Project Description
Meet Nancy O’GradyHazlet Township Clean Communitites Coordinator.
How did you get your start?
In 2015, I was asked if I’d be willing to take the Clean Communitites Coordinator position because we didn’t have one at the time. I was certified the same year and have been doing it ever since.
How many different hats do you wear?
At least 5: Road Department, Recycling, Clean Communitites, Right to Know, and Receptionist.
What is your secret for handling everything efficiently?
I am very organized by nature. I schedule what needs to be done on what day: from processing checks to purchase orders, to setting up new vendors.
What strategies do you practice to get the community involved?
I sponsor 2-4 clean-ups each month depending on the weather.
I give mini-grants as an incentive and reinforce their participation with other clean communities gifts including: Lunch bags, water bottles, etc. The most popular is a bracelet that many people collect from each clean up they do. The most fun is the award ceremony after each clean up. I give awards for Largest Trash bag filled, Largest Recycling bag filled, and the Strangest object.
Any challenges you’ve overcome in hosting mini-grant Clean-ups?
Sometimes people see the clean up as a formality rather than an actual clean up. I’ve had people show up, stay for 10 minutes and say, “My son has a game, we need to go”. I’ve also had some people not know how to dress for a clean up.
How have you overcome these challenges?
I send an email out to the leader of the group a week prior reminding them of the safety mandates that qualify them to participate in the grant. I tell them to expect to be there 60-90 minutes. Wear closed toe shoes, and long pants to protect from ticks and poison ivy. I’ve recently had to add a “No-pets” policy as some people saw it as an opportunity to walk their dog instead. It’s a growing process. And people are learning and Hazlet is getting cleaner, so we are accomplishing our mission.
After a long day, where is your favorite place to catch a fun meal?
Alberto’s in Morganville is the best!
Albertos Pizza Resterat
479 State Highway No 79
Morganville, NJ 07751
