Community clean-up proves to be inspirational

A Spectrum, by Kari Sleight

Amazing things can happen when you give back to your community. If you need proof, try it sometime.

A good case in point happened last Saturday when I was presented an opportunity to volunteer for our community clean-up. The day started off gloomy in appearance, dark clouds among a gray sky. Not the typical day one longs to work outdoors in, but I had given my word I would be there so, reluctantly, I headed out the door to the designated meeting place. Grabbing my supply of garbage bags, I headed up Fishhook Road to the Little Su Bridge, my chosen starting point. Disbelief at how inconsiderate some people are crept into my thoughts on more than one occasion as I repeatedly stooped down to grab yet another piece of trash. The sheer volume of cans, broken bottles and assorted fast-food wrappers was mind-boggling.

About an hour into the clean up, I had completed my first "lap" back to the pullout I had parked in. Three women, enjoying a picnic lunch inside their van that was parked directly behind my vehicle had been watching me clean up across the road for a while. As I approached my vehicle to grab some much-needed water, one of the women jumped out of the van and, in broken English, offered to share their lunch with me. Pressing a couple of hard-boiled eggs into my hand, she offered to go back for a sandwich and water, all the while thanking me for the "good job." In that short instant in time, those three women managed to alter my outlook on what I had previously thought of as the "chore" of litter patrol.

My inspiring encounter with the three generous women opened my eyes to the good in so many of our inhabitants that is so often overlooked. The "thumbs-up" signals from the truck drivers, the drivers who slowed as they moved passed, the appreciative honks from passersby; all treasures of the day. Yes, we do have inconsiderate and obnoxious residents here in the Mat-Su; they are the reason we need to hold clean-up days. Our work group unanimously decided that the "fine" for littering should not be monetary, but a sentence of 20 hours of community service on a roadside litter pick up crew. However, litterbugs are the minority. Every day there is evidence all around us of the generosity and selfless acts of Valley residents, if we only open our minds or alter our perception just a bit.

Serving your community can, and does, take many shapes. Whether you volunteer at the local food bank, United Way or favorite charitable organization, or you apply your knowledge and talents serving on the assembly, community council, planning commission or local task force, you can help make a difference not only in your community, but how you view your community.

For those who already give so much of their time to this wonderful community we call home, I extend a heartfelt "thank you." Because of your actions and commitment to community, we all reap the rewards of your hard work and dedication.

To those who haven't yet taken advantage of the many volunteer opportunities available, I say "try it." Otherwise, you will never know the mind-set altering experiences you've been missing.

Kari Sleight is the Frontiersman's publisher.