Scenes From Weekend Cleanup Events

A big thank you to all the neighbors who took part in various local cleanup and beautification events this weekend, and to those who sent in photos! We received some great snaps from William Bredbeck (who captured the scene above), Donald Loggins, Nathan Thompson, and Lauren Elvers Collins of the Church Avenue BID.

Lauren says about 45 people took part in Saturday’s Church Avenue cleaning–including the volunteers above, who painted over graffiti on the gates of Downtown Natural Market. Trash was also cleared from the Flatbush Reformed Church yard and Sustainable Flatbush’s garden on church grounds, and Lauren says some side streets were even attended to.

On E 16th Street, she says, “Ameer, Gayle, and friends [above] took it upon themselves to recruit neighbors for today’s cleanup with the Church Avenue BID and FDC, find out who owned the wall they’re painting and get permission to paint it, and come to pick up supplies from the BID’s table this morning. When we didn’t have enough paint for the whole wall, they even made a run to Lowe’s to get more to make sure they finished the job!”

Volunteers also retouched local light poles and mailboxes (both photos via FDCOnline).

William Bredbeck’s daughter continued her hot streak from last year, picking up 11 cents (and a few bottle caps along the way). Nice work!

Nathan Thompson sent in the photos below. He says between the 70th Precinct Explorers…

… Church Avenue BID and FDC staff and volunteers including Ronette Cox, Lauren Collins, and Robin Redmond…

… Helping Hands volunteers…

… local students…

… and other neighbors, he counted over 100 people who turned out to help.

“With the divisive nature of some of the graffiti of late, it was refreshing to be reminded there is plenty we can all agree on,” says Nathan. “And I think we showed ’em a good time afterwards.”

That good time included a relaxing BBQ and get together…

… and a magic show that kept the crowd in suspense!

(Or maybe it was just exhaustion from working hard to earn those 11 cents.)

Looks like the magic tricks paid off in the end. Below is William’s shot of The Great Nathan in action.

There was even an appearance by a dragon.

(The expressions in this picture!)

Not even a little rain could stop the mighty (and mighty hungry) volunteers.

Nathan says the positivity surrounding the day’s event was a powerful force.

A little farther southwest, neighbors including Donald Loggins were hard at work cleaning and greening E 9th Street.

Kudos to Maria Newsom, the Church Avenue BID, the FDC, event sponsors, and all of the volunteers who turned out to make our area an even lovelier place! If you have any photos of cleanups this weekend, send them to editor@ditmasparkcorner.com and we’ll add them to the post.