Coast Sweep

My aunt has always been very civic-minded so it's no surprise that she was involved in Coast Sweep 2010. She has been the president of an environmental group in her town on the Cape for the last 12 years. She wants to "retire" (at age 81) but no one seems willing to step up. Their main focus is the waterways. Today she organized about 40 local people (wealthy, white and elderly) to help clean up the shoreline of the town. Our assignment started along their waterfront and continued for some distance towards the larger body of water. We collected 3 huge trash bags of all kinds of garbage. We were given trash collection bags, forms to fill out where we recorded everything we picked up, several sets of grabbing devices, rubber gloves. We worked hard from 9am til noon, then all the teams met up for lunch at the central trash collection location. It was fun, actually. Here is a photo of my aunt in action as well as one of her playing with Sasha.

Sasha went with us to Coast Sweep and had a blast, splashing and playing in the tall grass along the shore. She ventured into the water a bit but not so much that she was swimming.

Here is a description of the Coast Sweep project:

COASTSWEEP

The Massachusetts Annual Statewide Beach Cleanup

Volunteers throughout Massachusetts turn out in large numbers each year for COASTSWEEP,
the state-wide beach cleanup sponsored by CZM and the Urban Harbors Institute of
UMass Boston. COASTSWEEP will kick-off its 23rd year on September 25 at
Lynn Shore & Nahant Beach Reservation.

COASTSWEEP is also part of an international campaign organized by The Ocean Conservancy
in Washington, DC. Participants all over the world collect marine debris and record
the types of trash they collect. This information is then used to help reduce future
marine debris problems.

Each year, cleanups are scheduled throughout September and October. 

My aunt and uncle both love Sasha. That kind of surprised me as I don't remember my aunt being so fond of dogs. She was perfect last night -- she slept through the night without any barking and no mess in the crate. It is precious to have time with my aunt. Uncle is welcoming and friendly. A great visit.

Besides the clean-up project, we also visited a few local art galleries. Mostly we just enjoy the simple things and each other's company. It is good.