National Night Out

WAKEFIELD AREA NEWS

By Bill Ludwig

BRONX, NEW YORK, July 31- The 29th annual National Night Out (NNO) against crime will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 7th.

The 47th precinct will be holding NNO activities from 5-8 p.m. at Grenada Place between Ely Avenue and Laconia Avenue, across the street from the 47^th precinct.

This year's theme is “Respect Your Neighbors - Think Quality of Life!” The opening ceremony will be at 6 p.m. The event is being co-sponsored by the 47^th Precinct and the 47^th Precinct Community Council. Deputy Inspector Paul DeEntremont and Community Affairs Officers David Belle and Gary Bucknell and the 47^th Precinct Community Council have planned an enjoyable afternoon and evening for children and adults.

Our elected representatives have been invited. There will be representatives at tables from New York City agencies, and other organizations who will be giving out valuable free information. Refreshments will be served.

For children's activities there will be rides and games. There will also be entertainment for the community to enjoy. The slogans this year are: Say No To Drugs, Help Unite Our Community, No All Night Parties, Talk to Your Neighbors, Love Your Block, Do Not Block Your Neighbors Driveways, No Loud Music, and A Quiet Neighborhood is a Good Neighborhood.

Bring the family out, learn about crime prevention, and have fun at the same time.

So, what exactly is NNO? It is a unique crime/drug prevention event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW). The NATW is a nationwide organization dedicated to the development, maintenance, and promotion of community-based, law enforcement- affiliated crime prevention activities.

NNO is designed to: (1) Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; (2) Generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime programs; (3) Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and (4) Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

Along with the traditional display of outdoor lights and front porch vigils, cities, towns and neighborhoods "celebrate" NNO with a variety of events and activities such as: block parties, cookouts, visits from local police, parades, flashlight walks, contests, and youth programs. An event doesn't have to be big or elaborate. It can be as simple as having a conversation in a neighbor's yard.

The important thing is to talk to your neighbors and plan to get together. NNO has proven to be an effective, inexpensive and enjoyable program to promote neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships in our fight for a safer nation. More than 37 million people are expected to participate in various anti-crime programs and activities this year.

Remember, the key to participating in NNO is: turn your outside lights on, come outside to meet your neighbors, and participate in your neighborhood's special events. This way you can be a part of the nation's largest annual crime/drug prevention event on Tuesday evening, August 7th.