Central Square Cares Cleanup seeks volunteers

LYNN – For the second time in the past three years, a Lynn neighborhood organization plans to clean up Central Square in the heart of the city’s downtown.Volunteers are needed for the Central Square Cares Cleanup initiative on Saturday, Sept. 19, spearheaded by the Downtown Lynn Neighborhood Association.”A lot of us living in the downtown (believe) the city is doing a good job keeping the streets clean. There hasn’t been much litter in Central Square, but by helping with the cleanup we’re hoping to make a statement to people who aren’t from here but are driving through the area. We want to show them that there is a strong community presence and that we live here and are proud of it,” said Soraya Cacici, a downtown resident and spokeswoman for the neighborhood group.”There have been rumors going around that people are moving out, that people are leaving the neighborhood, but in truth the majority of us are still here and we don’t plan on going anywhere. We want to get that point across by doing things like this cleanup.”Cacici said the city Department of Public Works will provide rakes, shovels, gloves and plastic trash bags. Volunteers should meet near the atomic clock in Central Square at 9 a.m.The first Central Square Cares Cleanup was held in April 2007 and attracted more than 50 volunteers.”We plan to start at 9 a.m. and keep going until we’re finished,” said Cacici. “How far we get will depend on how many volunteers we have. If we only have 10 volunteers, we will only be able to clean up the area near the tracks, but we would really like to go as far as Market Street.”To volunteer, contact Cacici at 781-572-8725 or e-mail [email protected]. Information about the cleanup can also be found online at www.Lynnhappens.com, on a blog posted by the Downtown Lynn Neighborhood Association.Volunteers are asked to contribute $5 to offset the cost of refreshments.”We need area businesses and residents to get involved,” she said. “Even if you can only help for an hour, it would be appreciated. You don’t have to be there at 9 on the dot, but please come.”