With the help of Nassau County Legislator James Kennedy, Massapequa Takes Action Coalition (MTAC) hosted a successful cleanup event of the Massapequa Preserve on Saturday, April 17. MTAC was joined by its partners, the New York National Guard Counterdrug Task Force, the Nassau County Police Department and the Massapequa Elks Lodge #2162, as well as a large number of community residents. Youth organizations such as the Girl Scouts, Daisy Troop #2347 and the Boy Scouts Troop #691 were also in attendance at last weekend’s event.
Nassau County Legislator James Kennedy stated, “It was wonderful to see such a large group of youth and adults all working together toward a common goal of keeping our community safe”.
“The National Guard was happy to see such a great turn out at the event. We collected drug paraphernalia and are hoping to get data to support MTAC’s initiatives to address underage drinking and youth substance use in the Massapequas,” added Staff Sergeant Jessica Alese of the New York National Guard Counterdrug Task Force.
“The Boy Scouts enjoyed going into the Massapequa Preserve to clean it up. It was also good for them to observe what types of trash was found,” stated Walter Cook, Troop #691 leader.
Daisy Troop #2347 leader commented, “The Keep the Preserve Pristine Event was a great way to teach the Daisy Troops how to work together to take care of their community.”
Attendees walked through areas of the Massapequa Preserve while picking up garbage along the way. Adult leaders in each group picked up any drug paraphernalia that was found which was later given to the National Guard. With the help of everyone who attended, we were able to collect 10 bags of trash which was disposed of with help from Nassau County.
MTAC plans to continue its “Keep the Preserve Pristine” in the summer and in the fall to ensure that the Massapequa Preserve continues to be a safe place for community residents while maintaining its natural beauty. To become a part of MTAC’s efforts and learn more about MTAC please contact Larissa Singh, MTAC Project Coordinator at (516) 799-3203 ext. 132 or visit mtacoalition.com.