Fifteen cheerleaders from the Spotlight cheerleadling team at East Celebrity Elite gym in Waterford spent two hours Nov. 7 cleaning the Route 85 roadside near the Waterford Speedbowl.

The team is made up of athletes from all over Connecticut ages 10-15. They wanted to give back to the community near the gym.

When I suggested that maybe the kids do a community cleanup day, I was thinking I was going to get responses from the kids thinking I was nuts.

Instead, I heard these responses:

"This is more fun than I thought it was going to be."

"I never realized how much trash is on the side of the road, and I drive this road a few days a week."

"Look what I found. What do you think it is?"

Fifteen bags of garbage were quickly collected.

These parents and kids now are left with memories that will keep us laughing for a while.

Janice Smith

Waterford

The Times encourages readers to turn in photos that tell little stories of their lives. If you have a photo, or a story, don't hesitate to send it in. Photos need to be in jpg format and at least 300 kb. Stories and commentary should be at least 300 and up to 1,000 words. Send both to times@theday.com.