The Neighborhood Watch concept will be discussed at the regular August Miller Farm Club meeting set for 6 p.m. Aug. 2 at the old Miller School off Highway E.
A watermelon feed will precede the program at 6 p.m.
Phelps County Sheriff Don Blankenship and County Commissioner Larry Stratman are making the arrangements for the program.
Neighborhood Watch groups were orginally set up to deter crime in specific areas or neighborhoods. Now, they can be much more, according to Blankenship. “Severe weather, power outages and other disasters often mean that citizens could be on their own for many, many hours. An effective neighborhood watch program could make the difference between life and death for you and your neighbors,” said Blankenship.
He added, “In a neighborhood watch area, you will get to know the people who live around you. You may want to set up calling chains to alert each other in case of disaster. This is especially helpful to those with special needs or the chronically ill.”
Phelps County Deputy Sheriff Carmelo Crivello helps set up neighborhood watch areas. He will help groups set up an initial meeting, appoint a watch captain, help determine how neighbors will contact neighbors, set up a plan for your particular neighborhood and inform the Phelps County Disaster Committee.
To be effective, a neighborhood watch group must have the trust and participation of each of its members. Knowing that any information shared with any other neighbor will be used solely for its intended purpose is essential for the success of the watch group.
For more information, contact Sheriff Blankenship at 573 426-3860, Commissioner Stratman at 573 4458-6121 or Deputy Crivello at 426-3860.

CELEBRATION: A Celebration of Mothers and Babies will be held from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, at the Rolla Middle School gymnasim and circle drive.
It will be hosted by La Leche League of Rolla in honor of World Breastfeeding Week.
There will be informational booths, craft vendors and food and beverage concessions.
The schedule of events will include:
1) 9-11 a.m., free car seat installation by Rolla Fire and Rescue;
2) 11 a.m., Stroller Derby, ($5 donation to register), and
3) 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., The Centre of Rolla presentations.
There will be a $100 gift card for the Stroller Derby winner.
There will be face painting and kid-friendly crafts.
There will be a play area for kids.
And, there will be door prizes available from more than 40 vendors.