Clifford Boomhower honoured by North Frontenac

Aug 11, 2011

Photo: Clifford Boomhower, Mayor Bud Clayton and Councilor Wayne Good

For over a decade now, drivers on Harlowe Road in North Frontenac have been used to receiving a wave and a smile from Harlowe resident Clifford Boomhower. Clifford for years has been cleaning up the ditches along Harlowe Road daily, free of charge, in rain, shine and bitter cold, as a service to the community, and he says he is more than happy to do it. On August 9, at the weekly Adult Drop-In run by Land O' Lakes Community Services at the Northbrook Lions Hall, Clifford was presented with a plaque and some gifts from Mayor Bud Clayton and Councilor Wayne Good in recognition of his ongoing efforts, which have made him a well known and respected fixture in the north.

Almost every day of the week Clifford can be found by the road pushing his bicycle, which has an attached trailer, collecting trash, which he tells me mostly consists of used Tim Hortons cups, beer bottles and cans. Clifford’s friend, Fernleigh resident Donald James, who has known Clifford for years, describes him simply as “a really nice guy”. Others who know him label him a “humanitarian” and “environmentalist” and “a very happy man who loves singing”. Boomhower was both surprised and visibly thrilled to receive the formal recognition for his efforts. Regardless of the honour, it seems obvious that Clifford provides the service as a way to show his love and care for his community, and whether recognized or not, he will definitely continue doing his part in keeping the township roads clean.