Norwood's Earth Day Celebration Sunday Includes Community Cleanup

NORWOOD, MA - After a two-year pandemic pause, the Norwood Community Cleanup will be returning on Sunday to give the neighborhood a spring touch-up while emphasizing the importance of environmental stewardship.

The event, now in its fourth year, is being sponsored by Progress Norwood, a community group that works to inform, organize, support and participate in local events that promote progressive and inclusive values, according to organizer Katie Neal-Rizzo. It will begin at 10 a.m. and is being held at 13 sites around town, including local parks and schools. It is being cosponsored by the town's Department of Public Works.

A complete listing of locations can be found at this link, as well as the opportunity to sign up to volunteer.

"We had to take a couple years off due to COVID," Neal-Rizzo explained. "We’re back again this year and better than ever."

In recognition of Norwood's 150th birthday, Progress Norwood has set a goal of collecting 150 bags of litter between 10 a.m. and 11:20 a.m.

Following the cleanups, the event will culminate at the town common beginning at 11:30 a.m. Volunteers are invited to bring a bag lunch and a blanket to join in a community picnic and community fair.

The fair will include tables with local organizations, community groups, and committees providing information on issues surrounding environmental protection. Music will be provided by the Unlikely Strummers and Joe Hart. There will also be raffles and children's crafting activities with recyclable materials.

Other ways to promote sustainability will be a book swap and a donation station to recycle old sneakers.

Local bike experts will be on hand to diagnose and repair bicycles for free. Riders can also donate, take or swap and old bike.

For those who want to live greener but who don't necessarily have a green thumb, Emerald City Plant Shop on Washington Street will be giving free advice and diagnosing house plants.