“Knock the Dust Off for the Dogies!” Campaign Encourages Newcastle to Shine for Summer Visitors

The countdown is on to the Newcastle High School All-School Reunion and the Summer Drag Racing Series that will be roaring into town later next month, and the News Letter Journal is launching a community-wide campaign to help the city look its best.

The reunion is only weeks away, so the local newspaper is announcing the immediate launch of the “Knock the Dust Off for the Dogies” campaign, a three-week community beautification effort aimed at sprucing up Newcastle and surrounding areas before the biggest homecoming event of the decade.

“We thought it was time to rally the community and have a little fun while we’re at it,” said News Letter Journal Publisher Bob Bonnar. “We know that Newcastle takes a lot of pride in welcoming visitors, especially our returning Dogies, so we’re challenging everyone to help spruce things up—businesses, residents, and even our own team.”

Held only once every five years, the All-School Reunion (scheduled for July 3–5) is expected to bring hundreds — if not thousands — of alumni and visitors back to town. With a major drag racing event also coming up later in July, the newspaper is encouraging residents to get a jump-start on projects that will make a lasting impression.

“This is bigger than just curb appeal,” said NLJ Managing Editor Kim Dean. “It’s about showing our guests—and ourselves—that Newcastle is alive, welcoming, and still full of Dogie spirit.”

With humor, hometown spirit, and a nod to NHS heritage, the campaign’s slogan—“Knock the Dust Off for the Dogies” — makes a connection to the school mascot and the enduring bonds of Dogie alumni. The NLJ team will be sharing weekly themes and challenges to encourage locals to tackle bite-sized projects and even lend a hand to neighbors who might need extra help.

“Even if you only have a few hours on the weekend, there are easy things you can do to make a big difference,” said Bonnar. “Clean up a yard, sweep a sidewalk, repaint something that’s been peeling for years. And if you have an elderly neighbor or someone who could use a hand, helping them counts double.”

The paper’s staff will be leading by example, and has organized the effort into three weekly themed challenges that anyone can participate in — no special tools or budget required. Participants will be encouraged to share before-and-after photos and stories of their clean-up efforts on social media using the hashtag #DustItOffDogies.

“You don’t have to own a business or live downtown to make a difference,” said photojournalist Walter Sprague. “This is about showing off who we are — resourceful, kind, funny, and ready to get our hands dirty.”

Each week, the News Letter Journal will publish highlights from the campaign, including photo features and shout-outs to individuals and organizations going the extra mile. Participants are encouraged to send before-and-after photos, funny project names, or stories of lending a hand to editor@newslj.com.

“A fresh coat of paint or a clean sidewalk might seem like a small thing,” Dean said, “but when the whole community takes part, the result is transformative. You can feel the pride — excuse me, the respect — in the air.”

In a recent News Letter Journal poll, respondents overwhelmingly (65-4) said that the City of Newcastle should do more to require residents to clean up their property, and NLJ team members launched the clean-up campaign because they believe citizens can accomplish a great deal when they are simply encouraged to show their pride in their community. 

“Sometimes the best thing you can do for your town is lend a hand to someone else,” said Bonnar. “A little effort goes a long way when the whole town gets behind it.”

Over the next few weeks, Newcastle residents and businesses are being asked to roll up their sleeves and help beautify their homes, neighborhoods, and public spaces before visitors from all over pour into town. The newspaper hopes the campaign inspires light-hearted action — and a few laughs — while encouraging everyone to do their part.

And it doesn’t stop at your own fence line.

“We’re especially asking folks to look out for their neighbors,” Sprague said. “If someone nearby is older, disabled, or just overwhelmed, grab a rake or lend a hand. This is about lifting the whole community.”

Residents are encouraged to focus on small, doable projects that can make a big visual impact—many of which can be done in a single weekend. Whether you haul off that old vehicle or rundown shed, plant some flowers in a black and orange pot, or just sweep the sidewalk, every little bit helps.

The campaign kicks off June 10 and runs through July 2, just in time for reunion guests to roll into town. Watch for weekly challenges, community highlights, and behind-the-scenes coverage in the News Letter Journal, on social media, and online at newslj.com.

Throughout the campaign, residents are urged to share updates on social media with the slogan #DustItOffDogies, tag the newspaper to let us know about neighbors who are making a difference and celebrate all progress —  no matter how big or small!

“We want our guests to see the best version of Newcastle,” Dean said. “The reunion is a big deal, but it’s also a great excuse to finally haul off that pile of branches, touch up the trim, or mow the patch of weeds we’ve all been pretending not to see.”

Top 10 Ways to “Knock the Dust Off for the Dogies!”

1. Mow the Lawn & Trim the Edges – A tidy yard is always in style.
    
2. Haul it off! – You’ve been dying to check out the new dump anyway.
    
3. Clean the Porch & Sidewalk – Sweep up dirt, wash away cobwebs, and clear the clutter.
    
4. Plant Flowers or Decorate with School Colors – Let your planter pots fly the orange and black.
    
5. Pick Up Trash – In your yard, alley, or just along the sidewalk—every bit helps.
    
6. Power Wash the House or Business Front – Let your walls breathe again.
    
7. Wash Windows for a Clearer View – You’ll thank yourself when the fireworks go off.
    
8. Fix That One Thing You’ve Been Avoiding – We all have one. Now’s the time.
    
9. Help a Neighbor – Mow a lawn, haul a load, or paint a fence together.
    
10. Show It Off with #DustItOffDogies – Snap a before-and-after and post it to encourage others.
     

🧹 WEEK 1: “Clear It, Clean It, Claim It”

Dates: June 10–17

Focus: Cleanup and basic maintenance—get the dust off (literally)!

Community Actions:

• Mow, trim, sweep, and pull weeds around your home or business
   
• Clear out that one eyesore or project you've been ignoring
   
• Pick up trash in your yard, alley, or a nearby public space
   
• Wash windows and tidy up the porch or entryway
   

Dust It Off Challenge:

📸 Before & After Showdown – Share photos of your cleanup project using #DustItOffDogies
🏆 Special Recognition: “Golden Rake Award” for the best transformations

🤝 WEEK 2: “One Town, One Team”

Dates: June 18–25

Focus: Teamwork, finishing touches, and helping neighbors get ready

Community Actions:

• Help a neighbor who may not be able to clean up on their own
   
• Organize a block-wide sweep or decorating party
   
• Finalize your yard, fence, and sidewalk for reunion guests
•  
• Businesses: spruce up storefronts or window displays

Dust It Off Challenge:

📸 Neighbor Nomination – Post about someone who helped beautify the community
🏆 Special Recognition: “Community MVP” shoutout in News Letter Journal

🎨 WEEK 3: “Make It Orange (and Black)!”

Dates: June 25–July 2

Focus: Add color, personality, and Dogie spirit—let the town shine!

Community Actions:

• Repaint trim, steps, fences, or sheds in fresh colors
   
• Decorate with orange and black for the reunion and racers
   
• Plant flowers, add a new doormat, or hang a welcome sign
   
• Put out signs, flags, or Dogie-themed decorations
   

Dust It Off Challenge:

📸 Show Your Dogie Colors – Post your most festive orange-and-black display
🏆 Special Recognition: “Top Dogie Display” for standout décor