SP
: T H G I OTL
R E T T LI L O R PAT
THE PEOPLE BEHIND SHUC’S LITTER PATROL ARE
and police-community partnerships. She worked with
DEDICATED caretakers of Squirrel Hill’s environmental
local and state elected officials to address concerns of
health and communal spirit. In the following essays, three
residents.
participants recall some of the highs and humorous lows of the Litter Patrol’s history.
In 2005, Bicky, Ann Rose, and Ceci Sommers—good friends with a serious concern for the litter on Forbes
If their messages inspire you to get involved—and we
and Murray—decided to “Do Something!” They knew
hope they do—your next opportunity comes on Sunday,
the litter detracted from the vibrancy and aesthetics of
April 24th during the annual Spring Cleanup. Join the
Squirrel Hill and was a hazard to wildlife and the health of
community from 9 AM to 12 PM as we do our part to
residents. Flyers were posted around the neighborhood
beautify the neighborhood, street by street. For more
recruiting residents to remove litter from around their
information and to sign up in advance, go to shuc.org.
homes (an Adopt-A-Block concept). Our Patrol soon
You can also contact Barb Grover at barbgrover1@gmail.
recognized a lot of interest in cleaning up litter.
com or 412-521-9526. A BIG THANK YOU goes out to the Squirrel Hill Urban
A HISTORY | By Barb Grover
Coalition (SHUC), whose leadership has supported us
The Squirrel Hill Litter Patrol began in 2005, the result
under its non-profit umbrella. That support allowed us
of one woman’s 50-year passion and commitment to
to obtain grant money from various entities (e.g., Sen.
our neighborhood: Bicky Goldszer. Prior to starting
Jay Costa’s office, Keep America Beautiful, Pittsburgh’s
the Litter Patrol, she had organized National Night Out
Love Your Block and Beautify Our ‘Burgh). Many
activities to strengthen neighborhood crime watch
residents joined our efforts, as did local principals,
Spring 2022 | 29
