"We already have folks making their plans," said Billy Soule, the mayor’s assistant for community relations.

The City of Akron is encouraging residents to register for the May 23, 2009 event by calling the 3-1-1 Call Center or by going on the Neighbors Day website: www.neighborsdayakron.org.

Brochures are available at all City of Akron Community centers, Acme Fresh Market Stores in Akron, the new Metro Transit Station on South Broadway and on Metro buses. Residents can also pick them up at Akron-Summit County Public Library branches.

"Some folks have already seen the special Neighbors Day informational cards we have been distributed throughout the community at barber shops, beauty salons and at selected small businesses," Soule said.

Soule says the City is "ramping up" to Neighbors Day a bit earlier than usual this year to accommodate what they expect to be more registrants. The kit residents receive when they register, is designed to help them get started and will provide them with useful tips on how to make Neighbors Day Akron event both successful and safe.

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Neighbors Day Akron is a simple concept. Know your neighbors, and safer neighborhoods will follow. Akron residents are being asked to take a few hours on Saturday, May 23 to be a part of Neighbors Day Akron with the theme of "Living Together Better." Participation can be as easy as meeting a neighbor on the patio or porch for coffee or it can be something several neighbors take more time planning. 

Mayor Don Plusquellic said that connections among neighbors make for a better environment for children. "It’s no surprise that kids who are more connected to their neighbors and their community, feel safer and are more likely to do better in school and be active in extracurricular activities," said Plusquellic, who added that Neighbors Day is helping Akron create a safer, more closely knit community, and a healthier environment for children to live and learn.