He may be the last paid street sweeper in Evanston. It started one snowy night when Brad Wisniewski was walking home and asked building owner Bob Amado if he needed help shoveling snow. “Fourteen years ago, and I’ve been doing it ever since,” Wisniewski said. He shovels in winter and sweeps the sidewalk and the street around the large building at the northwest corner of Chicago Avenue and Dempster Street (think Bagel Arts, Modern Vibe, Secret Treasure or Dozika Restaurant) every Sunday morning. Other days, he picks up trash. “It’s the cleanest corner in the city,” said Wisniewski. “I enjoy it. This is my town.” (Photo by Richard Cahan)

Richard Cahan

Richard Cahan takes photos for the Evanston RoundTable. He also is publisher of CityFiles Press, a small but mighty media company that believes in the power of words and pictures. You can reach him at...

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  1. Five generations of Amado’s have lived on this corner since 1940. My grandfather opened Protex Slipcover and Drapery Company in 1940 on this corner. Closed 2001. I have lived in the building 30 years. This is my home and business. Brad keeps my property in excellent condition. I’m very lucky to have Brad all these years.

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  2. How wonderful to have someone care enough to want to clean up the streets. That’s what community is all about.

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  4. Wonderful dedication. We need many Evanstonians to clear their nearest curb gutter drain of debris.

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