After more than 15 years of dedicated service, Robert “Bob” Yonker has stepped down as secretary of Summit’s Neighborhood Watch program. During an Oct. 17 meeting, Neighborhood Watch President Tula Beene, Summit Police Chief Mel Ortiz, Summit Fire Chief Anthony Anderson, Trustee Aurora Rodriguez, and Public Relations Assistant Chris Crisanti honored Yonker with an award for his contributions.
“Bob has been by my side for over 12 years, and he’s truly going to be missed at every meeting,” Beene said. “He cares deeply about our village and has been an integral part of the community since the Neighborhood Watch program began. I appreciate everything he has done, and he will always be my friend and sidekick.”
The Neighborhood Watch meets on the third Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the village boardroom next to the police station. Meetings typically last an hour, and residents are encouraged to attend and bring questions for the police and fire chiefs. “It’s a great opportunity to engage with our local leaders,” Beene added. “If your question isn’t answered during the meeting, you will at the next one.”
Summit Mayor Sergio Rodriguez and village trustees regularly attend the meetings. The next session is set for Nov. 21.
Yonker plans to attend the November meeting but will no longer serve as secretary. “It’s time for me to take it easy and focus on myself,” he said, noting that he may still attend meetings when he can. Yonker began his community involvement after retiring in 2003, first working as a crossing guard and then joining the Neighborhood Watch, which originally started as the Weed and Seed program.
“I’ll miss the people, but I’ll still be in town,” Yonker added.
The Neighborhood Watch will not meet in December but will resume meetings in January after the holidays.