Mr. Clean

by Scott Feldman

Ever wonder why Main Street in Islip is so clean? There's a good reason for it. You can thank 86 year old Alphonse Deck. I've seen him for years with his broom and pan sweeping up the sidewalks and parking lots. Mr. Deck comes from a small town in France. When Hitler invaded the country, he fled to Switzerland. Later, he would make his way to New York and eventually Long Island. He's been a resident of Islip for over 40 years. He was a carpenter and when he retired -- decided he just couldn't sit at home. So, for the past 12 years, he's been working part-time for the Town of Islip. Half the time keeping Islip clean. The other half, Main Street in Bay Shore. All the merchants in town know him. And, of course, so do many of the residents, like those who see him every morning at Starbucks where he gets his morning cup of coffee before setting off with his broom and pan that he calls his "instruments."

He really has the technique down pat. First, squashing the cup or can with his foot, then quickly sweeping it up. It's really too bad that so many people litter. But, as he told me, "without them, I wouldn't have a job." Mr. Deck has so much energy. And when I remarked about it, he kiddingly said his secret was "a shot of scotch and a little fooling around, on the side." That was followed by an infectious laugh. In fact, he's got a new joke every day for those he meets. And he loves to kid around with people. When they say, how are things? His reply, "things are picking up." And then that laugh. Yes, Alphone admits to getting tired. But after going home for a good night's rest, he says he can't wait to go back again the next morning. Alphonse Deck is Islip's Mr. Clean. If you ever see him, he's tanned with a shock of white hair, broom and dust pan in hand, say hi and thank him. As one resident told me, "it's nice he takes the time to do what we all should be doing in the first place." KIC. Keep Islip Clean.