So often,the prerequisite for installation of a much needed traffic light at a busy intersection seems to "require" a needless and preventable fatality. So it appears to be with the "training" of children which might prevent their abduction by roaming predators. On October 2nd, an 11-year old girl, who was walking from a school bus stop (Sabino Canyon Road), was grabbed by a man who attempted to put her in his vehicle. Thank goodness,she was able to bite his hand, which was over her mouth, and run to the safety of her home. Here again, it took this "event" to energize local parents into wanting us to facilitate programs which instruct their children as to how they can defend themselves from predators/attempted abductions. Prior to that incident, suggested instruction of this type was met with responses such as "we don't have the time" or "that doesn't occur in our neighborhood".
Happily, not everyone waits until the the "horse is out of the ..." to take action. We were contacted by a local teacher to school her elementary class in this area. Last Thursday, the first of five, one hour sessions, (conducted during the school day) was held. By employing senarios and "skits", the 28 children assembled were taught how to communicate effectively with a 9-1-1 dispatcher and began to train in proven and effective verbal and physical resistance techniques appropriate for their age. We hope that more teachers, and parents, will follow her lead and be proactive in providing this vital training for their children. Yes folks, it can happen in your neighborhood!

Walk In Peace
Alan