ManorPark Community

The winter months were quiet in the Park. The cold weather discouraged break-ins and perhaps even discouraged some of those who go door to door for vaguely credible charities. Who is to tell, for example, if the two young men who knocked at my door a couple of weeks ago, collecting for "Mothers Against Drunk Driving", were really collecting for this quite legitimate organization. They looked like they might be on the up-and-up. They even had a nice plasticized badge with the MADD logo. But something inside said that they were more interested in coaxing something out of my wallet other than the occasional moth.

I followed Nancy Reagan's words of wisdom. I just said 'no'. Off they went to the next house. They must be getting something. But is MADD getting a cut of their take? At the MADD web site (http://www.madd.ca) you learn of ways to join in their advocacy efforts, writing to political leaders and other elected representatives. You also discover many ways in which you can contribute to their commendable work, none of which involves door-to-door solicitation. So, if the boys actually did get any money, would they share it with the organization in whose name they were acting? I've become a bit cynical, I fear.

Help with Elder Abuse
A welcome development was the recent news that the Ottawa Police Service has created a new unit devoted to the complex problem of Elder Abuse. Chronicle readers remember from the last issue, this is a growing, multi-faceted problem. OPS is to be commended is setting up this unit, under the charge of an articulate and sympathetic person, Detective Christina Wolf. She is assisted by OPS civilian staff, so that if you suspect you have a problem, or that an older person of your acquaintance is being abused in any of a variety of ways, a call to Detective Wolf can start a preliminary evaluation, and lead to a more thorough investigation. If you need to speak to her or one of her colleagues, Detective Wolf can be reached at 236-1222 Extension 5650. The OPS Elder Abuse Unit has developed strong working links with official and non-governmental organizations across Ottawa that specialize in addressing problems facing older members of our community.

Reminder - Keep Cars Locked
Neighbours in Cardinal Glen reported that, despite bad weather and truly rotten street conditions there has been at least one ne'er do well out checking the cars parked in driveways along Dunbarton, opening unlocked doors, and taking, well, anything left in the car. Remember to lock your car at home, and don't leave anything in the car which you don't mind losing. Block Captains have a series of Crime Prevention pamphlets, including one for automobiles. Ask for one today.

With the arrival of Spring, time has come to reanimate the network of Neighbourhood Watch Block Captains to see if there any changes. New neighbours may have moved in over the winter months. Introduce yourself and explain how Neighbourhood Watch operates. Ask if your neighbour wants to be associated. I have explanatory printed material available for the asking. I would like to hear from residents interested in taking up the task of being Block Captain with their neighbours. Also, if you are a Block Captain looking for relief, give me a call.

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