20th Year Litter Cleanup 

It feels like we are in the zone of the unknown, living a day by day, wait and see existence. This obviously makes it impossible to plan any event in the forseeable future. We all must do the right thing for the greater good of ourselves, our families and our communities right now and that is why Valley Pride Day 2020 has been redesigned.

It is unfortunate that we will not be able to gather at the Hampton Inn on May 2 to celebrate the 20th anniversary but organizers hope is that we get through this isolation period soon and we can have a celebration at a later date this summer or fall. 

As long as it is still safe and allowed to walk and exercise, Valley Pride organizers would like to make trash bags available to you. Organizers are not suggesting that anyone step outside their own comfort levels or the safety guidelines of the authorities. Organizers are simply making bags available for whose who wish to participate and they ask that you use common sense and practice all the precautions set forth.  If you decide to pick up litter in your area please wear appropriate clothing, bright colors or safety vests, masks and gloves. Also keep your distance from others, carry sanitizer and wipes, and shower and wash clothing when you return home.

Trash bags have been distributed to the community leaders throughout Mount Washington Valley and western Maine and are now available to the public for as long as supplies last. There is a low supply of gloves this year because of the high demand and need for our emergency services and hospitals so please bring your own. 

Please contact the community leader closest to you to arrange to pick up bags: 

• Brownfield, Denmark:?Megan Witt at townmegan@fairpoint.net

• Fryeburg: Bob Mallon at bgmallon@roadrunner.com

• Lovell, Sweden: Tom Farrington, (207) 925-9028 at thelonewolf57@gmail.com

• Chatham, N.H., Stow: Stow Corner Store at generalstorekeeper@yahoo.com

(If you do not see your town listed and would like bags to distribute in your community please call (207) 441-8170.

Please DO?NOT leave bags beside the road. Since organizers don’t have a specific event day this year, there will not be roadside pickup so please carry your bags to your local transfer stations. Large objects such as tires, car parts, mattresses, televisions, etc. can be left where they are found and reported by e-mailing to   Donnawbe@gmail.com or by calling your local town officials. Organizers will do their best to retrieve and dispose of it. 

“It’s not business as usual for anyone, including Valley Pride Day, however New Englanders know how to find a way to get things done. With time on our hands and a need for fresh air and activities why not pick up trash? This could be our strongest and cleanest year as we fight the battle against litter and benefit our valley,” organizer Donna Woodward said. “Working together is something we know how to do and we do it well!   #valleystrong   #togetherwecan. First and foremost, please be safe, stay aware, and honor the changing safety guidelines put forth by the local, state, and federal authorities.”

For updates and information on Valley Pride Day, please check the Valley Pride Day Facebook page or the following websites: 

www.FryeburgBusiness.com

www.mtwashingtonvalley.org 

www.conwaynh.org