We had a very fun dinner at Jerry and Mary’s house – the best burger I’ve had in a long time. It was very cool to see that a picnic like this could happen on a street like ours. It’s good to remember that we have neighbors.
After dinner, we came inside for a presentation from Officer Barbie Upchurch establishing a community watch program. Following are some highlights:
- We received a handout listing steps for arranging a community watch, including signs for the neighborhood.
- Barbie read a list of the police calls over the last 6 months – the number was very few and mostly minor. Many of them are 911 hang-up calls (accidental calls) and false home alarms. If you accidentally call 911, hang up and wait for 911 to call you back.
- Neighbors need to have a vested interest in each other – get to know who’s on either side of your house. Try to bring your next door neighbors to the next meeting.
- Community watch with have a chair and a block-captain. Chair will be the liaison to the police.
- It’s important to call the police if you see anything suspicious. 911 is the same as calling the non-emergency number.
- Call inspections department for appearance issues, such as abandoned cars and lawns that need to be mowed.
- Home safety – make house look lived in, use outside lights. Make sure house # is visible on mailbox.
- Barbie suggested we schedule a personal safety / home safety talk before Christmas – Jerry will arrange this.
After Barbie left:
- We reviewed her comments. Julie was thankful that the crime calls were so few. She thinks it’s because we have started meeting together as a group.
- We placed an order for several “community watch” signs. Andy will find out about grants to pay for the signs.
- John suggested getting the speed limit lowered to 25mph.
- Andy to call landlord Dennis and Lee and Weaver about rental / construction concerns.
Next meeting is November 16 at 7:30 at 1717.
