ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – Rakes and shears rest on Richie Garcia’s shoulder outside Toad Hall record store in Rockford.

“You can’t fight Mother Nature, but you can dance with Mother Nature,” says Garcia.

On Sunday afternoon, the 2nd District resident organized a community cleanup for the Broadway and Woodruff Avenue neighborhood. He did not expect a large turnout that day.

“In the military, you lead by example,” says Garcia, also pointing to his Mexican heritage as a reason for his love of hospitality. “So if nobody shows up for a neighborhood cleanup, it doesn’t matter because I’ll still be here.”

He was not alone – his city council member joined him.

“We are the ones who live here every day,” says Jonathan Logemann (D), city councilor for the 2nd district. “And if not us, who will do it? I think it is really important that we take responsibility.”

The Auburn High School teacher’s children also helped clean up – wearing neon vests and “I look like someone from Dr. Seuss” gloves, said a junior Logemann.

“It’s great to bring them here so they can interact with our friends and neighbors as well,” says Logemann.

Broken glass, the front of a washing machine and more trash littered the sidewalks nearby. Collectors used yellow bags from Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful to help restore the neighborhood.

It’s an area that’s recovering after devastating floods in July. Garcia – who lives within walking distance of Toad Hall – says the neighborhood has seen “disaster after disaster” over the years.

“Some things could have been prevented with a little maintenance, a little gardening, gutter maintenance,” says the Airbnb host.

Sunday is one step in that “preventive” maintenance after Rockford and Winnebago County submitted damage estimates to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency.

Since the storms in July, Logemann has been in contact with people leaving their destroyed homes in the 2nd district. During this difficult time, he hopes to offer practical help in the community’s reconstruction.

“Feeling that spirit can help neighbors, especially in this waiting game we’re playing right now,” says Logemann.

As the team pulls weeds and trims back overgrown trees and vines, a neighbor walks into the cleanup scene, shocked to see the walkway under a railroad bridge visible and clear. Garcia tells him this is the beginning of the area’s reclamation.

The Airbnb host also puts a new twist on the mantra “look good, feel good.” When your street looks good, your neighbors feel even better.

“It makes me feel good because my neighbors say, ‘Wow, he has a nice house,'” Garcia says. “If someone needs something, you just help them. I don’t care who or what they are.”

Logemann wants to make the Sunday cleanup a monthly event. Those interested can find possible future dates on the city council’s social media or in the Nextdoor app.

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