tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037030002547566426.post-3137923634982185032007-11-08T14:19:00.000-05:002007-11-08T14:20:36.598-05:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_xU7K5T3L8JE/RzNheWa0ygI/AAAAAAAABe4/o47BWeB4YaI/s1600-h/North+Side+red+militia.gif"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_xU7K5T3L8JE/RzNheWa0ygI/AAAAAAAABe4/o47BWeB4YaI/s400/North+Side+red+militia.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5130551574547188226" /></a>Kudos per usual to Angie Schmitt for telling <a href="http://www.vindy.com/content/local_regional/290243434026436.php">the stories that should be told</a>. I have been drowning in work and extracurricular projects lately and thoroughly inadequately activizing. Yet ironman, Energizer Bunny, Phil "Mr. Defend Youngstown" Kidd keeps the faith through it all.<blockquote>Local activist Phil Kidd is leading the charge to improve the historic park that once served as the focal point of one of the city's wealthiest neighborhoods.<br /><br />So far, Kidd has enlisted the help of Leadership Mahoning Valley, Treez Please, First Unitarian Church and Wick Neighbors. And the 28-year-old creator of the Defend Youngstown Web site has only begun his appeals for assistance.<br /><br />Kidd hopes to convene the groups in mid-January to begin planning improvements and organizing a fund-raising campaign.<br /><br />Initial plans include creating an urban garden, replacing brick entrance ways, mending park benches, and repairing the park's now-defunct fountain. In addition, Kidd hopes to add landscaping, install playground equipment and secure donated artwork from local artists. </blockquote>Though I'm flush with activities right now, if anyone is forming an admiration society devoted to Phil, sign me up for its Board.Tylernoreply@blogger.com