Events target community price

Getting people involved in their community fosters pride, officials said.
By DENISE DICK
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
BOARDMAN -- Saturday kicks off a series of events aimed at boosting pride in the township's appearance.
Activities organized by the Boardman Takes Pride Committee, made up of residents, township employees and elected officials, begin from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the township government center, Market Street.
Trustee Kathy Miller hopes the cleanup activities become annual events.
"You need citizen involvement," she said. "Whenever you get people involved in their community, they take pride in it."
Trustee Robyn Gallitto agreed.
"It's an opportunity to not only clean up Boardman but to get people involved," she said. "When they get involved, they take ownership."
The inaugural event includes a news conference with WKBN-Channel 27 personality Rich Morgan, Green Team Director Jim Petuch, Mahoning County commissioners and township trustees.
Several organizations will offer educational displays at Saturday's event including NASA's AeroSpace Environmental Traveling space bus exhibit along with entertainment by DJ Tommy Kris, Jocko the Clown and Cubby the Cleanup Bear.
Township residents may bring unwanted but usable household items to help others in need through the Rescue Mission and Goodwill Industries from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 29 at the government center on Market Street.
Other events
An appliance drive will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 1. All appliances may be dropped off at the township road department, 8299 Market St. Proof of residency will be required. Electronics won't be accepted.
On May 13-14, businesses and property owners will be asked to sweep and edge their sidewalks and driveway accesses.
Miller said Ohio Department of Transportation District 4 and Mahoning County have both committed their street sweepers to collect swept items placed along the curb.
Gallitto said the main focus is Market Street, a main corridor into the township, but they hope that residents and businesses along all streets in the township join the effort.
"In any area, there's always room for improvement," Gallitto said.
Residents, community groups, churches, businesses, school groups and neighborhood associations that want to help and adopt a section of road may call the township at (330) 726-4177.
"It's the difference between people being satisfied with things being just all right and people who want things to be really nice," Gallitto said.
Other events include a Rubber Round-Up where passenger tires will be collected and litter cleanups. Dates haven't been set for those activities.