Dear Editor
The North Battleford East Side Good Neighbor Network (NBESGNN) put on a street party in support of neighborhood wellness in 2008. With a number of volunteers and the support of donations from businesses we had free hot dogs, popcorn, drinks, live music, face painting and each child left with a prize. We had a fair turnout and the intention was to have this event yearly, but circumstances did not allow last year's party to materialize.
Most neighborhoods or city blocks have connections amongst themselves and watch out for each other. But there is a larger picture and this is about a community of people watching out for each other. This is so more important with the growth spurt we are going through and the negative effects of progress that comes in the form of crime and general safety concerns on our streets and in our homes and businesses. A recent crime wave of home invasions, robberies and assaults amplifies the need for more community involvement. The idea of this event is to connect people and let each other know we are watching out for others and hopefully send a message to those who are causing the problems.
We are looking at the end of the summer and will more than likely have it on the same location as 2008 - on the 1200 block of 107th Street. All people from the Battlefords are welcome. Community organizations are invited to join in to share their information and will be allowed table or booth space if they wish. Neighborhood Watch, Citizens on Patrol, RCMP, social agencies and the legal system have a stake in this and could be part of this.
We will have live entertainment and hopefully free hot dogs drinks again, along with something for the kids.
If folks are interested in entertaining, having a display booth, helping out with the day or wish to donate food and drinks, staging, face paint, sidewalk chalk or other incidentals please contact us at: 446-0415, rareearth@sasktel.net, and join NBESGNN on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/group.php?gid=68828265701 .
Steven Cormons
North Battleford
