Civic association sweeps the streets clean on Earth Day

If you drove along Merrick Avenue this past weekend, you may have seen volunteers out and about, collecting trash and debris along the hamlet’s main business strip. Their efforts weren’t without reason, as they were working with the South Merrick Community Civic Association, taking part in its annual “Spring Clean Sweep.” 

The yearly beautification project is a staple of the civic, and usually takes place in two locations in Merrick. On Saturday, volunteers were at the gazebo near the Long Island Rail Road station and worked their way northbound on Merrick Avenue.

Sunday’s cleanup, which was scheduled to take place on Merrick Road near Bagel Boss, was unfortunately canceled due to inclement weather. 

This year’s clean sweep was organized by the newly named acting president of the civic, Berta Weinstein. Weinstein has worked with past president Joe Baker for 17 years on various projects in Merrick, both big and small. As the organization moves forward, it is going to be working closely with central and North Merrick residents on issues that affect the entire hamlet. 

“Even though it’s called South Merrick,” Weinstein said of the civic group’s name, “we want to incorporate all of Merrick — we’re going to be inclusive to everyone.”

Applications were available for those interested in joining. 

Weinstein also stressed the importance of the cleanup, and what it means to the community’s overall well being. 

“If we don’t take care of our neighborhood, nobody else will,” she said. “We want to keep the neighborhood safe and clean for our children.” 

Weinstein and Baker were joined by fellow civic board members, Jodi Turk-Goldberg, Mark Salsberg, Howard Seidman and Tricia Sattar, and representatives from other Merrick organizations, including Dave Denenberg, as well as a handful of volunteers from the community and some local boy and girl scout troops.

Those cleaning up trash were provided tools, gloves and garbage bags, and were kept safe by the Nassau County Police Department, who monitored the street Saturday morning. 

The civic meets monthly on Tuesday evenings at the Merrick Golf Course Clubhouse.

For more information and to learn how to get involved, visit SouthMerrickCivic.org.