the community.
Sailboat Club Members, Mary Lou and David Reddick of Jenera, were helping clean along the lake.
“There isn’t as much trash as last year,” Mary Lou Reddick said. “We have been working in the same area (the last few years) so it’s not as bad.”
She also had a hope for community members who witnessed those participating in clean-up day.
“I hope it helps them to at least think before they throw something down again,” Reddick said.
The Reddicks along with the Bergdall, Lane and Keene families all members of the Sailboat Club said they would be picking up trash until around noon, then would help with some work around the club.
Grand Lake St. Marys Assistant Park Manager Brian Miller said the attendance was not high.
“The attendance is down,” Miller said. “We are appreciative of anyone that comes out to help clean it up for the season. It’s a nice day for it.”
Miller said people come out to help clean up the park because of the valuable resource that it is to the community.
“People understand it is their resource, anything they can do to keep it nice,” Miller said. “They are helping themselves.” |
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 29 April 2009 )
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