“The success of our Annual Intergenerational Spring and Fall Clean-Ups is a direct result of our dedicated, committed and hardworking youth volunteers and their mentors,” Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr. said. Picente added, “Our Oneida County senior citizens, who no longer can physically do the work or financially afford to have the work done for them, have benefitted tremendously from this initiative and its volunteers efforts. They continue to remind us that there is good in our youth, in our world and Oneida County is a special place to live.”

The 450 remarkable youth volunteers were representatives of the following Oneida County colleges, school districts and youth organizations.

• Hamilton College: Inter-Society Council

• Utica College: Organization of Justice Studies, Pre-Health Professional Society, Introduction to Aging, Theta Phi Alpha, Physical Therapy Society and Kappa Delta Phi NAS

• Mohawk Valley Community College: Welders Amongst the Community and Recreation & Leisure Services

• Boys Scout Troop 21: Ed Gunn

• Kids Oneida Work Program: Tom Joslyn and Dave Calhoun

• Hillside Work Scholarship Connection: Phoebe Weigand

• Underground Café / Safe Schools: Lia Savage

• Oneida County Volunteers: Nancy Brown

• Oneida County Probation: Pat Cady

• The House of the Good Shepherd: Lisa Reginelli

• House of Prayer: David Zhushma

• Clinton: Varsity Baseball and Junior Varsity Baseball

• Proctor High School: Key Club, Environmental Club and Young Scholars Program

• Vernon-Verona-Sherrill High School: National Honor Society

• New Hartford Central High School: Varsity Baseball and JV Baseball

• New York Mills High School: Student Council

• Camden High School: Various Athletic Teams

• Whitesboro Central High School: Junior Varsity Baseball

“With the outpouring of support given by our youth and the supportive number of youth volunteers represented these kids see the big picture,” Director of the Youth Bureau Kevin Green said.  Green added, “compassion for those in need, caring enough to do the work, and bringing joy to others are three characteristics these 450 youth volunteers brought to Oneida Counties senior citizen population.”

The 10th Annual 2018 Intergenerational Fall Clean-Up is scheduled for Saturday October 20th and Sunday October 21st and the 11th Annual 2019 Intergenerational Spring Clean-Up is scheduled for Saturday April 20th and Sunday April 21st. Any Oneida County colleges, school districts and youth organizations interested in volunteering should contact the Oneida County Youth Bureau at 798-5027. Any senior citizen interested in having their yard cleaned should contact the Oneida County Office for the Aging and Continuing Care at 798-5456.