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August 7 National Night Out

Have you ever wondered what makes you have pride in your community, a sense of belonging, a moment when you think this is my community, and I am proud of this community?  One of my ah ha moments and favorite events of the year happens the first Tuesday in August each year, National Night Out.  On that night, as we pull up to each of the neighborhoods on the caravan, and meet the individuals that live and support that community, my goose bumps form, and I see the pride that each of these individuals have for their neighborhood.  You see the pride that they have for their neighborhoods on their faces and in their actions, and you see them passing the importance of giving back to their community to the youth.  It is so much fun to see young and old, greet and meet the caravan, and show the pride that they have for their neighborhood with all of us.  You find that food, fun, and games, break down the barriers, and allow everyone to co-exist for the greater good of the event, helping promote neighborhood spirit and grow police and community partnerships in a fight for safer communities and a safer Decatur.  Without money, of course, we know that this event would not be successful, so we are so lucky to have Target be the National Sponsor of the event, embracing the community in which they are a part of.  Although they are the National Sponsor, countless others commit, time, money, resources, and talents, to make this event successful, and we are so lucky to have them on board.  The greatest gift that you can give anyone is giving back to your community, and what a way to showcase the best we have in each of our neighborhoods.  Kudos to them!  And oh, by the way, would you like to support this great event, but you can’t make it?  Why not show your support by “keeping your porch light on” and creating a safer community.  What a simple and visible way to show your support!

Mindy Peterson-Lindsey, U of I Ex. CED Program Coordinator
 and National Night Out Committee Member

Thanks to our guest blogger, Mindy and active volunteer with the Community Services / Decatur Area Project Program.

Tuesday, August 7
If you would like to join in the festivities that evening and be at a site when the Caravan arrives, here is the schedule:
5:00 to 5:15 p.m. Press Conference at the Civic Center, the Caravan will form from there
5:30 to 5:45 p.m. Nelson Park Parking Lot below the large pavilion
6:00 to 6:15 p.m. Galloway Park, East Wood Street
6:30 to 6:45 p.m. Park City Neighborhood, Community Building, 32oo Delta Ave. 
7:00 to 7:15 p.m. GM Square Neighborhood in Monroe Park, Harrison and Monroe
7:30 to 7:45 p.m. Old Kings Orchard Community Center, 815 N. Church St.
8:00 to 8:15 p.m. Neighborhood United Neighborhood, parking lot of Durfee School on Garfield street

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