Accountibilty-we all need to share it!

Apparently, the graffiti and vandalism I wrote about a while ago is spreading. I just got an email from the east side of town stating the problem is getting worse there as well. The fact of the matter is we all need to share accountability for these happenings. If you aren't being alert, if you aren't watching out not only for your own property, but your neighbor's as well, this sort of crime will keep happening.

What can you do about it? Plenty!

First, know the right phone numbers to call. 852-COPS is the new number set up by the Suffolk County Police Department for all non-emergency calls. This means your loud parties, dogs barking, garbage dumping, and the like. 911 should ONLY be used in an emergency such as domestic violence, robberies, etc. NEVER confront the perpetrator!

Second, take pride in where you live. Be it a humble studio apartment or a mansion by the bay, how your local area is maintained sends a message. People who care about how their community looks will also care about other quality of life issues, such as lighting, litter pick up, and helping their neighbor...it kind of rubs off. Don't assume that someone else is going to pick up that piece of paper or throw away that soda can...do it yourself! If we all wait for someone else to do something, nothing gets done!

Third, GET INVOLVED! Even if you live in a rental, start a community board! Plan block parties, help an elderly person who lives alone in the yard, get to know your neighbors! Here in suburbia, the only time some of us get out in front of the house is to pick up the mail and nod at the person next door while they water their daisies! If all else fails, do some volunteer work...the Patchogue Theatre and other organizations are always looking for a helping hand. You'll meet like minded people who often live right by you! It's a great way to get to know people!

OK, now for something completely different...here's an FYI for all of you who would like to celebrate Patchogue's diversity:
Monday May 20, 7:00 pm
Raise the Curtain on Unity
Patchogue Theatre Main Stage
71 East Main Street , Patchogue , New York 11772
Cost: FREE
Free Tickets at the box office starting April 6
Limit 4 tickets per person. The Unity Coalition and The Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts present a FREE multi-cultural evening to bring our community together featuring Broadway Cast members of “In the Heights”; Broadway Cast members of the new “West Side Story” ; Patchogue – Medford High School’s Step Dance Team, Jazz Chorus and Latin Dance Team; Teatro Experimental Yerbabruja in a scene from "Broken Identities"; The Jay Scott Trio, original acoustic folk/blues/rock fusion; Inti Re Mi, an Ecuadorian costumed traditional dance group; Dave Revels' "Stand Up America Good Will Tour", a children's chorus; Brentwood’s Teatro Rodante, a Latin dance group; and Luis Leal, Artistic Director of The Dondines Dancers of the Americas in a rare solo performance.

Have something that should be here? Email us at westpatnw@gmail.com.

Spring is right around the corner...

...and one of the things you can do to make your home a nicer place is to start your Spring cleanup! You see...Neighborhood Watch isn't just about crime and statistics, but about making our town a better place to live. When you walk around your neighborhood and see the flowers starting to bloom, everything looking fresh and tidy--it instills a sense of pride. A sense that this town is still, despite the economic crisis, on the upswing. With a vibrant arts scene and a burgeoning restaurant row, Patchogue is THE place to be.

So, you've taken the first step and decided to tackle the garage (den, attic, what have you...), the next decision should be how to get rid of the items that you don't want or need, while still doing something good for the environment and the local area. Freecycle is an online swap meet that keeps items in good condition out of landfills and puts them into the hands of people that need them.

Maybe you have the urge to get dirty and work in the garden. The Patchogue Garden Club has monthly meetings and events where you can do everything from getting gardening tips to buying plants. If you'd really like to get in depth, Cornell Cooperative Extension will be providing day long gardening seminars that will include a box lunch and raffles.

It takes all of us pulling together to make this a town we are proud to call home! Call your neighbors, call your friends. Make it a group effort, and have some fun. Grab some growlers from the Brick House or Blue Point to kick back with when you are done, and make a hometown day of it!