Mayor's trip yields historical, transit ideas
By NICOLE YOUNG, Staff Writer
Published August 20, 2007
Six weeks, hours upon hours aboard boats and trains and more than 3,000 photos later, Mayor Ellen O. Moyer is back. She was on a goodwill mission to Annapolis' sister cities in Europe.
Near the top her list is lifting some transportation ideas from Paris, including more underground parking and increased public transportation on the water.
Beginning in Rochefort, France, Ms. Moyer's trip took her through Europe, including stops in Paris; Richmond, Yorkshire, England; Dumfries, Scotland; Newport, Wales; and Wexford, Ireland.
Ms. Moyer said she's now armed with a "whole notebook of ideas" - and she's ready to go through it and find out which are viable options for the city.
The Annapolis Sister Cities program, similar to having a pen pal on a municipal level, has led to governmental, economic and cultural collaborations, as well as student exchange programs.
Annapolis has sisterly ties to more than 10 cities around the globe, including Tallinn, Estonia; and Annapolis Royal in Nova Scotia.
Many of the mayor's experiences were documented in a blog - ellenmoyer.blogspot.com - with historical backgrounds of each town, ties to Annapolis and the efforts of the local government.
She said transportation options in Paris were numerous, and seemed like something Annapolis could look to for guidance in the future.
She described bicycles lined up in the main tourist areas; with the swipe of a credit card, a bike could be unlocked for use. A public "boat bus" stops at eight locations aroundthe city and car lots are kept out of sight in underground parking garages.
"Public transportation is totally different," Ms. Moyer said. "No Taj Mahal (parking) garages there. But useful exchange of skills will be a natural occurrence."
Giving back to the sister cities overseas, Ms. Moyer is hoping to share the city's historical preservation expertise with some of them and possibly even set up a pen-pal program with students in Annapolis schools.
She said she also learned about public housing in Europe and was most impressed by the appearance of the homes. She also looked to the mayor of Newport, Wales, for information on how that city keeps its public housing system working, and bringing in a better mix of options for home ownership.
"Subsidized housing just doesn't look like it there," she said. "The cottages all have flowers in the yard and are well-kept and fairly attractive."
Alderwoman Julie Stankivic, I-Ward 6, also made a short trek to Europe earlier this month on city business, but wasn't able to meet up with the mayor.
But Ms. Moyer returned to more pressing matters. Upon her arrival in Annapolis she jumped in with a five-point-plan to address fears of escalating violence and crime in the city. Her proposal included reducing the number of shifts for police from five to three, adding a horse unit to the force, buying four Segway scooters, designating Annapolis a drug-free zone and improving lighting on city streets.
Ms. Moyer said she's also interested in planning special programs to raise money for the sister cities program, to "treat them as well as they treat us."
"The exchange has to go both ways," she said.
Representatives from several of the sister cities, including Wexford, are making arrangements to visit during Annapolis' 300th anniversary next year, she said.
Her blog will continue to be updated in the coming weeks with information about the last portion of her trip, she said.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Friday, August 17, 2007
Moyer Crime Press Release
For immediate release
Mayor Ellen Moyer proposes a five point plan to address concerns being raised about public safety in the City of Annapolis.
1. Starting immediately, the Mayor is asking Annapolis Police Chief Joseph Johnson to reduce the number of shifts at the Annapolis Police Department from the current five to three. This will increase the number of officers available for each shift. Mayor Moyer believes that this change will result in a higher level of visibility and protection and is the most efficient deployment of available officers. While much has been made recently of the numbers of police officers that are currently employed by the City, the fact is that the APD maintains a ratio of 3 police officers to every 1000 citizens-the national average is only 1 officer per thousand, said Mayor Moyer. The war in Iraq and retirement have both greatly impacted the number of qualified people that are available for and interested in police work. Jurisdictions nationwide are drawing from the same talent pool and facing the same challenges. We offer a very competitive package of pay and benefits to our officers and are always looking for talented people. We will aggressively continue that search without lowering our standards, but our principal obligation is to find new ways to use the people that we have now to enhance public safety.
2. Mayor Moyer is also asking that the police department purchase 4additional Segways. Segways increase feet on the street by providing greater mobility and allowing officers to cover a wider are they are on the street.
3. She is also asking the police department to look into the feasibility of adding at least one horseback mounted unit to the City's police force. Officers on horseback are highly visible, and research shows that in crowd and emergency situations a mounted officer is equal to ten officers on foot.
4. The Mayor will be asking the City delegation to the General Assembly to submit legislation designating the entire City of Annapolis a Drug-Free Zone. This action will double the fines and penalties to anyone convicted of dealing drugs in the City. We need to send a clear message that dealing drugs in the City of Annapolis will not be tolerated,รข€ said the Mayor. Hitting dealers in their pocketbook, doubling their jail time and in general making Annapolis a hostile environment to this type of activity will help convince dealers that our City is not a place they want to be. The Mayor will also be asking the City delegation to request additional state funds for a comprehensive drug plan in the City of Annapolis. "As I outlined in the plan for Robinwood that the City submitted to the County Executive some months ago, I believe a comprehensive drug treatment and prevention program to be an important long term solution to reducing crime in the City", the Mayor said. "However, an effective plan will be expensive, and we can't go it alone-we need help from our partners in the State and the County".
5. Finally, the Mayor is calling for help from citizens in identifying and lighting dark places in the City. Leave your porch and outside lights on or set them up on motion detectors-people that are up to no good don't like bright lights, said Mayor Moyer. If you see a dark place, or a street light out anywhere in the City, call us and we'll work with your Alderman,Public Works and BG and E to get the lighting improved. We want to help you improve your sense of security and safety in your neighborhood
Along with these five major points, Mayor Moyer is requesting the Chairman of the City's Public Safety Committee for additional specific recommendations and calling on the City Housing Authority to define,evaluate and report on their efforts to improve policing on Housing Authority property. We give the Housing Authority $200,000 annually to assist with public safety on Housing Authority property and we have never seen an accounting about how that money is being spent, said the Mayor.
I am continuing to request regular reports and recommendations from the Housing Authority and the Public Safety Committee. Recent events and the accompanying headlines are indeed troubling, but Annapolis Police Department statistics clearly show that crime is down6% from this time last year. The goal of every official in this City,elected or appointed, is to improve personal and public safety. As in the past, the City will continue collaborative public safety programs within our neighborhoods and work with residents to help define and implement solutions. The success of the Clay Street Public Safety Team and recent efforts by Eastport residents show what can happen if citizens become partners in public safety efforts. Annapolis is a wonderful, vibrant City and we all must continue to work as a community to make it even better.
Mayor Ellen Moyer proposes a five point plan to address concerns being raised about public safety in the City of Annapolis.
1. Starting immediately, the Mayor is asking Annapolis Police Chief Joseph Johnson to reduce the number of shifts at the Annapolis Police Department from the current five to three. This will increase the number of officers available for each shift. Mayor Moyer believes that this change will result in a higher level of visibility and protection and is the most efficient deployment of available officers. While much has been made recently of the numbers of police officers that are currently employed by the City, the fact is that the APD maintains a ratio of 3 police officers to every 1000 citizens-the national average is only 1 officer per thousand, said Mayor Moyer. The war in Iraq and retirement have both greatly impacted the number of qualified people that are available for and interested in police work. Jurisdictions nationwide are drawing from the same talent pool and facing the same challenges. We offer a very competitive package of pay and benefits to our officers and are always looking for talented people. We will aggressively continue that search without lowering our standards, but our principal obligation is to find new ways to use the people that we have now to enhance public safety.
2. Mayor Moyer is also asking that the police department purchase 4additional Segways. Segways increase feet on the street by providing greater mobility and allowing officers to cover a wider are they are on the street.
3. She is also asking the police department to look into the feasibility of adding at least one horseback mounted unit to the City's police force. Officers on horseback are highly visible, and research shows that in crowd and emergency situations a mounted officer is equal to ten officers on foot.
4. The Mayor will be asking the City delegation to the General Assembly to submit legislation designating the entire City of Annapolis a Drug-Free Zone. This action will double the fines and penalties to anyone convicted of dealing drugs in the City. We need to send a clear message that dealing drugs in the City of Annapolis will not be tolerated,รข€ said the Mayor. Hitting dealers in their pocketbook, doubling their jail time and in general making Annapolis a hostile environment to this type of activity will help convince dealers that our City is not a place they want to be. The Mayor will also be asking the City delegation to request additional state funds for a comprehensive drug plan in the City of Annapolis. "As I outlined in the plan for Robinwood that the City submitted to the County Executive some months ago, I believe a comprehensive drug treatment and prevention program to be an important long term solution to reducing crime in the City", the Mayor said. "However, an effective plan will be expensive, and we can't go it alone-we need help from our partners in the State and the County".
5. Finally, the Mayor is calling for help from citizens in identifying and lighting dark places in the City. Leave your porch and outside lights on or set them up on motion detectors-people that are up to no good don't like bright lights, said Mayor Moyer. If you see a dark place, or a street light out anywhere in the City, call us and we'll work with your Alderman,Public Works and BG and E to get the lighting improved. We want to help you improve your sense of security and safety in your neighborhood
Along with these five major points, Mayor Moyer is requesting the Chairman of the City's Public Safety Committee for additional specific recommendations and calling on the City Housing Authority to define,evaluate and report on their efforts to improve policing on Housing Authority property. We give the Housing Authority $200,000 annually to assist with public safety on Housing Authority property and we have never seen an accounting about how that money is being spent, said the Mayor.
I am continuing to request regular reports and recommendations from the Housing Authority and the Public Safety Committee. Recent events and the accompanying headlines are indeed troubling, but Annapolis Police Department statistics clearly show that crime is down6% from this time last year. The goal of every official in this City,elected or appointed, is to improve personal and public safety. As in the past, the City will continue collaborative public safety programs within our neighborhoods and work with residents to help define and implement solutions. The success of the Clay Street Public Safety Team and recent efforts by Eastport residents show what can happen if citizens become partners in public safety efforts. Annapolis is a wonderful, vibrant City and we all must continue to work as a community to make it even better.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Crime Editorial
Our Say:Aldermen finally pay attention to crime issue
Normally, we wouldn't praise aldermen because at least some of them say they are making public safety a priority.
What else could city officials possibly put at the top of their lists? Issues the City Council has no authority over? Meaningless apologies for misdeeds far back in history?
Well, in Annapolis' case, all of the above.
But the flood of comments, phone calls and e-mails from constituents upset by brutal crimes seems to have had a sobering effect.
We can only endorse the remarks by Alderman David Cordle, who focused on this issue throughout: "It should always, always be public safety first. The city has to reset its priorities. I'm getting dozens of e-mails from (Alderman) Sam Shropshire about plastic bags every week. I don't have time for that right now. People are getting shot, stabbed, beaten and robbed."
Mr. Shropshire, however, has taken some time out from sending those e-mails to do ride-alongs with city police and visit public housing communities. "I'm very convinced we need to fill the vacant positions in city cops," he said. "We need to give them a little more power in recruiting and get affordable housing for police."
In addition to sensible statements by aldermen, there is some encouraging news. Increased police presence in Eastport has led to arrests, the Eastport Civic Association has formed a crime task force and is planning a neighborhood walk-through, and the police report an upswing in Neighborhood Watch applications.
Perhaps more important: For the first time in nearly a year, the city police have scheduled an exam for potential police recruits.
The city is not going to keep crime under control without a neighborhood-by-neighborhood police presence - what Mr. Cordle calls "feet on the street." It's hard to see how that can be done when the department has 22 vacancies.
If the city is going to put public safety first, filling those vacancies is crucial.
Normally, we wouldn't praise aldermen because at least some of them say they are making public safety a priority.
What else could city officials possibly put at the top of their lists? Issues the City Council has no authority over? Meaningless apologies for misdeeds far back in history?
Well, in Annapolis' case, all of the above.
But the flood of comments, phone calls and e-mails from constituents upset by brutal crimes seems to have had a sobering effect.
We can only endorse the remarks by Alderman David Cordle, who focused on this issue throughout: "It should always, always be public safety first. The city has to reset its priorities. I'm getting dozens of e-mails from (Alderman) Sam Shropshire about plastic bags every week. I don't have time for that right now. People are getting shot, stabbed, beaten and robbed."
Mr. Shropshire, however, has taken some time out from sending those e-mails to do ride-alongs with city police and visit public housing communities. "I'm very convinced we need to fill the vacant positions in city cops," he said. "We need to give them a little more power in recruiting and get affordable housing for police."
In addition to sensible statements by aldermen, there is some encouraging news. Increased police presence in Eastport has led to arrests, the Eastport Civic Association has formed a crime task force and is planning a neighborhood walk-through, and the police report an upswing in Neighborhood Watch applications.
Perhaps more important: For the first time in nearly a year, the city police have scheduled an exam for potential police recruits.
The city is not going to keep crime under control without a neighborhood-by-neighborhood police presence - what Mr. Cordle calls "feet on the street." It's hard to see how that can be done when the department has 22 vacancies.
If the city is going to put public safety first, filling those vacancies is crucial.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Dwyer Email
Saturday August 11, 2007
Dear Dear Friends, Club leaders and Fellow Republicans,
Regrettably the Anne Arundel County Republican Central Committee finds itself in somewhat of a sticky wicket. By that, I mean to say that it very unfortunate that Mike Collins (the current chairman) has opted to release confidential e-mails to the press in an attempt to stop the super majority of central committee members from removing him as chairman. Mr. Collins is simply grasping at straws by trying to drag others like State Party Chairman, Jim Pelura and me into the decision to remove him. (See the Capitol Article)
It is also regrettable and inexcusable that Mr. Collins would release the confidential State Party finances to the Sun (Baltimore Sun Article) in an attempt to discredit Chairman Pelura while all along hoping to build consensus against his removal. It should come as no surprise that the Party would struggle financially after loosing the Governors seat. Mr. Pelura seems to be addressing the financial issues and making the necessary decisions to keep the Party a viable force in Maryland.
In regards to Mr. Collins accusations that I am somehow involved, I would simply like to say that of the ten people who are supporting his removal, all have addressed individual issues related to his inability and unwillingness to lead the committee in a respectful, orderly and amicable manner. None of them are plotting (to my knowledge) as Mr. Collins alleges to see him removed. The reasons being offered for his removal have nothing to do with a agenda of any kind and simply have to do with Mr. Collins poor leadership skills, his lack of ability to hear the people he was suppose to lead, his lack of general direction, his constant infighting with the state party and his misrepresentation of the views of the committee. The opinions of the committee members is in actuality a mixture of many positions, backgrounds and beliefs and in the end I believe the committees simply desires to build a strong Republican base in Anne Arundel County.
I will admit that I will not be sorry to see Mr. Collins removed. I hope whoever succeeds him will work to build the Republican Party. It is my personal opinion is that Mr. Collins is not in concert with the values or beliefs of former president Ronald Reagan and that If he truly cares about the future of the Maryland Republican Party, that he should step down and put a stop to the public release of information intended to fracture what is left of the Party. This is no way for a Republican leader to act.
I respect the members of the Central Committee and have full confidence in their ability to deal with and address the internal issues of the organization. For that reason, I hope that Mr. Collins will respect the will of the majority of the committee and resign peacefully. I would ask that if you are concerned about the future of the Republican Party in Anne Arundel County, that you consider urging Mr. Collins to step down immediately.
Constitutionally yours, Delegate Don Dwyer, Jr.
ps. Please feel free to reply with your comments
Dear Dear Friends, Club leaders and Fellow Republicans,
Regrettably the Anne Arundel County Republican Central Committee finds itself in somewhat of a sticky wicket. By that, I mean to say that it very unfortunate that Mike Collins (the current chairman) has opted to release confidential e-mails to the press in an attempt to stop the super majority of central committee members from removing him as chairman. Mr. Collins is simply grasping at straws by trying to drag others like State Party Chairman, Jim Pelura and me into the decision to remove him. (See the Capitol Article)
It is also regrettable and inexcusable that Mr. Collins would release the confidential State Party finances to the Sun (Baltimore Sun Article) in an attempt to discredit Chairman Pelura while all along hoping to build consensus against his removal. It should come as no surprise that the Party would struggle financially after loosing the Governors seat. Mr. Pelura seems to be addressing the financial issues and making the necessary decisions to keep the Party a viable force in Maryland.
In regards to Mr. Collins accusations that I am somehow involved, I would simply like to say that of the ten people who are supporting his removal, all have addressed individual issues related to his inability and unwillingness to lead the committee in a respectful, orderly and amicable manner. None of them are plotting (to my knowledge) as Mr. Collins alleges to see him removed. The reasons being offered for his removal have nothing to do with a agenda of any kind and simply have to do with Mr. Collins poor leadership skills, his lack of ability to hear the people he was suppose to lead, his lack of general direction, his constant infighting with the state party and his misrepresentation of the views of the committee. The opinions of the committee members is in actuality a mixture of many positions, backgrounds and beliefs and in the end I believe the committees simply desires to build a strong Republican base in Anne Arundel County.
I will admit that I will not be sorry to see Mr. Collins removed. I hope whoever succeeds him will work to build the Republican Party. It is my personal opinion is that Mr. Collins is not in concert with the values or beliefs of former president Ronald Reagan and that If he truly cares about the future of the Maryland Republican Party, that he should step down and put a stop to the public release of information intended to fracture what is left of the Party. This is no way for a Republican leader to act.
I respect the members of the Central Committee and have full confidence in their ability to deal with and address the internal issues of the organization. For that reason, I hope that Mr. Collins will respect the will of the majority of the committee and resign peacefully. I would ask that if you are concerned about the future of the Republican Party in Anne Arundel County, that you consider urging Mr. Collins to step down immediately.
Constitutionally yours, Delegate Don Dwyer, Jr.
ps. Please feel free to reply with your comments
Mike Collins
Political notes: County GOP rift may disrupt leadership
As if the state Republican Party doesn't have enough internal problems of its own, now the county GOP is wrestling with its leadership.
Sources say a move is afoot to oust Central Committee Chairman Mike Collins before his term is up.
A cabal of ultra-conservative party members has been secretly plotting to force his departure because they oppose his leadership style and don't think he is conservative enough.
Among the plotters are Les and Debbie Belcher, Del. Don Dwyer, Tom Redmond and even his own vice-chairman, Jerry Walker.
Even Jim Pelura, who is under fire for his leadership of the state Republican Party, is involved.
Sources say the division is between those who feel the party needs to be more moderate and those who feel it should be more in line with the religious right.
According to e-mails shared with The Capital, Erik Robey, vice chairman of the state Republican Party, is seeking a meeting between Mr. Collins and his detractors to air their grievances.
Mrs. Belcher responded, "The meeting is pointless. A decision has been made by at least two-thirds majority and we need to more forward. It's best for the Committee and Party that this be done quickly, efficiently and without undue attention."
So much for that.
As if the state Republican Party doesn't have enough internal problems of its own, now the county GOP is wrestling with its leadership.
Sources say a move is afoot to oust Central Committee Chairman Mike Collins before his term is up.
A cabal of ultra-conservative party members has been secretly plotting to force his departure because they oppose his leadership style and don't think he is conservative enough.
Among the plotters are Les and Debbie Belcher, Del. Don Dwyer, Tom Redmond and even his own vice-chairman, Jerry Walker.
Even Jim Pelura, who is under fire for his leadership of the state Republican Party, is involved.
Sources say the division is between those who feel the party needs to be more moderate and those who feel it should be more in line with the religious right.
According to e-mails shared with The Capital, Erik Robey, vice chairman of the state Republican Party, is seeking a meeting between Mr. Collins and his detractors to air their grievances.
Mrs. Belcher responded, "The meeting is pointless. A decision has been made by at least two-thirds majority and we need to more forward. It's best for the Committee and Party that this be done quickly, efficiently and without undue attention."
So much for that.
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Eastport Crime
Eastport residents concerned about recent crime
But most don't participate in National Night Out
By HEATHER RAWLYK, Staff Writer
Whether the Maritime Republic of Eastport is a safe place to live depends on who's asked.
Flipping through a flier on community crime prevention during the 24th annual National Night Out event at City Dock last night, Annapolis resident Katherine Porter said 'no' - at least it hasn't been safe recently.
She is aware of two brutal robberies late last month and a spate of car burglaries. And now she won't walk to The Rockfish Restaurant at 400 Sixth St. or to Davis's Pub on Chester Avenue after dusk.
Two people, victims of separate robberies, were walking when they were attacked within one week of each other.
"It's scary to see these bright papers up talking about assaults and beatings of people," she said. "I'm getting a ride or taking a taxi at this point. No, I don't feel safe walking around at night anymore."
The robberies are the latest crimes this summer that have shaken up Eastport residents - enough to start a string of concerned e-mails and reward funds.
Some people have stopped walking to their destinations and have begun to lock their homes.
But Catherine Evans, who on Sunday night found herself face-to-face with a strange man sitting in her pickup in Eastport, said things could be worse.
And she still plans to move into the Fourth Street home she's been renovating the past six months.
Her neighbor, who used to live near Capitol Hill in Washington, agreed, saying things are much worse in the nation's capital.
At 11 p.m. Sunday, Ms. Evans' went outside to move her Dodge Ram when she found the man in her truck.
Ms. Evans screamed and the man got out and ran off.
The Eastport crime scare began July 24 after David Ansel Jr. was attacked from behind and robbed by a gang of men in Eastport as he walked from his job on the Woodwind. He was knocked unconscious and police said his jaw was possibly broken.
Seven days later and about two blocks away, Elizabeth Varr told police she also was attacked from behind while walking home from her job at the Annapolis Yacht Club.
Police said her attacker held her down - leading to several cuts and bruises - before stealing her bag and riding away on a bike.
Officer Hal Dalton, a city police spokesman, said police also are investigating four car break-ins that happened overnight July 29 on Boucher Avenue, and seven car break-ins overnight July 30 on President Point Drive. He didn't know if they were related to the muggings, but said the department is concerned.
And on Monday, a 31-year-old Arnold man told police he was assaulted and robbed just before midnight Sunday while walking in the 200 block of Duke of Gloucester Street in downtown Annapolis.
He said he was struck in the back of the head by one of four men, knocked to the ground, then punched and kicked. One of the men took cash from his pocket. The man said he walked to a nearby bar on Dock Street, and the next day he went to the hospital where he was treated for his injuries, police said.
Wary of the recent crime, city police now are sending additional officers to the Eastport Peninsula.
Residents said they have seen extra patrol cars driving through the community and parked in the Eastport Shopping Center.
Elaine Kahn said she often sees police ride in front of her Fourth Street home. It makes her feel safe, she said, but not safe enough to walk alone at night.
She doesn't carry a purse when she walks around town either, she said. She hasn't done so for the past two years.
Mrs. Kahn's neighbor, Dinah Ostenso, made changes to her routine a couple of months ago after two of her family's cars were broken into while parked outside her home.
She has lived in the home for four years and says she's only recently started feeling the community isn't as safe as it was when she moved in.
It is irritating, Mrs. Ostenso said, to invest so much in a home and have crime in the streets.
While she used to feel safe with her doors unlocked, Mrs. Ostenso now keeps the porch lights on from dusk until morning, and makes sure to lock the house and car doors at all times.
Through e-mails, residents have voiced their concerns and offered safety tips to each other.
"We are afraid in our homes and in our neighborhood," wrote Frieda Wildey. "...I would ask that everyone try to turn on their outside lights and leave them on all night."
Another e-mail encouraged residents to participate in the National Night Out event last night, and show support by turning on their porch lights and sitting on their porch.
At the event at City Dock there was information available to residents about community crime prevention. Hot dogs, games, police-themed activity books for children, and a performance by the Naval Academy Band also drew in a crowd.
Still, many Eastport residents did not know about the event when The Capital asked them last night.
But Officer Dalton said he spoke to some Eastport residents at the event, and has been included in several e-mails from community members.
"Seems they have formed an informal e-mail group and are networking - they are expressing the very essences of Neighborhood Watch, saying things such as they have to help the police and watch out for each other," he said. "(They're) preparing themselves mentally should they be crime witnesses or victims, securing their own property and homes as much as possible and above all being alert - they are sharing a lot of information."
And they're pulling together.
Last week, Eastport residents and business owners put up $5,000 in rewards in hopes of stemming the violence.
The Eastport Business Association Board last night kicked in $1,000 to the reward pool as did the Eastport Civic Association the night before, according to Dick Franyo, owner of Boatyard Bar and Grill.
While the crimes are scary, Ms. Evans said some good has come out of them.
She has gotten to know a lot of her neighbors, she said, and everyone is looking out for each other - exactly what she's looking for in a community.
But most don't participate in National Night Out
By HEATHER RAWLYK, Staff Writer
Whether the Maritime Republic of Eastport is a safe place to live depends on who's asked.
Flipping through a flier on community crime prevention during the 24th annual National Night Out event at City Dock last night, Annapolis resident Katherine Porter said 'no' - at least it hasn't been safe recently.
She is aware of two brutal robberies late last month and a spate of car burglaries. And now she won't walk to The Rockfish Restaurant at 400 Sixth St. or to Davis's Pub on Chester Avenue after dusk.
Two people, victims of separate robberies, were walking when they were attacked within one week of each other.
"It's scary to see these bright papers up talking about assaults and beatings of people," she said. "I'm getting a ride or taking a taxi at this point. No, I don't feel safe walking around at night anymore."
The robberies are the latest crimes this summer that have shaken up Eastport residents - enough to start a string of concerned e-mails and reward funds.
Some people have stopped walking to their destinations and have begun to lock their homes.
But Catherine Evans, who on Sunday night found herself face-to-face with a strange man sitting in her pickup in Eastport, said things could be worse.
And she still plans to move into the Fourth Street home she's been renovating the past six months.
Her neighbor, who used to live near Capitol Hill in Washington, agreed, saying things are much worse in the nation's capital.
At 11 p.m. Sunday, Ms. Evans' went outside to move her Dodge Ram when she found the man in her truck.
Ms. Evans screamed and the man got out and ran off.
The Eastport crime scare began July 24 after David Ansel Jr. was attacked from behind and robbed by a gang of men in Eastport as he walked from his job on the Woodwind. He was knocked unconscious and police said his jaw was possibly broken.
Seven days later and about two blocks away, Elizabeth Varr told police she also was attacked from behind while walking home from her job at the Annapolis Yacht Club.
Police said her attacker held her down - leading to several cuts and bruises - before stealing her bag and riding away on a bike.
Officer Hal Dalton, a city police spokesman, said police also are investigating four car break-ins that happened overnight July 29 on Boucher Avenue, and seven car break-ins overnight July 30 on President Point Drive. He didn't know if they were related to the muggings, but said the department is concerned.
And on Monday, a 31-year-old Arnold man told police he was assaulted and robbed just before midnight Sunday while walking in the 200 block of Duke of Gloucester Street in downtown Annapolis.
He said he was struck in the back of the head by one of four men, knocked to the ground, then punched and kicked. One of the men took cash from his pocket. The man said he walked to a nearby bar on Dock Street, and the next day he went to the hospital where he was treated for his injuries, police said.
Wary of the recent crime, city police now are sending additional officers to the Eastport Peninsula.
Residents said they have seen extra patrol cars driving through the community and parked in the Eastport Shopping Center.
Elaine Kahn said she often sees police ride in front of her Fourth Street home. It makes her feel safe, she said, but not safe enough to walk alone at night.
She doesn't carry a purse when she walks around town either, she said. She hasn't done so for the past two years.
Mrs. Kahn's neighbor, Dinah Ostenso, made changes to her routine a couple of months ago after two of her family's cars were broken into while parked outside her home.
She has lived in the home for four years and says she's only recently started feeling the community isn't as safe as it was when she moved in.
It is irritating, Mrs. Ostenso said, to invest so much in a home and have crime in the streets.
While she used to feel safe with her doors unlocked, Mrs. Ostenso now keeps the porch lights on from dusk until morning, and makes sure to lock the house and car doors at all times.
Through e-mails, residents have voiced their concerns and offered safety tips to each other.
"We are afraid in our homes and in our neighborhood," wrote Frieda Wildey. "...I would ask that everyone try to turn on their outside lights and leave them on all night."
Another e-mail encouraged residents to participate in the National Night Out event last night, and show support by turning on their porch lights and sitting on their porch.
At the event at City Dock there was information available to residents about community crime prevention. Hot dogs, games, police-themed activity books for children, and a performance by the Naval Academy Band also drew in a crowd.
Still, many Eastport residents did not know about the event when The Capital asked them last night.
But Officer Dalton said he spoke to some Eastport residents at the event, and has been included in several e-mails from community members.
"Seems they have formed an informal e-mail group and are networking - they are expressing the very essences of Neighborhood Watch, saying things such as they have to help the police and watch out for each other," he said. "(They're) preparing themselves mentally should they be crime witnesses or victims, securing their own property and homes as much as possible and above all being alert - they are sharing a lot of information."
And they're pulling together.
Last week, Eastport residents and business owners put up $5,000 in rewards in hopes of stemming the violence.
The Eastport Business Association Board last night kicked in $1,000 to the reward pool as did the Eastport Civic Association the night before, according to Dick Franyo, owner of Boatyard Bar and Grill.
While the crimes are scary, Ms. Evans said some good has come out of them.
She has gotten to know a lot of her neighbors, she said, and everyone is looking out for each other - exactly what she's looking for in a community.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Jennifer Bistrack
Truxtun Park Penguins slide into success
Swimming program aims to develop, refine youngsters' skills
By WENDI WINTERS, For The Capital
There aren't any penguins in this area, unless you count the 130 members of the Truxtun Park Penguins and their enthusiastic parents.
In their sleek black Speedo swimsuits, the youngsters on the county's only public pool-based swim team easily evoked their namesakes as they dipped and flipped in the sparkling waters of Truxtun Park Pool last week.
Truxtun Park boasts the only public outdoor pool in the city or county - a hidden gem.
The Penguins were celebrating the end of their short swim season with a pool party and cookout at the pool.
Penguin parent Tim Whisted, owner of Little Havana Restaurant in Baltimore, catered a large, savory spread for the event.
The Penguins were also strutting and crowing, just a little. They'd trounced the other county swim clubs with a 5-0 record.
The king fish behind the Penguins is Coach Jennifer Bistrack, 35, who's been swimming so long, chlorine must run in her veins. The Broadneck Peninsula resident is a native of Stone Mountain, Ga. She is also a product of the small southern town's public outdoor pools.
Recently employed with the county to develop programs to prevent disease through exercise and nutrition, she begins a job later this summer with the City of Annapolis as its Health & Aquatics director. Her mission is to get more city residents away from their TVs and video games and into the water to shape up, slim down, and reduce heart disease and stress on body joints.
"Stone Mountain has 12 outdoor summer pools in our parks, this county has zero," said Ms. Bistrack, shaking her head sadly. "The only public outdoor pool here belongs to a city park."
Stone Mountain's population hovers at 7,500.
A University of Maryland grad with a master's degree in public health, Ms. Bistrack first stumbled across the Truxtun Park pool several years ago.
"I thought it was beautiful but under utilized," she recalled. "I've been a swim coach since I was 16. Since '99, I've coached for the Naval Academy Aquatic Club."
She is also a U.S. Master Swimmer and a member of the notoriously fun Annapolis Breakfast Club. Several ABC members swam the English Channel round-trip last year in relays.
With the blessing of LeeAnn Plumer, director of Annapolis Recreation and Parks, Ms. Bistrack started a small intramural team in 2005 with 20 kids. "We didn't compete but we had some timed trials."
"My niece couldn't swim across the pool two years ago," said astonished (and proud) Annapolis resident Tracy Gill. "She broke two records at the Gold meet this month! The coaches are amazing."
For the 2006 season, 63 kids, ages 14-18, turned out to learn how to swim and compete against the other 17 teams in the Greater Annapolis Swim League. They finished the season 1-4.
Hilary Yager, a fellow Naval Academy Aquatic Club coach, came aboard this year as Ms. Bistrack's coaching partner, handling the 5- to 6-year-old and 7- to 10-year-old swimmers.
Word spread and this year and 123 kids participated, driving the team to its 5-0 record.
Membership is $60, plus the cost of a swimsuit, for area residents in the 21401 and 21403 zip codes. From other county zip codes, the fee is $66 - $28 goes directly to Maryland Swimming, a chapter of US Swimming, to handle liability coverage.
The club holds fundraisers for scholarships for children whose families cannot afford the membership fees.
The summer Penguins season begins the first week of June. They have two weeks of daily evening training sessions to get ready for 5 Dual Meets and 3 Championship Meets - a swimmer generally only goes to one Championship Meet, plus the big end of season party.
Four of Bob Hoods seven children have been Penguins: David, 12; Billie, 10; Mary, 8; and Joey, 6. Another chick from his brood will dive in next year.
"We've been involved since the start," he said. "I read about a swim clinic and lessons in the paper." "Coach Jenn took all our kids that didn't know how to swim and taught them how. It's been great! The coach is outstanding and wonderful with kids. It's a wholesome environment, great exercise and a great sport."
He added that it's great to have the activity, especially in the evenings because parents can come.
"Parents help out at meets, they're organized as starters and timers for lanes. When a team hosts a meet, it puts together a concession stand, which is a fundraiser. Some parents are 'kid finders' - they make sure kids are ready for their race."
Carole Forsyth of Annapolis has three Penguins on the team, Syndey, 10; and 7-year-old fraternal twins Allison and Geoffrey.
"We've been involved two years. Syndey had been coached by Jenn at the Naval Academy in the off-season and came here. The twins have decided to keep swimming on teams all year 'round."
The swim-mom has become a Penguin, too. "I've taken training to be a 'Stroke and Turn' judge. I had to take four tests to get certified." She smiled wryly, "I'm not a good swimmer and my kids tease me that Coach Jenn needs to teach me how to swim."
Mrs. Forsyth said her family couldn't afford to belong to a private pool.
"It's neat to watch these kids get so excited about a sport!" she said. "All it takes is a spark to get them active."
Twelve-year-old Dominic Gonzalez was a second-year Penguin. Five of his 11 siblings were on the team with him. "It's fun. I never swam on a real swim team before. I wasn't really good before, but I've won one heat. My fastest time was 35.91 seconds in a 50-yard pool. I'm doing this again next year!"
Karsten Skogsholm, 11, completed her third year on the team.
"The growth is nice," she commented, "because the first year we didn't have enough people for meets. The second year, we lost all but one meet. This year we won all the meets and did pretty good in the Silver and Bronze."
"You'll see me here again next year!"
Swimming program aims to develop, refine youngsters' skills
By WENDI WINTERS, For The Capital
There aren't any penguins in this area, unless you count the 130 members of the Truxtun Park Penguins and their enthusiastic parents.
In their sleek black Speedo swimsuits, the youngsters on the county's only public pool-based swim team easily evoked their namesakes as they dipped and flipped in the sparkling waters of Truxtun Park Pool last week.
Truxtun Park boasts the only public outdoor pool in the city or county - a hidden gem.
The Penguins were celebrating the end of their short swim season with a pool party and cookout at the pool.
Penguin parent Tim Whisted, owner of Little Havana Restaurant in Baltimore, catered a large, savory spread for the event.
The Penguins were also strutting and crowing, just a little. They'd trounced the other county swim clubs with a 5-0 record.
The king fish behind the Penguins is Coach Jennifer Bistrack, 35, who's been swimming so long, chlorine must run in her veins. The Broadneck Peninsula resident is a native of Stone Mountain, Ga. She is also a product of the small southern town's public outdoor pools.
Recently employed with the county to develop programs to prevent disease through exercise and nutrition, she begins a job later this summer with the City of Annapolis as its Health & Aquatics director. Her mission is to get more city residents away from their TVs and video games and into the water to shape up, slim down, and reduce heart disease and stress on body joints.
"Stone Mountain has 12 outdoor summer pools in our parks, this county has zero," said Ms. Bistrack, shaking her head sadly. "The only public outdoor pool here belongs to a city park."
Stone Mountain's population hovers at 7,500.
A University of Maryland grad with a master's degree in public health, Ms. Bistrack first stumbled across the Truxtun Park pool several years ago.
"I thought it was beautiful but under utilized," she recalled. "I've been a swim coach since I was 16. Since '99, I've coached for the Naval Academy Aquatic Club."
She is also a U.S. Master Swimmer and a member of the notoriously fun Annapolis Breakfast Club. Several ABC members swam the English Channel round-trip last year in relays.
With the blessing of LeeAnn Plumer, director of Annapolis Recreation and Parks, Ms. Bistrack started a small intramural team in 2005 with 20 kids. "We didn't compete but we had some timed trials."
"My niece couldn't swim across the pool two years ago," said astonished (and proud) Annapolis resident Tracy Gill. "She broke two records at the Gold meet this month! The coaches are amazing."
For the 2006 season, 63 kids, ages 14-18, turned out to learn how to swim and compete against the other 17 teams in the Greater Annapolis Swim League. They finished the season 1-4.
Hilary Yager, a fellow Naval Academy Aquatic Club coach, came aboard this year as Ms. Bistrack's coaching partner, handling the 5- to 6-year-old and 7- to 10-year-old swimmers.
Word spread and this year and 123 kids participated, driving the team to its 5-0 record.
Membership is $60, plus the cost of a swimsuit, for area residents in the 21401 and 21403 zip codes. From other county zip codes, the fee is $66 - $28 goes directly to Maryland Swimming, a chapter of US Swimming, to handle liability coverage.
The club holds fundraisers for scholarships for children whose families cannot afford the membership fees.
The summer Penguins season begins the first week of June. They have two weeks of daily evening training sessions to get ready for 5 Dual Meets and 3 Championship Meets - a swimmer generally only goes to one Championship Meet, plus the big end of season party.
Four of Bob Hoods seven children have been Penguins: David, 12; Billie, 10; Mary, 8; and Joey, 6. Another chick from his brood will dive in next year.
"We've been involved since the start," he said. "I read about a swim clinic and lessons in the paper." "Coach Jenn took all our kids that didn't know how to swim and taught them how. It's been great! The coach is outstanding and wonderful with kids. It's a wholesome environment, great exercise and a great sport."
He added that it's great to have the activity, especially in the evenings because parents can come.
"Parents help out at meets, they're organized as starters and timers for lanes. When a team hosts a meet, it puts together a concession stand, which is a fundraiser. Some parents are 'kid finders' - they make sure kids are ready for their race."
Carole Forsyth of Annapolis has three Penguins on the team, Syndey, 10; and 7-year-old fraternal twins Allison and Geoffrey.
"We've been involved two years. Syndey had been coached by Jenn at the Naval Academy in the off-season and came here. The twins have decided to keep swimming on teams all year 'round."
The swim-mom has become a Penguin, too. "I've taken training to be a 'Stroke and Turn' judge. I had to take four tests to get certified." She smiled wryly, "I'm not a good swimmer and my kids tease me that Coach Jenn needs to teach me how to swim."
Mrs. Forsyth said her family couldn't afford to belong to a private pool.
"It's neat to watch these kids get so excited about a sport!" she said. "All it takes is a spark to get them active."
Twelve-year-old Dominic Gonzalez was a second-year Penguin. Five of his 11 siblings were on the team with him. "It's fun. I never swam on a real swim team before. I wasn't really good before, but I've won one heat. My fastest time was 35.91 seconds in a 50-yard pool. I'm doing this again next year!"
Karsten Skogsholm, 11, completed her third year on the team.
"The growth is nice," she commented, "because the first year we didn't have enough people for meets. The second year, we lost all but one meet. This year we won all the meets and did pretty good in the Silver and Bronze."
"You'll see me here again next year!"
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