THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, February 18, 1997 TAG: 9702180291
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY MEREDITH COHN, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CHESAPEAKE LENGTH: 37 lines
Nearly 6,000 people helped rid the city of almost 230,000 pounds of debris in its waterways, parks and other public areas last year.
Now, the Chesapeake Environmental Improvement Council is recruiting volunteers for this spring's citywide projects to promote litter prevention, recycling, beautification and environmental awareness.
The council, appointed by the City Council and supported by the city Parks and Recreation Department, is planning a series of local events. It also will participate in regional efforts that could benefit Chesapeake.
``My impression is that 6,000 people is a good response,'' said Kerry Goldmeyer, vice chairman of the council.
Although Goldmeyer said Chesapeake seems clean and turnout - Rotarians, church groups, Boy and Girl Scouts and civic leagues, among others, are quick to pitch in - at events is good, there is still work to be done. For example, many city residents don't always remember that stormwater drains and backyard creeks send unfiltered water into the Chesapeake Bay, she said.
``In my neighborhood there are fish painted on the storm drains as a reminder,'' she said. ``People don't realize how quickly pollution gets into the bay and their drinking water. Guess where it goes, guys.''
The two biggest events of the year - April's Glad Bag-A-Thon and June's Chesapeake Bay Day - are regional events that will focus residents' attention on their own back yards, she said.
Smaller events, including a ``Clean and Green'' poster contest for students in kindergarten through 12th grade, and awards programs, such as Yard of the Month and Business Beautification Awards, help get local people involved and thinking about their environment, she said. MEMO: More information is available by calling the Special Programs
Office at the Parks and Recreation Department at 382-6411.