Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, April 14, 1994 TAG: 9404140198
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: S-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: NANCY BELL STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
In January, it was selected from more than 200 entrants for the Virginia Department of Transportation's Dare to Care award.
"We are thrilled with the award," said Assistant Scout Master Randy Richartz, who initiated the troop's involvement in the program after attending an adult leadership conference on environmental issues.
"It is nice to receive recognition," he said. "It shows that the contributions made to the community are noticed."
Richartz traveled to Richmond Jan. 26 to accept the award.
Picking up trash along Roanoke County's rural roads has taught the 50 members of the troop, sponsored by Cave Spring United Methodist Church, about more than litter control, Richartz said.
From the items tossed to the roadside by others, the boys, ages 11 to 18, have learned much about the people who travel Southwest Roanoke County.
"One thing seems certain. People aren't concerned with the environment," Richartz said.
He said the typical hike - about a 4.4-mile round trip - usually yields at least three giant bags filled with trash.
"The boys see the impact of drinking and driving by the number of beer cans and bottles they collect along the road," he said.
Taking the job seriously has reinforced a sense of duty, Richartz said. And the Scouts' commitment to the project in all kinds of weather helped them win statewide recognition.
"I think the whole idea of Scouting is duty to God, service to the community and love of the outdoors," Richartz said. "That's what this project is about. And respect for the environment. Definitely, they have grabbed hold of that."
The Scouts wear blaze orange and use flags and cones to direct traffic while they pick up litter. Still, many motorists speed by with little regard for the boys' safety.
"The boys have gained an appreciation for the people who work along the highways," Richartz said.
Some people, mostly those living along the two roads, stop and thank the Scouts for cleaning the roadways.
"One of our boys found a weathered envelope that had a stamp, no postmark and was addressed, but with no return address," Richartz recalls.
"We opened it and found a two-month-old check belonging to one of the residents on our highway. We returned the check and found out that it was for a bill the man thought he had paid. The resident was very appreciative."
In addition to quarterly cleanup patrols, Troop 221 also participates in Clean Valley Day and various river cleanups each year, Richartz said.
The troop's success, he said, is due in part to the leadership of Scoutmaster William Danco and a high ratio of adult volunteers, including 22 fathers.
Virginia's Adopt-a-Highway program utilizes 50,000 volunteers each year, saving taxpayers nearly $5 million in litter-control services, according to Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner Ray Pethtel.
Lois Holdren Agee of Troutville also won a Dare to Care award.
"If all citizens were as dedicated as she is, Virginia would be a litter-free state," said her husband, Charles Agee, who nominated her for the award. Lois Agee did not want to be interviewed.
Judith Lienhardt of Northwest Roanoke received the Outstanding Supporter award for her role as community affairs secretary for the program.
"Judy is a prime example of a VDOT employee who has really dedicated herself to Adopt-a-Highway. She truly is the heart and soul of our efforts," said Chuck Hansen, who coordinates the program.
Groups or individuals interested in joining Adopt-a-Highway can contact their district VDOT office.
by CNB