Spring cleaning offers a fresh start and a way to ready for warmer weather, and for the eighth consecutive year, Athens is getting its very own spring cleanup.
The Off-Campus Life Commission of Ohio University Student Senate, in conjunction with the City of Athens, The Athens News and POWER 105/WATH-AM, is hosting Athens Beautification Day.
Athens Beautification Day was founded by the OU Men’s Club Water Polo team in 2005 as a community service event dedicated to cleaning up Athens, said
Thomas Raabe, the Off-Campus Life commissioner and a graduate student studying public administration.
“Athens Beautification Day has grown significantly each year through more projects and volunteers,” he said. “We have about 600 people already signed up and approximately 40 different organizations.”
There are more than 25 projects scheduled throughout the day ranging from scrubbing graffiti to helping repaint some of the holes at Putt People First.
“I’ve reached out to permanent residents as well, because the goal is to also strengthen the relationships between residents and students,” Raabe said. “The city is helping us with reaching our goals.”
$5,400 has been raised for supplies and T-shirts by the City of Athens and various student organizations, including Student Senate and Division of Student Affairs.
President Roderick McDavis and Athens Mayor Paul Wiehl will take part in Sunday’s kick-off, and there have also been many council members involved over the years, said Athens City Councilwoman Christine Knisely.
“We all care about the community we live in, and to get that many people out in one day does an immeasurable difference in the community,” Knisely said.
Dean of Students Ryan Lombardi said he is looking forward to this year’s Beautification Day.
“This day provides an opportunity for students to give back,” he said. “That’s really critical to being a key citizen, which is important to us here at Ohio University.”
Donkey Coffee and Espresso, 17 ½ W. Washington St., will serve drinks in the morning and Kiser’s BBQ Shack, 1002 E. State St., will serve lunch for the volunteers in the afternoon.
“Giving back for one day is really rewarding,” Raabe said. “I think it’s a good opportunity to meet different people, and it can help you understand what it’s like to live here for more than just four years.”
ao007510@ohiou.edu
