To the editor:

It is all too easy for some people to continually complain about stressed run-down neighborhoods as well as to show an unwillingness to do anything to improve those areas. Thankfully there are some people who are willing to help improve these neighborhoods. 

Extra special thanks to all the volunteers, contractors and residents who participated in two recent cleanup events. The first on Saturday, Sept. 3, and Saturday, Sept. 10, volunteers (for the 10th year) “Creek Rats” sponsored cleanup of Onondaga Creek and its shoreline. And the second on Sept. 9 when volunteers painted, repaired, planted and trimmed in dozens of yards on two west side streets (Otisco and Hoefler streets) during the Home Headquarters sponsored “block blitz.” Thankfully these events make some real improvements to some areas of Syracuse even if only one block at a time.

Bob Oberst, Syracuse