Ensuring safety, planting gardens

AGAINST CRIME
Citizens from the Highland Heights area met at Toledo Heights library May 14 to sign up for various anti-crime task forces. The overriding sentiment at the meeting was that law-abiding citizens (the vast majority) will stand up to thugs, thieves and others who would lower the quality of life. For more on how to get involved, contact Crimebuster Coordinators Marsha Heidt at 419-389-1995 or Jimmy Lewis, 419-410-7526.

GARDEN BLITZ
On May 13, Jason Gorr, Linda and Carol Scheiber and Ellen Rodriguez expanded and planted the garden at South and Airport Hwy. They also planted the garden at Woodsdale and South. The experience gave all new respect for the Irishmen who dug the Erie Canal, as breaking sod is not for the faint of heart. A few days later Jason, Ellen , Cooper Suter and others dug more sod and planted a rain garden in Highland Park. Water and weed volunteers are still being sought. If you can help, email highland43609@gmail.com.
A hearty thank you to the following plant donors: Ohlman Greenhouse, Ohlman Greenhouse, Toledo Botanical Gardens, Sun Moon,Naturally Native Nursery, and Garden Nursery.

Fight back against crime in South Toledo

South Toledoans have the opportunity to take action against crime in their area by attending the Highland Hts. Neighborhood Assn. (HHNA) meeting on Thursday, May 14, 6:30pm at the Toledo Hts. Branch library on Shasta Dr.

Neighbors are fed up with gang graffiti, shootings, and other crime in South Toledo. Resident Marcia Heidt got so disgusted, she invited the whole neighborhood over to her house April 30. Dozens of people stood in the rain to work out the beginnings of a citizen response.

At the May 14 meeting, HHNA plans to have sign up sheets for those willing to help. This will not be a forum for discussing our crime experiences; rather we will be focusing on taking personal responsibility for different anti-crime actions. At this time, chairpersons and volunteers are needed for:

Phone tree

Walking patrols

Anti-graffiti helpers (work with those who've been hit by graffiti to see it is removed)

Police communications

Any police living in South Toledo are encouraged to come and provide their professional perspective.

For more information, contact Mary at the Toledo Hts Library: 419-259-5220.

In the photos-- Bottom: Councilman Mike Craig responds to concerns about crime. Middle and top: Citizens showed up at Marcia Heidt's house to say "Enough!" to crime.

--Posted by Carol Scheiber