Our Community in Fairfax County, Virginia

We live close to many neighbors in Westlawn, yet we seem to have little opportunity to get to know our neighbors.  The annual National Night Out on Tuesday evening, 5 August, is a great way to change that, and your civic association has a challenge for you—and an offer.

All it takes is a couple of neighbors to organize a pot luck dinner for their block.  Print up a flyer inviting your neighbors to a block dinner party on 5 August and ask that they RSVP to you and tell you how many people are coming and what dish or dishes they plan to bring—main course, side dish, dessert.  In past National Night Out block parties, organizers often set up on their driveway with tables, chairs, a grill, and a boom box.  Tents are also nice, as shade can be important in August.

About the offer.  The people hosting a block party have expenses for plates, cups, napkins, trash bags, plastic ware, name tags, drinks, and ice that can discourage people from trying to organize a block party.  Your civic association will reimburse National Night Out block party organizers $50 to cover these expenses.  Just let one of us civic association officers know where the party will be held, and we will stop by to chat and to pay you.

Why are we helping to pay for block parties?  .  In past years we have tried to hold community-wide events at the elementary school, but participation has always been below expectations, and these events did little to get neighbors to meet and talk with each other.  By contrast, we have had National Night Out block parties in Westlawn for many years, and they always serve to bring neighbors together. 

Wouldn't it be great if every block in Westlawn had a party? 

Don't wait—if you think you could organize a block party, start planning now.  And if you are invited to a National Night Out block party in Westlawn, please participate.  Take advantage of this Tuesday evening to chat with your neighbors and get to know them better.