Harrison Commissioners eyeing couches, tires, TVs in Earth Day cleanup

Harrison Commissioner Jamie Nee already is eyeing larger-than-normal pieces of litter to be collected at the township’s April 23 Earth Day cleanup.

Her list includes an inventory of 82 tires, 25 TVs and seven couches that have been tossed in township parks or left on sides of roads as eyesores.

“Our goal is to make our community strong, safe and healthy,” Nee said. “I strongly believe that, to effect positive change, the people of the community must be engaged and want to make a difference.”

Volunteers are encouraged to meet at 10:30 a.m. at Natrona Park for the fifth consecutive township-sponsored event. The cleanup will follow from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Gloves, bags and vests will be provided, as will T-shirts with a Harrison Township Earth Day logo.

Two large Dumpsters will be placed at the park, courtesy of Waste Management.

Everyone can return to the park when the work is complete for a picnic hosted by Harvest Church, a Freeport Road parish.

Commissioner Chuck Dizard registered the township with the state’s Great American Cleanup, which sees participation from more than 15,000 communities across the country.

He said volunteers will be deployed to several spots throughout the township.

Cub Scouts have committed to cleaning trash along California Avenue near the district’s ballfields.

Tom Cajka, president of the township’s tree commission, will lead a group of volunteers along Pleasantville Road, which runs behind Allegheny Valley Hospital to Burtner Road.

“We usually clean it twice a year. That’s how much trash is tossed there,” Cajka said. “We’ll have the kids up behind Sheetz and Burger King in Warner Alley to pick up the litter there.”

Cajka said he enjoys participating in the cleanup events and encourages people of all abilities to join in.

“It doesn’t take much to bend over and pick up a wrapper or a pop can,” he said. “It’s the right thing to do, and it makes the community more inviting.”

Anyone interested in volunteering can email Nee at jnee@harrisontwp-pa.gov.