Baldwin, NY - September 18, 2017 - Senator Todd Kaminsky was joined by 75 Baldwin and Oceanside residents, Legislator Laura Curran, Assemblyman Brian Curran and Town of Hempstead Councilwoman Erin King Sweeney as they took part in a community cleanup of Silver Lake Park in Baldwin. The movement to clean up the park was sparked by a letter the Senator received in 2016 from Zoie Napolitano, an 11-year-old from Oceanside, who expressed concern about litter there.
“When I received Zoie’s letter last year, I knew I had to roll up my sleeves and get to work,” said Senator Todd Kaminsky. “I was inspired by her deep concern for the park’s wildlife and to continue to fan the flames that Zoie’s advocacy lit last year, I wanted to host another cleanup of the park,” said Senator Todd Kaminsky.
In Zoie’s letter, she asked Kaminsky what he could do to cleanup the park and provide residents and wildlife alike with a cleaner, more enjoyable park.
“Keeping Silver Lake and other local parks clean should matter to everyone. Senator Kaminsky recognized that and continues to keep our local parks beautiful,” said Zoie Napolitano.
Zoie, Senator Kaminsky and the Baldwin and Oceanside communities joined forces for a community cleanup. The entire community pitched in, including boy scouts, sports teams, teachers, and community leaders. The cleanup was co-sponsored by Kaminsky, Assemblyman Brian Curran, Legislator Laura Curran, Councilwoman Erin King Sweeney, Operation SPLASH, Baldwin Civic Association, Baldwin Girl Scouts Association, Gala Fresh, SUEZ, New York American Water, Baldwin High School’s National Honor Society, and Evergreen Landscape.
"It is so important to work together with our partners in government to keep our parks pristine for our families and children to enjoy. It is always an honor to help keep Baldwin beautiful,” said Assemblyman Brian Curran.
"I'm pleased to partner with Senator Kaminsky and local leaders on another cleanup of Silver Lake Park in Baldwin. I am looking forward to a great turnout of local volunteers eager to clean up their environment," said Legislator Laura Curran.
"I am happy to "pitch-in" with Senator Kaminsky and my colleagues in government at Silver Lake's Clean up today. The protection of our environment is something that affects all of us locally and globally. Let's all do our part to keep Beautiful Baldwin clean!” said Councilwoman Erin King Sweeney.
“The members of Operation SPLASH are glad to be a part of this annual clean up at Silver Lake Park. We appreciate the all the volunteers efforts to keep our lakes and ponds clean which in turn will keep our bays clean,” said Rob Weltner, President, Operation SPLASH.
"These clean ups help us really focus on how bad a problem we have with trash in our waterways. It also reminds us that we really need to work to protect our natural resources," said Karen Montalbano, President at the Baldwin Civic Association.
“Gala Fresh Farms is proud to be part of a community that cares about our parks and public areas. We commend Senator Kaminsky for taking the initiative to organize this cleanup effort and thank all the volunteers that took the time to support it,” said Franky Jorge, VP of Gala Fresh Farms.
“We have to use every opportunity to clean our environment and keep our waterways pristine. SUEZ is proud to once partner with Sen Kaminsky to work towards that goal,” said Michael Martino, Communications and Community Relations Manager at SUEZ.
"Protecting our waterways is an ever-important endeavor and we are happy to participate in and support the annual clean up of Silver Lake for the second year in a row," said New York American Water President Carmen Tierno. "Special thanks to Senator Kaminsky and his staff for coordinating this event and bringing everyone together to better this community."