The flooding that recently occurred in the Portland Metro area seems like a distant memory to most of us, especially if our own home was unaffected. The biggest reminder for me was driving on Redland Road in Oregon City on my way to and from our house, looking at the garbage each day, wondering when “somebody was going to clean that up.” Abernethy Creek flooded, which I wrote about earlier on OurPDX, and although the creek has long since returned to it’s usual level, the flotsam from the flood still hung from the trees and lined the creek banks. Washing machines, barbeques, trash cans, and food garbage was everywhere.
Somewhat to my amazement, the garbage didn’t clean itself up. I guess this sort of thing doesn’t magically fix itself…?
The flooding also damaged homes along the creek. Julian Belciu is the owner of one of the homes and much of the property that was damaged by the floodwaters. Julian’s family was able to move back into the house last week, but that was only after he had replaced all of the floors in the home, trying to salvage what possessions he could. And it was without the help of either his homeowners or flood insurance. He also only had liability insurance on his vehicles, which were also flood damaged.
“It was a little overwhelming to say the least, looking out at all of the wreckage that was left. I didn’t know how I was going to be able to do it all,” Belciu commented this morning.
The County was also paying attention, preparing to take action to encourage residents to get things cleaned up. The County was prepared to pay a visit to Julian’s property to assess the state of things and impose fines if necessary.
Out of a sense of community, and perhaps with a touch of inspiration from the spirit that has recently captivated the nation, several neighbors in the area decided to do something about it. After speaking with Julian about what they could do, Marilee Lloyd, Carol Drudis, Wanda Swainson, and Susan Ottersen decided to help to rally the community for a Saturday cleanup. Using Meetin.org, word of mouth, and some good old-fashioned roadside signs, the word spread quickly. Coffee Rush in Oregon City provided free coffee. Neighbors provided baked goods, and a collection was started to help offset the dump fees for everything that could not be recycled.
In our case, we had a variety of reasons for volunteering. There are all of the noble reasons that anyone has when they volunteer: reaching out to others in times of need, doing unto others as you would have done unto you, taking care of your community, and so forth. But for us, one of the principle reasons was for our children. It was a great opportunity to lead by example, particularly with our highly impressionable 4-year-old.
This morning when we arrived to help out, we were utterly amazed at the turnout.
“I think there are easily 100 people here already, and more on their way. It’s incredible,” said Drudis.
As the cleanup progressed, with people of every size and shape tromping out in the mud and blackberry brambles, Julian was overwhelmed again – this time with immense gratitude.
“I don’t have the words…It is unbelievable. I am so grateful to everyone. It just goes to show what can be done with a little help. I am truly humbled.”
Julian and his family were not the only ones moved by the experience. Standing in these woods that we drive by every day, working among the crowd of volunteers all joined in a singular purpose with garbage bags in hand, you could not help but be swept up by the power of joining together in times of need. With the smiles and sweat on the broad range of faces, and young and old alike picking up anything that did not belong, it was clear that our 4-year-old was getting the message.
“Dad, who are all these people?”
“Ah just the neighbors. Everybody wanted to get things cleaned up a little.”
“Can I swim in there? In the creek?”
“Well, not today. It’s a little cold.”
At least I’m pretty sure he was getting the message. But judging by the fact that he was less interested in the cake and more interested in holding the garbage bag, I think we’re reasonably safe.
After 2 hours, the work was nearly complete.
“We’ve undone in an hour and a half what took 2 days for the creek to dump here,” Belciu said.
As people began to depart, I could not help but think about the words that have been ringing in my ears since last Monday; words that hopefully will resonate with our children as they do with us. Speaking at a High School in Washington D.C., our then President-elect Obama continued his call to action.
“If we’re just waiting around for somebody else to do it for us, for somebody else to clean up the vacant lot, [...] it never gets done. [...] We’re going to have to take responsibility – all of us.”
I’d like to think that is what we did even for only a couple of hours today. And with a little effort, hopefully it sets the precedent for good things to come.
UPDATE: Marilee Lloyd has posted a blog piece with many more photos of the event. You can view them here: http://trashcleanup.blogspot.com/
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