On January 22, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful announced it has given 2018 Outstanding Volunteer Awards to winners in Blair, Clinton, Huntingdon, Lehigh, Perry and Washington counties.
The winners, nominated by local Keep PA Beautiful affiliates, are--
-- Girl Scout Troop 61, Lehigh County: Girl Scout Troop 61 has coordinated cleanups, helped with the City of Allentown Halloween parade and started a plastic bag-recycling contest with the Trek Company.
“I met this troop at the beginning of the year, and they have shown me in this short time, how much they want to give back to their community. I will be working with them to make their plastic bag contest a citywide effort,” said Kristin Baringer, Keep Allentown Beautiful and Education Manager for the City of Allentown Recycling.
-- Larry Claar, Keep Blair Beautiful, Blair County: Larry Claar, a senior at Hollidaysburg Area High School, first volunteered in spring 2015 and continues to help move heavy appliances at special collection events and sling tires at cleanups.
“Larry has been an invaluable asset to our affiliate the past few years and has even helped teach recycling programs to the public, youth, and his peers. He is personable with the public, ready to pitch in anywhere needed, and is dedicated to keeping our community clean and beautiful,” said Katrina Pope, Keep Blair Beautiful. Larry is also active in the Hollidaysburg Senior High School’s EcoAction Club.
-- Donald Lysle, Clinton County CleanScapes, Clinton County: After retiring, Don’s desire to get back outside led him to Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful’s cleanup events.
“I’ve attended over 200 community cleanup events around the state and there is always a sense of accomplishment, a common purpose, and you’re surrounded by people who share a common interest in nature. But Clinton County CleanScapes events are unique. They’re my favorite because the people who show up are so diverse, yet they work together effortlessly. It’s so uplifting,” explained Lysle.
“This year, CleanScapes is honored to nominate one of the most inspirational volunteers that we have had the pleasure to know and to work beside, Donald Lysle of Mechanicsburg, PA,” said Elisabeth Lynch-McCoy, Clinton County CleanScapes. In 2011, Don Lysle was also named “Volunteer of the Year” by Clinton County CleanScapes Advisory Board Members.
-- Wayne Campbell, Keep Perry County Beautiful, Perry County: Wayne Campbell has been an active member of Keep Perry County Beautiful since the winter of 2016 and is a loyal volunteer to the electronics recycling collections and Tire War events.
“Wayne is a very community-oriented individual whose efforts reach way beyond our Keep Perry County Beautiful events, but he is one of the few that is always willing to go above and beyond the anticipated expectations of a volunteer. He has a great sense of humor and always seems to be in the right place at the right time,” said Kristie Smith, Keep Perry County Beautiful.
-- Donna Riggle, Keep Washington County Beautiful, Washington County: Donna Riggle has been with Keep Washington County Beautiful since it started in 2009. She focuses on recruiting groups and individual volunteers to help with cleanups, such as the Buffalo Creek Watershed Association. Donna also helps distribute educational materials at various outreach events including the Washington County Fair, Ag Days, and the Sportsmen's Show.
“Donna is the true spirit of the environment and we are so happy to honor her with this award that is long overdue! On behalf of the Washington County Affiliate of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, we thank Donna for her hard work and efforts!” said Laurie Popeck, Keep Washington County Beautiful.
-- Mark Kepner, Keep Huntingdon County Beautiful, Huntingdon County: Mark Kepner has been volunteering with Keep Huntingdon County Beautiful’s annual Tire War event for six years. He is a retired teacher from the Huntingdon County Career and Technology Center.
“Each year, Mark not only volunteers at the event, but he brings students and friends to volunteer with him. Keep Huntingdon County Beautiful thanks him for his service and for making the Tire War event a fun event each year,” said Celina Seftas, Keep Huntingdon County Beautiful.
“Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is indebted to our local affiliates and volunteers across the state. I would like to acknowledge the outstanding efforts of our volunteers of the year and thank them for keeping our communities clean and beautiful,” stated Shannon Reiter, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful President.
Click Here for photos and more on each of the winners.
For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful website. Click Here to become a member. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from KPB, Like them on Facebook, Follow on Twitter, Discover them on Pinterest and visit their YouTube Channel.
Also visit the Illegal Dump Free PA website for more ideas on how to clean up communities and keep them clean and KPB’s Electronics Waste website.
Sign up now for the 2019 Great American Cleanup of PA and volunteer or set up your own cleanup and beautification event runs March 1 to May 31.
(Photo: Girl Scout Troop 61.)
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