METHUEN — Mayor D.J. Beauregard, Police Chief Scott McNamara and the Methuen Police Department encourage community members to hold localized block parties this year to celebrate National Night Out — an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and camaraderie to make neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live.
On Tuesday, Aug. 5, from 6-8 p.m., residents across Methuen will host block parties to build relationships between neighbors and police, and to share information on public safety and community resources.
National Night Out celebrations often include cookouts, activities for kids, and opportunities for community members to meet and get to know police and other first responders. The Methuen Police Ice Cream Truck will visit as many block parties as possible.
While some communities hold large community-wide National Night Out events, Methuen Police have in recent years encouraged neighborhood block parties. Police will not publicize locations as they are intended for neighbors.
“I feel like National Night Out is a great opportunity for us to meet neighbors, new and old, who we don’t always get to talk to as much as we would like to since people are so busy these days.” said Heather Fusco, who has organized a neighborhood block party for three years. “It’s also enjoyable to see people face-to-face rather than through social media or texting. It’s not a lot of work to put together.”
Fusco said that in her neighborhood, community members team up to provide a potluck style dinner.
Anyone holding a block party should contact Methuen Police at 978-983-8635 to register with police. Officers and other first responders will attend and in some cases provide activities.
“National Night Out is a chance for neighbors to meet neighbors, and for police to meet the residents and business owners that we serve and protect. It is a wonderful opportunity to strengthen community bonds, and to create positive interactions between police, first responders, and the community,” said Chief McNamara. “Here in Methuen, we’re taking a hyper-localized approach to National Night Out and encouraging small resident groups to host their own events that we will support. We’re excited to get to know our residents and to share a night of laughter, learning, and fun.”
“National Night Out is one of the best examples of what makes Methuen special — neighbors looking out for each other, families spending time together, and first responders showing up not just in uniform, but as part of the community,” said Mayor D.J. Beauregard. “I’m grateful to the residents who are taking the time to organize these gatherings and proud that our city embraces this kind of grassroots connection.”
To learn more about National Night Out, visit: https://natw.org/.
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