To the Editor:

I would like to say, “Thank you, Voorheesville” for another terrific Village Green Clean Day, held Saturday, April 16.  Residents and business owners showed up to help care for our beautiful village. Most of our streets were cleaned up, along with the three village parks and the Salem Hills parks as well as the gardens around Village Hall.

A steady stream of vehicles ventured through the recycling drop-off area between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.  We collected over 3,000 pounds of clothing, textiles, and linens, much of which went to Grassroot Givers, Elizabeth House, and the Humane Society, and six vehicle batteries.

Seven truckloads of books went to the Friends of the Library and a truckload of plastic bags and film plastic went to Hannaford to be sent to the recycler.  The Ladies Auxiliary benefitted from a record number of bottles and cans being dropped off and two of the three dogs visiting from the Humane Society were adopted by their fur-ever families.

All who attended the appreciation gathering were treated to great food — pizza, courtesy of Smith’s Tavern; sub sandwiches donated by Reddy’s Deli and Jaycees Pizza; hot dogs provided by Hannaford Supermarket; water and soft drinks from Pepsi; and ice cream courtesy of Stewart’s Shops. There were informational tables about chemical-free cleaning, soil testing, garden pollinators, rain barrels, backyard composting, and invasive species, as well as several area businesses and organizations.

Big thanks and much appreciation goes to three people who made Village Green Clean possible. Village residents Kevin George and Denise Mason, as well as local businesswoman Kait Lyons of Lyons Building and Consulting. Their hard work and dedication brought many local businesses into the fold with their support in the form of material and financial donations.

In addition to the six businesses listed above, these businesses include: Robinson Hardware & Garden; Atlas Copco; Lyons Building & Consulting LLC; Advanced Aut;, Swasey Rental; Red Maple Land Services, LLC; MJ Biernacki Builders, LLC;  Hotaling Landscaping; Advanced Car Wash; bloom. Salon & Makeup Bar; Voorheesville Rod & Gun Club; Phillips Hardware; Dr. Steven L. Lysenko DMD PLLC;  Key Bank; Pacheco Ross Architects, PC;  Infamous Signs & Graphics; TJ’S Auto & Truck Parts (NAPA);  Foxwood Small Dog Grooming; and Voorheesville Mobile.

I must also thank the Voorheesville firemen, who are always helpful. They participated in the roadside cleanup and worked throughout the day at the firehouse helping to ensure the event ran smoothly. We had several large groups help with cleanup of our parks: Brownies and Girls Scouts, Cub Scouts, and The Helderview Garden Club. The Friends and Family of Jerry Clark Adopt-a-Highway group also joined us that day.

We appreciate the efforts of all who showed up with smiles on their faces and enthusiastic attitudes as they went out to beautify the village. And last, but not least, to Trustee Rich Straut and Village Attorney Rich Reilly who acted as floaters throughout the day, helping where needed and to Mayor Robert Conway who spent the day directing traffic at the firehouse.

Karen Finnessey

Deputy Clerk Treasurer

Voorheesville