Neighborhood Advocate, Rick Simmons, Speaks About the Power of "Community Unity"

Just as reported last April (2008) in the Herald-Dispatch, Guyandotte community leader Richard "Rick" Simmons proved again last Saturday, April 2009, that a dedicated group of volunteers can make a difference in Huntington, as scores of community volunteers cleaned up litter throughout the Guyandotte neighborhood. I asked him about his passion for the Guyandotte community and promoting sustainability in residents' efforts to improve their community. Here is what he told us:

"I know everybody probably gets tired of hearing me say it, 'Community unity works!' Not only was Saturday's clean-up above and beyond awesome, it brought the community together; churches in the area were having spaghetti dinners, fundraisers, hot dog sales, and Easter parties. It was a great day for good ole Guyandotte!

We estimate over 1,000 tires were picked up; eight hundred (800) tires left Guyandotte in a WV Division of Environmental Protection (WV DEP) truck before 10 a.m. Saturday. A Goodwill Industries of KYOWVA truck had a large amount of donations rendered by community members and approximately 80 people combed the community picking up litter, or cleaning up their own yards. We still have over 200 tires waiting to be picked up Monday morning.

This is the third cleanup since April 2008 and, because of the many supporters and volunteers, it was the best. The first folks I need to thank are Rocky and Reba Frazier. they always support the efforts of the clean-up. Rocky is always behind the scenes picking up on any thing I forget to do prior to the clean-up. He is constantly reminding me what needs to be done. Jay Bowen's expertise and hard work made the clean-up rock!

Thanks to the Herald-Dispatch for their great coverage, and WOWK-TV for their coverage. A special thanks to our friends at Clear Channel Radio. Jay and I were in the car on the hill and heard the DJ on the oldies channel yelling, "Go to Guyandotte! Help them clean-up, and buy a hot dog." Also Thanks to Becky and Scott Mitchell, they also help keep me in line.

Also, Connie Miller and her family and friend made the hill shine. The members at the Guyandotte Methodist Church really knew how to sale some hot dogs. Special thanks to Richard Cobb for his expertise and promoting the clean-up. Glen Garrett, the city's superintendent, always does a great job seeing that we get what we need.

Also, a special thank you to the Day Report Center, The Mayor, Goodwill, Chris Cartwright and the WV DEP, Brandi Jacob-Jones, the staff at City Hall, and all the volunteers who came out. If I missed anyone, I apologize. Our next clean-up is going to be 2 weeks before Swine Fest. Please allow me to say it again, "Community Unity works!"

(The "Hometown Huntington Spirit" is spreading. Good on us!)