- Last Updated on Sunday, 29 June 2025 16:47
The Belle Vernon Area Rotary Club recently donated a bench made from recycled materials to the Belle Vernon Area Youth Sports complex in Washington Township. Brian Lilley and Mary Yoder Manown accepted the bench on behalf of the Belle Vernon Area Youth Sports Association (BVAYSA)
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Pictured with the recycled bench are: (L to R): Brian Lilley, President, Belle Vernon Area Youth Sports Association; Denise Sztroin and Tom Yoder, BVA Rotary; and Mary Yoder Manown, Belle Vernon Area Youth Sports Association. |
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Pictured (L to R): Ray Moody and Buddy Manown of NAPA Auto Parts |
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Pictured (L to R): Kris Brown, Mike Malone, John Kostelac, and Dan Mason of TricorBraun |
BVA Rotary member Denise Sztroin led the project by coordinating the collection of 1,000 pounds of plastic to qualify for this sturdy and attractive bench.
The project partner was the ‘NexTrex Recycling Challenge’. Through its recycling program, Trex, a manufacturer of wood-alternative decking products, encourages the public to recycle grocery bags, bread bags, produce bags, cereal bags, ice bags, case overwrap, bubble wrap, dry cleaning bags, Ziploc and other re-sealable bags, and wrap for other objects. For every 1,000 pounds of plastic film a sponsoring organization collects, Trex donates a four-foot long composite bench through its furniture line. The benches are made out of milk jugs and water bottles, while the collected plastic waste is used in other Trex decking products.
Helping to reach the goal to receive a bench, Denise's co-workers at TricorBraun, Kris Brown, Mike Malone, John Kostelac, and Dan Mason helped collect and pack the material. Ray Moody and Buddy Manown of NAPA Auto Parts also helped in collecting and packing eligible materials. Members also assisted with the project, including Tom Yoder who built the bench.