2005 Autumn / Winter Newsletter

Clinton County CleanScapes
YOUR PARTNER IN HELPING COMMUNITIES
CLEANUP OUR WATERWAYS & LANDSCAPES
VOLUME 5, ISSUE 1
AUTUMN 200 5
W INTE R 2 0 0 6
Serving Centre, Clinton & Lycoming Counties Since 2000
Melissa Boone
Above left—Lock Haven University Americorps volunteer
David Gooch (left) assists Jeff
Johnson (center) & CCC President Tim Holladay (right) in
filling a Super Sac with collected debris. Once full, the
sack is pulled up the hill by a
winch attached to a truck operated by Sproul’s DCNR staff.
The 400+ lb. sack is then
scooped up into a front-end
loader & driven to the dumpster. An expensive alternative
to traditional cleanup methods
yet very effective & efficient.
Below—Central Mt. High
School student Jeff Johnson’s senior project was to
document & participate in
the cleanup. After the
event Jeff wrote, “Before
the cleanup, there was so
much trash, I couldn’t
believe my eyes...I was
amazed. After, I felt like I
really did something great
for my community & for
our environment.”
Melissa Boone
Above right—Prior to removing the
man-made debris, Lock Haven
University students joined Central
Tires
Mt. High School students & local
citizens in passing down 15 bales
of straw from the top of the dumpsite to the creek hollow. The bales
were laid parallel to the waterway
& were used to create a buffer
zone between the dumpsite & the
creek. With the straw barrier in
place, the refuse surrounding the
creek was safely removed without
any topsoil reaching the pristine
waters of Queens Run in WoodMelissa. Boone ward Township, Clinton County.
Queens Run Streamside Cleanup
19 Volunteers, 5 Tons & 53
In 2003, CCC received information on this active illegal dumpsite adjacent to Queens Run. After the initial site survey & investigation, it was undeniably apparent that the owners of the land were not at fault. Since the cleanup event, the site remains debris free!
Left—Sproul State Forest DCNR
staff & CCC Project Director (left
to right) Jeff Simcisko, Gene
Riggle, Elisabeth Lynch, Wade
Maurer & Frank Dudish worked
until the job was done—dusk!
File photo
Right—By donating the equipment
& the operators for this event,
DCNR conservatively saved CCC
$4200.00 in expenses. Thank you!
E. Lynch
Financial support for this cleanup project was provided in part by CCC Members, the Clinton Co. Community Foundation Inc.,
DCNR at Sproul State Forest, Pizza Hutt & the Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy. Thank you!!!
Greenway Cleanup Tackles Ivan's Aftermath
On Saturday morning, April 8th, 54 cold-braving volunteers (23 youth and 31 adults) removed flood-related debris
from the Susquehanna riverside areas along Riverfront Park
and Canfield Island in Loyalsock Township, Lycoming County.
From 9 am until noon, these folks picked up everything from
aluminum cans, glass bottles, Styrofoam cups and plastic containers to old tires, a wicker chair, an enormous sheet of bubble
wrap, and the remains of a portable potty.
E. Lynch
West Branch Susquehanna River bank before the cleanup.
Organized by Clinton County CleanScapes (CCC)
and the Loyalsock Township Parks and Recreation Department
(LTPRD), the cleanup resulted in the removal of 2.25 tons
(4725 pounds) of waste and the recycling of 28 tires. CCC
Project Director, Elisabeth Lynch, led one group of volunteers
to clean up the eastern side of Canfield Island; LTPRP Director
Shannon Englert led another to the more rugged, less level
western side.
Just before departing to these two sites, all volunteers
listened to Director Lynch's instructional talk. She hoped all
would have a good time, but that it was important to follow
some rules and heed some warnings. She explained the proper
way to lift heavier objects, that the "metal pole hooks" should
be used to retrieve trash stuck down in holes, that plastic bags
should only be filled about halfway, and that the young volunteers should not pick up any broken glass or sharp objects.
Lynch also warned everyone to be wary, that "it's slippery out
there and there's a lot of things to trip on," that volunteers
should "use your heads and follow common sense."
Lynch's group included seven girl scouts from Loyalsock's Troop 213 in the B4 Service Unit. Troop leader Marsha
Cunningham, on the walk back to Riverfront Park's pavilion
for lunch, commented, "They picked up a lot of stuff. We did
this last year for the first time, when we even found a wooden
lighthouse. We refurbished it and put it in their campground."
Marsha's daughter, Meghan, and her husband, Mike, were
among the volunteers this year. Lynch's group and other Loyalsock girl scouts from Daisies (ages 5-6) up through the older
girls were organized by Lee Robinson to participate in this outPage 2
David Kagan, Sun-Gazette Correspondent & CCC Volunteer
ing as a service opportunity.
Englert's group included biology professor Dr. Mel
Zimmerman and five biology majors from Lycoming College.
Allison Raymond, from New Jersey, after working for about an
hour, said, "It's disgusting, pathetic-all this garbage! If only
people had moved the stuff when they knew the flood was
coming last fall, a lot of this mess could have been prevented."
Nicole Rhodes, from State College, another Lycoming
bio major, echoed Raymond. "It really is disgusting the things
you find and that we have to pick up." Professor Zimmerman,
also the director of the Lycoming College Clean Water Institute, which does a lot of water quality testing on the river and
creeks in the area, applauded his five students for getting up
early on a Saturday morning to help. He noted that other college student volunteers would be planting grass at Lycoming
County's Rider Park above Warrensville during the weekend
also.
Another volunteer, first-year Loyalsock Township Supervisor Ginny Eaton, said, "I came over ahead of time to see
how it was, so I knew it was going to be nasty. I think it's important for people to volunteer to do this." Loyalsock's Ralph
Mills was volunteering for the first time. "I just figured I ought
to be doing something. I'm retired. I come down here and
walk a lot."
Three local Native Americans were among the volunteers also-David Gubber and his wife, Donna Faus, and David
Himmelreich. When asked why he was volunteering, Himmel-
E. Lynch
West Branch Susquehanna River bank after the cleanup.
reich proudly replied, "My ancestors are buried here."
After their hard physical labor outdoors in the 40degree-range temperatures, volunteers appreciatively wolfed
down the picnic-style luncheon provided by the LTPRD. Hot
dogs, hamburgers, macaroni salad and great camaraderie ended
a morning that will be remembered by all as having been well
spent.
In addition to LTPRD's Director Shannon Englert,
five other township employees assisted at the cleanup:
(See Page 3)
This greenway’s cleanup article is the unedited 4/16/06 S.-G. version that the author wrote for exclusive use by CCC.
(From Page 2)
Maintenance Supervisor Tom Schmuck and his crew of three
(Ernie Naugle, Gary Heisley and Gary Heisley, Sr.), who loaded
and shuttled trash from the cleanup sites to the dumpster; and
Office Clerk Raine Ohnmeiss, who signed in the volunteers
from 8:30-9 am and then helped pick up trash with them.
Although the volunteers and others there that morning are to be commended the most for the successful cleanup,
John S. Nevill, Jr./Sun-Gazette other individuals and organizations were also important to the
event: Avery Dennison (provided waterproof gloves), PENNDOT (provided gloves, plastic bags and safety vests), Dominion (awarded a grant to CCC for
event insurance), LTPRD ("Earth Day 2006" t-shirts for all volunteers), and the Clinton County
Commissioners (donated office space and supplies).
Furthermore, a Department of Community and
Economic Development grant through Senator Wozniak's
office funded the removal of a steel tractor-trailer from the
riverbank on March 3rd at a cost of $985. Finally,
DCNR's Bureau of Recreation and Conservation Community Partnerships Program provided a grant for disposable cameras for the girl scouts and trash disposal/hauling, tire recycling, and CCC administrative
costs associated with this greenway cleanup project.
As an affiliate of Pennsylvania Clean Ways, ClinJohn S. Nevill, Jr./Sun-Gazette
ton County CleanScapes, a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to helping citizens cleanup their waterways and landscapes, has scheduled two
more cleanups this spring. On April 22, CCC volunteers and employees from the Pennsylvania
Game Commission will remove decades of illegal dumping on elk-calving ground in West
Keating Township, Clinton County. Then, on May 20, volunteers and DCNR [Tiadaghton]
employees will clean up Torbert Island Natural Area of man-made debris left behind from numerous high water events; the island is located at the lower reach of Pine Creek, in Watson
Township, Lycoming County.
To find out more information about these outdoor volunteer possibilities or to register
(required no later than noon on the Thursday before the Saturday cleanup events), readers
should contact Elisabeth Lynch at 570-893-4123 or by e-mail at elynch@clintoncountypa.com.
Relatedly, information about PA CleanWays' Adoption Program, where individuals and groups
can become stewards of a hiking, biking or water trail, park, or other outdoor area, can be obtained at www.pacleanways.org.
Seriously consider volunteering at one (or both) of the upcoming outdoor environmental cleanups to experience the satisfaction and camaraderie that this Sun-Gazette correspondent can guarantee you. According to an ancient Native American proverb, "Treat the earth
well: it was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you by your children. We do not
inherit the Earth from our Ancestors, we borrow it from our Children."
BY THE BOARD
photo provided by CCC Board Member Colleen Xethakis-Lacy
When CCC decided to become an independent affiliate of PA CW during their
monthly meeting in Oct. 2005, the Board Members also accepted the responsibility to begin filing for CCC’s 501 (c)(3) status, set-up Federal, State, school, pay
roll/tax accounts and file for incorporation. Everyone anticipated a motion to
hire an account to draft the paper-work when Board member Colleen J. XethakisLacy casually stated, “I’ll do it.” Since that day, she has single-handedly set up all
accounts, filed, copied, forwarded and has smoothly lead CCC to administrative
freedom from the main office of PA CW. On behalf of all CCC Board and
supporting members, Thank you Colleen!
Other Lacy Landmarks: Married Gerald F. Lacy in 2000 in Dillon, MT, they have 2
children; Tyson and Nicole. She and her husband own a “mini-ranch” loaded with a menagerie of
animals and she volunteers outside of CCC! She graduated from Lock Haven High in 1973, completed nurses’ training in 1975, and then graduated from Erie with degree in accounting in 1983.
Newsletter Printed on Recycled Paper by Reese’s Print Shop in Lock Haven.
Autumn/Winter
Supporting Members:
GOV. & TOWNSHIPS
Clinton Co. Commissioners
Bald Eagle, Colebrook,
Logan, & Leidy Twp.
BUSINESSES
Haffley Insurance Agency
CDS Laboratories, Inc.
Old Corner Grill
Cedar Run Environ. Services
Malvern Consulting
Croda, Inc.
Avery Dennison
Let George Do It
Wayne Twp. Landfill
Pizza Hutt, Hogan Blvd.
ORGANIZATIONS
Clinton Co. Community
Foundation, Inc.
DCNR-Tiadaghton
Northcentral Pennsylvania
Conservancy
Pine Cr. Preservation Assoc.
Lloyd Wilson #224, T.U.
Dominion
Western Pennsylvania
Conservancy
Kiwanis Club of Mill Hall
FAMILIES & FRIENDS
Tim & Anne Holladay
Craig & Mary Vuccola
Dr. Harnishfeger & family
Kay & Robert Davey, Jr.
Dr. SueAnn Schatz
Dan Miller
Mike & Kelly Crist
Van & Edith Holladay
Robert & Phyllis Wimerch
Don M. Powers
Steve & Beth Bason
Dr.’s Sue Boland & John
Reid
Lisette Schilling
Les & Betty Kleckner
Colleen & Gerald Lacy
Amy Lapriola
Lin Greenaway
Robert Smeltz & Family-
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Tim Holladay, PRESIDENT
Michael Crist
Erin Dunleavy
Dr. Lester Kleckner
Colleen Xethakis-Lacy
Amy Laprolia
Lyle McKean
Robert “Pete” Smelt, Jr.
Page 3
C L I N T O N C O . C L E A N S CA P E S
Garden Building, 3rd Floor
232 East. Main St.
Lock Haven, PA. 17745
www.clintoncountypa.com
click “PA CleanWays”
Voice: 570-893-4123 Fax: 570-893-4122
elynch@clintoncountypa.com
Clinton County CleanScapes
Is a Affiliate Member of PA CleanWays
For further reading on statewide topics, educational
information, greenways or PA CW programs, visit
www.pacleanways.org
GREENWAYS; LINKING US TOGETHER
BY HEIDI PEDICONE, PA CLEANWAYS ASSOCIATE PROJECT MANAGER
For the fourth year in a row, PA CleanWays has been
awarded a Community Conservation Partnerships Program grant
from the DCNR Bureau of Recreation and Conservation. PA
CleanWays is a non-profit organization that empowers people to
eliminate illegal dumping and littering in Pennsylvania. PA CleanWays brings together local volunteers and resources to coordinate
illegal dump cleanups and adoption projects in greenways throughout the state. The grant also allows for public education programs
that increase awareness of illegal dumping issues in greenways across
Pennsylvania.
What are Greenways? A greenway is a linear corridor of
open space. Some greenways are land trails for hiking, biking, and
other forms of recreation. Others are water trails. Still others serve
to protect the environment and are not designed for people to use.
A riparian buffer corridor – a protective zone of vegetation along the
banks of rivers, streams, and lakes – are examples of that type of
greenway.
You might think of greenways as “connections” that link
our parks and open spaces to each other and to the places where we
live. These greenways create entirely new ways of accessing and enjoying our land and water resources. One of the goals in Pennsylvania is to develop a distinguishable system of greenways that connects open spaces across the state, similar to our interstate highway
system.
For more information about The Pennsylvania Greenways
Program visit www.pagreenways.org.
INCREASE YOUR COMMUNITY CONNECTION
BY SUPPORTING FUTURE CCC CLEANUP EVENTS!
Please check all that apply, make your check payable to
Clinton County CleanScapes & return this completed form
& your support to our Garden Building address. Thank you.
___Family Support
___Local Gov./Organization
___Business
___Special Contribution
___My total donation is
$15.00
$25.00
$50.00
$_____
$______
___Send me future cleanup event schedules!
My email: ____________________________________
Name: ______________________________________
Address: _____________________________________
______________________________________
Phone: (optional)______________________________
Notice: The above information will be used strictly by CCC.
It will not be shared. CCC is 501(c)(3) charitable organization
and contributions are tax exempt as allowed by law.