The Litter Pick Up at Bucky Boyle

At 11:30, I stood in the parking lot at Bucky Boyle alone and marveled at how cold the wind was.  May 9th?, the sky, the air felt like October.  I assembled the brooms, dust pans, gloves, pickers, and bags, leaned against my car and waited.  Given that it was Mother’s Day, and the weather was not conducive to park clean ups, I thought that no one was coming.

The first arrival was Lauren, a teacher at Sheridan Elementary School.  Lauren is very involved in the community in her role as teacher and coach, and she told me that numerous announcements had been made and she expected at least a few people out.

Next, my parents and then C.R.  We stood in the cold, at noon, and I didn’t think anyone else was coming.  We began cleaning, Dan Poresky joined the fray followed by Dan and Sean.  As our small team worked, a large group of neighborhood kids joined us and subsequently dwarfed our numbers.

I want to thank everyone for coming out.  Lauren for helping get people out and coming out herself despite the holiday.  C.R was fundamentally involved in all aspects of this and made it possible.  I want to thank my parents for coming out, Dan and Sean as well.  I want to thank Michael Molovinsky for dropping in, and donating some hand wipes. 

My greatest thanks and admiration is reserved for the kids who joined us yesterday.  These kids ranging in age from second grade to freshman year of high school were bright, funny, energetic and hard working.  These kids care about the park and came out on their own accord on a cold Sunday in May to help make the park a better place.

If ever I felt as if my blog had a purpose, yesterday the actions of these dedicated young folks is it. 

Although, Hector and Xavier gave me a little schooling as they were Yankees fans and I reminded them that the Phillies happened to be the greatest team in baseball.  To which they asked, “What happened last fall, Andrew?”  Owned.

As it stands though, my beard remains.  Had those amazing kids not shown up, my turnout would have been abysmal.  I hope that in the future, for upcoming events (EAC tour of the Parkway May 23rd, Lunch, party, music, education at Cedar Beach with Jaime K on June 6th and more to come… ), seeing as they are not on holidays, that I will see more of my readers and friends show up and participate.

Yesterday, a group of kids spent a day off from school working to make their neighborhood park a better place.  They will tell their friends and their parents, and they will remember what they did there each time they visit from now on.

I will remember those kids as well each time I visit Bucky Boyle.  They are making a difference.  They are building up a community around themselves that over time will be one worth envy.  They also have a great and dedicated teacher in Lauren who deserves much acclaim for her efforts.  (and yes, you too C…)

Thank you again: Katalina, Heaven, Amanda, Delilah, Thanya, Mary, Xavier, Louis, Hector, Karla, and Xiomara.   Dan P, Sean, Danny, Mom and Dad.

One final note, If you are reading this, young man, I have no doubt whatsoever if you keep working like you did yesterday, the University of Texas will be glad to have you as a new star wide out.  Good Luck friend.