Community volunteerism is an uplifting thing to observe and, especially, to participate in. When the efforts involved result in making the community a bit cleaner and a more comfortable place to live then it is all to the better.

So it is with the annual Somerville Spring Cleanup held this past weekend as many residents pitched in, picked up, and swept out the old, unwanted refuse and generally celebrated our mutual appreciation of the city we live and work in.

Not only do locals lend their time and elbow grease in doing the actual work involved, but many individuals and business concerns also donate tools and cleaning supplies to help out with the cleanup.

The warm glow of satisfaction with a very worthwhile job well done prevailed, and everyone present had a well-deserved good time working together to make our community a better place to live in.

It is comforting to see that in these times when so many with a cynical view of modern-day society feel that most people are too selfish or lazy to contribute to the common good, such ideas can be very wrong. There are still a lot of generous folks around who are more than willing to give of themselves in order to make a difference.

And now more than ever, as we contend with the stresses and sacrifices we have lived through over the past year and then some, it is especially important that we remember how to pull together to work for a common cause.

To all who stepped up and pitched in, we thank you and salute you. You are a big part of what makes this city great.