Nerf Battle in the Street - Neighborhood Watch Block Party with LJPD

Description: Lt Mitch Zgoryzynski, the Liaison officer for the Neighborhood Watch Program, finds himself out gunned during the block party. Photo by Shirley Benz... View the Photo Gallery at the Bottom of This Article...


Published: 11/10/2023
Byline: SECO News

Nerf Battle in the Street - Block Party with the LJPD

Neighborhood Watch Group for the 11th and 12th streets between Topeka and Belmont Ave in La Junta held a Nerf Wars Block Party on Saturday Sept 16, 2023.  

Shirley Benz is the watch Captain and the group was started in 2017.

With special guests attending the block party from the La Junta Police department for backup, including Chief Todd Quick, Lt. Mitch Zgoryzynski, OFC Josh Beecham, OFC Josh Cobb and Reserve Officer Colby Martinez.

Lt Zgoryzynski is the Liaison officer for the Neighborhood Watch, he attends the Neighborhood Watch meetings, answers questions and gives tips for security of the neighborhood

Our thanks go to the City of La Junta Street Department for the safe closure of our street, neighbors, their kids and grandchildren gathered for a fun afternoon to play in the street. 

Per Kathi Blevins “The day was very special - full of connections, food, fun and even some important interactions between children and police. I cannot imagine all the work that went into this event.  Thank you, Shirley, for organizing and executing our party today.  I will especially hold this as one more example of the amazing people and wonderful experiences that only a small town like La Junta can offer, We have a great group of neighbors! Kudos to all who worked to bring this to fruition, especially Shirley.” 

The Nerf War was an activity for all ages. Bullets flying in all directions, running while dodging bullets, hiding behind barricades and taking your shot at others….oh the loud laughter and smiles on the faces of all. It was great! I believe the score was a zillion hits to the officers from the kids and maybe 20 hits from the officers to the kids.  We are calling the kids the winners of the Nerf War.

In addition to Nerf Wars, we had cornhole and target shooting competitions and a sidewalk challenge. 

The younger kids enjoyed bubbles, sidewalk chalk, a coloring station and the chalk sidewalk challenge. 

After getting heated up from the Nerf War, an ice cream sundae hit the spot for a cool down on this beautiful day. 

A Neighborhood Watch program brings you and your neighbors together in times of need and for the fun times as well. 

Our grandkids will take away from this event - a fun time and connection with the local law enforcement, an opposite view from what they may see on social media; memories of how fun their grandparents neighborhood was while they were growing up; the lost art of playing without an electronic device; the experience of having a block party;  and the experience of really getting to know your neighbors and just how fun they all are.   
 
For information starting your own Neighborhood Watch in La Junta, please contact the City of La Junta Police Department.
(719) 384-2525
 
 
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