(Eastern Arizona Courier, Nov. 19, 2003)

By John Kamin, assistant editor

Gila Valley residents cleaned one of Graham County's most polluted sections of highway during the Southeastern Arizona Clean and Beautiful Committee's first official event.

The cleanup targeted mile markers 135 and 136 on U.S. Highway 191. The mile markers are located north of the Hwy. 191 and Hwy. 70 intersection.

Some of the local leaders who donated their time and energy towards cleaning the highway included John Bonefas, Rachel Beals, Jeff Beals, Clara Ochoa and a juvenile probation officer. Most of the 15 people who attended the cleanup stayed for an average of three hours on Saturday morning. More than 75 bags were filled with garbage by Sunday afternoon.

The stretch of road is jokingly referred to by some as the "Crystal Highway" because of the large amount of broken glass along the side of the highway. Most of the glass the group picked up appeared to be from broken beer bottles.

"Hwy. 191 is one of the stretches of highway most in need of cleanup and has been accumulating (garbage) for 30 years," committee chairman Jay Rasco said. The stretch of highway is important because many of the county's tourists use that road to come to Safford, he said. Rasco said he has had German and Dutch tourists tell him that the Arizona geography is amazing, but that the trash along the sides of the roads surprised them.

"Cleaning up Graham County will help the tourists who come here to appreciate the clean and beautiful countryside," he said.

Rasco said those tourists are also prone to tell their friends about how pristine Graham County is.

"It shows we care about each other and our surroundings," he said. "Also, it is more likely to attract clean industries to our area if our community is free of litter and well landscaped."

After the initial cleanups, the group will continue to maintain the stretch of highway, along with other areas recommended by group members and the public.

In an August interview with the Courier, he said SEACAB is willing to work with other groups, including businesses, to spruce up Graham County. The committee is planning one cleanup a month, but is willing to do more if possible. The next community cleanup will be on Dec. 13 and 14.

SEACAB was started during the summer by Rasco and this event is the committee's first cleanup. He said the committee welcomes any and all members of the public to help clean up the community. In an e-mail to SEACAB members, Rasco said, "All are welcome and all are needed."

Rasco said he needs all participants to sign up at the cleanup sites during the dates of the cleanups.

He said cleanup hours will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on each day, and he encouraged volunteers who planned on staying for most of the day to bring a sack lunch and plenty of water. Trash bags are provided.

To contact Rasco about Southeastern Arizona Clean and Beautiful Committee efforts, call 428-2820 or email him at: jtrain@cableone.net.