Tuesday night, Aug. 4, many groups of MI neighbors gathered for barbecues, block parties and other such gatherings to observe this annual night out against crime and for developing stronger community.

On behalf of the neighbors on 90th and 91st Avenue S.E. and S.E. 58th Street, tremendous thanks to the Mercer Island public safety and fire department personnel who came to our party! Their professionalism and commitment to the welfare of our citizenry was impressive. Touring their vehicles and sounding the sirens was a delight. I can’t decide who was more excited about the experience — those under 10 or those well over 10.

The evening was also a fantastic opportunity to discuss personal disaster preparedness and neighborhood emergency response. Thanks to Jennifer Franklin of the MI Emergency Management Office for providing useful hand-outs and terrific “giveaways” to drive home the urgency of each and every one of us being prepared to “shelter in place” for 7-10 days in the event of a major disaster.

Beth Cordova