Retired educator leading charge to make, maintain a cleaner community
INTERVIEW BY SANDRA J. PENNECKE
CORRESPONDENT
Rosi Martin envisions a litter-free Chesapeake. That’s why the retired teacher has taken on volunteer roles with the Adopt-a-Highway and Sign Sweeper programs through the Department of Public Works.
“I like harmonious, clean surroundings, and find it most gratifying when my ‘extended neighborhood backyard’ is well-kept and litter-free,” said Martin, who taught German at the old Great Bridge High School, as well as English and German at several area schools. She retired after 34 1/2 years as an educator.
Martin adopted River Walk Parkway, the main road into her community, in the summer of 2011. She picks up litter there several times each month. But, she noted, keeping the area clean is a never-ending process.
She is also an inaugural volunteer in the city’s Sign Sweeper program, which began last year. Not only does Martin hand remove signs that are illegally posted near curbs, in medians and on utility poles, she also makes courtesy calls from the public works office each week alerting sign owners of their violation.
“I strongly believe in stewardship of our little corner of the world,” said Martin, who does the clean ups solo. “I just can’t wrap my mind around people littering.”
Why did you choose to be involved with the Adopt-a-Highway and Sign Sweeper programs? After retiring from Deep Creek High School in June 2009, I wanted to get environmentally involved again and contribute in some way to my community.
What is the greatest challenge you face in your volunteer work? Not to get discouraged by the people who are oblivious to their surroundings and mindlessly toss any number of items out their windows! Taking down signs can be dangerous at times, depending on the location and the traffic, but proper clothing and caution minimize those problems. A real challenge in the sign sweeping is the phone call I make to the advertisers. I want to make sure I am respectful and empathetic, yet let them know why they can’t place signs in the city’s right of way.
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