Give it to me straight. 

Who: YOU! 

What: The Spar Block Captains are rolling out some new initiatives, starting with “The Morning After” neighborhood clean ups to take place on the first Saturday of every month, from 10am-12 Noon, with food & drink directly after. 

When: This Saturday, April 3^rd, from 10am to 12 Noon. And every month thereafter. 

Where: Meet in the parking lot at 6^th & Hubbard, then we’ll head out to the designated clean up area. This month we’re focusing on the South West quadrant of the neighborhood. Next month it could be yours. Afterwards, food & drink at Wafaa & Mike's. 

Why: Because it’s important to keep our streets, parks, and lots looking nice! Studies show that trash, debris, and unkept properties, when ignored, can lead to more serious crime and neighborhood decline. Also, more and more people are visiting our unique neighborhood everyday, so it’s important that we put our best foot forward!  

How: Gloves, “Niffty Nabbers”, trash bags, and pick up trucks are the weapons of choice usually, but feel free to get creative. 

Can you elaborate, please? 

For years Springfield had the luxury of VIP debris and trash collection. And why not, we are very important, right?  

Not only did the neighborhood have the usual curbside pickup, but also enjoyed the services of the late David Williams, who supplemented and enhanced the city’s waste collection.  

Though David has passed, the need for his services has not.  

To fill the void, The Spar Block Captains will be coordinating a new monthly neighborhood clean up, cleverly titled “The Morning After Clean Up” (insert First Friday joke here).  

The sporadically scheduled, early morning, 3 & ½ hour marathons are no longer; now replaced with a leaner, meaner version: the 1^st Saturday of every month, 10am to 12 Noon, stick around for food & drink after if you like. 

Same Bat-time same Bat-channel from now on. 

By addressing the litter and debris issue in a more frequent and systematic way, the Block Captains hope to alleviate the burden that a messy eviction pile, renovation pile, or just the typical empty can, styrofoam container, or scratch-off ticket can levy on our neighbors. 

If we relax together, laugh together, and party together, then doggone it, we can certainly help clean up our neighborhood together! 

Ok, what else? 

In addition to The Morning After Neighborhood Clean Ups the Block Captains will be communicating monthly via the Spar Council Newsletter in a segment titled “Tips from the Block Captain”, which will include helpful information and related news. I personally think “Captain’s Log” is a cooler title, but I digress. 

The Block Captains also just created a brand new “Welcome to Springfield” packet. The packet is filled with basic information about the neighborhood, including its history, the various organizations, our resources, and helpful contact information. These will be distributed to every new resident we can find, though current residents may also enjoy them. 

In addition, tentative exploration into a neighbors-helping-neighbors program is being done, as well as ways to participate in the Random Act of Beautification movement. An up-to-date map of existing Block Captains is being created, other communication avenues are being discussed, trash piles are being scouted for pick up, dark street lamps are being tracked for replacement, and the beat goes on. 
 

Sounds good. How can I do my part? 

Well great, that’s what we want to hear. 

Step #1 – Come to a Block Captain’s meeting. They are held the fourth Monday of every month,

                7pm-8pm, on the 2^nd floor of the Spar Council building. Call (904) 353-7727 for info. 

Step #2 -  The Block Captains will give you the tools to address various issues, thus empowering

                you to become the ultimate Block Captain yourself.

Step #3 -  Also, let us know what is important to you. One pocket of Springfield may have

                different quality-of-life issues from another pocket of the neighborhood. By attending,

                you can keep everyone in the loop and help focus resources on your concerns. 

Step #4 – Ok, so you can’t come to every meeting. That’s fine. By providing your name, email

                address, and phone number, we can make sure you get meeting notes, updates, and 

                other current information about what’s going on with the Block Captains, and what

                you can do to help. 
 

“The Morning After” Clean Up

This Saturday 4/03 @ 10am - Noon

Food & drink @ Shanty Town after 

Be There!