The manual cleanup of Coffee Creek in the Pinney’s Court neighborhood is set to begin at 10 a.m. Tuesday. And volunteers are desperately needed, cleanup organizer Ron Seman said, not only from the muscle end of the things but from the funding end as well.

“We are in desperate need of wading boots and gasoline two-stroke chainsaws greater than 16-inches in length,” Seman said.

Waders range in price from $500 to $200, purchasable at Bass Pro Shop in Portage, Seman noted, while chainsaws start at $150.

Please contact Seman at (219) 285-1463 or (219) 477-9317.

“We want to help prevent the September-like floods of 2008,” Seman said. “The hurricane season brought 13 inches of rain to Chesterton last year over a three-day period and the water rose at this point more than 100 linear feet towards the homes. And that was with a creek that was free of long-term growth trees.”

Persons wanting to help clear Coffee Creek of the tornado debris may call Seman to schedule a time or simply meet on Tuesday at 216 Grady St.

“PLEASE do NOT park in the driveway and do NOT enter the property without first speaking with me for safety and security concerns,” Seman said. “Do NOT park media vehicles on St. Patrick’s church or school parking lots.”

“Please pray fervently for our equipment needs, safety, productivity, and that we’ll get the job done before the heavy rains arrive,” Seman said.

Posted 8/31/2009