Residents might notice something different when walking down South Boulevard in Onset this month. As Onset Beach fills up, residents will notice the fence running alongside the beach and the road is a lot brighter and whiter thanks to a fresh coat of paint put on by local volunteers.

The painting job was started by resident Ed Laffey, who was later joined by Joy Clarkson and Louise Mastracchio, the owners of the former Kenny's Salt Water Taffy for 31 years.

"We get bored and go looking for projects," Mastracchio said.

Clarkson organized a neighborhood effort to paint the fence on Friday, June 27 and Monday June 30. She said between the two days there were about 24 people, from ages 9 to 81, who volunteered their time.

"The fence was deplorable," Clarkson said. "People were tired of the mess."

Clarkson said the group used 10 gallons of paint, with five gallons being donated by the town, to paint 224 boards and several posts on the fence. They also wacked weeds around the fence.

Clarkson said it took a great turnout of volunteers to get the job done.

"So many people came by and said 'oh what a difference'," Mastracchio said. She said there were even people clapping and cheering them on from their porches across the street.

"It was well overdue," Clarkson said. "The Maintenance Department doesn't have enough men to get to it between all the regular stuff they have to do."

Clarkson and Mastracchio said their next project will be going to the beach walkways and clipping and trimming the overgrowth around the steps.

"The whole goal is to beautify Onset," Mastracchio said.