MORE ON WHY I CONTINUE THIS FIGHT AGAINST THE DEALERS IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD


When I first moved in to my apartment on the corner of North Union and Kenilworth streets in June of 1999, I thought that the best way to ensure my security against the drug dealers and other criminals in the neighborhood was for me to not know anybody's business. The violence, the murders -- that all happened to people in the drug trade. If I left them alone, they would leave me alone. But ultimately, I began to connect with people in spite of myself. Especially the children. Especially Ruben and Takesha, whom I love as if they were my own grandchildren.

This is all about the children, who deserve so much better.

When I first moved in to my apartment on the corner of North Union and Kenilworth streets in June of 1999, I thought that the best way to ensure my security against the drug dealers and other criminals in the neighborhood was for me to not know anybody's business. The violence, the murders -- that all happened to people in the drug trade. If I left them alone, they would leave me alone.

And that turned out to be pretty much true. I never had any reason to fear for my own personal safety. I could come in late at night (or come OUT late at night to move my car because I had forgotten earlier...the street has alternate side parking!) and the streets would be clear. My building is visible from all around and well lighted. There really wasn't any place for anyone to hide.

I would always smile and say hello to anyone who walked by. I figured that would help, too, even if I didn't stop and talk to them.

My first connection to my neighbors -- other than people in my own building (there are only four apartments) -- came in September of 2004. On the 17th, I ended up going in an ambulance to Rochester General Hospital Emergency with symptoms of a heart attack, after earlier having a stress test/echocardiogram that showed the possibility of a blockage. An angiogram, however, indicated that what I have is a coronary artery spasm, the symptoms of which mimic a heart attack. (And, if the spasm, goes on too long, it can produce the same results as a clot.)

A few days after I returned home from the hospital, a boy from the building across from mine on Kenilworth came up to me and asked, "Are you going to be all right?"

I fell instantly in love with this little boy.

Later I learned his name, Ruben, and he and I and his sister Takesha became great friends. They would help me with my groceries and other things. That Christmas I had some books I had bought for my grandchildren from a book club, and it turned out my grandchildren already had copies, so I gave the extras to Ruben and Takesha. (See photos of the two with their melting snowman and a little cousin, the first three shots in this album.)

In the spring when, thanks to inspiration from my friend Megan, I decided to start a flower garden, both of the children came over, wanting to help. And they were great help! So eager to learn how to do it. So happy to be just hanging out with me, doing whatever.

And then, of course, as my garden began to grow and add much needed color and beauty to the street, people would stop and talk to me as I worked. And they were so appreciative of what I had done! For the first time I began to feel a connection to the neighborhood.

When the dealers started being brazenly open about their law-breaking in front of the minimart, of which I have a full view from my bedroom windows, I started seriously looking for another place to live. It was one thing when it was all hidden from view. When they were quiet about it. But when, day after day, night after night, they were out there being noisy and essentially saying "we can break the law right in your face and you can't do anything about it," well, I had had enough.

At the same time, though, I started attending my first community meetings about the neighborhood. And spouted off my complaints...and my ideas. Suddenly I got delegated "Union Street Block Club 'president'."

It was not anything I had had in mind for myself. I certainly have plenty of other things to do. In particular I had intended to be doing more with my creative work -- I have about half a dozen unfinished novels, another half dozen or so nonfiction book ideas, not to mention all my photography and other art work. I always have a kazillion kazillion ideas. And, being ADD, I have trouble staying with any of them long enough to finish a project.

I was looking for another apartment. But one of the roadblocks was the fact that VESID had purchased for me office equipment that requires a minimum 9'x8' of space. My bedroom is quite large, and the office fits very nicely into about 1/2 of my bedroom and leaves plenty of space for my bookcases, dresser and bed. Where on earth would I find an apartment with enough space for all that? None of the places I looked at had anything suitable, at least not at a price I could afford.

And then, too, I was thinking about the coming spring and the gardening...and Ruben and Takesha. I just did not want to have to leave them behind.

Those two are the sweetest, most well-behaved children you will ever meet. They deserve a better neighborhood. As do all the other children.

So now, I am fully committed.

Lately I've been singing my own version of "This little light of mine."

Taking back the neighborhood
one street at a time
Taking back the neighborhood
one street at a time
Taking back the neighborhood
one street at a time
Let it shine let it shine let it shine

Gonna run those dealers out
one street at a time
Gonna run those dealers out
one street at a time
Gonna run those dealers out
one street at a time
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine

All around the neighborhood
I'm gonna let it shine
All around the neighborhood
I'm gonna let it shine
All around the neighborhood
I'm gonna let it shine
Let it shine, let it shine let it shine

All around the city...etc.

All around the world...etc.

The Marketview Heights Community Action Group is going to show the rest of the city...and maybe the country...how to do this.

Posted: Tue - April 11, 2006 at 10:26 AM          

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