PHOTO COURTESY MIKE WILEY
Volunteers work to beautify Berlin Falls park during Clean Up Day on April 26. Comcast Cares Day also partnered with the town to help with cleaning efforts.

By Rachel Ravina, Staff Writer

(May 9, 2019) An increase in volunteers boost efforts to beautify parks in Berlin last month during the 2019 Clean Up Day event.

Mary Bohlen, administrative services director for the Town of Berlin, appeared pleased with the success of the event held last month.

“I think it went very well,” Bohlen said. “They got a lot done and we had a better turnout than we’ve had for a while.”

Bohlen said although her department didn’t have a final headcount, she estimated about 70 people showed up on April 27 to Stephen Decatur and Berlin Falls parks to pick up trash, rid the areas of weeds and to plant flowers.

“I kept telling Public Parks they need to settle down for a week so we have something to do,” Bohlen said during an April Berlin Falls Park Advisory Committee meeting.

In recent years, Bohlen said between 35 and 50 people would participate.

As for the increase in participation, Bohlen credited the partnership with Comcast Cares Day.

“I think that was a big part of the success this year,” Bohlen said.

In addition to working with Comcast, Bohlen said the town also was assisted by Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services.

Savannah Isner, senior public relations specialist for Comcast’s Beltway Region, said the company practices the “culture of giving back,” by working with communities on area projects.

“Comcast is proud of the difference we made together in Berlin and is truly grateful to each and every volunteer and partner who rolled up their sleeves to make a positive impact during this project,” Isner said.

“Our goal is to help build stronger communities, and we are proud that Comcast Cares Day projects such as this one bring people together and show the positive impact we can make on our communities when working together,” she said.