Prescott eNews

Residents across the nation are working toward making their neighborhoods safer. Debbie Taylor of Prescott Valley has been busy for weeks organizing the National Night Out event in Unit 17 of Prescott Valley, one of many such get-togethers slated for Tuesday night in Prescott Valley, Prescott and other communities across the country.

"National Night Out is fast approaching and a great opportunity for the community, the Town of Prescott Valley officials and public safety personnel to continue to get together against crime and promote drug prevention awareness," said Prescott Valley Police Spokesman Gene McFarland. "Prescott Valley Police, Central Yavapai Fire and personnel from the Town of Prescott Valley will be out in force to attend all the events that the local Block Watches have around the town.

"We encourage neighborhoods to come together and send the message that we are all working together to prevent crime and keep our neighborhoods safe. On August 4, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., residents of Prescott Valley are asked to turn their porch lights on and spend the evening outside with their neighbors, public safety and town officials. We will be out in neighborhoods attending block parties, meeting face to face and be there for questions, information and to socialize."

Taylor says she has additional reasons for trying to build interest in the Block Watch program in her neighborhood by organizing the National Night Out gathering at Antelope Park.

"I want the neighbors to get to know each other better," she said. "It seems like everyone in this area stays pretty much to themselves. It's my perception that in times of (economic) trouble people have a greater need for each other. I'm interested in building a sense of community where people care more about each other and watch out for each other. It seems like each year there are more aging people in the neighborhood and it would be nice if neighbors would get to know each other and watch out for each other more. My hope is that maybe if more people get to know each other around here, more people will be helping each other and gain a the warmth of human connection."

Taylor says she moved to the area almost three years ago from a Pennsylvania community where more people talked to their neighbors and helped each other out. She said her goal is to create that same sense of community in her Prescott Valley neighborhood.

This will be the first National Night Out function held in Unit 17 and members of the event coordinating team are hoping to attract at least 25 to 30 neighbors in the area. Taylor said about 15 people showed up at the first neighborhood Block Watch meeting last summer.

Residents, members of civic groups and business owners in other Prescott Valley areas have been working toward similar goals for several years and plan to continue with their respective National Night Out assemblies Tuesday as well. The Kiwanis’ of Bradshaw Mountain are hosting a gathering at Sunflower Park. Additional functions are planned for Victorian Estates, Stoneridge, Northridge Park, Windsong Villas, Pronghorn Ranch, View Point and Granville residents, among others. Some will have pot lucks, dessert socials and Block Parties. For further information, contact Gene McFarland

"For many years, Prescott Valley has been a leader in community support," McFarland said. "Your participation in the National Night Out will show neighborhood strength, increase the town-citizen bond and help make our community a safer place to live."