Town Watch leaders and community volunteers will present National Night Out gatherings in all four local police districts on Aug. 1.
Tuesday, Aug. 1, is shaping up to be a night of celebration throughout the Northeast, as Town Watch leaders and other community volunteers will present National Night Out gatherings in all four local police districts.
The National Association of Town Watch organized the first NNO in 1984 and has promoted it every year since in cities and towns across the United States. The event is meant as a community building campaign promoting partnerships between police and the general public, as well as camaraderie among neighborhood stakeholders with the common goal of public safety. It’s also an effort to bring police and the community together under positive circumstances.
In Northeast Philly, each of the four local police districts are collaborating with residents to host special events.
The 2nd and 7th districts will partner with presenting sponsor, state Rep. Kevin Boyle in what has become one of the city’s largest NNO events at Fox Chase Elementary School, 500 Rhawn St. It kicks off at 6:30 p.m. In past years, between 1,000 and 2,000 people have gathered in the schoolyard for professional displays and demonstrations by police and firefighters. There’s also an information fair with dozens of tables staffed by representatives of local businesses, public agencies and political offices. Many presenters will offer snacks and refreshments, as well as information about their goods and services. A DJ will keep the festive music playing.
For folks who want to make NNO a week-long affair, the 2nd district and the citywide Town Watch Integrated Services will host a kickoff rally on Monday, July 31, at Target, 7400 Bustleton Ave., at 6:30 p.m. In the 7th district, there will be an open house at the public safety building at Bustleton Avenue and Bowler Street on Saturday, Aug. 5, at noon. The property is home to a police and fire station. Visitors will get to see police cars and fire trucks, as well as the horses from the Mounted Unit. There will be tours of the building.
On the east side of Roosevelt Boulevard, another NNO event will be held at the 8th Police District station at Red Lion and Academy roads on Aug. 1 from 6 to 9 p.m. Elected officials, businesses and public agencies will be on hand to hand out information, snacks and refreshments. There will be a DJ, kids games and other family activities, including the showing of a children’s movie on the lawn. Film viewers are encouraged to bring their own chairs or blankets for sitting on the ground. Visitors are also encouraged to bring canned foods that will be donated to Aid for Friends, a local charity serving elderly shut-ins.
The 15th Police District will also host a district-wide gathering on Aug. 1 at Lincoln High School at 6 p.m. Like the other NNO activities, there will be a DJ, various businesses and public agencies and elected officials. Visitors will get free snacks and refreshments.
Folks in the southern portion of the district will also have the option of attending a more local, smaller-scale event organized by the Frankford Community Development Corporation at 4600 Paul St. There will be a block party with vendors and awards given to community leaders. ••
William Kenny can be reached at 215–354–3031 or wkenny@bsmphilly.com. Follow the Times on Twitter @NETimesOfficial.
