Eyes and Ears

The residents of Mayfield are taking the prospect of increased crime seriously, and they are doing something about it. As has been done in towns up and down the Lackawanna Valley, residents have formed a neighborhood “crime watch” group.

The newly formed group held its first official meeting at St. John’s Center in December. The newly organized group recently had its first meeting. Present was Lackawanna County assistant district attorney Robert Klien, who described crime watch members as the “eyes and ears” of a community, aiding law enforcement. Under the auspices of Mayfield police chief Joseph Perechinsky, officers were selected and block captains named.

Tom Holland will serve as president of the organization; Paul Hallisky will be vice president; Walter Nemkovich will be secretary, Norm Marriot will be treasurer and Don Mosley will serve as public relations officer.

Block captains and their assignments are as follows: Charlie Reuther and Bob Mikulak will cover Delaware Street to Laurel Street; Bill Evans, Hudson Street; Tom Joyce, May Street; Bill Filbert, Hill Street; Jerry Rossi, Lackawanna Avenue (Poplar Street to Walnut); Kenny Nichols, Lackawanna Avenue (Walnut Street to Valley Lanes); Ray Colianni, Main Street; Jason Smith, Poplar Street; Mike Serniak, Penn Avenue; Mike Petrokonis, Gorham Avenue, Fifth Street and Whitmore Avenue; Carm Carachilo, Depew and Cemetery Streets; Brian Rupp, Plank Road; and Sue Marriot, Linden Street near the Elementary School.

At its second meeting late last month, Holland welcomed Roger Baron and his wife Beverly as the guest speakers. Baron, president of the Dickson City Crime Watch, talked about the evolution of the Dickson City group during the past four years. He also touched on issues such as fundraising, arranging guest speakers and acquiring information throughout the area.

Then Beverly Baron explained other helpful avenues to be considered, including borough officials, businesses, church bulletins, street signage and door-to-door canvassing of neighborhoods. Both stressed the importance of public awareness and maintaining public interest by means of continued informational updates about meetings and speakers.

Following the Barons’ presentation, and a brief question-and-answer session, Perechinsky announced that arrangements have been made for a bus trip to the Lackawanna County Commmunications Center to familiarize members with operating procedures and center functions. 

The date for that trip is also the date of the next meeting, Wednesday, Feb 24. Interested Mayfield residents will board the bus at 6 p.m. at St. John’s Center, 703 Hill St. Space is limited. Call 499-1649 to reserve a seat.  

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