By Marisol Joven
Kearny came together once again for its annual townwide cleanup this past Saturday, April 18. It was the perfect day for turning a simple act of service into a powerful display of unity, pride and purpose.
Organized by Kearny ACES (Advisory Committee on Environmental Stewardship), the goal was clear: bring residents together to remove litter, debris and waste from parks and neighborhoods. What truly defined the event was not just the work accomplished, but the spirit behind it.
From the early morning hours, volunteers gathered at locations throughout town, including parks, streets and riverfronts. Gloves, rakes, bags and tools were distributed, making it easy for everyone to take part. The event welcomed all ages, and perhaps the most special sight of the day was seeing families — children, parents and even grandparents — working side by side for a common cause.
Among those present was Shannon Evans, a Kearny resident and member of the cleanup committee. Her presence, along with so many dedicated volunteers, highlighted the heart behind this long-standing tradition.
Representatives from Liberty Science Center also joined the event, showing participants how recycled materials can be transformed into something creative and useful — a reminder that sustainability goes beyond collection and includes reimagining waste.
Mayor Carol Jean Doyle, along with members of the Kearny Town Council, greeted volunteers and thanked participants for their continued dedication to the town. The Kearny Fire Department also made an appearance with a fire truck, adding to the excitement and energy of the morning, especially for younger attendees.
Over the years, this initiative has grown into more than a scheduled event; it has become part of Kearny’s identity. With participation from organizations including North Hudson Action Corp., the Portuguese Cultural Association, Hudson County Improvement Authority, RWJBarnabas Health’s Clara Maass Medical Center, the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office and the Kearny Public Library, the event reflected a true community wide effort.
“The town cleanup is one of the best traditions we have in Kearny each year,” said 4th Ward Councilman Stathis Theodoropoulos, “It brings neighbors together, strengthens our sense of community and gives all of us the opportunity to take pride in making our town more beautiful.”
The impact of this effort reaches far beyond a single day. By coming together to remove litter, Kearny residents help protect the pride and beauty of their neighborhoods while creating cleaner, more welcoming spaces for everyone. These efforts also play an important role in safeguarding the town’s waterways.
When rain carries street waste into storm drains, it can flow into the Passaic River and nearby marshlands. Through consistent cleanup initiatives, the community helps prevent this, supporting healthier water systems and a better environment for both residents and local wildlife. Each year, these actions reinforce a shared commitment to keeping Kearny vibrant, cared for and strong.
“Picking up litter or leaves may seem like a small act on its own, but when hundreds of residents come together with a shared purpose, it becomes something truly special — one of the finest moments of the year for our town,” Theodoropoulos said.
What keeps the cleanup going strong after 33 years is simple: people care. They show up, contribute and pass that commitment down to the next generation. It can be seen in the smiles of children picking up their first bag of litter and in the pride of longtime volunteers who return year after year.
The cleanup concluded on a sweet note, with volunteers enjoying a well-earned treat of donuts — a small but thoughtful gesture that brought everyone together one last time before heading home.
All photos by Ronald Smits/Courtesy Town of Kearny