More than 60 neighbors responded to Sherry Tay’s hand-delivered and e-mail invitations to participate in a block party on the front lawn and driveway of her home. The party also served the dual purpose of being a Neighborhood Watch program coordinated by the Arcadia Police Department‘s Community Service Officer Mike Vercillo.
Although Sherry and her husband, Council Member Sho Tay, know many of the people on their street, most of the attendees only knew a few of their neighbors even though many have lived there for many decades. Attendees on this fall Sunday afternoon ranged from young children to octogenarians, with all enjoying the tables full of a variety of hot food and desserts.
Sherry led self-introductions where each person told their name, pointed to the house in which they live, and shared how long they have lived on the street.
Vercillo applauded the Tays and their neighbors for participating in the party, noting how much it helps to keep neighborhoods safe when everyone knows one another. He emphasized that it’s important for neighbors to recognize each other and thus be able to spot when strangers are in the area and feel comfortable enough to call their neighbors to ask and alert them if they see something out of the ordinary.
He handed out stickers and encouraged everyone to participate in the police department’s “See Something – Say Something” campaign to alert police to anything that may look suspicious: Call this number (626) 574-5123.
— By Scott Hettrick