In what has become a semi-yearly tradition, volunteers dispersed across Red Hook on Saturday to pick up roadside litter. The event, co-sponsored by the Town and Bard College, was coordinated this year by Councilwoman Micki Strawinski and Robert McKeon. As in prior years, the other local officials participating were Councilman Harry Colgan and Councilman Bill O’Neill.

Typically held on the weekends prior to Apple Blossom Day and Hardscrabble Day in the fall, the event helps put the town’s best face forward for two of the biggest events held each year.

The first of these Red Hook cleanup days was held in 2009 and organized by then-Councilman Robert McKeon. “The goal was to get it done before our big events – Apple Blossom Day and Hardscrabble Day – but also to do it early enough in the spring before the mowers shred the trash and in the fall before the snowplows bury it,” said McKeon. Apple Blossom Day will be May 7th and Hardscrabble Day is in September.

In 2010, Bard joined the effort in conjunction with World Cleanup Day held in September.

Today about 50 volunteer participated across Red Hook and Tivoli, cleaning major thoroughfares like Route 199 and side roads like Kidd Lane, Pitcher Lane and Whalesback Road.

“It was good to see many of the same people returning as well as some new faces. Without the volunteers who show up and get involved none of this would be possible,” said McKeon. “And I’d like to especially thank attorney Michael Pollok who has donated funds to purchase the gloves, bags, safety vests and other cleaning supplies this year and in years past.”