On a recent Saturday morning in May, about twenty students from Amityville Memorial H.S. volunteered to work with members of the Bay Village Civic Association. They had a two-fold mission: to clean up the Woods Preserve on Ketcham Creek, as well as improve the landscaping appearance on the H.S. grounds.
With the assistance of school advisor Cara Garofalo, and the support of Assemblywoman Jean-Pierre, Stop & Shop, and Raimo’s Pizza, the BVCA conducted a successful event.
The students and volunteers worked diligently to remove plastic bags and debris from the wetlands, while not disturbing it. At least four bags of trash were collected.
Afterwards, everyone returned to the school to weed and prune garden beds at the main entrance. Many plants had been purchased by the civic association. Laboring together, the students and BVCA volunteers added the new plants to those beds. Plants were added around the electronic sign facing Merrick Rd., as well as the one at the sign in the western parking lot, too.
Tired and hungry, but pleased with the results, students and civic association volunteers enjoyed Raimo’s pizza and refreshments in the High School lunchroom. Community Service hours were awarded to the students, as well.
This has become an annual event to help beautify the Village of Amityville. The Bay Village Civic Association has donated and created several garden beds in the Village including the large rectangular bed at the entrance to the Library.
For more information, contact the Bay Village Civic Association at bayvillagecivic@aol.com. You can also visit their Facebook page and website.
