Jimmy Knows Community Ownership
He’s a young guy in his mid-twenties who lives in a local rooming house. He’s had some bad breaks health wise and has been subjected to judgment by appearance. But he has the heart of a lion and the compassion of a monk. His name is Jimmy Ertel and he’s this week’s Community Hero.
I’ve personally known Jimmy for about three years, first as a next-door neighbor and most recently as a community activist. Jimmy suffers from seizures and both mental and physical disabilities that have caused him to be viewed as someone who folks judge as unable to contribute much to his community. As a matter of fact, just recently he was thrown out of a local business when he went in to ask for change for the bus, followed by a sidewalk beating by one of its employees. He was judged by his appearance and not his heart or commitment to his community.
In the past year, Jimmy has become an integral part of Johnson Park community activism, assuring the greenspace is kept clear of individuals attempting to use the spot for drinking, public urination and sleeping. These issues affect the young kids in the neighborhood, keeping them from using the park as a play area. Some folks walk by them “tsk-tsing” like “pigeons with tap shoes” as Whoopi Goldberg once said, others call 911, and still others go up to them and request they move on.
Jimmy is the guy that performs the latter. In fact, there was one incident where one of the vagrants I was attempting to move along was giving me some very loud backtalk. Within seconds I heard a voice behind me. “The lady asked you to move on. This park is for kids to play in, not you to drink and pass out in.” It was Jimmy, and the guy got up and left the area.
On weekends, when most neighbors are sleeping, Jimmy is out with our crime watch group, established by another renter in our area, Nakita Brim. His dad also joins us as we sit in the park from 10:30 PM to 2:30 AM, phones at the ready to call police if needed. The renters outnumber the homeowners in this effort, proving that those who rent also take the safety and security of their neighborhood to heart. No one is compensated for their efforts, but we have forged strong friendships as a result of the group and have learned a thing or two about judging someone from their appearance only.
Jimmy doesn’t have to take part in the solutions for our community. He has been subjected to the judgments of those who cannot see past “skin-deep” or where a person lives. But, I’ll take a neighbor and friend like Jimmy over those other guys anytime. He understands the need for neighbors to work together and kicks into high gear for anyone who needs a hand. He’s definitely my community hero for this week and the future.
Author’s note: If you have someone that needs to be recognized, contact me via e-mail: MRodgersFCS@msn.com
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al-alo
Its been said before about another guy, but i think it works here very well: Gimmie Jimmy!
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iAMbuffalo
Yeah unfortunately, the haves seem to outnumber the have-nots when it comes to opinions about people's backgrounds and income levels as evidenced by a large number of posters here. Hopefully this article may turn a few opinions around. Good work, Jimmy, and to the guys that beat him up, maybe someday you will have an issue with your looks and strength. By the way, where were the cops to defend him?
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Soleil
Jimmy is a great guy to have in your corner and I'm grateful he's in the hood. Cheers to the neighborhood folks that defend the peace!
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Tesla
Jimmy is a good man......and so is his Father.
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WCPerspective
Well-said Al!
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halljd39
Buffalo needs more people like Jimmy to stand up for what is good and right in Buffalo's Neighborhoods! Keep it up Jimmy!
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nichrome
Can you please tell us which business this was so we can avoid it?
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tightknit
it names me want to cry that people would beat a guy up for asking for change for the bus. there might be lots of non-customers who annoy business owners with requests like this but they deserve a polite answer not a beating.
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eyepharded
If you run a bussiness near a bus stop chances are you will be asked for change several times a day. It happens to me all of the time. If you beat up disabled people you should probably purge yourself from society. Perhaps by walking in front of the bus that you so loath.
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jerkface
I love the idea of recognizing local "good guys". Good job Marilyn and great job Jimmy! I applaud both of you for your hard work to keep the hood safe. I suppose it would be considered unfair to name the buisiness, but I would gladly avoid patronizing it if someone did.
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zimbuddha
You're the man Jimmy. Bless you!
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chris69
It brakes my heart when the disabled are discriminated and mistreated and judged by society. This isnt an illegal alien in need of help but an american citizen.....he and his family have been part of our community fabric and contributing to it. We need to have patience, kindness and respect for the handicapped and disabled.
I applaud the Johnson Park Association for finding a way to include Jimmy with respect and dignity into their community.....that says volumes....for the hearts and souls of that community.....if your looking for a place to buy, renovate and live....could you ask for better neighbors!
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rdominguez
I think this new series of articles is a great idea and I have really enjoyed reading them thus far.
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sojournertruth
Just think of the Sapranos and you'll find your way.
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Soleil
I believe this busines shares the same name as the strip joint on the Sopranos....
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Perry
Nice job in highlighting the best and worst of human behavior. Jimmy - you rock! I even had a little tear in my eye reading his story. As for Bada Bing...they should be beaten for having a lame-ass bar/restaurant, with a pathetic, unoriginal name, and for trying to be imitation guidos. Up yours, scumbags...bada bing!!!!
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maestrovonbarky
I've seen this young man in the park as I walk little BarkyVonSchnauzer. He sits very quietly and approaches anyone who is drinking malt liquor beeverages and asks them to go home to drink. Very impressive! Bravo, Jimmy!
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bcd
I think the lesson here is rahter than using the old expression -it's not what you know, it's who you know- it would be better to say -it's what's in your heart over what's in your libido- Those guys are a bunch of a-double-s's and an investigation should take place. This kid's a jewel!
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NinjaPrincess
This dude is my main man. A lot of people can learn from him and his neihbers.
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MRodgers
WOW! You guys are great! I'm going to print this out for Jimmy to see, he and his dad a terrific neighbors as is Nakita Brim, a transplant from St Louis who started the effort on the park.
I would also like to add that the Hoffmans (remember them from their harrowing move from the west coast to Buffalo this summer) also sat with us on two consecutive evenings. THAT's community.
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jerkface
Well, I never had planned on going into Bada Bingsto begin with, but now it's official. How surprising that a place like that hires ignorant meatheads to regulate innocent people asking to make change.
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eyepharded
Bada-Douche!
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Tesla
I've had the privilige of sitting in the park during a "crime watch" with Jimmy and he is truly remarkable. He is fiercely protective of his neighborhood and more importantly, his neighbors. I would happily move to Johnson Park (if I could find a place within my budget!) and count my blessings everyday for folks like Marilyn, Jimmy, Anne, David, Nikita, Chris....
These folks walk the walk and restore my faith in community. Beautiful profile, Marilyn. Stay safe out there Jimmy, we need you!!!
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LHoffmann
The above message was from me, LHoffmann, NOT Tesla!
I hate it when my son doesn't sign out from BRO!!!
I know he shares my sentiments....
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HelenWheels
Nice series and honorable young man. This is a winner. People who normally don't agree with each other do on this one. We have to stop judging others by appearance otherwise young people like Jimmy just fade into the sunset.
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trubble
It isn't exactly safe to have these crime watches people talk about so I give the kid credit in joining in. Does he still stay active after getting "badabinged?"
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MRodgers
Trubble, glad I caught your comment before I logged off and went to the crime watch. Yep, Jimmy is still involved. He knows he's got friends around him and he knows the value of a nice, quiet street. We're about to start for the evening, except now that we've been "out" in the park and totally visible for the past few weeks, we're going to perform the watch in stealth mode tonight.
Also want to thank B District cops for always coming to assist when we've called on them.
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PrincetonElms
Jimmy is a valiant character, and shows more bravery than many of us (myself, surely) ... This really is the only way to reclaim one's neighborhood - standing up for yourself & your neighbors, and not backing down.
Thanks for letting us know about Jimmy.
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MasterofUrbanPlanning
Somebody hire this guy and pay him for what he does, or at least supplement his income. Rewards are often long incoming, so I hope this form of acknowledgement will express the community's appreciation for his efforts. I think he has a capacity to understand DOING is the best option. The formost urbanist in the world said in the forward to the 2nd Ed of his textbook... 'to be a urbanist, you have to get your pants dirty'. Jimmy, you qualify. Keep DOING, and thing get done!!!
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MJWorthington
A great story about a great person and great people around him. While some places fight having housing for those with diasabilities near them, Jimmy proves that those they try to keep away can actually much more of a person then those fighting an empty battle based on stereotypes.
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bcd
Looks like AuburnAve works at Bada Bings, either that or he's 10 years old.
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CharlesinCharge
bcd, nope, I believe he's actually a real estate agent that says: "I've made it my passion to encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to achieve ownership and buy a house and hopefully, continue the rebirth of Buffalo, NY."
"of all ages and backgrounds" - yeah..................
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Detecto
Woohoo, Charles! If you google the first part of that phrase, guess whose sorry self pops up? He's all over this board and he's negative, negative, negative. What do you think is wrong with people who pick on the Jimmys of the world? Is the housing market making him cranky?
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CharlesinCharge
Detecto (great name, by the way), I just dunno. Ppl like AuburnAve are the worst elitists in the bunch. Saying one thing out the side of their mouths and then coming out with this kindergarten crap. I sure as hell will NEVER use him or the real estate company he works for - for any of my restorations! Pitiful!
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trubble
This article really hit home for me since my little brother has Down Syndrome. I check each day to see what people are writing and was aghast at the comment by AuburnAve. I see, though, that others have 'outted' him and I am sure there will be those who are against such 'outtings.' But, I ask each of those persons who are against this 'outting', who will step forward to prevent this type of ridiculous commenting on such a wonderful article of a young man who strives to do good and go beyond the box that people like AuburnAve place them in?
Good work, Charlesincharge. And, further good work, Detecto, in giving us direction to the actual idiot who wrote that.
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iAMbuffalo
I googled it up to the word backgrounds and found it. So, Ryan, did the schoolyard kids call you 4-eyes, or did one of your clients tell you to get a decent haircut? How about that goofy grin? This is a punk, folks. A 27 year old punk. I only wish I knew how to post his picture then you'd see he's no prize.
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MRodgers
Well, it hd to happen. Unfortunately, by someone perceived to be a professional. I'm certainly glad that Jimmy doesn't have a computer for this very reason. Thanks to all who defended him. When I first saw the comment I e-mailed the poster back and asked what his point was, but there was no response. Just like a school-yard bully, he ran...
Auburn, I pity you.
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LivingForge
Jimmy sounds like a good candidate for a Jefferson Award: http://www.aips.org/
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AuburnAve
Thanks to all who made me wake up to what I said, without thinking.
I'd apologize here for my "off the cuff" inappropriate comment but I know it wouldnt matter. After i posted it, if I could have deleted it myself, I would have.
I would however want to meet Jimmy and apologize to him.
Marilyn, you obviously know how to reach me.
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MRodgers
Auburn Ave, I think it best that Jimmy knows nothing about this whole fiasco. He's feeling pretty good about getting the plaudits that many, and in the words of another poster, even those who disagree on other subjects, have provided.
The internet provides a world of wonders if used appropriately. Unfortunately, some comment without thinking, as you have stated here, and it can damage people. I can't allow Jimmy to be damaged any more than he was on Chippewa Street a few weeks ago. He's a great kid, same age as you. But he hasn't had the opportunities or family circle to support him as you have had. That's where "community" comes from, not just one block, but community as a whole - a village.
If we continue to lift up our neighbors who strive to make our community better, we are all better off, our city can rise from the ashes, and we become a better village. And, it certainly does take a village to support one another, while it only takes one or two individuals to cause great consternation and damage.
Let's have compassion and recognize the fact that a person does not have to be beautiful, does not have to have a degree, and does not have to be a homeowner to make major contributions for the good of all of us.
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AuburnAve
Mrodgers - you sure love to belittle people on this site, don't you? Guess you know everything about me. Geez... don't get your "panties in a bunch".
Anyone who looks out for their neighbors is as decent of a person as you can get.
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trubble
Wow, real sincere apology there, AubirnAve. Do you have a chemical imbalance or something?
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LHoffmann
Auburn Ave-
Being a close, personal friend of Marilyn's, I can tell you that her comments were not meant to belttle you, but to possibly make you and anyone who may think of posting such an assinine, cruel post, check themselves.
Marilyn is a very intelligent, tireless advocate and believe me, if her goal was to "belittle" you, her words would have sent you running for a fire extinguisher! She is a compassionate soul but make no mistake; she will defend her beliefs, her friends and her neighbors to the end.
I have read your "bio" on your Realty site. You sound wonderful...did you write it? You sound like someone I would love to have as a neighbor or do business with. I am having a hard time reconciling the two Auburn Ave's...
BRO is a terrific forum for community building and discussion. There is no room for what you call "off hand" comments such as yours. Debating issues, sure, but there is absolutely NO reason to attack anyone and it shouldn't be tolerated here. Many of us feel passionate about issues and may get a little heated, but what in the world prompted your ugly comments?
I don't presume to know you or your background. What I do know is this; WE ALL have the opportunity to preview our comments BEFORE we submit. So my advice to you...USE that opportunity and you won't have to deal with the repercussions AND really do some soul searching about WHY you would think let alone post your comments regarding such a sweet spirit like Jimmy.
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bcd
Bravo, LHoffman! First he attacks Jimmy, and then a woman whose articles are always well written and filled with goodwill and promotion of others. His most current posts make no sense at all. The only one who belittled anyone on this post was AuburnAve himself.
I agree with Miss Rogers, let's have more compassion, it might just work.
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