Dedicated members of the Neponset Valley Sunrise Rotary Club recently demonstrated their commitment to community service and the environment by actively participating in the 2025 Neponset River Fall Cleanup. The club successfully focused its efforts on the areas surrounding Alevizos Park and Ellis Pond in Norwood, removing significant amounts of trash and debris from the riverbanks and surrounding parkland.
As part of the annual, watershed-wide event organized by the Neponset River Watershed Association (NepRWA), the Rotary volunteers—easily identified in their "Rotary People of Action" shirts—spent a Saturday morning equipped with gloves, grabbers, and large trash bags. The volunteers methodically cleared litter that could otherwise harm local wildlife and degrade the water quality of the Neponset River, a vital natural resource for the region. The cleanup effort helps to ensure that Alevizos Park and Ellis Pond remain clean, safe, and enjoyable spaces for the community.
“It is truly inspiring to see our members embodying the spirit of 'Service Above Self' by getting their hands dirty for a worthy cause,” said Bob Blood, President of the Neponset Valley Sunrise Rotary Club. “The health of the Neponset River is directly tied to the health of our communities. Our work at Alevizos Park and Ellis Pond is a powerful demonstration of our club's commitment to environmental sustainability and creating a lasting positive impact in the communities of Neponset Valley.”
The Neponset River Fall Cleanup is a cornerstone event for the NepRWA, bringing together hundreds of volunteers across dozens of sites in the watershed. The Neponset Valley Sunrise Rotary Club is a consistent and proud contributor to this effort, underscoring its role as a leading civic organization dedicated to local action.