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| By Katelyn Gendron Reminder Assistant Editor WEST SPRINGFIELD For many, city life means increased population, noise, traffic and litter over those living in remote suburbia. In an effort to overcome the abundance of litter in their neighborhood, the Precinct 1 and 2 Neighborhood Committee is promoting an anti-litter campaign called "Can the Litter, Keep Merrick Clean." On April 26, volunteers will gather at the Corson Playground at 9 a.m. to participate in a massive neighborhood cleanup. "Litter is a problem all over the country Americans are slobs," Angus Rushlow, District 1 and 2 Town Councilor, said at the Precinct 1 and 2 Neighborhood Committee meeting last week. "However, this group stays on top of it. They have pride in their neighborhood." West Springfield Police Sgt. Lawrence Larrabee said he will help to coordinate volunteers, including youth in need of community service hours. "I will be out there with my guys [fellow police officers] and any family and friends I can drag down there," he said. "We're going to try to set some positive examples [for the community]. I hope [the anti-litter campaign] spreads throughout the town. I really believe that it will." Diana Crowell, member of the Steering Committee for the Precinct 1 and 2 Neighborhood Committee, agreed with Larrabee, adding that the committee is looking to coordinate efforts with the Department of Public Works, the mayor's office and the community police. "It's not just the citizens, it's the businesses too," Rushlow noted. Larrabee explained that during patrols he has seen several businesses on Union Street already taking initiatives to post the bright orange anti-litter campaign signs as well as clean their properties. "My war cry is you have to teach the people. Everyday is Sesame Street," Rushlow said of the ongoing efforts to promote the anti-litter campaign. The city's State Rep. James Welch said the ongoing campaign will specific target areas such as the Merrick Neighborhood. "Those types of things are so important to a community," Welch said of the anti-litter campaign and of the committee's efforts to promote it. Crowell said she and others will be looking throughout Precincts 1 and 2 for "trouble spots" that may require extensive cleanup. "We hope a lot of people will join us," she said. Volunteers should meet at the Corson Playground on Main Street for registration and breakfast. Lunch will also be provided from noon to 1 p.m. |