GRANVILLE/TOLLAND – The towns of Granville and Tolland joined forces on Sunday for an Earth Day Clean Sweep Event. Residents met at the town green in Granville at Noon to be given their street assignment for helping pick up trash.
Paula Sharon, who is a Tolland resident, created an event on Facebook for the clean-up and helped organize it with assistance from Granville residents Jess Ripley and Nicole Berndt.
Lt. Rick Rindels of the Granville Police Department takes a photo with Granville residents Cate and Lilie Ripley during the Earth Day Clean Up. (Photo from Rick Rindels)
“It was nice to have the people that did come out, support us and help out,” said Ripley.
According to Sharon, there were around 50 people combined from both communities that participated. People picked up trash up and down Route 57 and as well as Route 189 by the Gran-Val Scoop.
“Everybody worked really hard, it was nice,” said Sharon.
The police and fire departments were also involved. The Granville Police Department conducted traffic control and used their blue lights to help yield any fast-driving vehicles.
Lt. Rick Rindels said that there were four Granville Police officers who attended the event in plain clothes and helped pick up trash with the residents.
“We do a lot of community events,” said Rindels.” “We try to get involved as much as we can.”
After the cleanup was finished, around 20 to 25 participants returned to the Granville Town Green at 4 p.m. and had a potluck picnic.
The Gran-Val Scoop provided free ice cream to all who picked up trash. A local musician, Ozone Pete, played music.
Being the first time that the Earth Day Clean Sweep has occurred, Sharon said that the plan is to continue this for next year and hopefully for years to come.
