Find Xylstra, a Walker-based electrical contractor, will host a free National Night Out block party on Aug. 5 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. in the company’s front lot across from Meyer on Alpine to promote community interactions with the Walker Police Department and fire department.

The event is part of National Night Out, observed the first Tuesday in August to encourage positive relationships between police and communities. Evie Sondheim, a representative of Find Xylstra, said the company began sponsoring the block party more than a decade ago after moving into a neighborhood property at the former Fairview Elementary School and wanting to “be a great partner to the existing community.”

"We're the blue vans and trucks. You can also call us FZ," Sondheim said, describing the company as a national electrical contractor headquartered in Walker with branches in Traverse City, Kalamazoo and locations farther south. She said the block party now draws local officials, public safety staff, businesses and neighbors.

Officer Tyler Glass of the Walker Police Department said National Night Out offers a chance for residents to see officers outside of emergency calls and to ask questions in a more casual setting. "It's a very rare career field, where that happens," Glass said of how national events can affect local police–community relations. "This is just such a great way to help benefit and foster community, police, fire relationships with everybody."

Organizers say the free event will include stage entertainment, bicycle giveaways, prizes, police and fire activities, balloon artists, hot dogs, ice cream and bounce houses. Sondheim encouraged residents of all ages to attend.

During the segment, Officer Glass offered several neighborhood-safety tips he said residents can use year-round: keep homes well lit, use simple security cameras that alert phones, conduct evening walks with neighbors to check for open garage doors, lock vehicles and avoid leaving valuables inside cars. He also advised that firearms not be stored in vehicles and suggested residents use neighborhood social media pages to share safety reminders quickly.

Glass said the Walker Police Department will meet with organized neighborhood groups on request. "If you do have one established and it's well organized and you do have questions, want an officer to come out and speak with your neighborhood watch group, we're more than willing to come out," he said.

Find Xylstra and the Walker Police Department framed the event as part celebration and part outreach, aiming to make it easier for residents to interact with public-safety staff and to build ongoing trust through informal contact. The company and city partners thanked attendees and encouraged neighbors to use basic safety practices between events.