Night to Unite will be held Aug. 7

Talk about it

The world can be a scary place. But it’s less scary if you know you have someone watching out for you. That is the premise behind Night to Unite.

This year’s Night to Unite will take place from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Aug. 7.

The annual event, which is sponsored by the Minnesota Crime Prevention Association and local law enforcement, encourages neighbors to meet one another and establish connections.

“We want to celebrate and strengthen communities,” said Beth Richtsmeier, the Rosemount police officer who coordinates the event for the department.

The way Night to Unite works is, individual neighborhoods organize their own parties. Richtsmeier said it can be as simple as hanging out in someone’s front yard or more elaborate like a barbecue.

“It’s an opportunity to get out and meet your neighbors,” said Richtsmeier.

Last year 33 parties were held throughout Rosemount. Richtsmeier said they expect to get about the same number this year, including one at the 360 Communities Rosemount Family Resource Center.

Volunteer coordinator Shira Rabinowicz said the resource center has invited residents from the neighborhoods around the center for fun and games.

Berean Baptist Church will host the evening, which will include food and activities for children. Additionally, Rabinowicz said they will talk safety with those who come.

“We always want to emphasize safety in the home,” said Rabinowicz.

Richtsmeier asks neighborhood groups interested in participating to fill out a registration form with the city. As part of the night, groups consisting of city council members, firefighters and police officers will visit each registered party. New this year, Rosemount Youth Commission members will tag along with the groups.

In addition to building bonds, Richtsmeier said police and fire want to remind people they are there for residents.

“We want to remind people, a call is not a bother to us,” said Richtsmeier. “If you see something suspicious, call us.”

As it has over the last seven years, the event will help the 360 Communities Food Shelf. Richtsmeier said they ask residents to donate non-perishable food items such as canned meat, soup, vegetables, baby food, boxed meals and more. Additionally, the center needs paper goods including paper towels, toilet paper, feminine products and diapers. Police officers will pick up the donations when they visit the parties.

Richtsmeier said the donations will stay in Rosemount and feed the 400 individuals the food shelf helps each month.

For more information visit the city’s website at ci.rosemount.mn.us or email Beth.richtsmeier@ci.rosemount.mn.us.

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