Everyone pitched in on Cleanup Day
On Saturday, April 18, in the spirit of Earth Day, our town residents took part in our Annual Spring Cleanup Day. As Chairman of the event, I was gratified and pleased at the numbers of people who participated, in their resolve to clean up the environment. I was also happy to hear the attitudes of the youngsters who, in many cases, brought their parents along to help pick up litter. It is a great feeling to know that these children, who will soon be adults, will possibly think twice about discarding their fast food containers and cigarettes from their car windows. I want to thank our Mayor, Paul Crowley, and our community Development Director, Jim Kilduff, for their participation in the event; our sponsors, Sussex Bank, Marie Pallotta and Terry Lynn, manager at the Franklin Walmart, Shop-Rite of Franklin, for the donations that provided lunch for the volunteers. Thanks to the members of the Franklin Historical Society for their help in coordinating the event, and to Jim Williams of the Franklin Exempt Firemen Assoc. for getting access to the Fireman’s Park for the luncheon. Thanks also go to David Smith, who got the grill going under difficult circumstances. Thanks to Mike Gunderman and the Franklin Road Dept. for their help in obtaining cleanup materials and disposing of the garbage bags at the conclusion of the events. The Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts of Franklin came out en masse to pitch in, and in spite of a previous commitment, they worked it in their schedule. We are so fortunate to have such a group of dedicated leaders keeping our kids on the right path. Last of all, thanks to my husband Bob, who is always there to support me in my endeavors, and does a lot of the heavy lifting and go-fer tasks. All in all, it was a very productive day, and hopefully will mark the beginning of our Revitalization of our Main Street, and will help to reflect a positive image on our community. I am most appreciative to all. Betty Allen Cleanup Day Chairman Franklin Economic Development Comm.