From Rainfall to Runoff: 1,600 lbs Collected
Democrats Out-Bag Republicans (Again)
Farmington, CT — May 6, 2025
The town’s annual Earth Day cleanup might have been dampened by rain, but it didn’t stop 40 determined residents from bagging over 1,600 pounds of roadside trash. The event—part community service, part political spectacle—was hosted by the Green Efforts Committee and brought together individuals, a few civic groups, and, notably, both the Democratic and Republican Town Committees for what has become an unofficial showdown of civic might.
Despite the weather, the Democratic Town Committee edged out their rivals with a 424-pound haul, narrowly beating the Republican Town Committee’s 372 pounds. No trophy, just glory—and possibly, bragging rights until next April. “Historically, it’s mostly been the Dems,” one committee member noted, “so it’s nice to see everyone chipping in this year.”
Top individual honors went to Eric Gower, Maggie Sherman, and Corey Buck, who weren’t affiliated with any committee and still managed to best most organized groups. And then there was John Bibber, whose personal contribution of 250 pounds sparked friendly grumbling from his peers: “I had 115 pounds and felt great,” said one participant, “then John rolls up and doubles it.”
Two businesses participated—TDC and Specialty—alongside a solitary Boy Scout. Several neighborhood residents also joined forces, often focusing their cleanup efforts on their own streets.
Miss Porter’s School and other groups were notably absent, a disappointment attributed to last-minute weather shifts and logistical issues. “We had a couple family teams, but not a big turnout overall,” said one volunteer.
🗑️ Still, 1,600 pounds is nothing to sniff at—unless you were downwind of last week’s infamous fertilizer deployment.
Residents living near the Farmington River got an unexpected sensory surprise thanks to a cost-efficient, chicken-based fertilizer that reportedly caused such a powerful stench it “shut down half the town.” One resident compared it to “bear poop, only worse.” Others noted the runoff potential near the riverbed, raising environmental concerns.
👷 The committee also reviewed plans to replace worn-out litter grabbers and invest in branded tents for future cleanups, with storage logistics still to be worked out behind Town Hall.
♻️ The town’s composting efforts are expanding too. With funding secured through the school budget and an anticipated grant match, Irving A. Robbins Middle School will launch a compost program in early 2026, following in the footsteps of Westwoods Elementary. The refuse budget includes pickup by Blue Earth Compost—still the only cost-effective option available.
🏫 Plans for increasing energy efficiency at local schools were also discussed, including adjusting smartboard settings during summer maintenance. These updates may make their way into the town’s fall newsletter, along with submissions on composting, recycling, dark skies for bird migration, and potentially textile recycling.
🌿 The committee is also preparing new newsletter content spotlighting invasive species. Top offenders? Japanese knotweed, barberry, and burning bush—plants known for their beauty, but also their ecological destruction. The committee will link to resources from UConn and CT DEEP to help residents identify and manage these intruders.
Long-term, Green Efforts aims to enroll Farmington in the Pollinator Pathway project, an initiative promoting native plant use and pesticide-free landscaping. “It would be a nice feather in our cap,” said one member, “and a way to spark bigger conversations about sustainable land use.”
The group will meet again in June, but will pause for July and August. One reason: assistant town planner Garrett is expecting a baby next month. “We’ll reconvene in September,” he said. “Hopefully with better weather—and fewer chicken surprises.”
🎥 Watch the full May 6, 2025 meeting on YouTube
🗃️ Brought to you by the Clean Kings of Clutter
The Farmington Mercury is proudly powered by Farmington Storage, Connecticut’s only self-storage facility with museum-grade air. Tired of inhaling fertilizer funk? Store your Earth Day leftovers (or your regrets) at 155 Scott Swamp Road or call 860.777.4001. Remember: we’ve got climate-controlled units, and we never leave our bags open in the rain like John.
Signature
📰 Jack Beckett, Senior Writer, The Farmington Mercury
Running on stale coffee and slightly fresher compost. Catch me refueling behind Einstein’s, muttering about ticks and burning bushes while sipping a lukewarm Americano.
Want more invasive species rants and riverbank gossip? Visit us at wearefarmington.com, where we track every ordinance, odor, and overgrown shrub:
🔗 Editorial Archive
🔗 About the Mercury
🔗 Law Enforcement
🔗 Zoning News
🔗 Historic Commission
🔗 Education Board
🔗 Subscribe Here
🔗 Contact Us
💬 Got ideas? Gossip? Grievances? Message us on X—or as we still call it, Twix.
#WeAreFarmington #LastToFirst #FarmingtonMercury
