Vecinos del Bosque
Neighborhood Association
National Night Out
by Jane Mahoney

Back in 1994, members of the newly established Vecinos del Bosque Neighborhood Association, in Albuquerque’s South Valley, decided it would be fun to participate in the annual “National Night Out” activities encouraged by the city.

“What’s a little block party?” figured Vecinos vice president George Montoya, a plumber with the University of New Mexico, who also had some experience cooking and catering parties.

Montoya and his wife, Beryl, volunteered to host the Association’s first event at their home, cooking up hamburgers on his own grill, and relying on neighbors to bring potluck salads, chips, and baked beans. About 20 Association members and neighbors showed up for the first party.

By 2002, the annual street party, still at George and Beryl’s house on the first Tuesday each August, has grown to more than 400 participants, including members, kids, neighbors, and special invited representatives from the City and County’s fire, police, sheriff departments, and rescue squads. Local politicians also come around to talk to residents, shake hands, and hand out campaign literature.

In the aftermath of the 9-11 tragedy, Vecino’s National Night Out this year was dedicated to law enforcement personnel and firefighters.

“Vecinos presented each firefighter, deputy sheriff, and police officer present with an American flag,” said Montoya. “It’s our way of showing our appreciation for the services they provide - and the risks they take for our community.”

The scene on Montoya’s quiet south Valley Street this year included the Blood Mobile manned by the United Blood Service personnel. This is the third year that the Blood Mobile has found it worthwhile to make an appearance - 30 residents donated blood on Aug. 6. Officials offer tours of fire trucks, rescue vehicles, and police cars. In the past, the participating law enforcement agencies have even offered tours of the BAT mobile parked onsite. McGruff, the Crime Dog, also makes an appearance, and local volunteers dress up as clowns to entertain the children.

For the fifth year running, a neighborhood band known as Las Florecitas has provided musical entertainment.

Montoya’s single grill used that first year has now grown to six grills, all loaded with burgers and hot dogs and manned by volunteers Mike and Cora Montoya and Rocky and Fidelia Maes. Four tables pushed together held a potluck feast of corn on the cob, fresh tomatoes, salads, cakes, baked beans, posole, macaroni salads, and more.

The mammoth undertaking could not take place without the dedication and support of the Vecinos board members. Association Secretary Barbara Gilbert donates funds each year to bring in a giant jumping balloon for the neighborhood children. Robert Sanchez, Pete Schneider, and current Vecinos President Richard Rivas came over ahead of time to set up tents, tables, and chairs. Other volunteers greet guests, pass out desserts, and sign up new members.

National Night Out takes place in neighborhoods throughout Albuquerque, although few groups celebrate on such a grand scale as Vecinos.  The purpose of the National Night Out is crime prevention. Community members join with local law enforcement agencies to promote police-community partnerships, crime, drug and violence prevention, safety, and neighborhood unity.

Nationally, 33 million people in more than 9,700 communities participated in the annual event in 2002.

“We’re one of the very few neighborhood associations in the state that actually belongs to National Town Watch, the sponsoring organization based in Pennsylvania that has organized National Night Out for  19 years,” said Montoya.

“Five years ago, we talked to the sheriff’s department and asked them to get active in this,” said Montoya. “They’ve participated every year since then, and attend other South Valley National Nights Out in addition to ours.”

Other neighborhood associations interested in establishing a viable National Night Out program should consider joining the National Town Watch, recommends Montoya. The national group provides a wealth of organizational tips through its newsletters. The organization can be reached by calling 800-NITE-OUT (800-648-3688) or at its website at <www.natw.org>

Vecinos planning begins in May when the Board starts putting out newsletters, invitations, and delegating tasks such as shopping, cooking, set-up, and clean-up. Donations come from local businesses not only in the form of food, but also in door prizes ranging from dinners out to free tire alignments.

The Vecinos del Bosque Neighborhood Association provides the burgers, drinks and paper goods, but relies on participants to fill out the feast with potluck donations. Money for the massive event is raised by Association volunteers who participate in fundraisers.

“National Night Out is a huge success for our neighborhood,” said Montoya. “Neighbors come out to talk with each other, enjoy good music and good food. It’s a fun and social event, not a problem that needs solving."