It’s that time of year again to make Kirkland sparkle and shine for our summer guests. It won’t be easy this year with all the construction and road closures, but I have the utmost confidence in you. We really need about 100 volunteers this year, so I have lots of bribes to offer you. Let’s start out with coffee and donuts and end with a barbecue. For those of you who sign in and work for the two hours, your name will be entered for: Sunday brunch for two at Trellis, Heathman Hotel; a manicure and pedicure at Pantera Spa, Heathman Hotel; or a weekend evening stay at the Heathman Hotel, with breakfast at Trellis.

Sign in at 9:30 a.m. May 22, with coffee and donuts at the Kirkland Downtown Association office, 123 Park Lane. The work begins at 10 a.m. – have fun with your friends and neighbors cleaning downtown Kirkland. At noon, enjoy a barbecue and raffle on the patio of The Grape Choice in the Marina parking lot. Bring if you have them: rakes, shovels, dust pans, brooms, crack hoes and gloves. Respond to Glenn Peterson at gcp22@cornell.edu if you are able to help.

Patty Tucker, Kirkland