ROCKLAND — When Mason Curtis was asked if his daily practice of picking up trash along Main Street and in the South End of Rockland would include the weekend of the Lobster Festival, Mason’s ’yes’ response came without pause.

Ten-year-old Mason, who will be entering the sixth grade this autumn, fully recognizes the trash accumulation expected with the onslaught of tourists, vendors, and parade floats next week. He expects a great deal of trash, far greater in volume than the garbage he’s picked up in his daily walks this past week.

“A lot of people were just throwing stuff on the ground, so I thought ‘why don’t we just clean it?’” Mason said in explanation of how he got involved with keeping Rockland streets clean.

His aunt, Michelle Curtis, is rightly proud: “He had put together a garbage cart with signs on what he is doing and to inspire people to keep trash of the streets.  Each day he ventures out around Main Street and the South End with his trash-picker and picks up items to ensure they get disposed of properly.” 

The cart Mason uses to tote the trash came from a yard sale prior to Mason’s project idea. To reach the cigarette butts, chip bags, and anything else that resembles garbage, Mason uses a grasping stick, and when necessary, a glove for hand protection. Newspapers and recyclables are stowed in a separate area of the cart.

Mason’s walks are generally restricted to Main Street, but sometimes include locations outside the Post Office and Rite Aid.

Other pedestrians along the sidewalks expressed appreciation for Mason and Alison’s effort. Some pedestrians were also impressed with the young man’s agility with the grasping stick.

Reach Sarah Thompson at news@penbaypilot.com.