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Date: 3/9/2021
AGAWAM – The Westfield River Watershed Association is holding two spring river cleanup events on April 24 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., one in Agawam and one in Westfield.
The cleanup this year is in honor of longtime Agawam resident and environmentalist Jack Coughlin, who is paralyzed for life after being struck by a car in January of this year while picking up trash. In a social media post about the cleanup, Coughlin was described as an “unsung hero” who would go out every day to pick up trash around Agawam. He has also been a part of many of the city’s past cleanups, and would push for legislation to help keep specific resources clean.
“He’s really done so much to open people’s eyes and advocate for bills to keep our land clean,” said Sheryl Becker, who is spearheading the Agawam cleanup as part of the Westfield River Watershed Association. “Jack was promoting legislation for many years.”
Nancy Bobskill, a retired teacher and environmental activist, added that Coughlin is an “incredible example of what it’s like to live what you believe.”
She said, “He’s a role model for everyone. We’ve done these cleanups every year, but he’s gone out cleaning every day.”
Bobskill continued by saying that Coughlin is one of those people who envisions clean water and clean air for everybody. “That’s a really beautiful thing – when you choose to live your life so you make an improvement on the lives of others.”
Those who wish to participate in the Agawam cleanup must meet at Pynchon Point at 9 a.m. – across from Catch 1251 – for orientation and cleanup assignments. There is no formal registration for the cleanup. Becker asks anyone who is interested to “just show up.”
“We don’t let anyone just clean up on their own,” said Becker, who also explained that people will be spread out and split into small groups to clean below the river walk. Masks and social distancing will be required for the cleanup, and hand sanitizer, gloves, and bags will be provided.
According to Becker, boots or sturdy shoes, as well as long pants are strongly recommended for those looking to participate. Clothes that one would not mind getting dirty are heavily suggested, as well. Becker also urges people to bring their own reusable water bottles for refreshment purposes.
Some people will have the opportunity to use a “Nifty Nabber” when picking up trash along the river walk, which is what Coughlin called his cleaning instrument when he himself would pick up trash across Agawam. Becker said that there will be a limited number of these cleaning instruments, however.
“That’s Jack’s thing,” said Becker, when talking about the “Nifty Nabber.” “We’ll have some of those, but we won’t have enough for everyone.”
Becker, who has been a part of these cleanup events for over 20 years, said that the Westfield River Water Association does plan on conducting future cleanups. “We usually just do two cleanups a year, the spring and fall,” she said. “But this year, partially because of the pandemic and partially because of Jack, we wanted to do more.”
The organization was unable to spearhead their spring cleanup last year because of COVID-19, but Becker said that some people were able to participate in smaller cleanups throughout the course of 2020. Any additional events in 2021 will be posted on Facebook, according to Becker.
“We’ll at least squeeze in a few more cleanups in between the two main cleanups,” she said.
Aside from the cleanups, Bobskill added that regular people in the community can make a positive environmental impact every day of their lives by simply picking trash up whenever they see it lying on the ground. She also advises residents to call their legislators to help pass “Jack’s Bill,” which is a piece of legislation that would put a deposit of $.5 or more on miniature alcoholic beverage containers. Her and Becker both hope that the state decides to raise the deposit to at least $0.10.
“I think when there’s a deposit, people look at something, rather than looking at it as trash, they look at it as this is a valuable resource,” said Bobskill.
Becker meanwhile believes that Agawam must pass a wetlands bylaw that would better protect wetlands and waterways across the city. She said that the conservation committee did submit a proposal for this awhile ago.
"We’re really eager to get that done,” said Becker. “The Wetlands Protection Act regulations are not sufficient.”
In the meantime, Becker said that she hopes to get younger children involved in these cleanups throughout the year, specifically boy and girl scouts. She hopes to get environmental club students from the Agawam High School more involved, as well.
For more information on the upcoming cleanup, visit the Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/events/429159738145043/. The rain date will be April 25.