By Sarah Richardson
On Wednesday, Apr. 13, a group of environmentally-conscious volunteers took several hours to gather trash and weed areas around downtown Lewisburg, and complete other projects as part of the annual Make It Shine program. The volunteers, which included members of the Lewisburg in Bloom organization, worked along many main streets in town including Church Street, Court Street, around the North House Museum, and near City Hall.
The WV Make It Shine Program is a comprehensive program aimed at making West Virginia the cleanest state in the nation. Throughout the state, groups of volunteers, businesses, community organizations, and local governments are working to accomplish this goal. The Lewisburg In Bloom Committee is a coalition of people dedicated to the improvement, betterment, and beautification of Lewisburg.
“We did have a cleanup last summer,” said Lewisburg In Bloom Coordinator Shannon Beatty, who helped spearhead the event. “We had to submit an application, and we were given cleanup supplies such as trash bags, gloves, and trash grabbers through the Make It Shine program.”
The statewide cleanup is held during the first two weeks of April each year. During this time, volunteers can receive assistance in conducting cleanups on public lands.
“When I was a little kid I used to go out and pick up trash,” said Beatty. “I’ve always been like that, and everyone that helps us each year is like that. If we see litter, we pick it up. I was always taught to ‘take it with you.’”
Last year, Greenbrier County won the second place WV Make It Shine Clean County Award, which comes with $1,000. This award is given to counties in the state who have developed and implemented a comprehensive environmental program. Cash prizes are awarded to top achievers to help fund their continued efforts.
The 2021 WV Make It Shine Teacher of the Year Award was given to Sarah Hann of White Sulphur Springs Elementary School. This award is given to educators that have gone above and beyond to promote environmental awareness and stewardship in their classrooms and communities. Each Teacher of the year receives a $500 personal award and a $1,000 award to promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education in their school.
The next Make It Shine event in Lewisburg is set for June 11 of this year. Follow the Lewisburg in Bloom Committee on Facebook for more details.
