Editor, The Spotlight:
It is time for “Going Green” to become more than a catchphrase. Our town has in the recent past always supported through the Bethlehem supervisor’s office and Highway Department the efforts of local groups to monitor our environment through the labor of the steadfast highway men and women. Going back as far as Sheila Fuller 2011, when she agreed with the restoration of Veteran’s Park on Delaware Avenue. It was then that the community took notice of the improvement over the rubble that was laid there for ears in honor of our veterans. It was then that the sensibilities were awakened to the need of maintaining our public landscape. Doing so goes beyond pouring asphalt, plowing snow and removing roadside leaves, etc.
Of late the planting of trees and shrubs to address pollution and creating simple sustainable gardens that lend control to road diet, thus traffic safety, has been accomplished, again with the collaboration of the town with a local club. It was somewhat disappointing to read in The Spotlight newspaper, front page, that the Town Board was seemingly questioning the value of allocating labor for such “projects.” Maybe the article was misleading and it was merely a political ploy to anger residents of the Town of Bethlehem regarding spending money for beautification.
What is important to know is that “Going Green” means more than dallying with flowers, trees and shrubs. It is an endeavor taken on by citizens, governments and organizations in n effort to be stewards of the planet. It is imperative for the Bethlehem town officials to realize that collaborating with local groups, be it scouts or a small clubs, is a boon to our community and health of our environment.
Virginia Acquario
Bethlehem