A Kensington resident started a street clean up initiative to bring value and pride back to her neighborhood Holly DeMuro is a resident of Kensington. She has lived there around the corner from the El for twenty years. She has seen the decline in the neighborhood, from abandoned lots to trash and neglected furniture lining the streets. Unhappy with the condition of her neighborhood, Holly decided to take action into her own hands. “I knew that one way to bring back value to the neighborhood was to start picking up the trash.” At first she was on her own, picking up trash when ever she could. Within a month Holly knew she had to get organized in order for her actions to make a measurable impact. “I decided to take a few hours each Saturday to go out and sweep the neighborhood and lots for trash.” It wasn’t long after she got organized and consistent that neighbors began to take notice. Active members of The East Kensington Neighborhood association saw the potential of a regular street clean-up initiative. They took it upon themselves to contact Holly and now a year later the street clean up initiative is well underway with regular street cleanups. Every second Saturday of the month members of the EKNA and active neighbors go out and clean up their streets. Each time, a location is chosen and the group focuses on that specific location. They even have a name for their efforts, the Second Saturday Street Sweepers. If you are interested but are unable to join the efforts, the group suggests that you try to clean up your block during the week. Along with the SSSS, the EKNA has another initiatve, the Philadelphia More Beautiful Committe, that focuses on the more blighted areas in the neighborhood. For these clean up the city sends special trash trucks to help get rid of bulky items such as furniture and appliances that are left in abandoned lots. There is not a set schedule yet for the PMBC as the dates and locations are randomly picked. It is best to check the EKNA’s website for more information and updates for the dates and times. East Kensington Neighbors Association (EKNA) will supply trash bags and some tools, we encourage you to bring gloves, brooms and rakes if you have them. o February 14 – Coral Street from Susquehanna to York o March 14 – Coral Street from York to Cumberland o April 11 – Emerald from York to Cumberland o May 15/16 – PMBC cleanup FRIDAY CLEANUP FOR THE ARTS FEST o June 13 – Amber from York to Frankford o July 18 – PMBC cleanup All areas plus Boston Street (Amber to Front) o August 29 – PMBC cleanup All areas plus York Street (Frankford to Front). We will attempt to have a barbecue afterwards at Emerald Park o September 12 – Playground/Garden cleanup weekend. (Hagert and Pops) o October 10 – Jasper Street from Front to Cumberland o November 14 – Martha Street. (All blocks Norris to Lehigh) Plus leaf collection. o December 12 – Clean your block for the holidays. No scheduled group event NOTE: Cleanups will not be rescheduled for inclement weather or snow cover. We will clean in the cold. Please print this list and hand it out to your neighbors.