Over 70 volunteers come out to clean-up trash littered along Manorhaven Beach this past Saturday, August 12th. Volunteers checked in, gathered supplies, and then set out either on foot or by boat. Kostal Paddle, which operates out of Manorhaven Beach Town Park, offered free kayak and paddle board rentals to any volunteers collecting trash. The event was sponsored by the Manhasset Bay Protection Committee, Kostal Paddle, the Town of North Hempstead, and the Northeast Chapter of the American Littoral Society. Battling both scorching sun and driving rain, volunteers collected over 360 pounds of trash, most of that light weight items as the top three most collected things were cigarette butts, tiny pieces of plastic, and plastic bottle caps.
Several large, heavy objects were also collected – something made possible by the rentals from Kostal Paddle, since these were all retrieved from the water. These larger items included a tire, several dock floats, and the metal bowl of a charcoal grill. Volunteer organizations that participated included the M.T.O. Shahmaghsoudi Global, the Alliance of Youth Leadership United States (Dix Hills and Syosset branches), Ivy Prep, LLC., and Clark Botanic Gardens. Also on hand for the event were State Assembly Member Gina Sillitti, Town Council Member Mariann Dalimonte, and Deputy Town Parks Commissioner John Darcy. Another interesting find was a baseball cap lost by the Committee’s Director the Monday before while water quality sampling in the back of the Bay.
State Assembly Member Gina Sillitti said, “I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the devoted volunteers who dedicated their morning to beautifying our community. As a fellow Manorhaven resident, it’s inspiring to see so many of our neighbors come together for such a good cause, and have pride in our waterfront. I am grateful for the Manhasset Bay Protection Committee for organizing the clean-up.”
“The Manhasset Bay coastal cleanup is an important event that not only helps raise awareness about the issue of ocean pollution, but it also helps provide a great opportunity to roll up our sleeves and give back to the Earth. Thank you to the Manhasset Bay Protection Committee for their hard work in making the event a success and thank you to all of the volunteers who showed up for this important environmental initiative,” said Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena.
Town Council Member Mariann Dalimonte said, “I was thrilled to participate in the Manhasset Bay Protection Committee’s beach clean-up in Port Washington. Witnessing the dedication of our community coming together to preserve the beauty of our coastline is inspiring. Let’s continue working hand in hand to ensure a cleaner and more vibrant environment for generations to come.”
“It is comforting to work with these young adults who understand the oceans and waterways are our most precious resource,” said Deputy Town Parks Commissioner John Darcy of the volunteers involved.
“I am so grateful for the amazing volunteer turnout on a hot summer day to collect litter, some of it rather large. I’m always blown away by the dedication of those who participate. I also wish to extend my thanks to Kostal Paddle for making this a truly amazing event,” said Sarah Deonarine, Executive Director of the Manhasset Bay Protection Committee.
The Manhasset Bay Protection Committee will host at least one more clean-up event this fall in connection with the International Coastal Clean-up event that happens every year on Sept. 21.
If you would like more information about Manhasset Bay, please visit the Committee’s website at manhassetbay.net or e-mail the Director at mbpcExec@gmail.com.
—Submitted by Manhasset Bay
Protection Committee
