By Tom Waring

Times Staff Writer

After just its third meeting, the newly re-formed Mayfair Town Watch seems to have a strong core of members.

During a meeting two weeks ago at the John M. Perzel Community Center, the Town Watch elected officers, with the next steps to build membership, undergo training and start patrolling.

John Vearling will serve as president, with Len Roberts the vice president. The treasurer will be Shawn Hagerty, while Lori Giancaterino will handle recording secretary duties.

The recruiters will be Kathy Widman and Pete Smith, who will double as the scheduler.

Vearling appointed the following board members: Denise Myers, a Brighton Street resident; Chris Vogler, Republican leader of the 55th Ward; Joe DeFelice, president of the Mayfair Civic Association; Brian King, executive director of the Mayfair Community Development Corporation; and representatives of the Mayfair Business Association, 15th Police District and 15th Police District Advisory Council.

The Town Watch president wants members to bring a positive attitude to the group.

"Solution-oriented people get things done," he said.

What Vearling doesn't want to do is preside over a group consisting of middle-aged people riding around in cars chasing kids from one corner to another.

"It doesn't work," he said.

Chad Enos is a trainer with the city's Town Watch Integrated Services, overseeing groups in the 2nd, 7th, 8th and 15th police districts. He indicated that the city would be able to provide equipment, and veteran patroller Mike Thaete noted that the organization still has two-way radios.

Enos will train members at the community center. He recommends that two people ride together, with one reporting any problems or license plate numbers of suspicious cars to a base operator, who will call 911. He cautions against getting out of cars and confronting people.

"Town Watch shouldn't be chasing anybody," he said.

DeFelice, a Windish Street resident who recently took over the reins of the civic association and also serves on the board of the business association, believes Town Watch members can contribute to making Mayfair safer.

"We need to be the eyes and ears of the people," he said. "The police are stretched thin at times."

Lt. Mark Bugieda, of the 15th Police District, explained that there are about 145,000 calls every year into the 911 system. He acknowledged callers might have to wait for a patrol car on Friday and Saturday nights for some of the more minor complaints, such as a disorderly crowd.

The district welcomes the assistance from the community and invites the Town Watch to hold future meetings in its courtroom.

"Any small thing you can do, we appreciate it," Bugieda said. "Just report it, and we'll take it from there."

Some of the people who have joined the Town Watch are parents of kids who've been jumped by other young people. One man was robbed as he delivered pizzas.

Widman, one of the recruiters, said the community center has benefited the area and hopes the Town Watch is another tool to keep Mayfair from experiencing some of the problems seen in neighborhoods to the south.

"We can hold back the tide," she said.

To promote the organization, members will upgrade an existing Web site and have started a Facebook page. Neighborhood high school students who have community service requirements will be asked to deliver meeting fliers.

Monsignor James McGroarty, pastor at St. Matthew Church, and Mayfair Elementary School principal Bobbi Besden have given their OK for students to bring home fliers about the group.

Leadership of the Town Watch will work with block captains and block party organizers, hoping to collect small donations to pay for expenses.

For patrollers, gas cards will be provided. And, businesses will asked to offer a sandwich, slice of pizza, soda or coffee to any member with an identification badge.

In the summer, the Town Watch will supply wristbands and a presence at block parties to prevent outsiders from causing trouble.

The membership seems committed to meeting every week or so until the Town Watch is operating with regular patrols.

"We're not going to keep putting it off month to month to month," Vearling said.

For more information on Mayfair Town Watch, call John Vearling at 215-758-6396 or e-mail mayfairtownwatch@aol.com

Reporter Tom Waring can be reached at 215-354-3034 or twaring@phillynews.com