Medford Shone at April 28th CleanUps

Medford, MA, May 3 ~ Medford celebrated Earth Day by giving several areas of the city a major spring cleanup on Saturday, April 28^th.  Cleanups drew almost 150 people to Medford Square and Riverbend Park.

The Medford Square CleanUp brought together kids and adults who picked up trash and recycleables from the sides of Route 93, the banks of the Mystic River, and the entire business district of the Square.  A team of children from the Medford Boys & Girls Club painted a utility switchbox at the interaction of Clippership Drive and Riverside Avenue. Another team planted seven planters along Riverside Avenue with bright pansies and other ornamentals. A recycling game kept small children occupied for hours, and a free yoga class was offered at Clippership Park.

The CleanUp began at the lawn beside One City Hall Mall, just behind City Hall, where the Medford Farmers Market will be located this year. Mayor McGlynn and the Medford Energy Committee kicked off the CleanUp by announcing the Medford Green Awards, which will recognize businesses (including non-profits) and homeowners who are actively implementing energy efficiency and conservation measures, as well as environmentally friendly practices that promote sustainability.

The cleanup was organized by a small group of volunteers coordinated by Green Medford, Xtreme Ninja Martial Arts, and Awakened Warrior Yoga, as well as 15 other busnesses and groups: the Boys and Girls Clubs of Middlesex County, Friends of the Mystic River, G&S Music, Grace Church’s GreenUp CleanUp, the Medford Chamber of Commerce, City of Medford, Medford Farmers Market, Medford Health Matters, Mystic Coffee Roaster, Mystic Community Earth Day, Mystic River Watershed Association, Next Step Living, Tri-City Community Action Program (Tri-CAP), Tufts University, and West Medford Open Studios.  The extraordinary support of the City’s energy and Environment Office, Department of Public Works, Mayor’s Office, and Diversity Office were key to the success of the CleanUp.

See photos of the Cleanup here: http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/578160_351896291525637_106640332717902_894525_1770006976_n.jpg

The Friends of the Mystic River also had their Spring Cleanup on Saturday, which this year focused on Riverbend Park—the home of ‘Windy’ the Medford wind turbine, and of the Andrews and McGlynn schools. More than 70 volunteers also participated in that cleanup. 

Applications for the Medford Green Awards can be completed by going to

• http://medford.org/Pages/MedfordMA_Energy/GreenAwards/nomination
• http://medford.org/Pages/MedfordMA_Energy/GreenAwards/Residential%20Nomination