“When I started walking, I saw trash, and figured that I might as well pick it up as I walked,” said CJ, who lives in Dayton’s University Row neighborhood.
“I started on my block, and worked out to Rosedale, Riverview, Cornell, up to Catalpa and Salem — most of Upper and Lower Dayton View — three miles out, three back, different neighborhoods each day.”
Since he began, he’s added a dolly with a 32-gallon trashcan, broom, rake, bucket, gloves, pick-up stick, and clothing that stands out. “Since I was a maintenance technician, I know what I should wear and how to be visible. I’ve worn out two pair of sturdy boots and am ready to start on my third.”
CJ has recently added a pickup truck, with his theme, “4 a clean ‘View’” on the side; the same motto is also written on his pushcart.
As he walks and picks up trash, “I’ve met so many beautiful people and received accolades and even donations for supplies,” he says. “When people thank me and offer donations, I remember where they live and go back to give them pick-up sticks and five-gallon buckets; I’ve passed out 45, and so far, they’ve been very appreciative. I haven’t run into anyone negative, just a few dogs running loose.”
One of his beneficiaries, Dayton Triangle resident Susan Zurcher, stopped to talk with him while he made his rounds more than a year ago. “He’s really nice and dedicated to keeping his neighborhood clean. I went looking for him one day to take a picture of him and the rig that’s evolved, and then gave him a print. Now, I honk and wave whenever I see him on his route.”
In addition to the benefit to his neighborhood, CJ’s lost 20 pounds, and his breathing and sleeping have improved. “I started walking for myself and my health, but have gained the benefits of a cleaner neighborhood, comaradarie, and respect,” says CJ.
“I tell people I talk with to not just sit on their porch and watch trash blow around, but to pick it up, and that’s what’s happening. I’ve noticed that people are taking more care of their yards,” he says.
The 55-year-old has no plans to stop following the map he’s engraved in his head for trash pickup. “I’ll keep it up 15-to-20 more years, as long as God gives me the will,” he says.
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