By jeanette m. eng
Staff Writer
MARLBORO — It has been said that the best things in life are free. So, by simply dedicating some time and a green thumb, residents can help to bring out the beauty in Marlboro.
The office of public information is inviting all residents to take part in Community Pride and Beautification Day.
Scheduled for May 10 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., this day will bring together elected officials, employees, Scouts and residents to bag debris, trim shrubbery and plant flowers and tree saplings throughout the community.
"It’s a beautiful event," said acting public information officer Sue Levine. "We all get together, roll up our sleeves and clean up our community."
Sites owned by the township have been pre-selected and designated as either cleanup sites, which require cleaning and trimming, or beautification sites, which require planting and sprucing up.
The list of cleanup sites includes Falson Park, Hawkins Road Park, Marlin Estates Park, the Morganville Senior Center, the municipal complex park, Nolan Road Park and the recreation center grounds.
The beautification sites include areas around the town’s welcoming signs and public information signs.
Volunteers will be grouped and assigned to the cleanup and beautification sites while township employees double as site supervisors for the day.
Levine and her two sons, who participated in last year’s cleanup of Firehouse Park at Route 79 and School Road, enjoyed the experience so much that they couldn’t let the site go.
They ended up adopting it to maintain.
"It gives you a sense of pride and makes you feel good about what you’re doing," Levine said.
Many families, Scouts, Brownies and the Monmouth Power Sports Clubs are regular participants in the community project, she said.
The annual event will also feature the presentation of the Mayor’s Environmental Award, a recycled crafts project workshop, free coloring books, T-shirts and catered food from local businesses.
The event is a joint effort of the Public Works Department, the Office of Public Information and the Beautification Committee.
A total of 400 trees are being donated by the National Tree Trust through a 2003 community tree planting grant, Levine said.
To register to participate or to serve as a sponsor, call the office of public information at (732) 536-0200, ext. 202 or send e-mail to [email protected] by April 15.