To the Editor:

I was so happy to read your editorial about the trash in Newtown and how we must do better taking care of our town. It was perfect timing for Earth Day and Lose the Litter which was part of the day.

I was quite worried when the day proved quite rainy that we would have very few people coming forward to the Lions stand at the Middle School to clean the roads. However, we did have slightly more individuals or groups who did stop by and pick up bags than last year which was good. Possibly because of the rain there may have been other people cleaning roads who didn’t check in and get bags. At least I hope so.

This year for the first time I sent letters to all the scout leaders but was disappointed that no scout troop other than Daisy Troop 50674 chose to participate. Leader Christy Rieve and her group cleaned the Middle School and Hawley and found an amazing amount of trash. I had hoped since earning environmental badges is part of being a scout I had thought that there would be more troops participating.

I was very happy that twelve Lions cleaned roads, the most Lions we have had doing that. The areas cleaned by all individuals or groups were Brushy Hill, Edmond, Riverside, Nunnawauk, Appleblossom, Dogwood, Cedar Hill, Plumtrees, Glover, High Rock, South Main to Glover, Sand Hill, Mountain Manor, Bennetts Bridge, Commerce and Head of Meadow. In addition, Dickinson and Treadwell Parks, and Hawley, Head O’ Meadow and Middle Gate Schools were attacked.

I hope for even better results next year. But Newtowners please don’t wait till then but do your bit to help keep our wonderful town beautiful.

Gordon Williams

Southbury