TeamBAP Aims to Keep Newport Clean

The morning after St. Patrick’s Day—when the parade was long gone, the pitchers of green beer had run dry and the legions of shamrock bedecked crowds were asleep—a dedicated group banded together to clean up what was left behind on the streets.

About 25 children and adults combed Thames Street, garbage bags in hand, trying to make a dent in what remained from the partying masses. On that morning, TeamBAP was born.

“We went down Queen Anne Square and Washington Square,” Owner Matt Plumb said. “We filled 20 trash bags, about half a dumpster, and there was still stuff left on the streets.”

Some people who volunteered were Brick Alley customers, and some just showed up because they saw the event online and wanted to help out, he said.

The younger people involved were especially interested in the upcoming events.

“Kids don’t have money to donate, but want to help out,” Plumb said. “People want to help, but they don’t know what to do.”

The possibilities for TeamBAP are endless, but Plumb said he wants to keep the group’s mission small and simple.

“We want to have our niche and keep our city clean,” he said.

“The thinking behind TeamBAP is simple: there are so many little things that can be done here in our own backyard which, when added up, would have a significant impact on the overall community,” the Brick Alley Pub’s blog reads. “Whether meeting up at the local food bank or taking some time to help keep our own Newport beaches clean, TeamBAP provides our community a chance to get together and have some fun – all while doing some good!”

There is no date set yet for the next TeamBAP event, but Plumb will keep the community updated on the blog, Facebook and Twitter.