Heart of Ellsworth and City of Ellsworth Host Collaborative Downtown Clean Up Day

Heart of Ellsworth and the City of Ellsworth invite the community to take part in a Downtown Cleanup Volunteer Day on Friday, July 24, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Volunteers will meet at the Franklin Street Parklet at 10 a.m. before heading into the downtown core for a morning of hands-on care for Ellsworth’s public spaces. The cleanup will support ongoing efforts to keep downtown welcoming, walkable and reflective of the pride people have in this community.

The event is led by Heart of Ellsworth’s Design Committee in partnership with the City of Ellsworth. Together, this collaboration helps care for downtown through seasonal cleanup work that supports the appearance, health and everyday experience of Ellsworth’s historic district.

For Caleb Pelletier, one of the City's Parks & Recreation team members, the annual cleanup is about more than pulling weeds—it's about community.

He says, "It is always rewarding to work shoulder to shoulder with volunteers who care about Ellsworth as much as we do. In just three hours, it's incredible how much we can accomplish together. Downtown is one of the first impressions visitors have of our community, and we are proud to help make it a place people enjoy spending time. We are grateful to Heart of Ellsworth for organizing this event and to everyone who comes out to lend a hand."

“These days give us the chance to support the City’s Public Works team and turn community pride into something visible. Volunteering downtown is such a simple but meaningful way to care for the place we all share, and it is always encouraging to see people show up with that spirit.” said Chesnee Barney, assistant director of Heart of Ellsworth. "We are grateful for the Design Committee volunteers who continue to help lead these efforts,”

The Downtown Cleanup Volunteer Day is also an opportunity for people to learn more about Heart of Ellsworth’s Design Committee, which meets once a month to support projects focused on enhancing the physical and visual elements of downtown while building on the unique assets that make Ellsworth distinct. Community members interested in this type of work are

encouraged to join the cleanup, meet current volunteers and ask about becoming part of the committee’s ongoing efforts.

Participants are asked to sign up in advance to help organizers plan for tools, refreshments and logistics. The sign-up form is available at https://forms.gle/5AAyZdSBTdeGM2tM6.

Volunteers should be prepared to work outside and are encouraged to bring water, sun protection, gardening gloves and weeding tools.

This is a great opportunity for neighbors, students, civic groups, and businesses to come together and contribute to the care and charm of Ellsworth’s downtown. All are welcome.

For questions or more information, please contact Chesnee Barney at chesnee@heartofellsworth.org.