June 12, 2025 (Mashpee, MA) – This Saturday, June 14, Mary Lou and Gary Palumbo of East Falmouth, are inviting the community to join them in a cleanup, in partnership with the Town of Mashpee. Starting at 10 and running through noon, volunteers will meet at the intersection of Redbrook Road and Great Hay Road with gloves, garbage bags, and refreshments provided. The rain date for the event is Sunday, June 15, 10 am to noon.

Individuals interested in participating should contact Mary Lou Palumbo at mloup210@gmail.com.

As part of the cleanup, Think Energy will kick off a campaign to help raise awareness and funds for Heroes In Transition (HIT), a Mashpee-based nonprofit formed in 2009 following the death of Marine Captain Eric A. Jones who was killed in a helicopter crash while flying a combat mission in Afghanistan. Following his death, his parents, Cyndy and the late Kenneth Jones, founded HIT to honor Captain Jones’s life, service, and sacrifice. It does so through 15 unique programs which served nearly 2,100 individuals, including service members and veterans, in 2024.

“We are grateful to Mary Lou, Gary, Think Energy, and the Town of Mashpee for coming together to not only improve our community, but to give back and strengthen our work,” said HIT Executive Director Silene Gordon. “If you have a couple of hours to spare this Saturday, this is a great way to make a difference locally.”

The Palumbos, who are organizing this weekend’s event, have worked at Think Energy, an energy retailer with licenses to operate in 12 states and the District of Columbia, over the past two years. Through its Think Local campaign, the company encourages its employees to make change in the communities they live in, supporting that action with charitable contributions to nonprofits like HIT.

Mary Lou Palumbo was first introduced to HIT shortly after becoming the executive director for the Mashpee Chamber of Commerce in May 2009, a position she stepped down from in 2020. “When I heard Cyndy and Ken’s story, I knew the Chamber had to get behind them and help,” she said. “Cyndy and I have become good friends. I just love her and I loved Ken, and I loved their story and what they do for veterans.”

In her new role with Think Energy – both she and her husband are certified energy advisors – she now has an opportunity to give back to HIT through a Think Local campaign that will be launched at this weekend’s cleanup. “All are welcome to participate,” said the Palumbos. “We are excited to launch this campaign which coincides with Flag Day.

“I’ve been very fortunate during my career to work for companies like this where giving back is important,” Mary Lou continued. “With HIT, this is such a great cause. I feel like people often forget the sacrifices being made by our veterans. This is an opportunity to give back to them by supporting a great local organization in our own community.”

Because the cleanup falls on Flag Day, it will have added significance. The event will start with volunteers reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. 

The Palumbos expressed their gratitude to the Mashpee Chamber of Commerce, Mashpee TV, and the Mashpee Conservation Department for supporting this weekend’s cleanup.