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August 13, 2008

Volunteers needed for Ellwood City clean up

By MaryAlice Meli

Just as many people clean house before company comes, Ellwood City plans a little community �redding up.�

Borough officials last night called for volunteers to help clean the municipality�s five entrances, noting the recent neighborhood clean-up conducted by Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstall who is carrying on the redding up policy of former Mayor Bob O�Connor.

Councilman Ralph Chiappetta triggered the cleanup idea by noting that this year�s countywide marching band festival is scheduled for Sept. 17 at Helling Stadium. The event will bring bands, their supporters and spectators into the borough from the county�s eight school districts.

Council president, Tony Court, asked everyone to circle Aug. 23 on their calendars.

�We�ll meet at 9 a.m. at the parking lot in Ewing Park,� he said.

Court noted that volunteers of all ages picked up litter and pulled weeds two and a half years ago at the borough entrances and the result was dramatic. He said local vendors donated food and beverages to energize the workers.

The borough�s five entrances are on Route 288 at Franklin Township and Wampum Road and routes 488, 65 and 351, all bordering Wayne Township.

Councilman John Todorich suggested inviting residents from Franklin and Wayne to help in the areas bordering those townships.

Police chief of operations, Richard McDonald, said he�ll see if anyone on probation or parole need to perform community service time.

Angela Valvano said District Judge Jerry Cartwright provided community service volunteers during the last entry-way cleanup.

Borough manager Dom Viccari urged council to tour the borough together to see how many neighborhoods have been affected by the mortgage foreclosure crisis.

�We mowed 22 lawns, most of vacant houses (where) the people just walked away,� he said. Other residents allow their garbage to accumulate, �Some people don�t carry their garbage to the curb; it�s just laying there.�

He said he will take some borough workers and trucks to clean up some of those areas.

Volunteers or vendors who wish to donate food or drinks may call Viccari at (724) 758-7777. Those who plan to participate should wear old clothing and bring gloves, trowels, brooms, rakes and dust pans.

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