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Thefts at local park By Pam Wright Contributing Writer
Sometime in the wee hours of July 4, someone helped themselves to a flowering dogwood tree growing in Chatham’s Veterans’ Tribute Garden. Unfortunately, it’s not the first time a six-foot tree has disappeared from the tidy, well maintained green space in downtown Chatham. Leslie Waddell, who voluntarily tends the garden’s flowers and trees,
said plant theft is increasing in the popular park. And they’re not crimes of opportunity, she explained, as stealing a tree takes effort and planning. “It has to be someone who has a garden and access to transportation,” Waddell said recently. Earlier this spring, a different six-foot tree was stolen. However, Waddell said, the trees are just part of a long list of plants that have gone missing from the gardens. Lilies, irises, hostas and even a
Sarah Schofield/The Chatham Voice
From stolen plants and trees to a damaged sprinkler system, Leslie Waddell, a loyal caretaker for the Veterans’ Tribute Garden, has seen an increased amount of vandalism and theft at the Thames Street location recently.
rosebush have been taken from the park. Some of these are speciality items that are pricier than normal, Waddell explained, adding she
uses her own funds to purchase items. But she’s quick to point out she’s not looking for money, as caring for the gardens is her contribu-
tion to the community and a way to “give back.” Waddell, along with volunteer Robert Laidlaw who helps on weekends, keep the gardens in tip-
top shape. She goes nearly every day and can be found most mornings pulling weeds and deadheading flowers. Continued on page 2