The Newtown Bee published some news from years gone by and this was one of the short articles.
September 16, 1994
In this country, we are fond of pointing out that our great rivers and lakes belong not to one person or group but to all people. By holding to the ideal that all citizens are proprietors of these natural resources, however, we often are confronted with the disheartening realization that no one is taking responsibility for their welfare. When so many are supposed to be responsible, it is easy to rationalize that our own irresponsibility is somehow of little consequence. The result is that our rivers and lakes get trashed —literally.
Fortunately, the Housatonic Valley Association (HVA) is taking responsibility for the Housatonic River by coordinating a massive Source-to-Sound clean-up of the Housatonic and its tributaries this Saturday, September 17. The HVA is also making it possible for the public to get involved. The group seeks volunteers for this day-long effort. The Newtown Environmental Action Team has agreed to take on clean-up of the Pootatuck River. Take the time on Saturday to show that you take your responsibility seriously by helping with the clean-up. Don’t let your rivers be dirty.