Several new organizations are joining the Third Annual Kingston Clean Sweep this year, raising the number of participating groups to more than 20 and the volunteer corps to more than 200. New to the event this year are Cornell Cooperative Extension, Friends of Senate House, Kingston Cares, Kingston Catholic School, Kingston Library, St. Joseph’s School and Viridian Energy.
The Sweep will take place Saturday, April 21, 9 a.m. to noon with volunteers picking up litter lying along the “Kingston Corridor” from Washington Avenue through the uptown business district, down Broadway to the Rondout waterfront. Last year, approximately 200 volunteers from students to senior citizens picked up nearly four tons of litter.
“Litter-free streets affect the quality of life for residents as well as creating a favorable perception of the city by tourists. As citizens of Kingston, we all share the responsibility for helping to maintain a clean environment. We hope people will join us and pitch in,” says Friends of Historic Kingston President Patricia Murphy.
The Kingston Clean Sweep is sponsored by the Friends of Historic Kingston with support from the City of Kingston and numerous other business and service organizations. Returning organizations are the Boys and Girls Club of Kingston, Business Alliance of Kingston, Junior League of Kingston, Kingston Rotary Club, Kingston Sunrise Rotary Club, Kingston Uptown Business Association, Kingston Farmers Market, Kingston Uptown Residents Association, Kingston Kiwanis Club, Kingston Land Trust, Kingston Lions Club, Kingston Opera House, Ulstercorps, Ulster Garden Club and Ward 9. Organizations oversee a designated section of the “Sweep Corridor.”
“The “Clean Sweep” will not only spruce up the ‘Kingston Corridor,’ but hopefully inspire hundreds of Kingstonians of all ages to do the same in their own neighborhoods,” says Steve Noble, Environmental Educator for the City of Kingston. The event, timed to occur near the 42nd anniversary of Earth Day, helps to promote environmental stewardship, Noble says.
Individuals are welcome to participate. Trash bags and plastic gloves are provided. Anyone who wishes to volunteer can call the Friends of Historic Kingston at (845) 339-0720 or e-mail fohk@hvc.rr.com.
