Community Corner

Want to Host a Block Party? Night for Neighbors Is Aug. 7

Register with the city and request a visit from police, fire or ambulance.

The following is information from the city of Minnetonka:

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.

Find out what's happening in Minnetonkawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The 2011 Minnetonka Night for Neighbors included 163 registered neighborhood events, with about 8,500 residents participating. 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 2012 Minnetonka Night for Neighbors Tuesday, Aug. 7, complete and submit the participation form 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.

Find out what's happening in Minnetonkawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

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.

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 Aug. 7 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, Aug. 8 starting at 8 a.m. Donations may be left by the front door.
  • Donations will not be accepted on Aug. 7 by visiting city departments.
  • Looking for ideas on what to donate? The ICA lists its current needs on its website 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.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here