After it was announced that the Beautify Londonderry program was being suspended due to a lack of volunteers and leadership, residents stepped forward last week to continue the program this spring.
“I’m delighted to announce that reports of Beautify Londonderry’s demise were premature. In response to last week’s decision to suspend the program, we have had some residents step forward and help ensure that the program continues this spring,” Paul Margolin of the Solid Waste and Environment Committee wrote in an email. “Anyone else interested in joining the committee is welcome.”
Kerri Stanley resigned her post as chairman of Beautify Londonderry in January, saying her “heart just wasn’t in it.”
Conservation Commissioner Mike Byerly volunteered last week to take over for Stanley and serve as the Committee’s new chairman.
In addition to juggling more responsibility at work with other volunteer positions, Stanley said it has been a struggle for Beautify Londonderry to retain and bring in new volunteers.
Beautify Londonderry has been serving the Town for 12 years, working with local groups and individuals interested in volunteering their time to spruce up school and town properties.
Last year, the Anti-Littering Advisory Committee merged with Beautify Londonderry to offer the community a more cohesive spring cleanup.
In April, the group supports local volunteer groups with picking up roadside litter and landscaping projects, providing bags, flowers, mulch, gloves and any other equipment the volunteers required.
Stanley said she hopes the challenges Beautify Londonderry faced organizing this year’s program motivate more people to get involved.
“It’s our town, let’s help to keep it beautiful,” she said.
After Byerly stepped up to revitalize the program, Margolin wrote, “We are now calling out for volunteer groups who wish to plan a project, whether it’s planting some perennials, spreading mulch or picking up litter along our roads,” he said. “Now is the time to choose an activity and sign up for a date in late April or early to mid-May. Let us know what you’d like to do and we’ll help you plan it and provide supplies.”
Contact Beautify Londonderry at Beautifylondonderry@londonderrynh.org or check out its home page under Boards and Commissions at www.londonderrynh.org.