By Mary Whitfill
Features Editor
As Coppell prepares for the 20th celebration of National Night Out (NNO) in October, the organization has begun to gear up for their participation in local events. From St. Ann Carnival to the annual homecoming parade, NNO uses widely attended events to spread the word about what they consider to be the best social event of the year.
“National Night Out is probably one of the most important events that the City annually hosts,” Coppell Community Information Officer Sharon Logan said. “Coppell residents really care about each other and they care about their community. This event encourages and fosters that hometown feel by bringing neighbors together for a dual purpose, fighting crime and looking out for one another.”
The NNO aims to bring neighbors together, strengthen neighborhood spirit and generate participation in anti-crime programs. Coppell’s NNO has grown from just a few block parties in 1991 to 49 parties in 2010. Since winning the “Rookie” award in 1991, the National Association of Town Watch has recognized Coppell with an ‘Outstanding Participation Award’ every year. Thirty-five block parties are already signed up to participate this year.
“We do an excellent job with National Night Out,” Coppell Police Officer Richard Harr said. “With a city of our size, about 40,000, we have about 50 block parties a year. When you break that down, it’s about one block party for every 800 people. That’s incredible when you think about it.”
NNO Block Parties are described by the Coppell Police Department as the “cornerstone” of National Night Out. Each participating neighborhood can compete for the “2011 Block Party Winner” street sign, which will remain on display within the neighborhood. The Coppell Police Department, Fire Department, McGruff the crime dog, the NNO Knight, City Council members and Mayor Doug Stover will visit the block parties from 6 – 8 p.m.
“It is important for people to get to know each other, because you can develop better relationships in your community,” CHS School Resource Officer Ricky Jimenez said. “This helps to deter crime, help others in need and to have a better working relationship with community members.”
In addition to encouraging people to go out and meet their neighbors, CPD uses the block parties as a way to introduce neighborhood crime watch programs.
“It’s about getting to know people, starting a crime watch and getting involved,” Harr said. “We want to get back to a time where everyone knew everyone, and people could tell us when things are slightly off. When something happens in a neighborhood, we want to be able to talk to neighbors, and we want them to know what’s going on.”
Apart from the block parties, NNO is involved in many other community activities. The NNO Knight and “Mr. P.C.” (the robotic car) will be present at St. Ann Carnival Sept. 9-11, the Annual Homecoming Spirit Parade on Sept. 19 and at the Homecoming Football game against Saginaw on Sept. 23.
In addition, the National Night Out Golf Tournament will be held on Sept. 17 at Bridlewood Golf Club in Flower Mound. Participation in the tournament is $80 per person, which includes lunch and the chance to will door prizes. Sponsorships are available for individuals and corporations.
“It brings communities and neighborhoods together,” Harr said. “If nothing else, you meet your neighbors. In today’s day and age things like this are vital. We have gotten lost in email and texting, and we need to get back to meeting and talking to people. In a social setting, people are more willing to connect.”
