By Elana Warsen
LUZERNE – A group of Oscoda County youth did their part to beautify the landscape on one of the most beautiful spring days to date. Teens Making A Difference (TMAD) hit the highway on April 17 to conduct an Adopt-a-Highway roadside cleanup. TMAD Leader Ursula Latreille said the group cleans the three-mile section on M-72 from Mapes Rd. to Deeter Rd. in Luzerne three times per year from spring to fall. This is the fourth year.
‘We are trying to do our part to make the world and specifically Oscoda County a cleaner place,’ Latreille said.
The roadside cleanup fits in with TMAD’ mission to help teens and improve their schools and community.
‘Not only are we helping to keep the roadside clean,’ Latreile said, ‘but projects like these help to instill values in our youth. Once you’ve done roadside cleanup you have a new perspective on littering.’
The cleanup day was not just about hard work; participants also found time for some fun.
‘We usually go for ice cream or a snack after,’ Latreile said. ‘But this time we had lunch before and reviewed and judged the TMAD scholarship entries.’
Every year TMAD raises money to give a $500 cash scholarship to two seniors’one from Mio and one from Fairview.
In addition to their commitment to Adopt-a-Highway, other scheduled TMAD projects include working at the Lydia’ Gate fundraising gala on April 22, presenting scholarships to recipients at award ceremonies in May, an Au Sable River cleanup, and supervising the kids’ games at the Mio 4th of July celebration.
For more information about TMAD, contact Ursula Latreile at 989-464-2026,
Contact Elana Warsen with comments or story ideas at elana@ausablemedia.com.
