COAL TOWNSHIP - It was a "thumbs-up" project that attracted the attention of hundreds of motorists early this week on the short stretch of Route 61 between Tharptown and the western approach to the municipal limits of Shamokin and Coal Township.
Wednesday, a long planter, no more than two feet wide extending along the base of a stone wall on the southern side of the highway was not only cleared of weeds, but has become a colorful garden of flowers serving as a picturesque welcome to residents and visitors alike.
"We thought it would make a difference," said Janet Pearson, of Trevorton Road, who along with a friend, neighbor and co-worker in the nursing profession, Natalie Baskin, enlisted the help of their young children.
The families weeded, cultivated and planted the flowers along the busy highway for three days this week, working six to eight hours a day. Also joining in the project were Pearson's mother, Angela Spotts, of Trevorton Road and a passerby, Jodi Britton. She was so impressed when driving in the area on Tuesday, she parked and put in about four hours of work on the project without hesitation.
"Natalie and I wanted to do something to make our area better," Pearson said. "So each time we passed that section we thought planting flowers, over a hundred of them, would be ideal for making a difference. We talked it over with my mom, Angela, and she jumped on the idea and offered her help."
Other participants of the families involved were Sophia, Alaina, Nadia and Wolfgang Pearson, children of Andreas and Janet Pearson, and Peyton and Emily Baskin, children of Carl and Natalie Baskin, all of Trevorton Road.
The families planned for weeks and, according to Janet Pearson, the project was inspired by Charlie Neese, of Shamokin, who conducted a similar project in the area last year. Neese continues his volunteer effort by placing small American flags in the same section as a patriotic gesture during national holidays.
Township's blessing
Calls were placed to the township code enforcement officer for permission and he gave approval "with his blessings."
Stahl's Greenhouse at Meadowview donated approximately 20 flats of colorful plants.
"They were more than willing to assist," Pearson said.
Three adults and six children working with shovels, hoes and other gardening tools between the concrete barriers and the mountain stone wall apparently also met the approval of passing motorists.
"Many of them gave us thumbs up and beeped their horns," Pearson said. "We want to thank everyone, particularly Stahl's for their support and all the passersby for their encouragement."