(4/23) Earth Day was first observed on April 22, 1970 in the United States to bring environmental issues to national attention. On Saturday, April 22, Emmitsburg celebrated Earth Day with a town Clean-Up and Earth Day activities. The town organized and ran the Earth Day activities while the Citizen Advisory Committee led Clean-Up Day.

"At 9 a.m., more than 30 people from Emmitsburg and surrounding communities showed up to work together to beautify our town and help the environment" said Town Commissioner Amy Boehman-Pollitt. "This was our largest turn-out for clean-up day by far," she continued. In fact, only 3 citizens participated in the last Clean-Up Day, held before COVID!

Pollitt was also excited to see several families attend and express their gratitude for the opportunity to model community service for their children and instill respect for the Earth. "I’m so appreciative of the residents, businesses, organizations, and town staff that assisted in the planning, support, and participation for the event, and look forward to another successful event in the future," she continued.

Wayne Slaughter noted that more than 300 pounds of trash was collected. "I remember most of that litter has been lying around for a long time and has been ignored by people who have just learned to live with it. So it takes a certain kind of person to help pick it up. Kudos to everyone who helped," he said. Slaughter added, "Picking up loose trash is the epitome of low-tech work; it takes very little effort but it makes a big difference in our community. We hope the Clean-up Day will encourage people to pick up some litter in their neighborhoods when they go walking. Every little bit helps keep Emmitsburg Beautiful!"

During the clean-up, volunteer Dianne Walbrecker was stopped by a local citizen watching his grandson play baseball. He told her, "I really noticed how many people were out here today picking up the trash on the streets and parks. What a wonderful showing for our town."

Our local companies and organizations pitched in too. The gloves and poker sticks were donated by Emmitsburg Tattoo while the trash bags were supplied by the Town of Emmitsburg.

After the town clean up, the town hosted Earth Day activities. Pizza and ice cream was served at no cost to all who attended the celebration. The town also offered seeds and soil to plant flowers. Children were also able to go across to the new Community Garden to plant vegetables and set up the new compost bin. Sadly, the rain that day cut the festivities short.