Warwick's Operation Clean Sweep expands to a weekend - April 18-20 makes it a three-day event

Warwick — Walk along Warwick’s beautiful country roads or down Main Street and you can’t help but notice the trash that mars the landscape. You can help change that this weekend. Sponsored by the Warwick Chamber of Commerce, Operation Clean Sweep is expanding to an entire weekend this year, starting today, Friday, April 18, and continuing through Sunday, April 20. “We want to make it a town-wide, three-day event,” said chamber director Michael Johndrow. “We are really encouraging a bigger effort this year. We’ve contacted the schools and encouraged them to spread the word to the sports teams, clubs, anyone who wants to give back.” Johndrow, a retired school superintendent, said he’s met with enthusiasm from Warwick’s superintendent, Dr. Frank Greenhall, who came by and picked up lots of flyers to post throughout the district schools. “This is a great opportunity for the kids to give back to the community,” said Johndrow. Those wishing to participate need only call Johndrow or stop by the caboose on South Street to register. Let him know which street or road you will be cleaning up and where you will be leaving the filled bags. You should stop by the caboose to pick up your trash bags and rubber gloves, free of charge, thanks to donations by ShopRite and St. Anthony Community Hospital. The town’s Department of Public Works crew will pick up the bags on Monday and bring them to the county in Goshen. The county is waiving the fee for disposing of the trash that is picked up during Operation Clean Sweep, Johndrow added. Those in the Village of Greenwood Lake should register with Village Hall at 477-9215. In years past, the event was on a Saturday only. Jeff Feagles, the Department of Public Works commissioner for the Town of Warwick, said last year his crews picked up 15 dump trucks full of roadside trash as a result of Operation Clean Sweep. Free refreshments will be given out on Saturday morning at the caboose from 8 a.m. until noon for those coming by to register or pick up their bags and gloves. Refreshments have been donated by ShopRite, the Tuscan Café and the Carriage Path Café. Those wishing to do their cleanup on Sunday, have to pick up their bags and gloves by noon on Saturday. The library is looking for a few helpers to aid in cleaning up their piece of Warwick. The first six teens to register at the library will get a gift card. Those interested in helping spruce up the area around the library are asked to meet at the library entrance at 10 a.m. Saturday. “This is a great community event,” said Johndrow. “If everyone would do a part of their own road, it would make a big difference. Get out there with your neighbors. Have fun and do something good for the town.” To contact Johndrow and get more information on Operation Clean Sweep, call 986-2720.