Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Another Child is Murdered

A while back I wrote about the tragic murder of 17 yr. old Sondra Yohe, a former student of mine. Ironically, she was mistakenly shot by boys who were also former students of mine. http://bloggingdottie.blogspot.com/2008/02/one-aspect-of-crime-problem-allentowns.html

According to the Morning Call 17 yr. old Davine L. Law, who was shot and killed last week in Allentown was a skilled basketball player, and despite low grades had academic ability. He was a student in the ASD's VISTA school for at-risk kids. Maybe a youth program could have saved his life. I'm getting really tired of hearing about kids being killed, and kids killing other kids. It makes no sense. Now another family has to deal with the surrealistically painful and completely unnecessary loss of a child. Life is hard enough.

I hope the neighborhood groups and the city officials can pull together and implement real programs for the city kids this summer. If anyone from our artist group has any ideas for events or programs to get kids interested in the arts, maybe we can apply for a grant. Every little bit helps. We should discuss this at our meeting.

5 comments:

Blah Society said...

All the recent murders and attacks lately is plenty cause for concern and plenty proof that a hose and a few signs won't stop the crime.

I've talked to some people that are concerned with the weather getting warmer, afraid that it will draw more crime to the Valley as a whole, not just Allentown. They're probably right.

Bernie O'Hare said...

It's very sad, Dottie. I hope it stops.

Anonymous said...

I was just discussing this yesterday and WE are worried because apparently there are alot of people and gangmembers coming to A-town from other cities trying to take over the drug trade that has been being left open due to the vigilant arrests of Allentown police and these "hostile takeovers" are getting deadly. I really feel we need to get into the communities and speak to people before things start "jumping off" . If you know of any groups or organizations who would like to go with me for 2-3 hours on Sunday afternoons and pass out info regarding available programs and recreational activities to those in the neighborhoods that information doesn't tend to filter to, please have them call me at
484 707 9592 or email me at alfonsotodd36@msn.com ,it would be appreciated. We have to get people involved and informed and give them an alternative to the negativity that is in their daily lives.

Angie Villa said...

Sarina,

I know artists who do residencies in the public schools. When I taught art, I had several come in and it was great. The LV Arts Council coordinates this and the Museum, and also the Baum school has a free program for inner city kids during the school year. Ro Geseck who was at our meeting does murals with city kids. What's needed is something in the summer for older kids with behavior and other issues.

The Unspoken Word said...

I am sad to hear about the loss of life ,
I personally know the "Arts" can Save Lives.
I would like to assist in helping with the older group of Teens who need help.
I have experience working
with Kids at Risk.

Years ago, i worked with a program in New Mexico, called the Working Classroom ,
The idea is to give a creative outlook to teens


having ideas are easy, what we need is a creative space or arts institution they can become part of.

i wont blame anyone, lets work together to make things better for us all

but nothing is free.. we need money to support change