Grab your partner
Area police join up with organizations for National Night Out
Police officers know better than anyone about the importance of building community partnerships.
That’s why are police departments are planning to once again participate in National Night Out. The event takes place all over the U.S. on Aug. 1 and has been a tradition for many towns and counties across the U.S. since the mid80s.
The event was introduced by Matt Peskin, founder and executive director of National Association of Town Watch, in 1984 and has its roots in the Philadelphia area. According to the event website, Peskin spent several years volunteering for the Lower Merion Community Watch program. During that time, he patrolled neighborhoods, assisted with dispatch and created a news-
letter that featured success stories of neighborhood organizations and the Town Watch. In an effort to generate more content for the newsletter, he began reaching out to community organizations, leading to National Night Out.
The first annual National Night Out involved 2.5 million neighbors across 400 communities in 23 states. Since then, the event has expanded to include a variety of events such as block parties, cookouts, festivals and parades, according to the website.
Below is a list of area events that are scheduled in recognition of National Night Out.
Chester County
• Phoenixville’s National Night Out will be hosted by Phoenixville Town Watch and Grace Crossing Community Church at 248 Church Street in downtown Phoenixville. Members of the Phoenixville Police & Fire Departments, Trappe Ambulance, PA National Guard, Friendship Fire Company Diving-Rescue Unit, Chester County Station 77will be in attendance along with representatives from the Chester County Sheriff’s Department. Free refreshments have been donated by WAWA, Giant, Rite Aid, TD Alfredo’s Pizzeria, Petrucci’s Ice Cream & Water Ice, Herr’s, Redners, Walgreens, BB&T Bank, Phoenixville Fed- eral Bank & Trust and The Phoenixville Police Association. The event features live music from local bands “Who Need Nigel?,” Karn Evil Four,” and “Smoke and Mirrors.” Crafts, face painting and games for kids will entertain younger attendees while local organizations will host exhibits to provide information on a variety of services. Community sponsors include Phoenixville Jaycees, Phoenixville Community Health Foundation and the Borough of Phoenixville.
Berks County
•Amity Township will be hosting its first ever National Night Out Event from 6-9 p.m. at the Amity Athletic Club Pool parking lot; the pool will be open. The entire community and neighboring communities are welcome. Local fire departments and ambulance companies have been invited to attend, in addition to the area clubs. Activities will include a meet and greet with local First Responders, a cop dunk tank, vehicles on display, free swimming in the pools, an Elvis impersonator, a clown, and a moon bounce for kids.
Montgomery County
• Members and friends of Trinity UCC, 60 N. Hanover Street will gather on Monday, July 31 from6 to 8 p.m. at the Coventry Ice Cream Parlor for an Ice Cream Social. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Capital Improvement Fund of the church. All are welcome. Trinity will host a National Night Out block party on Hanover Street from6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, August 1. Music, food, prizes and a prayer wall will be featured at the event.
•Pottstown will be celebrating National Night Out with a block party on Aug. 1. The event will feature free info, food, games, music and family fun. The event will take place between 6-8 p.m. and will be hosted by Matt Green at Glocker Real Estate, 900 Avenue E, Pottstown. Admission is free.
•Salem United Methodist Church of Pottstown, 335 West St., will be having food, drinks and desserts for National Night Out on Aug. 1 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The church will also be handing out bags with school supplies and guests will have a chance to meet the new pastors.