Minnetonka Night for Neighbors
August 2, 2011
Minnetonka Night for Neighbors is designed to heighten crime and drug awareness; generate support for and participation in local anti-crime fighting programs; and send a message to criminals that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. Many neighborhoods host special events such as block parties and cookouts. This event has proven to be an effective and enjoyable program to promote neighborhood spirit and positive police-community partnerships.
The 2010 Minnetonka Night for Neighbors included 173 registered neighborhood events—a 10% increase from the previous year. Events were visited by McGruff the Crime Dog, Sparky the Fire Dog, HCMC ambulance, and by the Minnetonka Fire, Police and Public Works departments. In addition, numerous Minnetonka Police Department Community Service Officers, Reserves, and Explorers participated.
If you are planning on participating in the 2011 Minnetonka Night for Neighbors Tuesday, August 2, 2011, please complete and submit the participation form below to request a visit from police, fire, ambulance or big trucks. Visits for Minnetonka Night for Neighbors will be scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. New in 2011: Active Neighborhood Watch Groups will receive priority for visits and visits will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis.
There is no guarantee for visits as emergency calls may take resources out of service that evening; however, most events are visited. Visits will take place between 6 and 9 p.m. Register early, as each year more than half of the neighborhood parties are registered by July 1! Your flexibility on times is appreciated. Confirmation of receipt of your registration will be received within five business days.
If you are interested in having your neighborhood form a Neighborhood Watch Group please contact Nicole Nelson at nnelson@eminnetonka.com or visit the Neighborhood Watch page.
ICA foodshelf donations
This year, neighborhoods participating in Minnetonka Night for Neighbors are encouraged to gather donations for the ICA Foodshelf. The neighborhood with the largest total donation (by weight) wins. The prize for the winning neighborhood will be determined in the coming weeks.
Here’s how to participate:
- Only neighborhoods with events on August 2 may participate in the contest.
- Neighbors should place all collected items in boxes or bags clearly labeled with the name of one contact person. If there are multiple bags/boxes, all of these are to be labeled with the same name. Having one identifying name on the donations helps to keep them separated from other donations as they are picked up and brought in to be weighed.
- Donations will be collected from one location for your event.
- Minnetonka Police Department reserves and community service officers will pick up the donations on Wednesday, August 3 starting at 8am. Donations may be left by the front door.
- Donations will not be accepted on August 2 by visiting city departments.
- Looking for ideas on what to donate? The ICA lists its current needs on its Web site at www.icafoodshelf.org.
Visitors at your event
Minnetonka’s mayor and city council members traditionally attend Night for Neighbors events, and other local officials who represent our community also sometimes stop by. We have found that most neighbors appreciate the opportunity to speak informally with their elected representatives at these gatherings.
On occasion, candidates for elected offices and other people from outside the neighborhood have come to events. While this has not been a problem in the past, we thought you should know that state law requires the city of Minnetonka to provide the locations of Night for Neighbors events to anyone who asks for them. Information provided includes only the location and time of the event.
Additionally, the city cannot legally prohibit anyone from attending your event. However, the owner of the property where the event is located may ask people to leave, should they not be welcome.
