Still Glowing After The Third Clean-Up Salvo Event
This article is by Jo Ella (Jada) Tarbutton-Springfield, a tenant at the Walter Salvo House in the Northampton Housing Authority.
After complaints by housing authority staff, the Commonwealth Office of Housing and Liveable Communities (EOHLC) intervened to sideline the housing authority and manager during an investigation. Freed from an oppressive system, and with the inspired leadership of Jo Ella (Jada) Tarbutton-Springfield, tenants, staff, and Northampton community leaders formed a collaborative, supportive, and beneficial community.
Just imagine what tenants everywhere could do if they had the Tenant Advocate to assure their rights and, of course, someone like Jada!—JH
On Saturday, October 18, from 8:00 a.m. to noon, the Walter Salvo House community came together for the Third Clean-Up Salvo. Neighbors, residents, and city leaders rolled up their sleeves once again, proving that when compassion and collaboration meet, transformation follows.
How it all began
The Clean-Up Salvo movement didn’t start as a program—it began with heart, conversation, and connection. One evening, after a teary exchange with Alex Silkwolfe, a long-time Walter Salvo resident, the idea was born. Out of love for his home and his city, Alex had spent years quietly running a one-man clean-up campaign, tending the grounds with his own supplies and steady determination.
During Saturday’s Clean-Up Salvo, Alex spoke with Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra, sharing what inspired his efforts—how “coming home to a clean environment uplifts not just the building, but the mood and spirit of the people.” Their conversation reflected the same sense of community that inspired this initiative.
That moment reminded me of four years ago at Salvo, when I stepped outside and greeted a group of Northampton Survival Center volunteers delivering food to residents. I often refer to NSC’s volunteers as “angels.” Among those volunteers was Gina-Louise Sciarra, helping distribute groceries with care and humility.
Mayoral candidate Jillian Duclos has participated in all three Clean-Up Salvo events, and her young, adorable son Henri has accompanied her twice. Their continued participation reflects the growing network of neighbors and community members dedicated to keeping Salvo vibrant and cared for.
Ace Tayloe, a former Ward 3 City Council candidate, has also been a steady and helpful friend to the Salvo community—well before any campaign spotlight. Inspired by Alex’s dedication, they helped draft a letter seeking donations of cleaning supplies. Nathan Chung generously answered that call, providing the buckets, gloves, and “pick-uppers” that powered the first Clean-Up Salvo.
Since the Ward 3 Neighborhood Association (W3NA) participates annually in a city-wide clean-up with the Friends of Northampton Trails (FNT), Alex joined that effort. Alongside Jim Nash, Bob Beckham, and myself—serving proudly as the event’s cheerleader—we collected debris near the bridge by the Lumber Yard. That day gave Alex a sense of joy and pride he wanted to bring home. He said, “If we can do this for Ward 3, why can’t we do it for Salvo?!” And from that moment, Clean-Up Salvo took shape.
A head start that mattered
In the week leading up to this third event—and thanks to Acting Executive Director Sharon Kimble—the Northampton Housing Authority (NHA) maintenance team gave everyone a tremendous head start. They power-washed all benches in the back area and freshly painted the benches in the front, brightening the property and saving community volunteers three to four hours of labor. Their effort not only made the property shine but also modeled what true partnership between residents and NHA staff can achieve.
What we tackled
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Cigarette-butt breakthrough: During the first Clean-Up Salvo, volunteers spent nearly four hours collecting over 300 cigarette butts (special thanks to Kathy Service). This time, it took only 30 minutes—a major improvement, thanks to residents now using the outdoor containers installed by NHA’s Interim Executive Director Matt Mainville (Holyoke Housing Authority).
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Back-area sweep: Nathan Chung led raking in the rear section. With Grow Food Northampton scheduled to winterize the resident community garden plots on Monday, October 27, 2025, many of those leaves will soon be reused as mulch for the next growing season.
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The “Sasquatch line”: Volunteers cleared the wooded area along the Smith College property line—an area I often joke is home to Bigfoot—transforming it from overgrown to inviting.
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Heavy lift, heroic crew: A massive, mud-caked container nicknamed the “nightmare barrel” was finally pulled out by a determined team: Alex Silkwolfe, Garrick Perry, Bill Scher, and Boris (inspired by Alex and planning to start a similar clean-up at his own property). Nearby, Yakov Konrod and Analise Loreus worked tirelessly to clear and remove sections of old fencing—another major contribution to reclaiming the back area. As for me, I took on the role of greeter, hostess, and picture taker—cheering everyone on and capturing the teamwork that made this day so meaningful.
Music, grit, and grace
Garrick Perry worked with music in his ears, inventing beats and rhymes while staying connected with fellow volunteers. He began the day tackling one of the hardest jobs—picking up discarded adult diapers left near the trash area—and did it with patience, humor, and resolve. Later, he and Alex shared a heartfelt conversation about a local musician who had deeply inspired them both—a reminder that even in service, art and humanity intertwine.
Fuel for the team
Though Benjamin Spencer was away visiting his children, his parents arrived with coffee, cocoa, and mini-donuts that powered the morning. The cocoa was an instant favorite—especially with our youngest helpers, Henri Duclos and another child who joined in with their mom, Alena Bartoli. Their laughter and curiosity lifted everyone’s spirits.
Inspiration, appreciation, and what’s next
Heartfelt thanks to everyone who gave their time and energy to make this event a success: Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra and Bill Scher, Laurie Loisel, Garrick Perry, Heidi Sousse, Mayoral candidate Jillian Duclos, Renika Montgomery-Tamakloe and Nelson Tamakloe, Yakov Konrod, Analise Loreus, Nathan Chung, Ace Tayloe, Alex Silkwolfe, Boris, and Benjamin Spencer’s family.
And a special kudos to Mayoral candidate Jillian Duclos, who—during the very first Clean-Up Salvo—suggested that the event become not just annual, but a monthly or quarterly tradition. That inspiring idea has kept the momentum strong and helped shape this growing community effort.
With power-washed and freshly painted benches, clear pathways, and renewed pride, the message is unmistakable: Salvo spirit is alive and growing. What began with one resident’s love for his home has grown into a proud tradition of care, dignity, and teamwork.
A final Clean-Up Salvo of the year is tentatively scheduled for mid-November—a fitting way to close out a season of community care.
A heartfelt thank-you to Meg Robbins for stopping by—sorry we didn’t get a chance to talk, but your presence and support were sincerely appreciated.
See you at the next Clean-Up Salvo—coffee, cider, and donuts will be waiting.