By Michael Bromka
Carlsbad Heights Lion Tom Dugger was new to this joint club endeavor to clean up a mile of Loving Highway. Ruefully, he viewed organizer Caleb Cunningham, Frankie Davis, Tony Dominguez (Downtown Lions), plus his fellow Heights Lions Vishal Kholwadwala and Michael Bromka.
“Just six of us to gather a mile of trash?” He had his doubts. It was 6:44 a.m. already, but no other troops. Vishal and Michael were sensibly munching on breakfast burritos from a big, insulated bag brought by Caleb. An army marches on its stomach.
Within minutes, cars filled the lot at the Carlsbad Soil and Water Conservation District building and disgorged 19 more volunteers. We each donned high-viz vests and latex gloves, loaded up on empty trash bags, and took hold of a “grabber,” a metal contraption for picking up litter.
With folks now provisioned, Caleb snapped a group photo and sent us on our way.
Johnny Washburn reached for nary a solitary empty soda bottle or food wrapper yet vied with Caleb to be our MVP. Johnny’s spacious pickup truck hauled entire crews of volunteers to our mile’s terminus to commence working back toward base. Also, Johnny loaded full (consolidated) bags of trash, which began to appear in mere minutes. When half a dozen workers each gather a quarter bag of litter, it’s wise to empty partial contents of many into one stuffed bag. Tie it off, drag it to the roadside—Johnny’s next deadlift. He brought fresh, empty bags plus bottles of water to slake our thirst.
Some workers, like newlyweds Mary and Richard Sillas, stuck close as a proximate team, tending to their safety, needs, stray comments, and observations. Some might hike 200 yards ahead to a chosen landmark, turn around, and work back to meet up for the packed bag’s consolidation.
Arriving at such a rendezvous, some volunteers scorned 100 yards of de-littered terrain ahead. Rather, they crossed to the median, which also was strewn with trash.
A mere three hours led one Lion to a pile of 20 full bags. Johnny was still out there loading up 10 more bags, plus scattered workers to fetch back to base.
Hand soap (a little dab’ll do ya) plus a water hose allowed all to freshen up for lunch, prepped by Caleb. Sandwiches were each in their own bag: ham-and-cheese on one side or turkey on the other. In the middle were condiments and sliced veggies as desired—red onion, tomato, lettuce, mustard, and mayo. Jay Francis marveled at being fed both before and after our travail.
Representing Downtown Lions were organizer Caleb Cunningham, Anjeanette Alford, Frankie Davis, Tony Dominguez, Club President Kay Doss, Gemma Ferguson, Jerry Fox, Bob Stockwell, and Melissa and Johnny Washburn.
Heights Lions were Michael Bromka, Tom Dugger, Jay Francis, Vishal Kholwadwala, Mary and Richard Sillas, and Rick Wiedenmann.
Carlsbad Community Lions were President Kat Davis, Eric Estrada, and Ruben Ronquillo. Highly prized ringers were Tracy Gann, Gabby Hinojos, Kandice Montanez, Sidney Vasquez, and Richie Washburn.
In deference to rank, we note that Frankie Davis serves as the first Vice Governor of Lions District 40 (all NM, plus a bit of eastern AZ). Melissa Washburn is currently a certified candidate running for election as a Director of Lions International. We value Melissa, Frankie, Kay Doss, Kat Davis, and Caleb Cunningham, who serve with diligence and lead with grace.
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