Skip to main content

Weeds cut down in front of Salvation Army

By Howard B. Owens

Since I complained about it, I should note the clean up: When I was driving to the office this morning, I noticed this man out in front of the Salvation Army Thrift Store on Jackson cutting the grass strips in front of the parking lot.  When I drove home, the whole area looked much nicer.

Lucille Van Son

Well Howard, maybe you should drive around the city and note and mention more things that need to be taken care of and they may get done also. You can be the new "lawn police" hehehe

Jun 25, 2009, 10:01pm Permalink
Mark Potwora

Howard..would it be in bad taste to post pics on here of houses and
business that are eyesores that have lawn issues...Would you have a problem with that..Sorta like the Ten Most wanted..Maybe it will help get some of these places cleaned up..

Jun 25, 2009, 10:11pm Permalink
Karen Miconi

Funny you should inquire. I live on Vine St, and I gotta tell you, there are some DEEP potholes. I was going to take a ruler, and my camera, and see if Howard would allow some random pics of these suspencion crushers.

Jun 26, 2009, 12:07am Permalink
C D

Coincidentally enough, I read the original article, saw the comment about organizing something this weekend, and was going to hit the weeds with a weed whacker early this morning before work since I have work and plans this weekend.

Jun 26, 2009, 2:57am Permalink
Howard B. Owens

Mark, I'd be a little nervous about picking on private home owners (though I realize most of the problem lots are probably landlord situations). On commercial property owners, those lots tend to be a little more visible and impact the economic viability of surrounding property, which has a bigger community impact.

Any sort of "vigilantism" (which is how some people would view it) could become problematic, though.

I wonder if we could organize some sort of group of us who would on a weekend or two two volunteer to go clean up lots for willing property owners (we couldn't trespass). That would probably send a stronger message about how the community cares about a clean community, and it wouldn't get the government involved -- no fines, no jail time.

The Salvation Army could still use some help -- but also some donations of paint and stuff ... probably would take a monetary donation to get the parking lot repaved/sealed.

Jun 26, 2009, 7:40am Permalink
Robin Walters

I think it would be a super idea if there were some willing folks that would be willing to help out with such projects and such.

We at Care-A-Van see alot of needs right here in our community. We continue to partner with different agencies and churches to make a difference in whatever way we can.

At our weekly picnic last night there was an older woman I was talking to, she lives alone and has alot of home repairs that need done.

I know that the New Hope church has Project Hope where they do different projects around to help folks.

Also the Christian Youth Corps out of Machias goes around and does projects to help folks out.

Honestly, if more people combined their time and talents, there truly could be some huge differences being made here in the city. Yes I can already hear some of the comments, like they should get off their lazy butts and get some things done, there truly are hurting people in need, especially the elderly that could really use a helping hand in many ways and yes there are ones that could be doing some things and just plain don't.

There are exciting events happening with Care-A-Van and the partnering of agencies with us , has been great. We look forward going into the summer to get even more people, churches and agencies on board.

Thanks to all of you here, that support us, pray for us and volunteer with us.

Have a super week-end. This week-end we are at State Street Saturday morning for grocery distribution and Sunday we return there for street church at 2:30. Last night we served over 100 people at the picnic!

If Care-A-Van can be of any assistance in any type of projects, just give us a call at 343-0328.

As we say
Keep the Light On!

Jun 26, 2009, 12:09pm Permalink

Authentically Local