Bridgeport cleanup was a big success

On Aug. 21, Team Up & Clean Up, a group of Bridgeport residents, organized our first-ever cleanup and beautification of the neighborhood bordered by Dewey and Hancock streets. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., dozens of volunteers cleared garbage and debris from the streets and yards, encouraged neighbors to beautify their yards, cleaned the storm drains, and used blowers to clean up the streets and sidewalks. Our beautiful neighborhood sparkled after all this hard work. We also arranged for a pop-up clinic to offer COVID vaccinations in our neighborhood that day. At the end of day, volunteers came together to celebrate our hard work for our neighborhood and to enjoy refreshments. Afterwards, we shared our leftovers with the residents of the YMCA and the homeless at McLevy Park.

This day was truly a team effort, and it shows what we can achieve if we all work together for a common goal. We could not have accomplished what we did without the help of the many residents who gave up their Saturday to pitch in. We also had many other partners who helped make this a success. We’d like to thank especially state Sens. Dennis Bradley and Marilyn Moore and Bridgeport City Councilmen Scott Burns and Matthew McCarthy and their staffs, as well as Mayor Ganin’s staff, for all the time and resources they devoted to it. The Bridgeport police, sanitation and health departments also played key roles. Finally, we’re grateful for food donations from Steffianios Pizzeria, Kings Flooring and Garden Catering. APO Auto Parts kindly allowed us to host our after party at their lot. Thank you all.

Team Up & Clean Up plans to organize other events to beautify the neighborhood and bring our neighbors together. We invite you to join us at one of these upcoming events.

Eve Parsons

Bridgeport