“Waste Warriors” hit the Hilltop

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Editor Columbus Messenger
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Messenger photos by Dedra Cordle
On May 6, more than a hundred volunteers throughout the region came to the westside to participate in the 21st annual South Central Hilltop Cleanup. Founded and organized by Lisa Boggs, the “waste warriors” spent close to two hours walking up and down Sullivant Avenue and its connector streets and alleyways picking up trash to try to beautify the blighted areas. The long-time westside resident said she was thankful that there continues to be so much participation in this event and encouraged them to never become discouraged in their efforts to make a difference in this community and in the world. “We need people like you to continue in this quest to make cleaner and safer communities,” said Boggs during the opening remarks of the cleanup event.
Trash pickup can be a dirty job, but that does not mean one cannot find enjoyment from the endeavor. Here, Charlie Greer and Holly Belknap smile for the camera as they safely grab litter from Sullivant Avenue.
Lexie Holliday helps clean up John Burroughs Park. The westside resident was a part of the Hilltop Arts Collective volunteer group.
Columbus Division of Police Officers Ryan Wise, Levi Dotson and Elizbeth Weeks do a few yoga movements under the tutelage of instructor Victoria Bates-Frye. The members of the bike unit were preparing for a busy late morning and early afternoon patrolling the neighborhood to ensure the safety of the cleanup volunteers.
Liz Harrington and Jaden Pressnell have a bit of fun while picking up trash along Sullivant. Harrington and Pressnell were at the cleanup event as a part of the Church of Scientology’s Community Improvement Group.
Hilltop resident Terry Schultz has been volunteering at the South Central Hilltop Cleanup event for 18 years. He said events like these are needed more frequently so the residents of the westside do not have to continue to see piles of trash like this found in the alley between two streets. “It’s really not getting better but we still have to try to do our part,” he said.
Lisa Boggs (left) was presented with a homemade plaque that recognized her family’s efforts toward making the Hilltop a cleaner and safer place to live. Pictured with Boggs is Emily Smith, who came up with the idea alongside Dean Smith, Carla and Scott Carr, and Reba Schlosser and Tyler Ryan.
Emerson Clingo supervises his mother, Leeann, as she picks up litter on S. Richardson Avenue. Even though he is only 11 months old, Emerson is a pro at litter cleanup events. “He goes to every cleanup event hosted by the North Hilltop Neighborhood Association,” she said.
Kevin Orr prepares for a busy day of trash cleanup with his pooch, Oliver.

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