Has your neighborhood begun making plans for this year’s National Night Out?
Tuesday, Aug. 4 is right around the corner, and, more importantly, Naperville Police Department Crime Prevention Specialist Julie Smith needs your RSVP by July 20. Signing up ensures that all registered neighborhoods are visited by community service providers such as the Police and Fire Departments, Public Works, Park District, and more. As someone who coordinated my neighborhood’s event for many years, I can assure you that most adults enjoy checking out the vehicles and equipment as much, if not more, than the kids.
Planning a National Night Out event is a great way to get your neighborhood together, build community spirit, and learn from first responders and other neighborhood helpers about services and capabilities that are available to improve and preserve our quality of life. Your neighborhood event can be whatever you want.
While president of my association, I hosted an annual hot dog dinner in my driveway with neighbors bringing desserts and side dishes. Other neighborhoods have had parades, ice cream socials, and more.
There is no set format, just an event that will run from around 6 until 8:30PM featuring neighbors turning on the front porch lights, leaving their houses, joining together, and getting to know each other a little better, making a safer and more cohesive community.
If your neighborhood wants to get involved, contact Julie Smith via email at SmithJu@naperville.il.us or (630) 305-5450 by July 20 with event specifics like where, when, and how many will be participating. Even if you are not a formal homeowners association, you can still get your neighbors together for this once a year community-wide event.
Since I’ve “retired” as my association’s president, I might be out and about checking what others are doing. Maybe I’ll see you on August 4.
