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Post-Standard, The (Syracuse, NY)

June 16, 2004
Section: Local
Edition: Final
Page: B5

WATCH GROUPS SHARE STORIES

   BoNhia Lee Staff writer

Neighborhood Watch groups from Syracuse and its suburbs came together Tuesday at Long Branch Park in Salina.

For the second year in a row, members of more than 150 Neighborhood Watch groups gathered for the Light Up the Night Picnic. The picnic brings city and suburban watch groups together to share their stories and honors groups for improving and promoting neighborhood safety and unity. "It's an opportunity for these groups to get together and compare notes," said Jim Crosby, coordinator for the Neighborhood Watch groups in Syracuse.

The city has more than 90 active groups, Crosby said. There are about 103 groups in the suburbs, but only about 60 are active, said Russ Mitchell, coordinator for groups outside the city.

Mitchell said the event is an awareness night for neighborhoods. It's a chance for people to talk about their problems and to showcase law enforcement.

Betty and Richie Hayes, of the Midler, Paul and Peck Avenue Neighborhood Watch in Syracuse, said it is nice to have neighbors from all over come together.

"Hopefully, more people will get involved," Richie Hayes said.

Mitzi Pirro, of the Oot Meadows Neighborhood Watch in Salina, agreed.

"I think they do a great job and more people should be involved in it," Pirro said.

Award winners

Achievement Awards: Syracuse: Furman Street, North Midler Avenue, Northside Neighbors, Park Avenue and Frazer School, Shotwell Park, and Woodlawn Terrace. Suburbs: Lyncourt West, Marcellus, Meadow Wood in Clay, Oot Meadows in Salina, and Spafford.

Police Officer Appreciation Award: Syracuse Officers Jim Saturno and Ross Arena and Lt. Shannon Trice.

Neighborhood Watch Appreciation Award: Patrick Driscoll, Syracuse parks and recreation commissioner.

New Group of the Year: Warrington Road.

Group of the Year: Webster Pond.

Special Award: Onondaga County Probation Department.


Copyright, 2004, The Herald Company
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