|
Updated: 7:23 PM Jul 15, 2009
New Neighborhood Association Fights Back
Fighting crime, cleaning trash, building a safer neighborhood one step at a time -- that's what folks in one tiny community are doing.
Posted: 6:30 PM Jul 15, 2009Reporter: Carrie Cline Email Address: carrie.cline@wsaz.com |
|
13 Comments 
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- Fighting crime, cleaning trash, building a safer neighborhood one step at a time -- that's what folks in one tiny community are doing.
They didn't belong to one of Huntington's larger neighborhood associations, so they created their own. It was the brainchild of one woman who said enough -- and rallied her neighbors to join the fight.
“It’s so nice to be able to walk down the alley and not have to worry about trash or flies,” Mary Clayborn said.
She has herself to thank for the newfound peace and community pride. Clayborn is a one-woman change machine and she has big plans.
“It’s nice to see people taking pride and trying again. They think about it and realize they can make a difference” she said.
Talk to her for just five minutes and you're inspired to do something to improve your surroundings. It wasn't that long ago that drugs and trash were overrunning the neighborhood, which is sandwiched between Cabell Huntington Hospital and Spring Hill Elementary School. So, in April, the 32-year-resident decided it was time to start the Spring Hill Neighborhood Association.
“It’s important to me to preserve that community connection and it’s important to me that the children feel safe,” Clayborn said.
“The law can’t do everything. If we want to take back our neighborhoods, we have to pitch in,” fellow resident Merrille Harrison said.
“The neighbor boy damaged my car. I called the law on him and now he’s awaiting a court date,” she added.
Clayborn admits it’s a process that takes one step at a time. First, she’s inspired others to clean up. A junior neighborhood association of children with litter sticks help.
She's also spearheaded new signs in the neighborhood -- warning of children playing and posting slower speed limits. The evidence is there -- manicured lawns, reduced public criminal activity and the quiet, peaceful neighborhood Clayborn remembers.
“People are painting their houses now, “ she said.
It’s a place where families can live and grow without worry, thanks to a renewed sense of community ownership.
Latest Comments
my children went to spring hill elementary that neighborhood is SCAAARY to say the least!! good luck and god bless
Thank you, thank you, thank you. If only one person follows in your footsteps it will make a difference.
Mary is a remarkable person.I Recently moved to huntington with my mentally challenged son. After a couple months i wasn't sure about my move until i met Mary. She helped me find a house, get me in it and made sure my son and i was ok. Not once did she ask anything in return. She is an inspiration. Everyday she is doing something to help others not because she has too but because she wants too. We love you Mary.
|
|
|
Popular Searches Powered by Local.com |
- UPDATE: Two More Arrests in Parking Lot Armed Robbery
- NASCAR Racer Visits Charleston
- IRS Warns to Expect Some Refund Delays
- Business Destroyed by Fire in Logan County
- Three Aging W.Va. Power Plants Closing
- UPDATE: Man Charged in Violent Armed Robbery at Huntington Bar
- St. Albans Man Arrested in Large Drug Bust
- Residents Hopeful Dunbar Police Will Move to New Neighborhood
- UPDATE: Name Released in McArthur, Ohio Fatal Fire
- W.Va. Lawmakers Working to Protect More Victims of Stalking and Abuse
- UPDATE: Vigil for Missing 3-Year-Old Girl
430 Comments - UPDATE: New Chief Deputy in Mason County Releases Department Mission Statement
148 Comments - UPDATE: Mother Awaiting Sentence Faces More Trouble
61 Comments - UPDATE: Some Questions Remain Unanswered in Deadly CO Leak
48 Comments - UPDATE: Man Accused of Victimizing Elderly Found Guilty of Kidnapping; Victim Dies
40 Comments - UPDATE: Two More Arrests in Parking Lot Armed Robbery
24 Comments
- Same-sex marriage OK'd in Washington
- 10 states freed from 'No Child Left Behind'
- Embattled LA school reopens
- Mississippi pardons to be challenged at court hearing
- Authorites probe 911 response to Josh Powell's home
- Hotel workers in New York to get panic button
- Resolution to N. Dakota school nickname dispute still seems far off
- The deadly path to legal status
- Birth control by vending machine
- Sound recordings amend history
- Video of Chinese toddler sobbing in snow sparks outrage
- Challenger to Chavez showing strength in Venezuela
- Spy agency called before Pakistani high court
- Court suspends Spain's most famous judge
- Deposed president faces arrest in the Maldives
- Greek leaders ready to back austerity deal
- More than 700 suffer food poisoning after Mexico rally
- Asylum or 'medical leave' for Chinese crime buster?
- UK: 'No negotiations' on Falklands
- Freeze strains Ukrainian EMS
- Band camp, other clubs suspended
- Champion remembered at event
- More members accused of hazing
- Sandusky urged to stay inside
- Words matter in Penn State case
- Out-of-county jury for Sandusky?
- 4th accuser drops abuse allegations
- Accuser pleads guilty to child sex
- Attorney: Victims to sue university
- Miss. high court considers pardons
- Don Banks: Biggest offseason questions in the NFL
- Offseason road map for all 32 NFL teams
- Live Blog: Tiger Woods at Pebble Beach Pro-AM
- Seth Davis: Eustachy's second chance could lead Southern Miss to NCAAs
- PGA Tour: Pebble Beach Pro-Am
- Rangers, Cruz agree to two-year, $16M contract
- Report: Lakers retiring Shaq's jersey next season
- With Lin emerging, Knicks games added in Asia
- SB Nation: Explaining Lin's surprise early success
- 'Oil Can' Boyd admits pitching while high on coke
 |
SOMC
Very good things are happening here. Click here to learn more |
 |
Click here for school closings and delays |
 |
Watch the Lottery Live Monday - Saturday @ 6:59pm on WSAZ NewsChannel 3. Need to check your numbers? Click here. |
 |
Watch the Ohio Lottery Drawings weeknights @ 7:29pm and Cash Explosion Saturday @ 7:30pm on WSAZ NewsChannel 3. |
 |
Click here to donate and help WSAZ help children at risk in our region. Thank you. |
 |
Click here to see how our partners are making Moms and women's lives easier. |
