Keep Somers Beautiful invites community to get involved

SOMERS, N.Y. - Keep Somers Beautiful (KSB) invites residents to join in its mission to keep the community clean and vibrant.

As the first affiliate in Westchester County of Keep America Beautiful since 2022, KSB is participating in a nationwide campaign encouraging individuals to take the pledge to help get—and keep—America beautiful. The initiative coincides with the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary of independence, culminating on Independence Day, July 4.

This milestone presents an opportunity for communities across the country to clean up roads, parks, trails, and waterways.

KSB will host an open house on Saturday, March 28, from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Somers Library to share information about its programs and ways to get involved at various levels.

Attendees can learn about several initiatives, including:

Litter Cleanup Supplies

KSB will distribute litter pickup supplies, including safety vests for adults and supervised children, grabbers for hard-to-reach areas, and bags for both landfill trash and recyclables. Participants will have the option to recycle redeemable bottles and cans, along with other recyclable materials.

Adopt-a-Road Opportunities

Residents, families, neighborhood groups, clubs, HOAs, lake communities, churches, organizations, and businesses are encouraged to participate in the Adopt-a-Road program.

Student Community Service

Students can earn community service hours through participation in KSB activities.

Recycling Education

KSB provides opportunities to learn more about recycling, including current practices and efforts to improve sustainability solutions.

Environmental Awareness

The organization aims to raise a generation that does not litter, while also educating adults through programs offered by Keep America Beautiful and Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics.

Cigarette Litter Prevention Program

KSB is currently participating in a Keep America Beautiful Cigarette Litter Prevention Program (CLPP) grant. This initiative addresses cigarette butts, one of the most common forms of litter nationwide.

As fewer vehicles come equipped with ashtrays, KSB provides cupholder containers to safely dispose of cigarette waste, helping prevent roadside litter and potential fires. The organization also distributes bell-shaped receptacles for designated smoking areas at local businesses and public spaces.

Collected cigarette waste is documented and sent to TerraCycle, which specializes in recycling hard-to-process materials.

New Website in Development

KSB is currently developing a website with the help of volunteers Nanci Gentile, Jason Klatsky, and Jaydeep Kascha, who are donating their time and expertise. The site will improve access to information, streamline volunteer sign-ups, and enhance communication with the community.

In addition to these initiatives, KSB will also be involved with a beautification project that will clear overgrowth from town property and intersections.

KSB traces its roots back to the Somers Litter Task Force, founded in 2012 by Suzy Moravick, Rich Nash, and Linda Simpson. In 2014, the group became a nonprofit organization, Citizens for the Beautification of Somers, with legal support from Barbara Knothe of the Garfunkel Wild law firm.

The organization has received support from sponsors including Forbes Insurance, Lawton Adams, Mobile Mart, Halston Media, King Kone, and Win Waste. Additional sponsorships are welcomed to help fund supplies, programs, insurance, advertising, and participation in national events.

KSB is a fully volunteer-driven organization and welcomes anyone interested in supporting its mission.

For those looking to make a difference in their community, Keep Somers Beautiful offers many ways to get involved and help preserve the environment for future generations.

For more information about Keep Somers Beautiful, including how you can get involved, email keepsomersbeautiful@gmail.com.