I want to talk about Keep Framingham Beautiful and the effects that this volunteer organization has had on cleaning up our city.
But first I want to talk about why I started cleaning in the first place. Debbie Osborn was the inspiration for this whole movement. Back in May of 2013, Debbie was coming down to visit me in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, for the first time. I thought to myself, “Wherever she’s coming from, it’s got to be cleaner than where I live.”
When I moved up here in 2016, I saw that wasn’t the case. I saw the need and I started cleaning. Fast forward maybe a year or so. One day I was in Sue Dickerman Hall for some event and I was introduced to Michael Croci by Debbie Osborn, who had also talked trash with Michael a bit earlier. Then we talked about the visions we had for a cleaner, greener city. He knew the social media part, and I knew the cleaning part! It was the beginnings of the movement! Then Debra Caplan, a lifelong resident of Framingham, came on board with the same vision as Michael and me!
With their amazing collaboration between other members, the city and many local businesses, KFB is now a well-known and respected group here, and in other towns. We have yard signs throughout the city, and even had a billboard! We have received awards and letters of commendation from many organizations. There is an amazing relationship between KFB and DPW, the Parks Department, the Board of Health, the mayor’s office and many local businesses.
We have organized 40 community cleanups, removed over 51,000 pounds of trash, debris, tires, furniture, etc. The city has taken to our message of a cleaner, greener place to live and has assisted us on many of our cleanups by coming by and picking up the mountains of garbage.
Every day like-minded members of KFB go out equipped with gloves, grabbers, bags or buckets, our trusty phones and smiles. We remove what others carelessly discard. At the core of cleaning is the relationships we build with citizens of our community. That’s what motivates us the most!
I think everyone who cleans will tell you that cleaning is the greatest form of aerobic exercise there is. You’re out there bending, lifting, carrying and twisting. You’re out there making the planet look better while feeling better yourself! It’s a highly effective way to release endorphins! It’s a win-win situation! I’ll never be able to take just a plain walk again.
Please check us out at KFB.ORG, Facebook and Instagram!
Thanks, Joe Hudock, KFB!!