Saturday, May 12, 2007

South East Kiwanis Broadway Clean Sweep Rated a Success

Sweepers, rakers,shovelers and hosers alike said that this year's cleanup made the street sparkle.

Trash to the left of us, trash to the right of us and trash straight ahead blown in by the pesky Northwest wind, but we prevailed. Georgia said that almost fifty people came to help. Cleveland's finest particpated as well stopping by and watching the traffic patterns so all of us felt safer sweeping along the street and sidewalk. No, Dennis, they didn't come for just the coffee and donuts. Besides, I thought they stopped by to thank you and Georgia for being their staunch supporters while we still await the fate of the Third District.

My crew cleaned up the East 55th side of Broadway by the Library. Ludwig from Hubcap Heaven swept the entire corner from one end to the other. He sure helped that corner of East 55th and Broadway look spic and span. We pulled weeds, we picked up trash in stairwells that sat there for months, but when we finally were ready to sweep those library steps we knew we had accomplished a good thing. Robin should be so proud of her kids. They are good workers. Thanks, Angel, Tre or Gray ( my ears just aren't what they once were), and Chris.

Dr. John Skrha, the founder of Broadway Clean Sweep, settled in to oversee the event with his photographer wife, Bets and his daughter Betsey. I didn't get a chance to ask him but I think he was quite proud that we all carry on the tradition. A plus this year was the wonderful music that poured out of the windows of the Broadway School of Music. I don't know who plays that saxophone but they are quite talented as many of the other musicians who serenaded us were.

Barbara and her crew would have been out there too but they are preparing for a recital to be held on Monday May 14th. Call the school at 216-641-0630 for details.

Georgia had everything under control getting people to sign in, giving them spots to clean, and generally, seeing that the event moved forward. Councilman Tony Brancatelli and Councilwoman Phyllis Cleveland came on over and I am not sure where they pushed their brooms but I am sure that Georgia pressed them into service.

Tom McLeary and his able assistant, Louise provided the whole gang with hot dogs, chips and lemonade. My friend Christine served as an informational assistant urging people to have another hot dog but don't take too many chips because there was a finite amount. Dennis and Dave took there crew down the street with the fire hose and hosed Broadway down so that the dust was corralled for one day. Mittal Steel sent their street sweeper to finish the job. All in all, the work crews should get a standing ovation and a Bravo! for a job well done.

And, as Jerry Seppelt, our District Governor said as he fixed one more hot dog for the road. "I'm outta here before Dennis and Georgia find something else for me to do. See you all next year!"

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