Cleanup crew puts in effort in Round Lake

Doug Vehlow pulled bits of discarded pier, wood and trash from Round Lake Saturday in an effort to make sure the natural gem stays beautiful and clean for generations to come.

Vehlow was among 20 volunteers who came out for the Round Lake Management Commission's annual cleanup day. Established in 2003, the commission is a joint effort between the villages of Round Lake, Round Lake Park and Round Lake Beach to govern the 226-acre lake the three villages surrounding.

Sometimes, the lake gives up a treasure, though trash is much more common.

"Last year, wading in the muck, I stepped on a glass quart milk bottle. At the time, I didn't think much about it, but I brought it home and did some research on the dairy that produced it, Lawndale Dairy," Vehlow said.

Vehlow eventually gave the old bottle to a community group in Chicago.

"I live on the lake and volunteer because I want to preserve the beauty of the lake," he said.

Volunteers picked up trash on the shore, as well as in the water. In past years, discarded appliances, including an oven, abandoned docks, old tires and shopping carts have been hauled from the lake's bottom, said Tim Pasternak, commission chair.

"This is the fourth year that we've organized the cleanup," he said. "Sometimes, trash is left on vacant property or is generated by irresponsible homeowners."

Sea Scouts, an arm of Boy Scouts of America involved in boating, recruited members to help and brought some small non-motorized boats, said Thomas Parkinson, representing the Chicago chapter.

"The Scouts are familiar with lake cleanup, although we've never been to this particular lake before," Parkinson said. "One of our new members told us of this program, and we thought it would be a way to give back to the community."

Groups started at Lake Front Park in Round Lake Park and made their way to Beach Park in Round Lake Beach where organizers provided a pizza lunch.

Avon Township Clerk Molli Larson participates in the cleanup each year.

"Last year, when I was walking the shoreline, a group of kids asked me what I was doing. When I told them I was picking up trash, they asked if I was being paid," the Round Lake resident said. "I explained that we were volunteers."

Outfitted in waders, Round Lake resident Tom Helmka also was on hand to volunteer.

"I believe that environmental awareness is really important since mankind has such an impact," he said.