Who you gonna call? Graffiti ‘busters’

By Cindy Toopes, Courier staff writer

October 13, 2008 11:40 am

— OTTUMWA — Seth Harrington and several juveniles are heavily involved in a cover-up — a graffiti cover-up, that is.
That kind of cover-up doesn’t take a lot of conniving or whispering. See graffiti, cover it up.
During the past month, Harrington has led a group of volunteers from Point of Grace Church, 2501 N. Court St., in painting over graffiti.
Why? No one has painted strange symbols on his garage, shed or house. How did he get involved?
“It was my idea. I’ve been a juvenile prosecutor for more than two years and I noticed the increase in gang-related activities,” he said. “This has the potential to escalate.”
In eastern cities, one of the ways to deal with graffiti is to cover it up. Another way ito help is to fix broken windows, according to Harrington, who is an assistant Wapello County attorney.
“If there’s graffiti on the side of a building, then it looks like nobody cares, and that invites more graffiti,” he said. “Come down on the little things while they’re little.”
Harrington checked with city Health Director Jody Gates about how and where to clean up vandalized property. She helped him with locations and free paint. (Anyone else interested in painting over graffiti should contact Gates at (641) 683-0694.)
Then Harrington asked church members to help him and more people signed up. Last Wednesday evening about 20 Point of Grace volunteers tackled graffiti on some garages along the alleys of Gallstone, Ransom and Clinton streets.
The young attorney is energetic and enthusiastic but that doesn’t mean he’s a veteran at this type of community project.
“I’ve never done this before. I’ve worked with teens before but this summer is the first time with graffiti,” he said.
Harrington and his volunteers were also out the week before. Chris Yeoman participated both times. When asked why anyone would spray paint a stranger’s garage, Yeoman said the vandals “think it’s fun.”
“And, it’s territorial stuff,” Yeoman added.
Shaelin Requena said she thinks the vandals “like to do it” and agreed it’s a way to mark territory.
As he watched them, Harrington said he was amazed how many kids were ready to help.
“There’s no way I could have done this without them,” he said. “I’m grateful for the church’s help.”
By the time Harrington’s crew arrived at the third and final garage on last Wednesday’s list, darkness had fallen but the team set up their paint trays and rollers and asked each other if anyone brought a flashlight.
Across from the garage was a rather wide driveway. Harrington moved his car from the street to the driveway so the headlights would shine on the garage and the workers. Better light gave them more confidence as they “roller painted.”
About two weeks ago, Harrington and his helpers covered graffiti at Casey’s General Store, 504 W. Mary St. While the team was painting over the symbols, “two kids from that area” asked if they could help, too.
“I was really encouraged by that,” Harrington said.
Anthony Requena is part of the Point of Grace team but he doesn’t consider himself “a public person,” or someone looking for glory.
“I’m doing this because it’s a good way to show others that young people can get involved and to prove even kids can get things done,” he said. “And, if a little kid can do it ... “
Before I left the alley, I thanked Seth and his helpers. I gathered my gear and started walking the half block or so to the street.
When I was about halfway, Harrington caught up with me. Puzzled, I stopped and asked him if I forgot something. He shook his head.
“Anthony said I should’ve walked you to your car,” he said and smiled. “I’m sorry. I didn’t think of it.”
After we reached my car, I smiled, thanked him and said I didn’t think of it, either. I’m a news reporter and therefore very used to escorting myself wherever I need to go.
Thanks, Anthony. I always enjoy meeting a kind gentleman and never thought I’d meet one, let alone a whole crew, in an alley!
Cindy Toopes can be reached at (641) 683-5376 or via e-mail at cindy@ottumwacourier.com.

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