Max’s Mission accomplished

Oct, 28-2009 7:02 pm

DOWNBEACH – Max’s Mission, in conjunction with the statewide Clean Ocean Action beach cleanup, had volunteers taking to the beach in droves Saturday, Oct. 24 to give a good fall cleaning to the region’s greatest asset.

Ten-year-old Max Kessleman and his family came to their Ventnor summer home for the weekend from White Marsh Township to rid the beach of trash and debris. Max has made it his mission to leave a place cleaner than he found it and has found a lot of people who share that spirit.

Margate recycling coordinator Franz Adler partnered with Max and his family, Longport Commissioner Jim Leeds Sr., Boy Scouts, senior citizens and anyone who was willing to grab a bag and lend a hand. They were joined by students from Mainland Regional High School’s Ecology Club, Ventnor’s pickup posse and other individuals and groups wanting to help, for a total of about 100 volunteers.

By day’s end the Atlantic County Utilities Authority had mountains of trashbags to pick up, leaving the beaches in good shape.

-- Suzanne Marino