April 13, 2009 … An annual Spring tradition of the Village of Lynbrook that was implemented by former Mayor The Honorable Francis X. Becker, the Department of Public Works, Mayor Brian Curran and the Board of Trustees announced renewal of the Annual "Village of Lynbrook Clean Up Week," which will commence on Earth Day, Wednesday, April 22.

“Earth Day symbolizes the ongoing gains that our Nation and the world have made to sustain and promote environmental progress and it is a time to unite around new actions to protect our environment,” said Mayor Curran.  “By renewing the tradition of ‘Village Clean-up Week,’ it is our hope that many residents will join us and instill the message that littering is a detriment to our community and a habit that is not acceptable.” 

The success of the “Spring clean up” and “beautification” of the Village is dependent on the participation of Lynbrook families and civic groups, from the Girl Scouts to the Boy Scouts to the VFW said  DPW Supervisor Phil Healey.  “As in past years, we will be cleaning and planting throughout the Village.  Participation is sought from anyone interested in helping to beautify our community.”

Plans for the initiative call for the planting of 160 trees in 1 day (on Arbor Day, April 24, or Saturday, April 25); a village-wide “Clean-Up Kick-Off” on Earth Day, which will be highlighted by a sweep through of neighborhoods beginning with the Downtown central at the walk through where the DPW will tackle graffiti and sidewalk cleaning; and 2 street sweepers jointly sweeping the roads in unison along with additional DPW staff using rakes and blowers to ensure all debris can be collected by the machines.

Additional DPW workforce will be addressing street sign alignment, sewage drain cleaning, and comprehensive spring maintenance of the areas between Union and Atlantic (south of Sunrise) on to Atlantic Ave. to the Village line south of Sunrise Hwy. followed by the area of Sunrise Hwy. and Merrick Rd. and Merrick Rd. to Peninsula Blvd.  The initiative is scheduled to be completed on or about May 15.

A good pair of work gloves and a respect for a clean community is all that’s required of individuals, families and organizations that want to participate.  For more information or to suggest areas for beautification, call the Department of Public Works (516-599-8838) or Lynbrook Village Hall (516-599-8300).

Earth Day is celebrated April 22 every single year, both held annually during spring in the northern hemisphere and autumn in the southern hemisphere.  It is intended to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth’s environment. The United Nations celebrates an Earth Day each year on the March equinox.  A second Earth Day, which was founded by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson as an environmental teach-in in 1970, is celebrated in many countries each year on April 22.  Over 20 million people participated that year, and Earth Day is now observed each year on April 22 by more than 500 million people and national governments in 175 countries.