‘Operation Adopt a Block’ Seeking Volunteers for June 26 Cleanup

Operation Adopt a Block will be in full force tomorrow as local leaders, officials, and residents gather to clean up Ellwood City.

Justin Neupauer, owner of Alborn Tire Sales and leader of the event, said he is expecting about 50 volunteers but more are always welcome.

“I am always shocked by the response of people who are willing to take time out of their day to volunteer,” he said.

Neupauer will be joined by co-organizers Councilman Caleb Cragle, Councilman Rob Brough, Councilwoman Judith Dici, Mayor Anthony Court, Matt Morabito of Morabito Mowing, and Eric Rayner of the festival committee.

Members of council said getting involved was a no-brainer.

“Justin is in the top one percent when it comes to pride and putting his money where his heart is,” Brough said. “He reached out to me as a friend and told me he wanted me, and others, involved in an effort to clean and beautify our main street. I was on board immediately.”

Cragle agreed. He said although he was unable to make it to last year’s cleanup, he has been involved before. He hopes that seeing Justin stepping up as a business owner will start a trend.

“Justin is proving that everyone can do this together and we all can unify to make our town look nice,” he said. “If I have to step up and volunteer one morning per year to do my part, it is a small gesture that can be done.”

Dici said it is her way of stepping out from behind the board table, being part of the community, and taking action.

“If I want the town to grow, I need to do my part to help make it look good,” she said.

The group will do work on Lawrence Avenue.

“We’ve done it in the past and have noticed that it is definitely needed again,” Neupauer said.

According to Neupauer, if extra volunteers show up, the effort might expand beyond Lawrence Ave.

Cragle said it offers somewhat of a fresh start for downtown businesses following the long pandemic. He along with Brough believes it will help overwhelmed business owners realize that maintaining sharp storefronts can make a big difference downtown.

“My hope is that once this is done and property owners understand that they can maintain the flower and tree boxes outside their businesses without the Borough being involved, it will spark a wave of creativity and pride that will continue for years to come,” Brough said.

Organizers hope the event also sparks interest in residents to step up and cleanup not only the main street and side streets, but their own neighborhoods as well.

“I hope this inspires residents in every neighborhood,” Dici said.

Neupauer said there is no registration or RSVP to volunteer. The group will meet in the Community Plaza at 9 a.m. tomorrow.

This isn’t the first town cleanup that Neupauer has organized. He also held one last year.

Dici said she was Neupauer’s teacher, and she commends him for stepping up.

“I am so proud of the community-minded man he is,” she said.

Organizers also see this cleanup as a catalyst to inspire hometown pride.

“If you are so inclined and have the time please join us,” Brough said “All are welcome and the feeling of a job well done will continue to raise you up every time you cruise up and down Lawrence Avenue.

The cleanup is possible because of help from area businesses: Edro Specialty Steel donated gloves, Dominos Pizza is providing lunch, Busy Beaver donated trash bags and other supplies, Reeds Service is donating mulch, and Morabito mowing has offered to pick up the mulch from Reeds and enlisted his employees to help clean up for the day.