Skip to main content

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

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

“have you talked to a trained domestic violence advocate?"

Have you ever had a victim of domestic violence try and open-up to you about their abuse and you not know what to say or how to handle it? Have you found yourself asking a victim of domestic violence, “why do you stay?” Moultrie County Dove Office understands that without being properly trained on domestic violence and best domestic violence practices, it is hard to know what to say or do when a victim of domestic violence finally decides to open-up to you about their abuse and we want you to be better prepared. Asking a victim of domestic violence “why do you stay” can place emphasis in the wrong place and make the victim feel as if they have done something wrong. In all actuality, there are many reasons victims of domestic violence stay in and return to abusive relationships. Victims of domestic violence stay in abusive relationships for fear for their personal safety and the safety and well-being of their children. Statistics show that a victim of domestic violence is at a 75%

Doing our part to make a difference.

 With so much talk everywhere on issues of violence, once again a topic discussed at the CONO (Coalition Of Neighborhood Organizations) meeting this past month in wonder of how to stop violence from happening in our community. Let’s consider narrowed down, violence begins in neighborhoods, no matter where they are. Cities including Decatur, have Stop The Violence campaigns and rallies in order to take a stand and to bring positivity and hope which is so important! But I wonder, doesn’t the remedy lay within each one of us? We must not close our eyes or turn a deaf ear, right, and when we see something, yes, we must say something, but isn’t there more? Doesn’t there need to be hands reaching out to one another in solidarity and hope with a goal in mind like the future of our family, neighborhood and ultimately our world. It begins in a neighborhood, your neighborhood and mine. So, if you don’t already have an active neighborhood group in your area, will you consider starting one? If so

You don't have to be able to Dance to do Baskets

  Growing up in the world of dance, one of my favorite things to do each year is participate in The Nutcracker Ballet. My favorite part? Giving the audience a magical Christmas experience with the perfect setting of lights, music, glittery costumes, and refined steps by ballerinas. The audience is transported to a magical land of sweets that makes even adults feel like small children in awe and wonder. Of course, that’s just what the audience sees! What they don’t see is the months and months before hand! Long rehearsals, bandage wrapped dance feet, and stage and tech crews working tirelessly so that every detail before the final show is perfected. After several years, I have started comparing the Christmas Baskets Process to that of the process for The Nutcracker Ballet. Starting months and months before, staff and volunteers work endlessly for the exhilarating distribution week to come. With that said, the magical essence of the Ballet experience cannot happen with just the prim