Golden Broom Award - A Tribute to Social Janitors. South Burlington, Vermont

Golden Broom Award

Litter Pickers

Do you know the janitor of your school, your workplace, your synagogue, or church? 

Likely as not this person is humble, dependable, and takes pride in cleaning up after others. This person probably passes no judgment upon those who create and drop bits of trash. Steadfast and true this observant and non-assuming person cleans the floor and hallway and parking lot every day year-round.  The janitor cleans up so that all the functions of the school, or workplace, or religious meeting place, can take place with pride.

We should have a South Burlington Golden Broom Award for year-round commitment to maintaining a litter-free environment. I could easily name a long list of nominees so deserving-both in the business community and the community of citizens.

Please join me in thanking a few of these people, these Social Janitors.

Thank You to the citizens who have adopted a block as part of the solution to keep our community litter-free. Here is a partial listing, Marga & Glenn Sproul, Ann Slattery, the Scarpa Family, Kelsey Hudson, Rosanne Greco, Paul Engels, Jane Boisvert, Walter Luchini, Susan Saferstein, Chris Shaw, and Maida Townsend. Read more on the Adopt-A-Block tab on my website.

Thank You, Kylie Gould, district manager of Rite Aid on Hinesburg road for installing a public trash can on the storefront. Thank You Rite Aid employees who frequently empty the heavily used trash container.

Thank You Zachary’s (Williston road) a most improved site in the past year.

Thank You Price Chopper employees for diligence and persistent parking lot clean up. We are proud of you for doing this service for your store and our community. Special Commendations and Thank You goes to the employees of DoubleTree, Sheraton, Vermont Gift Barn, Dunkin Donuts, and Holiday Inn associate Gary, spotted cheerfully cleaning up litter (including cigarette butts) not only on the property, but also on the sidewalk a-fronting the Holiday Inn.

Thank You Justin Rabidoux, SB Director of Public Works, for contacting VTrans representatives to clean up litter on the SB I-89 ramps.

Thank You Winooski Valley Park District employees, Tom, Ben, James, Tim, Ashley and others, for keeping district parks Green and Clean.   

Thank You, Rachael Miller, Director of Rozalia Project (and volunteers) for organizing and implementing beach cleanups.

Thank You, Sophie, Karen, Sarah, Penne, Michael, Barbara, Betsy, Susan, Rosanne, and other representatives from the SB Land Trust for organizing SB Green Up Day. Thank You for this year’s SBHS volunteers. Of course, gracious thanks to all of those who on their own or with family, friends, or work associates joined in the great Vermont tradition of Green Up Day.

Alas, I am out of space. Please personally thank these and others who you know are deserving of a Golden Broom Award for their commitment to making our community Green and Clean.

Remember, litter clean up is an All-Season-Sport, which promotes litter prevention, and provides instant gratification.

Bernie publishes essays and photos reflecting Vermont values of Green and Clean and Community. He urges us all to pick up litter and maintain a litter-free environment through caring, community, and contribution in order to protect our water, wildlife, and human health.   Bernie’s web site is http://www.litterwithastorytotell.blogspot.com/

References on Gratitude, Appreciation
"Piglet had a Very Small Heart, but it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude." -A.A. Milne
Gratitude and well-being. 
Gratitude and Happiness...
The secret of happiness 
Why it takes balls to be happy.
Attitude of Gratitude vs Appreciation
***  Want to be happy? Be Grateful (Video)
*** Nature. Beauty. Gratitude.  (Video)
Three reasons you should adopt an attitude of gratitude.