×

N. Cumberland receives ‘Make It Shine’ award

Some of the volunteers who helped clean up Crestview Park -- Contributed

NEW CUMBERLAND — West Virginia’s Rehabilitation Environmental Action Plan program has once again recognized the Keep New Cumberland Beautiful group with its 2018 “Make It Shine” award.

The city won its first state award in 2007 and has since won nine more times. This year marks the seventh consecutive year that New Cumberland has won recognition for its beautification efforts.

The REAP program began in 2005 under Gov. Joe Manchin in an effort to provide oversight for litter removal, statewide recycling and open dump cleanups.

In 2018, the Keep New Cumberland Beautiful volunteers chose as their yearly project the cleaning and refurbishing of the walking trails at Crestview Park. More than 20 volunteers came out to cut trees and brush along the trails. Working with the Hancock County Solid Waste Authority, KNCB also cleaned up three open dump sites in the area and participated in the Adopt a Highway program. City residents Bill and Phyllis Swan again took charge of the annual Ohio River Sweep during which volunteers cleaned debris from the river banks in town.

Another ongoing effort by the Keep New Cumberland Beautiful group is the recycling of paper, metal and other items which are collected from businesses and private citizens. The group also partners with the New Cumberland Garden Club to plant flowers in the sidewalk containers and in other areas around town.

New additions to the flower containers and gardens this year were more metal sculptures from local artist Ken Sinsel and wooden cutouts that were changed with each season.

The awards that have been won over the last 11 years would not have been possible without the volunteers who come from all over the area to participate in these programs, a spokesperson noted, adding that local businesses also have been very supportive of the group’s efforts.

“Keep New Cumberland Beautiful would like to thank all of those who helped to win this award and who took the time to make a positive difference in their community,” the spokesperson said.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

COMMENTS

Starting at $4.73/week.

Subscribe Today