Members of one Laurel community took to the streets Saturday to work to restore pride and cleanliness in their neighborhood.
Ward Four Councilman George Carmichael and residents of Ward Four sponsored the Clean Up Day.
Carmichael said the members of Ward Four’s 1st, 2nd and 3rd Avenue Neighborhood Watch coordinated the effort.
“It’s very important that we have days like this in our community if Laurel is going to remain the City Beautiful,” the councilman said. “We are out here picking up trash to help clean up our community and to encourage others to do the same.”
Evelyn Evans, who has lived at her First Avenue residence for about 20 years, said the project was also designed “to motivate the people of Ward Four to get involved.”
Organizers said they were very pleased with the turnout and support the day received.
Carmichael said the group is continuing to “work to combat those things which are not conductive to good safe living.”
The councilman said Saturday’s project was a continuation of the neighborhood association’s ongoing efforts.
“We are just working to be more active in helping to rid our community of junk cars, overgrown lots, litter and drugs,” Carmichael said. “We want to address the curfew, crime and the gangs that some time come out.”
Evans, who is president of the Ward Four 1st, 2nd and 3rd Avenue Neighborhood Association, said “the day was a great success.”
Carmichael said the event was also supported by Laurel Mayor Melvin Mack, Laurel’s Public Works Director Shedwick Jones and members of the J.H. Spriggs Football League and its Commissioner Tony Perryman.
Perryman said the league, which has about 240 to 250 young people and about 40 adults, has committed itself to helping in community clean up projects throughout the city.
“I brought the children from this neighborhood out today to help take part in this project, and we will be helping in others,” Perryman said. “By participating in this event, it gives them a positive attitude about their community.”
Carmichael said the cleanup project is also a way to educate the public while also encouraging them to become involved.
“It’s educational for everyone involved,” the city councilman said. “If the young people help pick up the litter, then they will possibly not litter later on because they realize that it’s something that someone has to pick up.”
Organizers reported collecting about 65 of the 30-gallon bags during the morning effort.
The Ward Four Neighborhood Association has been established for about four years.
Evans said cleaning up the neighborhood is just one of the things the group is working to accomplish.
She said the group has been working to communicate with its residents through monthly meetings and literature, which is distributed in English and Spanish.
Organizers said events like Saturday’s activity should create more community involvement.
Carmichael said some consideration is being given to establishing a special city-wide cleanup day.
Local News
Related Photos
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Photo/Eloria Newell James
Ward Four takes it to the streets for clean up day
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