Frog Pond plans to clean up Saturday

FROG POND — The inaugural Frog Pond community cleanup is scheduled for Saturday at 9 a.m. Volunteers will meet at the community center and focus on County Road 22.

Participants will receive trash bags, gloves, grabbers, and safety vests. After the cleanup, they will gather at the community center for hot chocolate.

Organizer and Frog Pond resident Steve Trash said organizers originally planned the event for Jan. 10 but postponed it because of wet conditions and standing water along the roadsides.

“There was just too much water,” Trash said. “We were afraid people would get into the ditches, and there’s some pretty crazy stuff along the sides of the road.”

Trash said the idea grew out of a desire to improve the appearance of the community and help neighbors connect, especially as more people have moved into Frog Pond in recent years.

“We figured we could clean up the neighborhood and meet your neighbors at the same time,” he said.

Local musician Kerry Gilbert said he spent much of his childhood in the Frog Pond community visiting family. The condition of the roadsides is something he cares deeply about.

“Anyone is invited to come and help,” Gilbert said. “You don’t have to live there. It’s just a good way for people to get together, take some pride in the community and do something good.”

Franklin County Commissioner Greg Hovater, whose district includes the Frog Pond community, said the county has worked with organizers to support the effort.