Lawncrest rally will
take aim at violence

By Diane Prokop
Times Staff Writer

Officer Holly Weston of the 2nd Police District is inviting area youths to come out on Saturday for the Universal Church’s first annual No More Guns, No More Gangs Youth Rally at the Lawncrest Recreation Center, 6000 Rising Sun Ave., from 1 to 5 p.m.
Activities will include volleyball, a basketball competition, double-dutch rope jumping competition, and a singing and dancing competition. Registration for the competitions is at 1 p.m. with those events scheduled to begin at 2 p.m.
Prizes will be awarded and there will also be free food and beverages.
Weston, who serves as Northeast High School’s police officer, works at the recreation center while school is out.
Saturday’s event, which will help to get area youth focused on positive social activities and away from violence, is something Weston has wanted to get off the ground for some time.
"Just from what you see every day on the job, hear about the shootings — sometimes you’re there," Weston said.
Weston recalled the days when there were many play streets and a variety of activities to keep boys and girls busy and out of trouble.
"You knew where your son or daughter was. We’re trying to bring it back," she said.
When she brought the idea to her pastor at the Universal Church, he supported her 100 percent, Weston said.
"It’s important. It’s not about me, it’s not about the church, it’s really about them," she said.
Philadelphia police will also be on hand with representatives from DARE and Gang Resistance Education And Training (GREAT) with pamphlets and information. Officer Mark Mroz, the 2nd district’s community relations officer, will even serve as DJ at the event from 1 to 4 p.m.
Community businesses have come together to support the rally with food, beverage and prize donations. Weston has gotten great feedback from other recreation centers as well, and expects to continue the event annually at other recreation centers throughout the city. She’s hoping others will decide to do the same thing in their neighborhoods.
"Hopefully we’ll start a trend," she said. "We’re looking for our youth to get involved. We hope the (boys and girls) that attend this one, will keep getting involved every year." ••
Reporter Diane Prokop can be reached at 215-354-3036 or dprokop@phillynews.com