April 17, 2025 The Beacon • 15

By Marianne Austin The Beacon

The Ohio Public Works Commission( OPWC) announces the release of 28 conservation project awards in the month of March benefiting communities in 23 counties.

The Clean Ohio Green Space Conservation Program is dedicated to environmental conservation including acquisition of green space and the protection and enhancement of rivers and streams. Grant recipients agree to maintain

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Breaking spring cleaning down into smaller tasks can make it feel more manageable but if that doesn’ t motivate you start with something bigger.

Warmer temperatures, flowers in bloom, sunshine and fresh air can make springtime feel like a new start. Part of that fresh start usually includes spring cleaning, the practice of thoroughly cleaning the house in the spring.

Breaking spring cleaning down into smaller tasks can make it feel more manageable but if that doesn’ t motivate you start with something bigger. Starting with a project that gives you the most noticeable change can give you a sense of relief and restore a sense of control. A cluttered home can give off the feeling of depression and fatigue. But if it all feels overwhelming then start small. You can make a spring cleaning checklist to help you stay on track.

If you need to be motivated, start with the job that will give you the most satisfaction, the job that gives you a sense of accomplishment. Just do one room at a time, if it feels like too much. Everything doesn’ t need to be done in one day. Do what works for you.

It’ s a good idea to start with a dusty area like the baseboards, walls and windows. Begin high and work your way down by

the properties in perpetuity so they can persist for future generations.

Projects are vetted by the state’ s 19 regional natural resource assistance councils. Funding was approved for projects represented by 16 councils including the Aster Ridge Acquisition Muskingum dusting ceiling vents, fans and light fixtures. Dust walls with a dry floor mop and wipe them with a mixture of dish soap and water, if needed. Wipe down your window screens and frames before washing your windows then wipe windows using a glass cleaner and lastly, clean

Watershed Conservancy District project in Coshocton County.

“ We congratulate the recipients of these Clean Ohio funding awards and thank them for their continued efforts to preserve and protect our natural environment for future generations,” said OPWC Director Linda Bailiff.

More information about OPWC’ s programs is available at https:// publicworks. ohio. gov /.

the floors. Wash your curtains or have them cleaned and hang them up again. Dust the furniture.

Reducing clutter helps make for a more relaxing home and can make you feel more in control. Look at an object and ask yourself,“ Do I really need this” or“ When was the last time I used this?” By cleaning, organizing, and reducing the clutter, you are able to control your environment and produce a more relaxing home.”

A few suggestions for the kitchen would be, deep clean the microwave inside and out, organize cabinets and drawers, wipe down cabinet fronts, degrease the vent hood, deep clean the dishwasher, refrigerator and freezer, wash the trash can and shine your stainless steel appliances.

In the bedroom, wash all the bedding, organize closets and dresser drawers, dust furniture and vacuum.

For the bathroom clean the toilet, sink and counter tops, deep clean the shower and tub, wash the bath mats and curtains.

Clean the washing machine and dryer, clean the lint trap, organize the laundry supplies, wash and sanitize hampers.

De-cluttering, organizing, and cleaning takes a lot of mental, physical, and emotional energy, so make sure to take time to relax when you’ re done and do something fun.

Coshocton • New Philadelphia • Uhrichsville • Newcomerstown

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