"A lot of people doing a little can accomplish a lot" should be the guiding thought for people in the city of Butler and, indeed, in boroughs and townships throughout the county in coming days.

With the arrival of spring less than a week away, it's time for everyone to reflect on what they can do to make their community cleaner and more attractive.

That also applies to merchants and operators of restaurants and other businesses.

The city, as the seat of county government, and its residents should not need reminders about the importance of basic maintenance and cleanup. In fact, corrective action already is under way by the city Streets Department to patch the potholes that have developed during the recent weeks' onslaught of bad weather.

But the litter in some business district storefronts and the debris embedded along curbs — not only in the business district but in the residential areas too — demands many people to come forward to do their small part toward what overall will be a significant accomplishment.

For many people who have been confined indoors during the spate of snowy weather, the outdoor cleanup experience actually will be an endeavor that promotes better health.

While it's true that more bad weather could undo some of the early cleanup efforts, the touch-up that will be necessary won't be nearly as formidable as what communities will face if cleanup is delayed.

Once good weather "plants" itself, many people's intentions shift to their own yardwork, rather than looking beyond their property lines.

Now is a good time for people to get in shape for that yardwork by "exercising" on behalf of their community.

Every community must deal with the grime emanating from the ravages of winter. Some communities are quick to respond; in other places, winter's debris lingers throughout the spring and into the summer.

Unfortunately, sometimes that has been the case here.

But 2008's goal should be to get the job done quickly and completely and then embrace a feeling of pride.