To kick off the 20th National Crime Victims Rights Week, the Office of the Monroe county State Attorney's Office recognzed Key West Police Officer Robert Allen, center, for helping a very frightened burglary victim. Alexander von Anstadt got a chance to thank Allen again at the recent ceremony when Chief Buz Dillon presented Allen with a framed commendation. Von Anstadt locked herself in a bathroom when she heard an intruder trying to break into her house. Allen arrived to find a man prying the front door. The man was holding a 10-inch knife. Once the man was safely in custody, Allen comforted von Anstadt and directed her to state Attorney Victim Counselor Kathy Peters, who shepherded von Anstadt through the months of the often-intimidating judicial process.
Volunteers are needed to help clean up Stock Island on Earth Day, next Saturday, April 22. If you can help, meet at Bernstein Park at 9 a.m. Bring gloves. The focus of the cleanup is Lincoln Gardens. If you live on Stock Island, and you can't participate in this organized cleanup, please clean up your own property. Info: 296-1391 or 296-3791.