Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, April 6, 1990 TAG: 9004041032
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: KIM SUNDERLAND CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG LENGTH: Medium
The one-day event, called Broomin' & Bloomin', is expected to be twice as successful as previous years, since more people have become environmentally conscious, said Bob Blanton, a co-chairman.
"As citizens become more aware of the problems, they feel they can get involved and help get rid of illegal dumping and littering," he said.
Blanton said illegal dumping exists and trash bags aren't used as much as they should be in the county. However, 1,200 groups have signed on to help remedy that.
And because the cleanup coincides with Earth Day, program officials are recommending that county schools incorporate an environmental curriculum during this time, too.
"More people are talking about environmental problems this year," said Blanton. "We need to make sure the young people understand what is going on and how they can help."
From 8:30 a.m. until 1 p.m., groups including Rainforest Action at Virginia Tech, Laurel Creek Nursery, Junior Women's Club, Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets, Christiansburg Ruritan National Club, area high schools, Scout troops and businesses will travel to their designated spots and start the cleanup.
"We're so glad that more civic groups and schools are involved this time," said Co-chairman Billy Swain, who has helped on each of the county's seven cleanups. "It's a worthwhile project that children and senior citizens can help out with and learn from."
The program was initiated by the Virginia Department of Litter Control and Recycling to get counties and towns to help clean up roadsides and illegal dumps. It ties in with the Adopt-A-Highway program, sponsored by the Virginia Department of Transportation, which encourages citizens to keep a strip of highway free of litter.
Transportation, trash bags and safety equipment for Broomin' & Bloomin' have been donated. All registered groups will collect recyclables and bring them to the county recycling center on U.S. 460 and County Drive. Any other debris will go to the landfill. Both will have extended hours that day.
A picnic will be given for participants at 1:30 p.m. at the county Parks and Recreation Department. Wades has donated food and there will be live music, softball and volleyball.
An orientation meeting is scheduled for crew chiefs on April 18 at 7 p.m. at the Blacksburg Library. Registration deadline is April 6. For information, call Blanton at 552-1919 or call 382-5793, 552-4909 or 231-7801.
by CNB