Viewfinder: B-BP Volunteers Clear Litter as Part of Great American Cleanup

This past Sunday's gray skies and cool breezes did not deter numerous Bayport-Blue Point residents from donating their time to participate in the local Great American Cleanup event. 

An annual event, this cleanup has served to spruce up the area during springtime for the last 19 years, with the help of the South Shore Community Organization and the Bayport-Blue Point High School Ecology Club, who team up every year for the cleanup day.

Families, Girl Scout troops and local businesses gathered at the high school to get their assignments and cleaning supplies, provided by Keep Islip Clean and Keep Brookhaven Beautiful. Each participant received two bags – one for garbage and one for recyclables.

Melanie Holtz of South Shore Community Organization said local litter has decreased in general.

“Every year we do this clean up, and every year we get less garbage," she said. "I think people are more conscience of littering.”

Donna Edgar is a science teacher at the high school; she also runs the Ecology Club. About 10 members of the club attended Clean Up day.   

“In our 19 years of doing this, the clean up seems to be easier every year.  We use to have people throwing out washing machines and televisions.”  Edgar said, adding she believes this is partly because of the work of the Ecology Club and the education about protecting the environment students receive.  “The high school now has recycling bins and the students are more aware of what not to do.”

Ecology Club member Olivia Caravella, a junior, is working towards a career working with the environment and animals. 

“This is my first cleanup day and we will be picking up trash around the high school.”

Kindergartners Alexandra Seymour and Aaron McGinnis cleaned up the litter at the end of Kensington Avenue in Bayport. They were very enthusiastic, and noted they were hoping to pick up tons of trash.  

“I found lots of garbage and I do not litter," Seymour said. Her like-minded pal, McGinnis, said, “I am excited to clean up the town.”

At in Blue Point members of Daisy Troop 3732 from Patchogue ran along the shoreline with their garbage grabbers picking up litter. Co-leaders Sara Graziano and Diane Murphy explained that the girls spend lots of time at Corey Beach in the summer. 

“Our troop is earning badges today by helping to clean the beach," Graziano said.

Co-leader Murphy said the event allowed the girls to perform a community service.  

“We are teaching the girls a great way to contribute to making our world a great place to live, especially so close to home," she said.

Islip Town Councilman Gene Parrington stopped by to support the effort and inform participants on the town's .