It is that time of year, again, when the snow has left the roads and sidewalks, and we can see what has been left behind.

Because I walk all around Greenfield, I welcome the opportunity to collect the wide variety of odds and ends that are left on our sidewalks and roadsides. I take advantage of the bright blue bags that are made available by the Greenfield Department of Public Works for the final disposal of my rich collection of “found objects.”

Anyone can go to their office on Wells Street to pick up a few blue bags. When filled, the DPW trucks will pick up these bags without charge if you leave them on the curbside during your usual pickup day of the week.

There is great satisfaction in being able to walk in our neighborhoods and enjoy the beauty of people’s gardens and yards without the odds and ends that have gathered over the fall and winter. April 22 is Earth Day, which is at the end of Earth Week. This wonderful spring weather draws me out to celebrate in many ways.

This is the school vacation week in Greenfield, and children and parents, aunts and uncles, can choose a particular street or roadside to collect the winter’s trash and stow it away in bags or buckets. Then all that is collected can be gathered into the big blue bags. When the public sees so much attention being given to making our walkways more beautiful, drivers and walkers may have second thoughts before letting the odd coffee cup or packet fall to the ground.

By taking time with family and friends to collect the odds and ends left on our roads and sidewalks, you are guaranteed a feeling of a sense of pride for your accomplishments. I do. Now others will be able to walk and enjoy the improvements in the views.

Come together and celebrate Earth Week with family and friends. Judy Bennett, a Greenfield High School teacher, is encouraging students to collect trash and odds and ends from our roadsides during this coming week. She also was responsible for getting the movie, “The Lorax,” to be shown at our theater in town.

All are invited to enjoy this movie, based on the book by the same name written by Dr. Seuss. The movie will be shown at the Greenfield Garden Theater, and is sponsored by the Community Co-op Green Fields Market, on Saturday, April 22, the last day of Earth Week.

Carol Letson is a member of Greening Greenfield.]]>