A community watch group has formed following a Jamesville man’s destruction of the cygnet eggs of Manny and Faye, the Manlius Swan Ponds prized swans.
Mayor Mark-Paul Serafin asked town of Manlius resident Laurie Venditte if she would help organize the community watch group after seeing her take immediate action. Venditte agreed to organize the concerned citizens who are already volunteering to help.
“When I heard the news about Faye and Manny’s eggs being destroyed, like so many, I was devastated … I was looking forward to the cygnets hatching,” Venditte said.
In anticipation of Faye laying more eggs and for the ongoing protection of the swans and other wildlife at the pond, Venditti called on her friends and business associates to help the village by donating a video surveillance system. Bob Crowe of Infinit Technologies of DeWitt quickly arranged to provide a commercial security grade Pelco DVR System with PTZ/Zoom Cameras to offer 24-hour video surveillance of the Swan Pond that will soon be accessible from the Internet.
Chris and Ed Doherty of American Home Services, Inc of Fayetteville offered to install the cameras and run the necessary electrical and data wiring for the system. Rick, Joey and Janice DeCuffa of Bella Cigna “Beautiful Swan” Restaurant agreed to have the cameras installed on the restaurant and to be the host of video electronics/DVR system. The DeCuffas plan to have a display of the video feed inside Bella Cigna for their patrons to view.
“When I learned that someone had such disregard for the innocent lives of these precious treasures it really upset me. I wanted to do something to help,” Venditte said. “I really appreciate Bob Crowe, Chris and Ed Doherty and the DeCuffa’s for backing me on the camera project. It just couldn’t happen without them coming together and agreeing to contribute their part.”
The community watch group is currently seeking volunteers who can cover cover two-hour shifts to provide onsite watch for Faye as she sits on her nest. Anyone who would like to help out is asked to call the village of Manlius offices at 682-9171.
