Celebrating National Night Out

[The Star Ledger]

Celebrating National Night Out
by The Star-Ledger Continuous News Desk
Tuesday August 05, 2008, 6:00 AM
Today is National Night Out Against Crime. Several towns in the state are celebrating with community gatherings and other events.

The national program, now in its 25th year, is designed to heighten crime- and drug-prevention awareness, generate support for local anti-crime efforts and strengthen ties between the police and the community. Residents are asked to keep their exterior lights on during the events.

Listed below are some events being held to today:

.......

Plainsboro

Residents are asked to lock their doors and spend the evening in the park where there will be rides for kids as well as basketball, volleyball, classic show cars, personal safety information and give-aways. The Plainsboro Rescue Squad, Volunteer Fire Company and Community Response Team will have displays and demonstrations. Events will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at Morris Davison Park on Plainsboro Road. Call (609) 799-2333, ext. 619.

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2008/08/towns_across_nj_to_celebrate_n.html

[Guest]

Encouraging a sense of community at National Night Out events
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
TIMES STAFF
Just as their counterparts across the United States will do, residents and police officers throughout Mercer County will join forces tonight to take part in the 25th annual National Night Out.

The event, designed to foster cooperation between police and citizens and build crime and drug prevention awareness, will be celebrated with block parties and cookouts in most Mercer County municipalities.

In Trenton alone, dozens of neighborhood celebrations are planned, such as the cookout be ginning at 7 p.m. at the plaza on Market Street. The event, spon sored in part by the Old Mill Hill Society, will feature question-and- answer sessions with city police officials and firefighters, face-painting for children and "stimulating conversation" for adults.

"An active civic organization has been critical to the success of Mill Hill," said Phil DeRose, the group's president. "Having neighbors that participate in activities like nightly walks and corresponding through a neighborhood e- group helps keep everyone connected about local events and po tential safety concerns. Our sense of community helps make Mill Hill a great place to live and raise a family."

The Trenton Democratic Club has announced plans to canvass the city's neighborhoods tonight to conduct a voter registration drive and to encourage voter participation on Election Day, Nov. 4.

To kick off this year's celebration, Trenton officials held a rally last night at City Hall.

"Last year there were nearly 35 National Night Out gatherings around the city," Police Director Joseph Santiago said. "Everyone had a good time with their neighbors while sending a powerful message that Trenton residents won't tolerate crime and lawlessness. I encourage every civic association and neighborhood group to join in on the fun and, at the same time, make their neighborhoods safer."

In Hamilton, Mayor John Benci vengo will read a proclamation recognizing National Night Out in front of police headquarters at 5 p.m., then open the building to tours by the public. Hamilton is hoping residents will bond with their neighbors by turning on their outside lights, locking their doors and heading out to socialize from 8 to 10 p.m.

In Princeton Township, the Community Park Pool will be open for free between 5 and 8 p.m., and a "dunk tank," giant slide and castle bounce will be provided.

Lawrence officials will celebrate National Night Out with a cookout from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Eggerts Crossing Village on Johnson Ave nue, while Ewing Township holds its own National Night Out celebration at its municipal building on Jake Garzio Drive from 6 to 8 p.m.

Robbinsville officials will provide everything from free hot dogs to a petting zoo during their festivities from 6 to 9 p.m. at police headquarters on Route 130, while in East Windsor a bicycle rodeo, a rock wall climb, and displays of police, firefighting and emergency medical equipment will be available from 6 to 9 p.m. at that town's police station on One Mile Road.

http://www.nj.com/news/times/regional/index.ssf?/base/news-14/121790916166590.xml&coll=5

[Guest]

Is Cranbury doing anything for the National Night Out?