Does anyone want to pick up litter with me?
I've been told that picking up litter is good for the soul. I try to pick up anything I see whenever I walk by it. I often feel guilty when I don't have time to pick up litter. Sometimes, I'll even pick up a plastic bag and just go out and fill it up.
Once last year, I was doing this on Main Street and I picked up a bottle of something and, well, I better not say what it was because you might be eating. I was in a bad mood when I started, and an even worse mood when I was almost getting sick from it, but later that night, when I had cleaned up, I felt good for having cleaned up something that could really have made someone else really sick if I hadn't been there to clean it up. (I just want to say thank God it was on Main St., only a few yards away from a garbage can. If it had been on Willow Grove St. or 517, where I was walking -- well, my conscience would probably force me to get it somehow, it would have been more difficult.
So, why do I bring this up at all? I'm told that trying to get credit for good deeds is not good for your soul (in many different traditions). But, I don't know, somebody in another post was trying to think of ways to improve Main St. and said something about a "shopping crawl" or something. It just made me think that a few people on this board could arrange to meet (maybe once a month, or at some other interval) and pick up litter.
There are some things we can't control (like the language people speak or what they choose to put in their window). And some things we can, like the poster who was complaining about the dirty alley.
I'm fine just doing it by myself. But if we had a group of people, I'm sure it would help others feel safer. Plus, two people working together usually get more than twice the amount of work done.
Anyway, is anybody interested?
We can put it on the calendar for next weekend or something. And then, afterwards, we can all go sit and have a well deserved meal at one of the restaurants in town.
I'll volunteer to bring the trash bags. Does anyone have easy access to rubber gloves? In my experience, depending on the level of dirt you want to clean up (like cigarette butts, for example), these might be indispensable.
EB (aka Erik Anderson)
EB 
EB, I have loads of gloves I can give you. I u se them everyday to pick up the cigarette butts in front of my store. My landlord goes out most days and blows and picks up garbage but it seems we are at the bottom of Liberty St and igts like a wind tunnel. It always is blowing in our little alcove. I would help But not feeling the greatest in this heat. Im going to see if I can get a couple of kids to help!
Just tsop in the store and I will have them for you!
Christine EB, I can provide you with a case of rubber gloves which had been ordered in error by the person in my job before me. We have no use for them in a clinical setting as they contain powder. If you can use them, I would certainly get them to you.
just meEB - I'm out of town all week in Ohio at a client, and next weekend is a family function for a graduate. I could do this on Sunday if it were next weekend, otherwise I wouldn't be around and the week after would be better. But I'm interested in doing something positive. Even if I can't make it, pick a time and place to meet.
GC I was thinking about next Sunday, July 13th myself.
Probably in the afternoon would be best, because some people might not want to miss church, I suppose.
I was thinking 2 o'clock. If no one objects, I'll post it on the calendar tomorrow (Sunday, July 6th).
July 13th is our fundraiser for Knudsens at the Washington Theatre at 1pm. Sorry hope alot of people show up.
Oh, okay, I heard about that.
I didn't see it on the Hackettstown Life calendar, so I added it. I just copied your post announcing it from June 15. If there's anything you'd like me to change, let me know.
June 20th, anyone? There's nothing on the calendar for that Sunday.
EB - I'm not sure I can make it next Sunday - it is a good idea. The only thing is that the town will look the same in a few days because people think it is okay to just throw everything around. Just a warning - don't go near that alley (between discount furniture store and Moretti - went past this morning and it is disgusting - enough to probably call the board of health.
Kate S. EB - I'd like to help as well - the 20th looks for me - what time? or should we make it a standard time - every week or two? Thanks for coming up with this idea.
EB - Sign me up too...
HipPupPetServices@gmail.com
Just email me when you plan on going out and as long as I don't have too many critters to take care of I'll be glad to lend a hand...I have plenty of gloves (the bf is an EMT) and we can chuck the bags of trash in the back of the pickup.
~Jodie
It looks like June 20th is the date, I suppose.
2 o'clock is good for me, and most people get to go to church if they want to in the morning.
I don't know which alley you are talking about, but I was hopign people could come up with ideas of specific places to target.
I was in the municipal lot behind the hot dog shop (which, apparently is closed on Sunday), and that could use some work.
That problem that in a week (or even a day or two) it will be practically the same is real. I don't really know what to do about it. But, you can't really give up just because of that. I can't, anyway. Sometimes, you just have to laugh.
Actually EB I wouldn't touch the stuff in the alley - it is dangerous looking and that is really the landlord's responsibility. It definitely looks like a health hazard.
Is there a reason why the landlords aren't held responsible for the messes in the alleys on Main St? Are they not subject to some kind of fine or court appearance? Our company had another office in Newark and we were forever being fined and had to show up in court for garbage problems that wasn't even ours. We had a 9-5 business that was always kept neat, but people would put their garbage by our builidng and we ultimately wound up with the fine. Does Hackettstown not have some kind of system, be it warnings or fines to avoid this problem?
Bessie I was also wondering, are there laws against going onto private property like that? Probably, right?
It would be good to know exactly where we're allowed to be. If Christine's aware of it, then the BID is. Should we notify the town in any way? I doubt we need permits, but it couldn't hurt to find out.
Maybe I'll go over tomorrow if no one has an answer for me here before then.
I do not believe you need any permits. But you may want to check. Provate property is another question. Pesonally I dont see anyone complaining that you are cleaning up their property. But you never know.
The parking lots are town property just make them aware what you will be doing.
EB - the problem is where are you going to put the garbage when you are finished picking it up. The alley I'm talking about had 2 overflowing dumpsters and garbage all over the alley. There is some program in town that pays organizations to pickup garbage. We have done it with girl scouts. I don't remember the details but they pick up the garbage bags. I believe you can check it out on hackettstown.net
I have an idea of where to put the garbage....but it's too inflammatory for the forum : )
I can take at least half a dozen bags, and probably more than that, without a problem with my private service. Hopefully, more volunteers can take a bag or two home if they can. These are all very good questions.
Thanks everyone.
EB, why isn't the landlord paying for the dumpsters to be emptied? I know you don't really know the answer, but I'm not sure why that isn't being addressed by the town. Really curious about that one.
The town might require you to have liability insurance for your group just in case someone (God forbids) gets hurt, cut or jabbed by a used needle. Hey, you never know!
Somebody told me about this on the town web site:
http://www.hackettstown.net/Community/cleancommunities.htm
Hackettstown Clean Communities
Hackettstown’s Clean Community Program is an easy way for non-profit clubs and organizations to raise funds and help the community.
Through funding from the state, we are able to “pay” for clean-ups of public roads, parks and other areas conducted by groups such as Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, schools, 4-H clubs or civic organizations.
Clean-ups must be undertaken within the boundaries of Hackettstown and each participant must work for at least 2 hours with a minimum of 10 participants. $10.00 per person is paid, so the more people you get to help pick up litter the more money you receive! Arrangements for tools and supplies and pick-up of trash and recyclables are made thought the town’s Department of Public Works.
Funding is also available for educational presentations about the importance of keeping litter from our streets and parks and waterways. If you think you may be interested in more information about either of these opportunities, please contact Joanne Solecki, Clean Communities coordinator at jsolecki@verizon.net
Can we get 10 people for sure?
I'm in - and did I read that correctly that we get paid $10 per person? If so, why not donate that money towards cleaning supplies and/or paint and we can start painting the less attractive buildings? Fresh paint makes things look really nice. Any thoughts?
I got an email back from Joanne Solecki, she writes:
What a great idea you have. The Clean Communities Program is state funded and reimburses non-profit groups for clean ups within the boundaries of Hackettstown. Since your group is not an official non-profit group, any funds received from the program would have to go to another group in town (ie. the BID ). You can find the guidelines at hackettstown.net. Just click on the community link and then the Clean Communities link. Scroll down to the bottom for applications and guidelines.
The DPW on East Plane St. will provide bags, gloves, brooms and shovels that you may need.
So, if you want to go ahead with a clean up on Main St and pick a non-profit group to give the money to, I can help out. Whatever you decide, thanks for helping to keep Hackettstown clean!
so legally they have to give it to a non-profit group
I guess that should be the BID.
Does anybody object? I wasn't in it for the money anyway.
Thanks,
Erik
BabyFireFly What is the final date. I have a couple of volunteers. It says June 20th above Im assuming it Huky 20th. LOL!
Yes, July 20th. I get confused when there is more than one month starting with "Ju" so close together. I'm kind of dense that way. My apologies.
I'll post it on the calendar.
Great! I can do July 20th and bringing helpers! I will also put it on the BID website for more volunteers!
But where should we meet?
I was thinking in the Municipal lot behind Domino's or the Hot Dog place. I know we can start right there cleaning up that lot.
When I come home from work later tonight, I will fill out the application for the town Joanne Solecki was telling me about.
Great idea, I'll be there.
A couple of suggestions:
Lets have a single place where folks meet to sign up. Especially since there is an opportunity to get a donation from the Clean Communities folks. A sign up sheet and recording the names and times is important for getting full credit. It also allows for spreading out the volunteer, so we don't have everyone walking the same route.
Designate a drop off spot, also with a check out sheet. Not so much for ease of removal of the trash but for a photo op of a large pile of trash removed. I look at photo's of my kids during some clean ups on the river from 15 years ago, and the "good" feeling still resounds.
Trash attracts more trash, clean stays clean. The nay sayers who worry that the trash will return immediately, are mistaken. There are numerous studies that show normal people will drop their trash if they see trash already on the ground, and hold it if the place is clean. (Pigs who don't care and fanatics who never litter are actually the exception.)
If we get 20 folks to donate 3 hours, that will be 60 hours of time, at $10 an hour that would make a nice $600 donation to the Knudsen fund.
Agust We can meet at my store. I will have a sign up sheet ready and everyone can pick up what they need. I will even set out a table and supply water.
I dropped the Clean Communities program application for Christine to sign off at her store yesterday.
Also, I sent a little note to the Warren Reporter to advertise it, and also to possibly send out a reporter.
This was Kathy's idea.
Hi EB,
You may also want to contact the Express-Times. Lynn Olanoff is the local bureau reporter.
Reporter Lynn Olanoff can be reached at 908-475-8044 or by e-mail at lolanoff@express-times.com
As the Hackettstown-area photographer for the newspaper, I may end up with this assignment to shoot/cover & I'd be happy to.
Good Luck!
Nick
Greetings and hello to anyone who is coming here from the link provided to you by the Warren Reporter. Thank you for your interest.
Feel free to discuss this event here, or follow up on some updates at this link:
http://www.hackettstownlife.com/forum/39112
Thanks again.
sorry, again
this is the right link:
http://blog.nj.com/warrenreporter/2008/07/come_clean_up_hackettstown.html
thanks
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