Citizens sponsor cleanup this week

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, June 14, 2006

BURLINGTON — For more than a decade a local group of volunteers has helped to keep the community clean. This week that tradition will continue.

Burlington citizens are asked to begin sprucing up their property and getting rid of unwanted items during the annual Spring Clean-Up Week, sponsored by the Concerned Citizens of the Burlington Area, in cooperation with the Fayette Township Trustees.

To help in those efforts, there will be dumpsters set up Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. — or until the five 30-yard dumpsters are full — at the Burlington Fire Station on County Road 1. No items will be accepted except during the designated times.

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Nearly all items will be accepted at the site except household garbage and hazardous materials such as oil and paint. Everyone who brings in items is asked to donate a minimum of $15 to the Concerned Citizens.

Curbside pick-ups are available, but should be prearranged before Thursday, and a minimum donation of $20 is requested. Senior citizens and those with disabilities can get free pick-up if they call in advance.

Volunteers are needed to help load and unload items at the fire station. Those who want to participate should be there on Friday or Saturday — or both days if they choose — no later than 8 a.m.

Ed Moellendick, chairman of the clean-up committee, said the citizens’ group went in the hole last year to fund the project and had to raise its rates in an effort to break even. Last year, a load could be dropped off for $10.

But, Moellendick said, all of the money raised goes to fund worthwhile community projects such as cleaning up the Commons Playground and the restoration of the old county jail. The group is also planning to purchase smoke detectors to give out to residents in the Burlington area. The Fayette trustees are also buying smoke detectors for the giveaway. The smoke detectors should be available soon, Moellendick said.

The cleanup is a vital service to the community, not only because it keeps the community looking its best, but also because it helps the residents get rid of those items that may prove to be a challenge to dispose of.

“Many times people have things that the garbagemen will not pick up. This clean up helps the people in our area to get rid of the items like mattresses and other big items that are around the house,” Moellendick said.

Last year, more than 37 tons of material was collected during the cleanup.

The Concerned Citizens will also sponsor a rummage sale this weekend from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the fire station. Clean clothing and items in good condition are being accepted. To donate to the sale, contact Sharon Hackworth at (740) 894-5932 or Harriette Ramsey.

The group meets at 6:30 p.m. every fourth Thursday of the month at the Lawrence County Senior Citizen Center at Sybene. The group is always looking for new members.