Planning Begins For National Night Out

Van’s newly formed Neighborhood Watch Program held its monthly meeting on Tuesday, July 8 at the Van Community Center and the group is in the planning stages for National Night Out to be held October 7, 2008.

National Night Out is an annual event that is held in communities across the nation to heighten crime and drug awareness, generate support for and participation in anticrime groups, strengthen neighborhood spirit and community-police relationships and to let criminals know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back against crime.

"Right now we need everyone’s help to get us on the right track to have a successful National Night Out," said Van Police Chief Kelly Smith.

Smith said that the organization’s goal is to have three to six "block parties" across the Van community on that night.

"We need ideas on where these parties can be hosted such as church parking lots and individual homes," said Smith.

Anyone interested in becoming a member of the Neighborhood Watch group or would like to help organize the National Night Out celebration in Van should call the Van Police Department at 903-963-5222.