Neighbors come together for basketball tourney

Tina Wyatt-Rockers wanted to do something tangible after her family was attacked by a gang of youths, so she started the Susquehanna Fort Osage Neighborhood Watch program.
With input from friend Elisa Breitenbach, Wyatt-Rockers’ group has raised the issue of emerging gangs forming in the Susquehanna neighborhood and Fort Osage area.
Wyatt-Rockers has taken the watch program one step further. With the help, aid and generosity of several Susquehanna area businesses, Wyatt-Rockers has partnered with the Independence Police Department and the city’s Parks and Recreation department to host the first ever Susquehanna Fort Osage Neighborhood Watch 3-on-3 basketball tournament Saturday at Cler-Mont School Park, 19009 Susquehanna Ridge.
The Cler-Mont Elementary School gymnasium and cafeteria will also play host.
“My kids and grandkids go to school in these neighborhoods and there’s not much to do out here,” Wyatt-Rockers said. “And what little we do have out here (vandals) keep tearing it up.”
From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. youths will have a chance to win gifts and prizes from participating businesses, Wyatt-Rockers said. El Vocan Mexican Grill and Cantina will provide a taco lunch buffet, Tastee Freez is supplying ice cream and the Independence Police Department is supplying two officers to patrol the grounds during the tournament. McDonald’s, Proto Cricket, Smart Promos and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department are also donating time, services and goods.
“I just asked (the businesses) if they would help support our community for gangs and violence to get out of our neighborhoods,” Wyatt-Rockers said. “To bring our community together to show our neighbors that we have to stand up and fight for our community. I asked so that the families would not have to pay.”
Independence City Council Member Will Swoffer, who represents the area, said he has been impressed with all of the hard work that Wyatt-Rockers and her group have put in to address crime in the area. Saturday’s event is testament to that, Swoffer said.
“I think she is doing a very good job as far as being watch person for the area,” Swoffer said. “She’s taking the bull by the horns and getting involved with our police department and parks and recreation. Her whole program is to protect people from potential crimes.
“I keep telling her I think it’s wonderful what’s she is doing.”
Other Susquehanna area businesses donating to the cause include Crispy Chicken, 7-Eleven, Richard’s Sun Fresh, Dragon Family Martial Arts, Blue Springs Parks and Recreation and many others.
“We just want to get rid of gangs and violence in our community,” Wyatt-Rockers said.
For more information on the event or to sign up for the 3 on 3 basketball tournament, visit www.susqfortwatch.org or call 816-316-3775.