Want to help clean up Matthews and learn some new ways to make a difference in the environment?
Then make plans to attend the second annual "Cleaning and Greening of Matthews," Friday and Saturday in Stumptown Park.
From a free screening of the movie "An Inconvenient Truth" and a celebration of Arbor Day on Friday, to picking up litter and Earth Day festivities on Saturday, the weekend will be packed full of activities to entertain, educate and spark interest in the environment.
"If you come to all these events, you'll be empowered to make some changes," said Habitat and Wildlife Keepers president Carol Buie Jackson. "It's a great opportunity to help clean up the town and learn how even some small changes can make a big difference in the environment."
The event is a joint effort of the Town of Matthews, Habitat and Wildlife Keepers (HAWK), Matthews Appearance and Tree Board, and the Matthews Environmental Advisory Committee.
Over the past few years, these groups have worked hard on environmental issues in the Matthews area. They say they are now seeing that excitement and concern spill over to many of the town's residents.
"We're seeing a growing awareness and concern about environmental issues in Matthews," said Pat Meehan, the town's landscape manager.
For example, the last piece of the town's new Tree Ordinance was passed just last week. That ordinance was three years and hundreds of hours in the making, but now the trees in town have some protection against topping and bulldozing.
At Friday's Arbor Day celebration, the town will receive the Arbor Day Foundation's Tree City USA designation for the eighth consecutive year.
John Urban, chairperson of the Appearance and Tree Board and principal of Urban Architecture Group, a sponsor of Cleaning and Greening, says he hopes the excitement of the weekend inspires some folks to make a broader commitment to service in the town.
"I hope this will help people realize that there are volunteer organizations in place that they can participate in," Urban said. "They can become involved in the Appearance and Tree Board, HAWK, or some of the other advisory boards.
"Many folks only come out when they are concerned about a problem in their own backyard. Think about all the things you could do if you broadened your horizons. If you keep your ideas to yourself, no one will ever know about them."
Schedule
FRIDAY
• Noon-1 p.m.: Arbor Day Celebration at Stumptown Park.• 7 p.m.: Free screening of the movie "An Inconvenient Truth" at Matthews Community Center. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
SATURDAY
8:30 a.m.--noon: Matthews Community Litter Sweep. Gather at Stumptown Park for registration and instructions. Bring your own gloves, other materials provided. Giveaways and prizes for participants.
9 a.m.- 1 p.m.: Matthews Household Hazardous Waste Collection at Matthews Public Works Facility. This is your chance to dispose of chemicals, oil-based paints, pesticides and other household hazardous waste. For Matthews residents only. Visit www.matthewsnc.com to see what items qualify.
10 a.m.- 2 p.m.: Matthews Earth Day Celebration at Stumptown Park. A family-friendly event featuring live music, interactive displays and exhibits, plus children's activities. More than 20 vendors will be on hand, featuring a variety of environment-friendly ideas and products. Melinda
Johnston
