Joanie and Jeffry Weidner moved to Kennedy Heights September 1996. They were concerned about the amount of trash they saw in their new neighborhood. Joanie started to pick up litter on her own and eventually knew she had to get some help. When they found out Kennedy Heights' was participating in the Great American Clean-up they decided to lend a hand. It was a rainy day and the only other participates were Kay Briggs, Community Coordinator, and Kate Kern, Beautification Chair. The Weidner's shared their concern and wondered if we could make litter disappear, like magic, one bag at a time. On that day in April 1999, the Litter Magic program was born.
Kate secured a small grant from Invest in Neighborhoods. Jeffry created the T-shirt design and with the grant money the now familiar yellow Litter Magic t-shirts were purchased. The first clean-up took place in July 1999 and 30 volunteers came out. One year later at the April Great American Clean-up 75 volunteers were there to help!
The Weidners now do three clean-up events each year; April, July, and October. At each April event a group photograph is taken and all volunteers receive a copy. They continue to find creative ways to advertise and enroll their neighbors in this worthwhile community service.
