Kenny Hardin, Salisbury City Councilman
♦ The West End Community Clean-up effort was a huge success today. There were 25-30 dedicated people who came out to volunteer. Fire Department employees, Police Officers, and City Admin employees joined with residents and they all put in a great deal of sweat equity to help beautify the community.
It was great to see Police Department representatives showing genuine concern for the community they serve. I appreciate Capt. Melonie Thompson, Lt. Joe Miller and his family, and Officer Joe Martinez for their time this morning. They not only walked a large portion of the neighborhood pushing a large rollout trash bin picking up trash, but they worked rakes and shovels clearing debris from yards and curb sides too. Fire Chief Bob Parnell and firefighters came out to help unload filled bags into the dumpster provided by the City and to wash down cleaned curbs. The presence and involvement of the City went a long way in building strong relationships.
There are others who deserve special recognition. This includes the City’s Public Information Director, Linda McIlroy, who help coordinate the event as well as came out to volunteer and participate. NAACP 1st VP Chris Sharpe showed his commitment this morning. Derrick Foxx drove in from Charlotte to show his support. Janine Evans made the early trek from her home in Northern Virginia to be a part of this effort. Community leader Kenneth Lydell Muhammad El brought members of his Boots on the Ground organization to support the initiative. Alex Clark and Alisha Byrd from Gemstones/Compass also came out in support.
West End Community Pride President Shirley McLaughlin was extremely pleased with the turnout. Her group sponsored the effort and are feeding those who turned out to help. She shared that this would be the first in a series of clean up efforts over the next several months.
I will keep you posted on the date of the next session. Proud to be a part of this community effort today.
Kenny Hardin and Kenneth Lydell Muhammad El:
