FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Stacy Ranieri, The Firefly Group
(772) 781-1222
info@keepmartinbeautiful.org
Since March 1, volunteers have been working to improve Martin County as part of the Great American Cleanup, the nation's largest, annual community improvement program. It is conducted nationally by Keep America Beautiful and its affiliates from March through May and coordinated locally by Keep Martin Beautiful.
In addition to the typical litter removal activities, Keep Martin Beautiful organized four community improvement projects and dubbed the initiative the Extreme Martin Makeover. These specific revitalization and beautification projects in locations throughout the community that are in need of support include: the Gertrude Walden Child Care Center in East Stuart; the Rio/Jensen Beach Skate Park; the Palm City Boys & Girls Clubs; and a historic home in Golden Gate that is in a severe state of disrepair.
Volunteers are still needed to complete the following community projects:
Gertrude Walden Child Care Center in East Stuart runs on donations and grants, and has many needs and a shrinking pool of funds. Steve Hooks of Hooks Construction has donated his time and effort and led the project through the first phase. Much work was done inside and out to the roof, walls, floors, painting and more. "There were so many businesses and groups that rallied to help, it is truly a testament to our dedication to the children of Martin County," Hooks said. Community partners include Hooks Construction, Code Red Roofing, Habitat Angel Ministries, Captec Engineering, City of Stuart, Ramey Rugs and Keep Martin Beautiful.The next phase that will be completed on Saturday, May 16 involves landscaping, painting, carpentry and more.
For the Rio/Jensen Skate Park project, a team of experts from Crossroads Environmental, EarthMark Mitigation Services and Native Lands Management will remove invasive exotics, clear a pathway around the entire park perimeter as requested by local law enforcement and neighborhood watch, and professionally trim trees near the front of the park to promote healthy growth. Dumpsters and mulch will be provided by Freedom Waste Services. Volunteers will be needed on Saturday, May 30 to remove litter, debris and leftover tree limbs from the area.
The first phase of the repairs to the historic home in Golden Gate has been completed. Habitat for Humanity, The Boy Scouts, Masterpiece Builders, and the Golden Gate Historical Society will continue to make repairs to the home. Additional volunteers are welcome and needed.
Neighborhood groups, civic clubs, schools, scouts, businesses and individuals can all be part of the Great American Cleanup. For more info or to participate in the cleanup contact Keep Martin Beautiful at 781-1222 or info@keepmartinbeautiful.org.
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