Pictured: Jerry Lister, Cumberland
Neighborhood Watch, and Melinda Yerian, speaker host.
Byesville Rotary learned how one person can
make a big difference in the fight against drugs. Jerry Lister, guest speaker
at the club meeting, stated that he, “…wanted to do something about the drug
problem in the local community.” His response was to establish a neighborhood
watch group in Cumberland.
Cumberland now has 60 people involved in the
neighborhood watch group. They serve as the eyes and ears of the police. Lister
explained that each neighborhood group is private; each is recognized by the
federal government; and each member of the group is exempt from prosecution.
The Cumberland neighborhood watch was
established in 2016. Lister said that the because of the efforts of friends and
neighbors, there has been, “…a big change in Cumberland.” Drug dealers have
changed their attitude from “What are you going to do to me,” to “We’re
leaving. It’s too much trouble to do business here.” Lister reported that the
neighborhood watch actions have reduced the number of drug houses in Cumberland
from 9 down to 2.
Lister explained that notices for meetings are
delivered to members’ homes. Community members are provided with codes for the
sheriff’s department, an observation sheet to record their observations of
illegal activity, and a phone number. The organization is set up so that people
reporting illegal activities remain anonymous. Some members also put decals in
their window indicating that they are will provide a “safe house” to people
escaping abusers.
Lister’s motto is “Take back our community.
See something; tell someone.” His goal is to get 500 community members involved
in neighborhood watch organizations throughout the county. He has recently
started organizing in Buffalo. Derwent, Pleasant City, Valley Township are
taking steps toward organizing groups. Lister stated he has requests from
Byesville and Cambridge who are interested in his efforts.
Shana Fair, chair of the Stuff Santa’s
Stocking activity announced that the club will be holding a fundraiser at the
main intersection in Byesville on Saturday, October 7. Funds raised will be
used to support the club’s annual Christmas basket program which serves 150-200
families in the Rolling Hills School District. Volunteers are needed to help
collect donations.
Fair also announced that sing-ups for the
Christmas food baskets will be held October 17 and 18 from 9:00-am-12N and
October 19, 4:00pm—7:00pm at the Main Avenue United Methodist activity center
in Byesville.
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