Straight Talk: Spring cleaning

  • Published
  • By Col. Stacy L. Yike
  • 66th Air Base Group commander
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  Spring is finally here with warmer weather at last. We are celebrating by kicking off the annual Hanscom Olympics. Come join us Monday for opening ceremonies and participate all week long either as an athlete or as the cheering committee. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.

We also have the Hanscom Spouses Club Scholarship Awards dinner on Tuesday night, the Armed Forces Communication and Electronics Association (AFCEA) Awards dinner on Wednesday night and conclude with First Friday. The Minuteman Club is going to be hopping this week!

You will also see lots of activity around the base as Civil Engineering (CE) performs spring grounds maintenance. This year's grounds maintenance level of service includes mulching and weeding at the entry gates and around buildings on the main drag, plus an application of hydro-seed along road shoulders, excavation sites and stump removal areas.

I know, I know. You are wondering if I will be able to cut that grass after we do the hydro-seed. The CE team is doing a fantastic job of balancing our budget against our work priorities. Our goal is absolutely to maintain consistent service on grounds maintenance.

As long as we are cleaning up outdoors, we might as well tackle inside the buildings, too. Purge those massive electronic files before you PCS and dump unneeded paper files. Remember to shred all official documents. For recycling options, you can follow the procedures outlined in the April 15 Straight Talk response. For other refuse, discard in multiple refuse containers, or dumpsters, or call CE Customer Service at 781-377-3383 to schedule a bulk pickup.

Cleanup in the housing areas is also an essential part of the process. Please note that the trash can rule -- leaving them out front of the units due to snow -- is now past. All containers must be stored properly and removed from the curbside within 24 hours of collection.

There are several areas where Christmas decorations are still being displayed. It's time to put Santa away, and the gutter lights, as well.

In addition, residents are responsible to curb their pets and pick up after them. The leasing office has received complaints from some neighborhoods in this regard. Be a good neighbor. Please remember to take along your collection bags and dispose of them properly.

Also, The Landings staff is concluding a Community Cleanup, which started earlier this week.

Spring will also bring new safety challenges. Runners and walkers should stick to the sidewalk in traffic areas. Drivers, please exercise caution. If you are lifting heavy items use proper lifting techniques: lift with your legs, not your back and seek help when moving heavy objects.

Are you pulling out that fancy lawn equipment? Wear proper personal protective equipment, such as work gloves or eye and foot protection. Before cutting grass, walk the area to remove rocks and other objects that may become a projectile. Never clear a clogged lawn mowers chute with your hands or while the engine is running.

Remember to teach your children proper safety skills, as well. Your safety is important to your family, your work center and your Air Force. Have a great weekend!