The greatest event in youth sports will be on our cover and featured within our pages for the next two weeks. I am sure most of my readers know Little League baseball and softball are also the largest youth sports programs in the world. It’s hard for me to even get my mind around that this will be the 79th playing of the Little League World Series. So why am I talking about it this week? Because I would like to focus on providing the best Little League World Series experience for everyone attending the event.

From its founding and growth to being the most televised youth sports event, one thing has been a constant: the great people of the Williamsport area who put on the show. Whether it be in actually volunteering or working for Little League baseball or providing hospitality to those here for the event, our area has done itself proud.

For example, being a Little League Uncle during the World Series also has to be the most wanted job in youth sports. And they all have gone above and beyond for their teams over the years. As have all the everyday residents that put on a smile, make their property look the best it can, and provide that special kindness found in our area. Then there are the businesses and restaurants in Williamsport and South Williamsport that make those visiting feel like they actually live here. Tip of my cap to the Mountaineer Lounge and Franco’s, who always seemed to be talked about by our Little League guests.

Now for the reasons why I’m writing the column this week and talking about problems being faced not only in our communities but around our Nation. I encourage everyone to keep their eyes, ears, and common sense wide open.

The Little League World Series and all the events that surround the celebration, beginning with the Grand Slam Parade, make an obvious target for bad actors. It could be anything from the youth takeovers and delinquent behavior to actual gang activity, or something much worse. Please, if you see, hear, or catch a tip by whatever means, notify law enforcement immediately. Please do not ignore the obvious to protect those willing to break the law or much worse.

I have great faith in all those who do everything possible to keep the event safe for everyone. But I also understand in today’s world security and law enforcement need our help. And somebody usually knows something before someone tests the security, law enforcement, and surveillance provided.

My next message is for parents of someone who is going sideways for whatever reason. And being a parent doesn’t end when the child turns 18. Please don’t turn a blind eye to things you know are wrong or that could hurt others and impact your child’s life forever. If you can’t discuss them with your child, and I don’t mean by accepting whatever they say even though it makes no sense, you must notify someone. It may be something that can be dealt with and fixed without becoming a problem.

I understand the lack of parenting in today’s world, either by just being absent or by allowing a juvenile or young adult just to do whatever they want. Often the burdens of bad behavior are put on grandparents or guardians because of the lack of a parental presence. I also see grandparents who allowed their children to become criminals now raising their children’s children. And the cycle then repeats itself.

Because of the complexity created by everything I’ve mentioned, again — you must keep your eyes, ears, and common sense wide open. There is always a backstory, there is always a reason why, there is always an excuse; we must stop accepting bad behavior, and that begins with those closest to the situation. Whether it be during the Little League World Series or just another day in your neighborhood.

When things reach police involvement, there is no more difficult job than being in law enforcement in today’s world. In our local area, with young people being the victims of violence and dying in the streets at the hands of other young people, we need to support the police. I have seen way too many situations recently when law enforcement officers who are just doing their job and trying to protect the innocent being painted as the enemy within a small group within the community. This only sends the wrong message and does nothing to address the real problem.

I have witnessed law enforcement at every level be involved in positive community policing and neighborhood involvement. Some departments have just finished up with their National Night Out events to open their doors to those they serve. We need more police officers on the street making a difference, not looking over their shoulder waiting for the next accusation against them to be aired publicly. We also need young people interested in law enforcement to be encouraged to make a difference, not questioned on why they want to do that. I’d better stop there.

Let’s all be safe out there and look out for one another.

God Bless America.