By Mary Owen
Come meet your neighbors!
Stayton, Sublimity and Aumsville are hosting National Night Out gatherings at local parks on Tuesday, Aug. 4, and neighbors in some communities may be hosting their own block parties.
National Night Out is a yearlong community building campaign, designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for and participation in local anti-crime efforts, strengthen neighborhood spirit, and enhance police and community partnerships.
Stayton’s Night Out
“It is the responsibility of each of us in the community to be alert and report suspicious activity,” said Sgt. Danielle Wetzel of the Stayton Police Dept.
“By doing this we take ownership of the community we live in and provide a safer environment for everyone to work, play and live. This is a great opportunity to build unity with your neighbors and local law enforcement.”
Block parties will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. at the following parks: Pioneer, Quail Run, Santiam Station and Westown.
Hot dogs and hamburgers will be provided by the police department, and neighbors are asked to bring a store-bought item to add to the barbecue, Wetzel said.
“If you are planning a block party in your neighborhood, contact the Stayton Police Department to ensure a visit by a police officer,” Wetzel said.
The officer to call is Officer Jason Meeker, 503-769-3421 or e-mail jmeeker@staytonpd.org.
Sublimity’s Night Out
Sublimity’s National Night Out celebration will be a part of First Tuesday in the Park, from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Church Park. A barbecue will be held for everyone to partake, and participants are asked to bring a dish to share.
The Once A Month Band will provide live music to eat to by starting at 6 p.m. And a variety of vendor booths will offer crafts, face painting, information exhibits, home-based businesses and more. Bring your blankets or lawn chairs, organizers suggest.
“It’s our goal at the Sheriff’s Office to send a message to criminals that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back,” said Deputy Tom Barber with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, serving the city of Sublimity for five years with contracted police coverage.
“I personally encourage citizens in Sublimity to show their spirit by locking their doors, turning on their porch lights, and spending the evening outside with their neighbors,” he added. “Different teams from the Sheriff’s Office will be there, including the traffic safety team and community relations unit. We will have a K-9 dog there to give demonstrations.”
The event is sponsored by the city, local businesses and MCSO. For more information, call Deputy Barber, 503-932-6561.
Aumsville’s Night Out
Aumsville’s National Night Out will take place 6-9 p.m. at several locations, including Windemere Park, Mill Creek Estates near the park, Wildwood Park on fifth street, and Panther Park on North 10th Place.
Volunteers from the Aumsville Fire Department will be at each location as well as the chief and members of the Aumsville Police Dept.
“We try and have a representative from our department at each of the locations,” said Brian Buchholz, community resource officer. “Chief Richard Schmitz and I respond to each location and interact with the public. The kids can look through the fire trucks and police cars as time allows.”
Reserve officers and volunteers will barbecue hamburgers and hot dogs. Condiments are provided, but neighbors are asked to bring their own table service, drinks and a salad, side dish, chips and/or dessert to share.
“We want to get the word out about needing people to start up neighborhood watch programs,” Buchholz said. “The Aumsville Police Dept. responds to all calls for service, and we encourage people to call in suspicious persons. If you know most of your neighbors, you know who may look suspicious.”
The department wants to educate residents to keep bushes and trees trimmed to eliminate areas for suspicious people to conceal themselves, he said.
“Some citizens in our community leave their doors unlocked at night, and their car doors as well,” he added. “Even though we live in a quiet city, outside the big city, we still have crime and thieves among us.”
To become better acquainted with their neighbors, Aumsville police recommends people attend a location that is nearest to their residences. The police department is sponsoring a children’s coloring contest. For information, call 503-749-2188.
