Tallac Village residents participated in the National Night Out by having a block party to bring community members together. This was the second year that Richard (organizer) and his wife Rachel have been active participants in the event. Michael had also recently been named to head the Neighborhood Association in the area. “Tallac Village is small enough where everybody knows everybody” Michael noted “you see your neighbors walking, driving or out with their pets”. Indeed the people that were there either knew each other or got to know each other during this gathering. If nothing else it was apparent that bringing a neighborhood together for events such as this is very worthwhile.

As other people were being introduced Jana and her significant “other” (as Jana called her husband) were making a sparkling cherry lemonade using dry ice from Airgas Dry Ice. Everybody was amazed to see the smoke emanating from the lemonade. I thought it was pretty cool. Patty Uplinger, also at hand not only lives on the street where the block party occurred but this was “Patty’s Street” Jana said.

Food, and most of the drinks, was donated by the local Bel Air on Fruitridge Road. There was plenty to eat and neighbors brought desserts to share. David Oliveira represented Bel Air and was there for most of the evening. Mayor Kevin Johnson visited National Night Out in other locations hosting the event but Gustavo Arroyo, a member of the school board at the Sacramento City Unified District was on hand at the Tallac Village gathering. As I understood it he lives in the neighborhood.

The block was blocked off for traffic and kids were able to move up and down the street on their bikes, skateboards and scooters without worrying about cars. Other kids building a rollercoaster and other things with what looked like Construx building toys. There was a lot of literature regarding National Night Out as well as information for contacting public officials when issues arise. Other information as well as give-a-ways covered a couple of tables.

The value of events like this that brings neighbors together is quite valuable. Not only do you sit and talk with neighbors that you may only just wave at occasionally but you have a chance to enjoy each other’s company. I heard some talking about watching each other’s homes while they go on vacation and were giving each other tips as to how to watch each other’s property and report things out of the ordinary.

One of the highlights of the evening was the judging for the best tasting homemade cookies. The contenders were Joe’s Sugar Surprise, Patti U Fudge *arts and the winner, as announced by Joe “The First Annual Cookie Contest Winner is …. Kelley” who made the Oatmeal Happiness Cookies. Kelley soon issued a challenge, not heard by many, that she will defend her title against all challengers.

 Judges and winner

 Kelley was the best cookie winner with Oatmeal Happiness Cookies

Other neighborhoods celebrating National Night Out had block parties, like this one, cookouts, visits from local police and sheriff departments, youth programs and contests. It has been noted that this program has proven to be an effective, inexpensive and an enjoyable event to promote neighborhood spirit and community partnerships. If you’d like to participate or lead this event next year go to their web site for more information. If you coordinate an event there is a whole organization that can help you as well as community business and law enforcement. National Night Out in this neighborhood was a fun night out for all.