Around Charlestown: A local couple has earned eight benches collecting thousands of pounds of plastic

Gary and Cheryl Hunsicker present a bench in honor of Charlestown Volunteer Fire Department. Submitted photo

Around Charlestown: A local couple has earned eight benches collecting thousands of pounds of plastic

- Ruth Ann Bartholomew

Many community-minded people live in Charlestown. I’d like to introduce you to one. Gary Hunsicker is currently vice-president of the Friends of West Branch State Park. This nonprofit, volunteer-powered group works to help preserve West Branch State Park and enhance the camper experience.  

In November 2022, Gary and his wife Cheryl traveled to Columbus to meet with other members of Friends groups and staff members of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources at the state level. While there they learned of the Bags to Benches program, a recycling project sponsored by Trex, manufacturer of composite boards. The project consists of collecting soft plastics (PE2 or PE4) to earn Trex benches for the park. They decided to give it a try.  

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