It’s National Night Out, Tonight!

Big things are happening at Consumers Energy on Clay Avenue, SW, this morning.

It's National Night Out and Consumers Energy representatives, along with local organizers, governmental leaders and law enforcement officials from Grand Rapids, Grandville, Kentwood, Rockford, Walker, Wyoming and the Kent County Sheriff’s Department, are hosting an event outside the utility’s Clay Avenue service center. Refreshments, including donuts donated by Krispy Kreme and coffee donated by Biggby, are there. 

I usually am there as well, broadcasting live, but due to staffing problems I will be in the studio instead.  I will, however be talking to Roger Morgenstern of Consumers Energy throughout the morning from the site, to create awareness and promote crime and drug prevention. Also, Consumers Energy employees and law enforcement officials will be distributing 150 energy-efficient compact fluorescent (CFL) light bulbs while they last.  CFLs, an important part of the utility’s energy efficiency program, use up to 75 percent less energy than a normal incandescent bulb, can last up to nine years and are ideal for both indoor and outdoor use, including porch lights.

For the 18^th consecutive year, Consumers Energy was recognized by the National Association of Town Watch as the recipient of a “National Electric Utility Award” for its participation in the 28th Annual NNO in 2011.

So, what is National Night Out.  It's actually a year-long community building campaign, designed to:

• Heighten crime prevention awareness;
• Generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime programs;
• Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and
• Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

The 2012 NNO event is expected to be the largest ever, involving approximately 37 million people in 15,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases around the world.  Local residents are encouraged to participate by turning on their porch lights from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and to take part in any community activities planned.

NNO also includes a number of neighborhood and community-level events to support anti-crime efforts. In the Grand Rapids area, events include the South Kent Night Out Against Crime, organized by the Kent County Sheriff’s Department, from 4-8 p.m. outside Peppino’s Restaurant, 1515 Eastport Drive SE.  Consumers Energy is among the participants at this free event, which will also include an appearance by a UH-60M Army Blackhawk helicopter, fire and police vehicles, equipment and displays, the Michigan Child ID Program, games, food, prizes, music and dancing.

NNO is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch and is co-sponsored locally by Target and Consumers Energy.