The Town of Plymouth’s Cleanup Weekend runs from Friday, April 17 to Sunday, April 19. Pick up gloves and garbage bags at the town’s highway department or firehouse during one of the fundraiser’s this weekend. Saturday morning, there will be a pancake breakfast and at noon, a chicken barbecue for $10 a plate, both held at the firehouse. On Sunday, the firehouse is hosting a Recruit New York event where there is a chance to meet Halligan the Dalmatian, and learn about being a volunteer. (Photo by Rebecca Laibowitz)

PLYMOUTH – The Town of Plymouth Clean Up Weekend takes place form April 17 to the 19. Garbage bags and gloves will be available to pickup from 8 a.m. To 3 p.m. On Friday and Saturday, and from 9 a.m. To 12 p.m. at the Town of Plymouth Highway Dept. Barn at 239 Moon Hill Road, South Plymouth, 13844. Trash should be brought to the dumpster at the same location.

Town Supervisor, Tim Manwarren said, “The cleanup event is not sponsored by the Town of Plymouth itself, but we're offering free disposal services to the residents, neighbors, and friends, who pick up the trash throughout the town.”

On Saturday April 18 the South Plymouth Cemetery Association will be holding a pancake breakfast from 7:30am to 11 a.m. The breakfast will be held at the Plymouth Fire Station at 3461 State Highway 23, Plymouth 13832. Donations will be accepted and proceeds of the pancake breakfast go toward maintaining the cemetery. Cleanup weekend supplies will be available at the pancake breakfast and town officials hope those in attendance will also take part in the cleanup initiative.

That same day, at the Plymouth Firehouse, starting at noon their will be a chicken barbecue sponsored by local businesses and Friends of Plymouth; of which, all proceeds will go towards the garbage tipping fees for the town cleanup weekend.

The cost is $10 per dinner which will include a chicken quarter, baked beans, macaroni salad, and a cookie. Garbage bags, and gloves for cleanup participants will also be available at the firehouse during the barbecue.

“We're trying to group a lot of these events together so that we can build a stronger community,” said Manwarren.

At the end of cleanup weekend on Sunday, there will be a Recruit New York event at the Plymouth Fire Department, from noon to 4 p.m. At the event, residents can learn how to become a volunteer firefighter or first responder and have chance to meet the special guest Halligan, a Dalmatian Fire Dog visiting from New Jersey. They will also be serving food and drinks.

“A lot of the times in the past, entities seem to stand alone, and the communities are stronger if a lot of these organizations are in unity. So we're trying to build a stronger community and take pride in what we have and send a positive message to the youth,” said Manwarren, who hopes that by having several events take place nearby each other and over the same weekend, that more community members will feel compelled to take part.

Manwarren also mentioned that the same weekend a young community member will be constructing his eagle scout project at Plymouth's Foster Park. Where he will be building raised flower boxes and filling them with flowers in an effort to make the park more enjoyable to everyone who visits.

“All of these projects just kind of fell together at the same day,” said Manwarren, adding, “it's going to a jam-packed weekend.”

He credited the Cleanup Weekend initiative to Town of Plymouth Councilman and Board Member Shelly Ciborowski.

“She is the one that took the bull by the horns and got out and started with all of this, and with the support of the board, that's something we wish to do as a whole town. I think it's an excellent way to show some pride in our community,” said Manwarren

So consider taking part in the Town of Plymouth's Cleanup Weekend from April 17 to 19. Pickup your gloves and bags at either the Plymouth Town Highway Garage, the pancake breakfast, or Firehouse, and bring the trash collected to the highway garage for free disposal.

For more information and updates on events and meetings in Plymouth, follow the “Town of Plymouth NY Residents” Facebook page found at www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586036121996 .

“I think if we can get community events and a sense of pride instilled in our youth at a younger age, I mean, they won't litter, they'll take part in some of these events that bring communities closer together. And I think it's a great thing,” said Town Supervisor Tim Manwarren.