Block party completes 12th year

Apr. 30—The weather cooperated and that was likely welcome news for residents of Boykin Avenue, South Vance and Swan streets in Sanford on Saturday morning.

Although it was overcast, it was dry and temperatures were in the 60s.

As usual, this year's block party included youth and adults helping clean up an area of the city.

Kevin Spivey, an employee of Groce Companies, said he showed up at 7 a.m.

It was his third year after event co-chair Karen Kennedy asked him to help.

"I'm old enough now I can start helping the community," Spivey said, somewhat jokingly, noting he is 60. "Some things you have to make time [for]."

Spivey said he came early and began hauling gravel, which was added to five driveways. He also hauled potting soil to eight residences for use in flower gardens and such.

Tamara Lewis came with a group of a half dozen members of a venturing crew, which operates under Scouts BSA of the Sandhills District.

"I think we're making pretty good change," said Angel Lopez, vice president of programming for the crew.

He noted they added potting soil and removed branches and five tires from a residential property. Some of the removal items were located in poison ivy, he said, noting that the youth wore gloves and long sleeves.

Cassy Penny said this year's event was her third.

"We like to see how the community improves each year," both year-to-year and when they're done, she said.

Lopez, who was helping at his fourth event, added that the venturing crew's next project involves clearing invasive species at Kiwanis Park.