Vandalism will not be tolerated

On Thursday evening, May 31, several residents of Foxpoint, Foxpoint West and Presidents Walk gathered for the annual planting of the flower beds on the neighborhood entranceway island. Sadly, the next day, Friday, June 1, at approximately 10 p.m., four teenage boys were discovered in the process of destroying the newly planted gardens. Four of the five flower beds were decimated. Landscape bricks and plants were left littering the road on either side of the island. Though they were pursued, the vandals escaped into backyards.

The annual fix-up was initiated seven years ago by a group of neighborhood children who were looking for something good to do. Neighbors have supported this effort for years with generous donations of cash, plants and manpower. New participants gathered with "originals" for this year's planting event. The results have been enjoyed by all.

When the boys were discovered, multiple calls were put into the Amherst police and fellow neighbors. Several people joined in the search for the culprits, hoping to clearly send a message that this will not be tolerated.

Early Saturday morning, a few more children gathered to help repair the beds and replant the flowers that were salvageable. Neighbors were disappointed and angry as they learned of the incident. This has been an active Neighborhood Crimewatch community. The vandalism served only to increase the commitment to the program and to each other.

Arlene Meyerhofer

Amherst