Today, state Rep. Lynn Afendoulis of Grand Rapids Township issued a challenge to the people of the 73^rd District to participate in her spring cleanup campaign. With her focus on fostering healthy communities, Afendoulis is asking residents to pick up trash throughout their neighborhoods during the month of April. Those who do and who submit photos will be entered to win a prize.

The representative takes a daily walk in the woods with her dogs. This week, she picked up trash along the way and came up with the idea to expand the effort to the rest of her district.

“It is disgusting to see the things people purposefully do to our natural environment,” Rep. Afendoulis said. “I can’t close my eyes to it. If I can’t change behavior, I can at least try to mitigate its impact. I’m doing my part to help clean up our environment, and I encourage the good people of the 73^rd District to help do the same.”

As residents clean up their neighborhoods, Rep. Afendoulis asks them to take and post pictures to her Facebook page or email them to [email protected]. Those participating will be entered into a drawing for a $25 Meijer gift card.

“There are many ways to help create healthy communities,” Rep. Afendoulis remarked. “Sometimes, the smallest ideas are the best because they teach others, especially our youth, the ease and power of participation.”

PHOTO INFORMATION: State Rep. Lynn Afendoulis often takes her dogs, Taki and Tuttle, to help clean up her neighborhood.