A representative from Blair Senior Services, Shane T. Himes, coordinator for homeland security program, was on hand last night at the Bellwood Borough Council meeting to discuss a neighborhood watch program in the area.
Himes explained that there are currently seven neighborhood watch groups in Altoona and two in Tyrone, not to mention many others in surrounding areas. He is currently planning to implement watch groups in the Bellwood and Antis Township areas.
The groups meet one time a month for an hour. Himes explained that the first 30 minutes are usually dedicated to discussions. That is then followed by a guest speaker during the second half hour.
Currently Himes said there is a meeting scheduled for January 20 at Bell Mansion Senior Center at 7 p.m. The meeting is open to the public. On the agenda for the first meeting is an introduction to the program as well as determining future meeting times and places.
Himes said what he hoped to create was “heightened awareness” among the community. It was also his hope that a representative from the Bellwood Police Department would be able to attend the meeting. Himes said he has already approached Antis Township informally but he will be discussing the possibilities of the neighborhood watch program with Antis supervisors also.
The borough recently purchased a new salt spreader and approved the purchase of a broom attachment for the skid steer. The two broom system can be used to clear debris from the streets, cross walks, and the bridge, as well as other areas. Some money that is normally delegated to street sweeping will be eliminated with the new broom, which can also be used by the water authority.
In park and recreation, another Eagle scout, Andrew Brazle, has been working on a project for North Side Park. He brought in layouts showing the new swings, what he’s painting, he has it all on paper.
To help fund the project, he has been selling window clings at several locations including Sam’s Club, K Mart, and Bellwood-Antis basketball games.
Plans call for two separate signs to be placed in the park. One side will hold the name Bud Grazier and the other Whitey Stephens.
Area youth Liam Flynn was also recognized at the meeting. He recently replaced and repaired the flag holders at area cemeteries. Mick Bungo of the American Legion along with Mayor Bonsell, Antis Township Supervisor Ray Amato and Bellwood Council member Wayne Snare were all on hand to present Liam with the awards. The first was an Honorary Citizens Award and the second presented by Snare was an Exceptional Service Award.
Other area Boy Scouts were also on hand at the meeting to get a feel for how their town government works.
Since the Scouts were in attendance, council woman Sue Johnson took the opportunity to thank all the scouts that were involved with the recent food drive. Both boy scout troops 92 and 29 along with girls scouts and pack 28 cub scouts helped collect food.
“I just want to thank the scouts, you had a nice amount of food for us. Each family received about four boxes of food,” said Johnson.
“This is a nice opportunity to thank them for all their hard work, the two days they had to go out and collect all the food.”
News of another business moving to Bellwood was also briefly mentioned. Possibly within 30 days there will be a new chiropractor in town.
As far as the new restaurant, Mayor Bonsell said things are moving along well.
