Published Sunday, November 17, 2002
massive effort
Herald Staff Writer
More than 300 people, including many from churches and schools, showed up early Saturday for Operation Clark Clean-Up.
The push was on to help clear away smaller debris left after a week of work at the site where a tornado touched down last Sunday, said Greg Ursta, assistant Clark EMA director,
Among the volunteers were five adults and 15 students from St. Michael's Church senior high school youth group, Greenville, who helped pick up glass and shingles, rake leaves and move logs. Youth Director Elaine Shearer said the group has found a family to adopt "for the long haul."
On Nora Street, Boy Scout Troop 7, Clark, helped move logs and tree branches to a burn pile by the homes of Wilda Bresnahan and Wil White.
The Scouts also kept an eye out for Mrs. Bresnahan's gray cat Kitty, who has gone missing for a few days since her house was damaged by the storm.
Mrs. Bresnahan, a former Herald reporter, has lived in Clark since 1964. She and her husband Daniel, who died in 1990, had their home moved from Clarksville before former town was flooded by the Shenango Dam. Mrs. Bresnahan has been living with her daughter Kathy Heim of West Middlesex. It is unknown at this point whether her home can be salvaged.
Her son, Johnny Bresnahan of Bear Lake, Calif., was on the phone with his mother during the tornado and flew out the next day to make sure she was okay. He worked alongside the Scouts on Saturday morning.
Scoutmaster Homer Gibson, leading a group of 10 adults and 18 scouts, said the Scouts will use Saturday's effort to fulfill six community service hours necessary to advance their ranks.
"And we wanted to do our part to help our community," he added. "They've been working like little beavers."
White, who benefited from the volunteer hours, said the boys' efforts saved him and his family hundreds of dollars.
"From a homeowner's perspective, they're a godsend. I'm really impressed and they're having fun doing it."
Clark Mayor Douglas Bradley who watched the volunteers at work said he was pleased.
"It looks great. Everyone is working so hard. The support we've had from various communities and school districts, it's phenomenal," he said.
Saturday was presumed to be the last day for Operation Clark Clean-Up. Officials plan to announce Monday whether additional help will be needed.
Things were beginning to get back to normal. Pickups of debris to be burned will end Monday and the burning pit will close at 3 p.m., Bradley said.
The school bus schedule will return to normal Tuesday.
Residents who have any damaged historical items, such as family heirlooms or photos, can call the Sharpsville Historical Society to have them preserved, protected or documented, said Gregg Smith, society president.
"Don't just throw them away. They're not ruined," he said.
Among the groups and individuals that volunteered Saturday were some that came from as far away as West Mifflin, Pa. They said they had gone through a similar tragedy before and wanted to lend their support.