By Judith Kristen, AAP Columnist

I love to write uplifting stories, tales of altruistic do-gooders, helping hands, compassionate souls with a zest for living. Thanks to my friend, Arlynne Sammons, this column is a combination of all of that – all wrapped up in one person.

The name may not sound familiar to you, but if you live anywhere near Franklin Elementary, you’ll know who I’m talking about immediately. That man’s name is Mr. Sandy Goldstein.

After 26 years as a quality control chemist for the largest dialysis service in the world, Fresenius, Sandy was able to have an early retirement when the company decided to close his particular plant. All at age 47!

Sandy decided the first thing he would do to start off his new life in a healthy way was to get out for an early morning walk. He wanted to keep fit, and walking is a wonderful way to do just that. And, since he lived in a lovely neighborhood, that was his starting point, and things moved on quite nicely from there.

On those daily walks, he noticed some litter in the street and on the sidewalks; it started to detract from the enjoyment of his walk. So, on one of those early mornings, Sandy’s mission began. He brought along with him a recyclable bag, and started to pick up what was left behind.

That early morning decision started 18 years ago, and he hasn’t missed a single day. NOT ONE! That’s 6,570 days so far, and Sandy is out there keeping himself feeling fit, in wind, rain, sleet, or snow, while also giving a fresh and clean start to the day for our beloved neighborhood.

I asked Sandy how much litter he collects in any given day, and he said maybe a pound and a half, usually paper products for the most part. But there are times where bottles are involved, tin cans, heavier items in general, so the weight will add up.

Now, I’m not a mathematician, but with the help from my calculator… a pound and a half of just those paper products alone, adds up to be 10 and a half pounds per week. And let’s throw in even another half a pound for those heavier items. Eleven pounds a week, times 52 weeks a year, is 572 pounds of refuse yearly!

And in 18 years, that translates into Sandy Goldstein ridding that lovely little neighborhood of 10,296 pounds of unwanted debris – roughly the weight of two brand new Cadillacs!

Initially, Sandy felt awkward about being stared at as he went along his daily walk and clean-up, and many times he would keep on walking by people who were getting into their cars for work, or taking their kids to school, only to backtrack around so he could pick up what was right in front of our own houses, but in the rush of things, more often than not, we overlook it. Unless you’re Sandy.

And along with that innate goodness and appreciation for our community, he is also quick to dismiss his efforts. He’s grateful that at age 66 he can still get out there for a morning walk and give his neighborhood a great way to start its own day as well. People like Sandy don’t make a fuss about what they do, they just do it.

For 18 years, parts of Pennsauken have been on the receiving end of Sandy’s conscience, effort, and community pride, right here in our neighborhood.

Neighborhood will always mean community, fellowship, and “home.” Whether that involves rescuing an animal in need, picking up litter, checking in on a sick friend or relative, or shoveling snow to clear a safe path for a neighbor, you’re not only doing your part as a good citizen and neighbor, but you’re being also an inspiration for others, and a gift to part of our world, as is our own Sandy Goldstein.

Please don’t ever think something done for our neighborhood is too small to make a difference in the bigger picture of things. The most precious thing you can give is your time, and that always makes a difference! People do notice! It’s well known that most positive action happens as a direct result of the goodness that people see.

So in the end, community is far more than belonging to something; it’s about doing something together that makes belonging matter.

It sure does.

Thanks, Sandy!

Peace and Love and Earth Day – every day!

Your friend,

~Judy