By Sandi Latimer
Staff Writer
The first Tuesday night in August – Aug. 1 – the Greater Lincoln Village Block Watch area will be turned into a giant community party.
That’s when the block watch that covers the area from I-270 west to Hilliard-Rome Road and from the Conrail tracks to Sullivant Avenue observes its first National Night Out. The event will run from 6 to 8 p.m.
National Night Out, traditionally the first Tuesday of August, is a community-building campaign that promotes law enforcement/community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make neighborhoods a safer, better place to live.
What started as a night to turn porch lights on to ward off crime has turned into block-long parties in many neighborhoods.
“It’s going to be informal,” said David Donofrio, one of the co-organizers of the event. “This is our first attempt and we’re trying to get established.”
North Murray Hill between Medfield and Beacon Hill is being blocked off that evening for the event.
The Franklin County Sheriff’s Department will be there with their new therapy dog. Nancy Day-Achauer, representing the opioid crisis committee, will have information about the crisis in Franklin County, the use of Narcan, and ways in which residents can become more vigilant.
The Greater Lincoln Village Block Watch Committee will have information about how to keep the home and car safe, and also about the effective witness program scheduled for the fall.
Meanwhile block watch members will gather for their regular meeting July 24 to work on some last-minute items.
“We’re asking local businesses to participate, donate gift cards for door prizes, or some food and beverages to augment what residents provide,” Donofrio said.
Since this is a family-oriented event, organizers are looking for anyone who can provide entertainment for the younger set, such as face painting.
“We do have a lot of kids in the area,” say organizers, noting that there are three elementary schools in the area.
Signs will be posted throughout the area to alert residents to the event and invite them to come out and meet their neighbors. Anyone who makes a donation or sets up a display will be listed as a sponsor and have their name on the sponsor list.
To learn more about National Night Out and other projects of the Greater Lincoln Village Block Watch, residents are invited to meetings the fourth Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. normally at the Westland Area Library.
