The Great American Cleanup was once again totally amazing!

This is our fifth year participating in the Great American Cleanup, a nationally-coordinated litter cleanup and community improvement event. Nearly 300 volunteers in Florence, Union, Walton, and Rabbit Hash removed about 11790 lbs of litter and debris over 28 miles of roadway and riverbank in Boone County. Think about it: That's more than five and half TONS of garbage that our residents picked up in three and half hours. Amazing! We had more than twice the number of volunteers show up this year than we had last year and for that we say THANK YOU!

Special thanks to the Girl Scout Troops 229, 233 and 689, the Rabbit Hash Historical Society, Belleview Baptist Church Youth Group, and 220 Youth Group with the Gathering Place Church.

Take a look at those who helped out with the event!

	< Mary Shinkle welcomes the volunteers and outlines safety precautions		< Volunteers Sue and Chloe get ready to go
	< Early morning mist and volunteers near Rabbit Hash		< A few volunteers patrolling Lower River Road
	< One volunteer dives right in		< A group improves the view on the Ohio River
	< Mary distributing garbage bags to our devoted volunteers		< A small volunteer with a big bag of garbage
	< Tom doesn't mess around		< Taking a break
	< A group of Girl Scouts helping out		< Two small volunteers enjoying our lunch celebration after their hard work
	< A table of happy volunteers at the cleanup celebration		< A truckload of junk cleaned up by volunteers and hauled away by Boone Co. Public Works

So many people were involved ?behind the scenes? of this event:
Special thanks goes to the Pride Posse and GAC Coordinators:
City of Florence, Jeremy Kleier and Dale Jesensky
City of Walton, Mayor Phil Trzop and Connie Goins

Deep appreciation to:
Rabbit Hash General Store, Terrie Markesbery
Boone County Jail, Ed Prindle , Jailer
Boone County Sheriff's Dept, Sheriff Mike Helmig
Boone County Public Works

Kentucky Enquirer, Sarah Hardee

There are many more people to thank who made a big difference because of their support of this event. Too many to name, but you know who you are! You are genuinely appreciated.

Finally, the most important people to thank are our volunteers. Without you, we could not have even had an event. YOU made it the success it was. Congratulations on the impact you made on Boone County ! It's amazing to have such dedicated folks living in our own communities !