Formerly called the Annual Town Clean-Up, the Louise Houle Town-Clean Up brings the community together with gloves, bags and rakes to sweep Northborough of any unsightly litter.

As part of the national observance of Earth Day, Northborough's official clean-up sponsored by the Northborough Woman's Club and Northborough Community Affairs Committee takes place on Saturday, April 21, from 7:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Volunteers meet at the Melican Middle School to pick up their gloves, bags and assignments. A cookout to thank the volunteers takes place at 12:30 p.m. at Ellsworth McAfee Park.

Last year, more than 120 participated in the clean-up, said Barbara Volkle from the Northborough Woman's Club. "It's been a tremendous contribution to the town since 1986," she said. "Each person can do a small part, and then the next day feel that we've made a tremendous difference."

Virginia Simms George, chairman of the Community Affairs Committee, said that Houle, who passed away two years ago, was instrumental in developing Northborough's clean-up, and "prepared us to carry on in her absence. We will execute the plans she shared with us."

The rain date is April 22.

Simms George also added that volunteers are welcome to join in the clean-up on other days if unable to make it on April 21. Organizers, however, need to know who is participating in order to inform the DPW where to pick up the bags of trash.

Anyone interested in the clean-up should visit here and be sure to sign up.

For questions, call Patricia Griffin at 508-393-9587.