We’ve told you in the past about the guys who took over the crime ridden apartment complex at the corner of Audelia and Shadow Way in Lake Highlands, added a learning and resource center, and turned it into a safe community for those who live there. I got the opportunity over the weekend to meet some of the kids who live here — I have a special interest in these apartments, by the way, because they are right up the street from my own home. Lake Highlands resident Suzanne Massey has been collecting books for the Learning Links Center with help from Exchange Club of Lake Highlands, Woodbridge HOA, Jackson Meadow HOA, Lake Highlands High School student council and their sponsor Kathryn Laster, neighbor D’Dee Blocker, Councilman Jerry Alllen and Joe Killinger, one of the aforementioned apartment owners.
Massey organized a reception for the kids and those who helped with the drive, during which I spent some time reading and chatting with 5- and 3-year olds Zamiya and Junior, and Deer Park Elementary students Guldry Barfield, 10, Tyrone Pratt, 10, and Anthony Gilbreath, 9 (he’s the one making funny faces in a couple of the photos below), and Mirykal McCarty, who was excited to score the only “Scooby Doo” book. These kids are great and they seemed pretty stoked about the books. They were also extremely interested in the refreshments.
Massey says she was motivated to help after reading an Advocate article about The Madeline. Councilman Allen raved about her efforts. “She really stepped up to the plate,” he said. “Ya’ll are so lucky to be living here,” he told the kids.
Below, a few photos from the event, which took place Saturday, Oct. 9 at The Madeline.
