By Rick Winterson

     Approximately 50 people showed up for the second Crime Watch meeting on Saturday Morning, November 26, which was hosted by Tom "Bobo" Connolly at Seapoint. State Rep. Brian Wallace chaired the meeting.

      The first meeting on November 10 was held at Marian Manor. At that meeting, the Crime Watch concept was addressed. District C-6's Captain Paul Russell promised police cooperation in the effort. A measured but effective response was the aim. The need for a core group of volunteers was stressed.

      Wallace prepared an extensive agenda for the second meeting on November 26. While this agenda addressed more than 20 total issues and requirements for an effective community-wide group, there were a few items that stood out.

     First, Rep. Wallace stated that the term "Crime Watch" was not comprehensive enough. It was his hope that a community-wide group could be formed around the concept of "Neighbor Helping Neighbor".

     Next, he mentioned the need for the Crime Watch or Neighbor Helping Neighbor group to be headquartered in a highly visible location. Ideally, this would be some kind of storefront along Broadway. It seemed to be the consensus that such a location was essential - a home or backstreet site wouldn't do the job. A volunteer agreed to start that search.

     Throughout the meeting, the need for a reasonably large group of dedicated volunteers was emphasized. Each group member would not need to put in a great deal of time, but would have to be conscientious enough to take part on a regular basis. Fairly sophisticated communications (phone trees, video cameras, walkie-talkies, etc.) would also be necessary.

     There is a need for assembling a "story" about community action in South Boston. Headlines dealing with our problems will be assembled. Local groups already in existence - the Old Colony Task Force, the Dorchester Heights Association, for example - can help. Other communities, such as Jamaica Plain and Chinatown, can provide models for the local efforts.

     Many programs can result from a successful community group effort. One example that was mentioned is the training of women in self-defense.

     In deference to the Holiday Season, the next meeting will be held after year-end. Rep. Wallace suggested the Convention Center be used, and that the first 2006 meeting be devoted to brainstorming, using one of the advanced techniques for generating new ideas.