It’s time to chat up the neighbors, barbecue, relax and bolster your neighborhood’s safety in one fell swoop.
National Night Out will take place form 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 2, with block parties striking up in neighborhoods of West Salem, and possibly other locales throughout Polk County.
The Independence NNO event was canceled last year due to staffing shortages, and it appears the city plans to forego it again this summer.
In Salem, the city’s website notes: “The event is an opportunity for neighbors to take one evening out of the year to build relationships by learning from one another about what is happening in the neighborhood.
“Across the country and in Salem, neighbors host a variety of special events, such as block parties, BBQ’s, mimi-parades, flashlight walks, kids activities and even graffiti paint over parties. The overall goal is for the community to stand in unity against crime right where it counts – on their very own block.”
Salem City Councilor Dan Clem has urged West Salem residents to either host or participate their neighborhood social gatherings, and beyond.
“Let’s continue to keep our crime rate low by enrolling in the Neighborhood Watch Program,” Clem noted in his “Councilor’s Column” published West Side Newspaper. “This is a great opportunity to make new (or keep old) friends where we live.”
Salem residents can learn more about listed events at (503) 588-6175, or by visiting www.cityofsalem.net/departments/police/crimeprevention/pages/nationalnightout.aspx.