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Gibson Heights Meeting Notes, May 20, 2003
  
Attendance
   Acting President Sonda Thompson, K.C. Branch (45xx Oakland), Esther Walker (45xx Wichita), Lara Thiel (45xx Wichita), Mark Keoshkenon, Rodney Burchfield (45xx Wichita), Lynne Moo (44xx Gibson), and Bob Babione (10xx S. Taylor). Guests were George Jones (Development Corporation Board), Carol Mitchell (Adams Park Community Center), and Brian Wilson (Neighborhood Stabilization Officer).
Crime report
   One troubling break in was a second-floor entry while the resident was home sleeping; a purse was stolen. 4500 Oakland has been much quieter. There appears to be some open drug activity on Manchester.
   One resident reported that two suspicious persons were on the street. Upon calling 911, the dispatcher did not ask for an address. Officers arrived and came to the door. After that, the suspects taunted the caller. All members present expressed disappointment because of previous police assurances that persons could call and ask that officers not come to the door. Brian Wilson noted the incident and will relay the neighborhood's concern to supervisors.
   Brian reported that Alderman Roddy had asked for the mapping of crime statistics. Brian is working on historical data; the plan is to get up to date and then check what is happening day-to-day. (Crime data is available via the "Safe City" link on the city's home page, http://stlouis.missouri.org. You may be able to skip a few pages by going to http://64.218.68.50/stlouis/newslmpd/viewer.htm. From that page, you can enter an address, select categories of data, and go to an advanced search.)
   There was some discussion of increased patrols. At best, residents feel better, if they notice the patrols. Data shows that increased patrols do not reduce the crime rate.
Announcements
   George Jones mentioned that Juneteenth and Fatherhood activities will be on Saturday, June 14.
   The monthly, first-Saturday peace walk will be hosted by the Center for Theology and Social Action (CTSA), 1077 Newstead, on June 7. Gather at 8:30 a.m.
   Bob asked for opinions about the work of the Annie Casey Foundation. Besides George, only two people had heard about Annie Casey.
   Bob also reported that Sustainable Neighborhoods has decided to fund a literacy project as its immediate action in Forest Park Southeast.
   The FPSE Development Corporation is the new name for the housing corporation. Elections will be at the June meeting with the new officers to take office in July. The slate is Phil Minden, Greg Campbell, and Keena Henderson for president; Joe King, Campbell, and Henderson for vice president; Lara Thiel and Campbell for Secretary; and Saundra Moss, Campbell, and Henderson for treasurer.
APPC fund raising
   Carol Mitchell reported on her fund-raising efforts for the Adams Park Community center. Her goal is to raise $100,000 by the end of 2003, with a main event on October 25. The current plan for the main event is to have a Duck Race (with rubber ducks) at the World's Fair Pavilion in Forest Park. Ducks will be sold for $5.00. Cash prizes for the duck race winners: $1,000 for the grand prize and lesser prizes. Other organizations can participate with a booth. Organizations will have no up-front cost, but will share proceeds with APCC. For information, contact Carol at 314.583.8755 or Ruby2301@aol.com.
Planning Ahead
   National Night Out will be Tuesday, August 5.
   Members present agreed that it was not necessary to meet in June. The next meeting will be Tuesday, July 15, which will include planning for National Night Out.
   As is traditional, there will be no August meeting.

For more information and to make suggestions, send e-mail to Bob Babione.

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