Haven’t you noticed that people in Henderson just don’t care? Neither do the slum lords that rent to them. They don’t keep the properties up, why should the renters care either, and they don’t.

I believe you said you had been in Henderson for 5 years. You have no idea the difference there is in the city now and in the past. I can’t even begin to describe how beautiful Henderson once was.

I grew up in Henderson. The street that I grew up on was one of the prettiest, well-kept streets in Henderson. It embarrasses me to drive on that street now. And, it also saddens me to see what it has become.

I wish our neighborhoods, block by block, would join together to rid the litter around the empty lots and houses on their street. Poverty does not have to result in the filth left to rot in the streets and neglected properties. Where did neighborhood pride go? It seems like both renters and home owners would care about their surroundings. We all need to care together and stop waiting for the owners of those derelect properties to do the right thing.

We had a home owning family in our neighborhood when I moved next door to them five years ago. They left about 3 years ago. Their yard was a trash pile, with clothes even in the trees! My neighbor and I were always picking up their trash. I even used to repair their picket fence and mow their yard when it got impossible.

I did not remain silent when I’d see this or that kid dumping their fast food trash in the driveway. One morning I even had a fit while lecturing one of the many kids. I asked him if he was trying to make his home into a slum. Since the family moved back to Durham, the frequent police and sheriff visits have ended.

Believe it or not, none of the kids ever treated me disrespectfully and would clean up the trash when I asked. In fact, they steered clear of me, afraid I might go into another tirade. Maybe that’s because I always deliver my soap box rants in a pleasant voice, without profanity. My children would have rather I spanked them than deliver a lecture. They said sparks came out of my eyes and my hair became fire. I’ve always been thankful I can speak with my apperance.

One of the things I encourage is: If you see it and it doesn’t belong there, pick it up and put it where it belongs. If everyone did that our city would be immediately beautified.

I watch. I see. I try to do my part. Thank you for doing the same, Community Watch.