Dear Jackson St. Neighbors, Summer has been exciting so far on Jackson St. At the end of May I greeted two unfamiliar African American teens as they walked past my house. Two minutes later someone called to tell me they were riding down the street on my kid's bikes. In a fit of anger I sped over to Larimar, found the kids, yelled at them and took my bikes back. (I'm not sure I would do that again.) Two days ago, another set of teens (probably 14 years old) pushed an 8-year-old neighbor kid off of his bike. His father also chased these kids down and got the bike back. These kids, however, threatened to come back and kill the dad. In my mind this bike theft involved assault, theft and threats. Finally, on this same day (or morning I guess...about 1am...June 21) three older teens were caught and actually arrested behind some houses on the 6300 block of Jackson after stealing some bikes. They were arrested for "prowling" I think. Nice job by the Pittsburgh Police. Anyway, it is challenging (and wonderful) living on a racially-mixed street with so many kids. Somehow, without being suspect and/or racist, we need to keep our eyes open to unfamiliar kids, keep an eye on our kids, and stay in communcation with each other as much as possible. Ted Ted Melnyk Eastminster Presbyterian Church 250 N. Highland Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15206 work (412) 361-7788 cell (412) 215-0010 home (412) 361-0533 tedmelnyk@hotmail.com