Longfellow Watch Association

Notes from the October 10th meeting

Nov 04, 2006

Longfellow Neighborhood Watch Association

We are in the process of organizing a Longfellow Neighborhood Watch Association and need your help.

Why are we looking to organize a Longfellow Neighborhood Watch Association?
*To develop better communication between neighbors, school boards, and government.
*Take active roles in issues concerning our neighborhood
* Voice our opinion, discuss any concerns, and implement and make changes as a group
Become community watch guards by getting to know families and their children
* Implement fun neighborhood events

Spring, 2006 ?– First Meeting
We had our first meeting last spring to discuss if we should set up an association and we received great support. At this meeting the topics included:
*DNR meeting to discuss the deer issues including the bow hunting season
*Fargo police gave a crime report for our neighborhood (one of safest neighborhoods)

Tuesday, October 10th, 2006 Notes ?– 2nd Meeting
This meeting was set up quickly to discuss factual information on two incidents involving children being approached. As a close knit neighborhood, we knew it was important that everyone be aware of the ?“facts?”. We were told not to panic but to educate and take precautions with our children. We had around 150 of our neighbors come to this meeting.

At this meeting the topics included:
Facts presented by 3 officers from the Fargo Police Dept. on two incidents of children being approached The facts:
* Details are sketchy as children tend not to remember the details as this is not their primary concern
* Both involve white cars.One was described as having red and green lettering higher on the vehicle but not a pizza delivery sign
* Per officer: the children were not in imminent danger
* Questions, concerns, and discussion on sex offenders living in our area were reviewed. *Also discussed was the police system for how individuals are monitored. We also talked about other individuals living in our area who may not be considered sex offender but may have disorderly conduct .

Please be sure to discuss personal safety with your children including
*Walking in groups
*Children should report incidents immediately and not wait for after school.
*Parents need to talk to kids about sexual predators ?– many times this is more difficult for the parents
*Discuss with your child what important details might be (color of vehicle, type of vehicle, license number, hair color, facial hair, etc.)
* Mrs. Barr has said to make sure they talk with her at the counseling office if there are any concerns.


Next Meeting: Tuesday November 7th, 2006 Longfellow Multi-purpose room 8:00-9:00 pm
*Discussion on implementing neighborhood "Safehouses". Your help is needed!

Questions or Concerns: Theresa Halvorson E-mail: Thalvo2814@aol.com #261-3363
Karen Weist E-mail E-mail : weist@cableone.net #235-0830