Get to know your neighbors while you fight crime

You don’t have don a sensible button-up cardigan or change into your play shoes to be Mr. Rogers-friendly in your neighborhood — unless, of course, you want to.

More than ever, getting to know your neighbors seems like a grand idea. National Night Out Against Crime celebrates the power of community as an efficient and free way to help deter crime — one that’s proven both fun and effective.

This year marks the 19th since the inception of America’s Night Out Against Crime — a crime prevention effort sponsored by the National Town Watch. Last year over 33 million people were involved all across America. The event is designed to heighten awareness of local anti-drug and anti-crime programs through simple community-based events. By participating in activities that promote neighborhood spirit like block parties, parades, cookouts and flashlight walks, criminals discover that communities are united, organized and fighting back and they often choose other places to victimize.

Several community groups have announced organized events to celebrate on Tuesday. If you’re fortunate enough to live in one of Everett’s many well-organized neighborhoods, you can look forward to potlucks or ice cream socials. Although we’ve officially been informed about events scheduled for residents in Lowell, Bayside and South Everett, other groups may be planning activities as well. Citizens of Lake Stevens have been invited to a community gathering on Main Street from 5 until 9 p.m. And, those living in Darrington are welcome at a celebration of community that will be held at the Old School Park.

But you don’t have wait for a formal invitation to participate. Whether you load up into your car and head downtown, pack your picnic basket or potluck item for one of these informal gatherings, or simply meander down the block with a hearty "howdee neighbor", we think you’ll find that your time is well spent.

So, tomorrow night, instead of coming home and flipping on the television or hunkering down in front of the computer for a bit of two dimensional interaction, try flipping on the porch light instead and head out to meet some of your neighbors.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Friday, Feb. 7

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Curtains act as doors for a handful of classrooms at Glenwood Elementary on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: Schools’ building needs point to election reform

Construction funding requests in Arlington and Lake Stevens show need for a change to bond elections.

Schwab: Trump proves not as bad as feared; it’s worse

Taking food and medicine from kids; surrendering control to Musk; is this what you voted for?

Keep necessary homeless service program at its Everett location

Regarding The Herald’s front-page coverage of the Hope ‘N Wellness community services… Continue reading

We can’t afford the rich not paying their fair share

In a recent column, Todd Welch claims that a wealth tax on… Continue reading

Can we find a politically moderate path, please?

I was just wondering what happened to the moderates. I am a… Continue reading

FILE- In this Nov. 14, 2017, file photo Jaìme Ceja operates a forklift while loading boxes of Red Delicious apples on to a trailer during his shift in an orchard in Tieton, Wash. Cherry and apple growers in Washington state are worried their exports to China will be hurt by a trade war that escalated on Monday when that country raised import duties on a $3 billion list of products. (Shawn Gust/Yakima Herald-Republic via AP, File)
Editorial: Trade war would harm state’s consumers, jobs

Trump’s threat of tariffs to win non-trade concessions complicates talks, says a state trade advocate.

A press operator grabs a Herald newspaper to check over as the papers roll off the press in March 2022 in Everett. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald file photo)
Editorial: Push back news desert with journalism support

A bill in the state Senate would tax big tech to support a hiring fund for local news outlets.

Jayden Hill, 15, an incoming sophomore at Monroe High School is reflected in the screen of a cellphone on Wednesday, July 10, 2024 in Monroe, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: Students need limits on cellphones in school

School districts needn’t wait for legislation to start work on policies to limit phones in class.

Kristof: World’s richest men take on world’s poorest people

Trump says the USAID is run by ‘radical lunitics.’ Is saving countless lives now lunacy.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Thursday, Feb. 6

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Lake Stevens school bond funds needed safety work at all schools

A parent’s greatest fear is for something bad to happen to their… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.