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SOMERS, N.Y. A group of environmentally conscious residents is banding together in a townwide effort to keep Somers clean.
Members of the Somers Litter Task Force have been individually cleaning up roadways for years but are now hoping to expand their passion for a tidy town to all neighborhoods and businesses.
"There's absolutely no reason for litter," said Suzy Moravick, a lifelong town resident and co-leader of the task force with Linda Simpson. "We want to promote community pride and we hope our desire to have a clean Somers will catch on."
With the support of Somers Supervisor Mary Beth Murphy, the task force has been progressing quickly since forming in January in preparation for a large-scale attack on litter during the weekends of April 14-15 and 21-22 (Earth Day), which sandwich Earth Week.
Orange garbage bags have been secured by the town and the state Department for Transportation for residents to use. The bags can be picked up at the Somers Elephant Hotel or Somers Library.
"We just want people to become more aware of their surroundings," said Moravick, a 1981 Somers High School graduate. "Once you start cleaning it gets easier. You get in the habit. I say, 'If not me, then who? If not now, then when?' Whether you're here for five years or 50 years, help."
Corinne Stanton, a resident of Lincolndale and creator of the Somers, NY Facebook page, said the work of the task force is already paying off.
"I've seen a difference already," Stanton said. "Let's make this place look great."
Moravick said Simpson has also gotten the schools involved with an art contest at Somers High School and a poster contest at Somers Middle School.
"I think it looks really pretty when there is no garbage," Moravick said. "We would love to see how much Somers cares with this first cleanup."
For further information, visit www.somersny.com, call (914) 486-0355, or send an e-mail to keepsomersnyclean@yahoo.com.
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