2008 Woodie Awards
Students help to 'green up' Elm Park
Dan Socha
Issue date: 9/30/04 Section: News Stories
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On Saturday September 25th, the Friends of Newton Hill organized a "Green Up Day" that was held in Elm Park. But the event was not a typical clean up day. Volunteers were asked to help clear dead shrubbery and tree branches throughout the park. Over 50 Assumption students and faculty members volunteered at the event. Students could also participate through the Reach Out Center, which held the event as a "one shot," an event that welcomes and encourages all of the Assumption community to participate. This one shot was more like an explosion.
Michael Land, Assistant Professor of English, and Sean Cavanaugh,Visiting Instructor of English, asked their students from the writing and editing courses to attend the event in order to write a non-fiction essay on the experience.
"I'm glad we were asked to help out. It was fun," said Sophomore Carra Fenton.
The day began with a nature walk and then the work began. The volunteers divided their time between cutting down branches, sawing them into pieces, and piling them to be shipped away, all in an effort to "green up" Newton Hill.
Newton Hill, the sister park of Elm Park on Park Avenue and Highland Street, has much to offer to Worcester residents, and often goes unnoticed by passing motorists.
The Friends of Newton Hill was founded in part to make the people of Worcester aware of the park's potential. Prior to the group's effort, Newton Hill was overgrown, rarely used, and lined with litter.
"There was some pieces of litter found in the park that were ten years old," said Land. Since the formation of this non-profit community group in 2001, the park has become clean, vibrant, and a wonderful place to spend an afternoon. People are encouraged to take a walk or bicycle ride through any one of the five paths that weave through the 41 acres of the park. Four cross-country races were held at the park the park this summer.
The Friends of Newton Hill have been very appreciative of all the student support they receive from the various colleges in the area. The organization itself was founded with the support of students. The majority of the volunteers at the Green Up Day were college students. "Students should receive more credit for their dedication to their community," said Reach Out Center Director Debbie Lynch. "Students do care about Worcester." In this difficult time for Americans, it would be nice to hear about some good news."
Michael Land, Assistant Professor of English, and Sean Cavanaugh,Visiting Instructor of English, asked their students from the writing and editing courses to attend the event in order to write a non-fiction essay on the experience.
"I'm glad we were asked to help out. It was fun," said Sophomore Carra Fenton.
The day began with a nature walk and then the work began. The volunteers divided their time between cutting down branches, sawing them into pieces, and piling them to be shipped away, all in an effort to "green up" Newton Hill.
Newton Hill, the sister park of Elm Park on Park Avenue and Highland Street, has much to offer to Worcester residents, and often goes unnoticed by passing motorists.
The Friends of Newton Hill was founded in part to make the people of Worcester aware of the park's potential. Prior to the group's effort, Newton Hill was overgrown, rarely used, and lined with litter.
"There was some pieces of litter found in the park that were ten years old," said Land. Since the formation of this non-profit community group in 2001, the park has become clean, vibrant, and a wonderful place to spend an afternoon. People are encouraged to take a walk or bicycle ride through any one of the five paths that weave through the 41 acres of the park. Four cross-country races were held at the park the park this summer.
The Friends of Newton Hill have been very appreciative of all the student support they receive from the various colleges in the area. The organization itself was founded with the support of students. The majority of the volunteers at the Green Up Day were college students. "Students should receive more credit for their dedication to their community," said Reach Out Center Director Debbie Lynch. "Students do care about Worcester." In this difficult time for Americans, it would be nice to hear about some good news."