Mark Nobile of Unity Township was recognized on Monday with the Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Community Pride Award for his more than 30 years of volunteer service picking up litter along local roadways. State Representative Leslie Rossi (R-Westmoreland) announced the award and highlighted Nobile’s commitment to keeping the community clean.
“We cannot help but be impressed by Mark’s continuous efforts that show just what one person’s commitment can do for an entire community,” said Rossi. “We enjoyed hearing his stories as he expressed his appreciation to the Unity Township supervisors and the township’s maintenance crews, who routinely travel the roads to collect the ‘orange’ bags he fills during his cleanups. Mark’s motto is ‘Bag a Week, Keep it Neat!’”
The presentation was attended by Unity Township supervisors and staff, John Petrarca, Heidi Pedicore from Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, Mike Skapura and Natalie Reese of Westmoreland Cleanways and Recycling, as well as Nobile’s wife, Colleen.
“This award is rarely presented to an individual and is usually given to a group or school organization,” said Pedicore.
Nobile was nominated for the award by Rossi. He began his cleanup efforts over thirty years ago while living in Harrisburg and continued after retiring and returning to Unity Township. As he resumed jogging in his hometown, he noticed increasing amounts of roadside trash and decided to take action.
Rossi also thanked local officials and maintenance workers who help collect filled bags after each cleanup effort. “Mark and the township crews place themselves at risk by removing debris that should never have been discarded in the first place,” said Rossi. “Residents need to be more mindful about littering and to dispose of trash properly.”
