A little civility goes a long way

To the editor:

It is with outrage that I read the Dec. 4 front-page story, “Seniors Say Sidewalks Can be a Minefield for Them,” followed by a grotesque and revolting close-up of a mouth in complete disarray that any professional will confirm predates an attack reported by a senior who attributes her remembering flying in the air, a concussion, memory loss, loose and broken teeth, a bleeding and swelling lip and difficulty in pronouncing letters, to being pushed to the ground by the (primarily black and Latino) students who often stop to buy a sandwich or a donut as they leave school. The ambulance medics who were called, surveillance footage from Dunkin Donuts and police officers at the scene found no credibility to the senior’s bizarre allegation.

As a Riverdale senior who frequents the same area, I often see individuals positioned near Johnson and 235th Streets glaring at the teens, making it very clear they are NOT welcome in our neighborhood. I prefer to demonstrate civility.

I might offer a smile, a high-five or a compliment on a hat or jacket. The show of civility is always so very appreciated by the teens and reciprocated with a return smile or respectful “thank you, miss.” A little civility goes a long way.

JANIS SOLIN