Neighbors come together and stand united against crime.
Tuesday August 7th marks the 24th annual National Night Out, and citizens throughout Cincinnati will join the Police Department in events designed to highlight community spirit and police-community partnerships, with emphasis on crime prevention and awareness, safety, health and fun.
National Night out is sponsored by The National Association of Town Watch, which includes over 6,000 crime, drug and violence prevention organizations. According to Matt Peskin, Executive Director of The National Association of Town Watch, “This is a night for neighborhoods nationwide to come out and stand united against crime. National Night Out offers an extraordinary opportunity for citizens, community groups, law enforcement and local officials to get out, meet, greet, and discuss local safety issues.” More than 34 million people in 11,000 communities are expected to participate in this national event to demonstrate their commitment to safe neighborhoods. National Night Out is observed in all 50 states, in Canadian cities and on military bases worldwide.
DISTRICT ONE:
District One businesses will host two National Night Out events: Mt. Adams Civic Association will sponsor a community social in The Monastery parking lot, located at 1055 St. Paul Place. Food and beverages will be donated by local restaurants and businesses, and musical entertainment will be provided from 1800 - 2100 hours.
The Over-The-Rhine Chamber of Commerce will be sponsoring a community social at East Twelfth Street, between main and Sycamore Streets. Food and drinks will be provided from 1800 - 2100 hours.
DISTRICT TWO:
District two will observe National Night Out by hosting a single community event at Linwood's Otto Armleder Park, located at 5057 Wooster Pike, from 1800 - 2100 hours. Several specialized units and demonstrations are anticipated by Cincinnati Police personnel, including bike patrol, Motorcycle Unit, Mounted Patrol, Canine Unit, Recruiting, Underwater Search and Recovery and tours of the Mobile Command, Crime Scene and SWAT vans.
DISTRICT THREE:
District Three will host two community events. As part of the Safe City Western Corridor Project, District Three will be hosting a carnival-type event in the parking lot at 960 Enright Avenue, from 1730 - 2030 hours. On-site news coverage has been requested, in support of the Price Hill Focus and Safe City Corridor efforts. Demonstrations from several specialized units are anticipated, including Motorcycle, Mounted, Canine, Underwater Search and Recovery, and Criminalistics.
A picnic-style event is scheduled at the Westwood Towne Hall, located at 3017 Harrison Avenue, from 1700 - 2000 hours. On-site news coverage has been requested, and outside police departments (Cheviot, Delhi and Hamilton County Sheriff's Office) have been invited to participate by community co-sponsors.
DISTRICT FOUR:
Four communities will be hosting National Night Out events in District Four.
Avondale festivities traditionally held at the Pride Center will be held this year from 1700 - 2000 hours at Fleishmann's Garden, located in the 600 block of Forest Avenue. A hamburger and hot dog grill-out will be provided, with ice cream for dessert. Safety awareness and community involvement will be the focus amid musical entertainment and Cincinnati Police Department demonstrations.
North Avondale is collaborating with The Vineyard Church to promote a community event at the Martin Luther King Park, located at the corner of Reading Road and Burton Avenue. Light refreshments will be served from 1800 - 2000 hours, and entertainment will include a locally-made movie clip entitled, "Stop the Violence". This short movie presentation will specifically address the interests of local youth between the ages of 9 and 16 years.
Paddock Hills is maintaining their annual tradition of hosting an Old Fashioned Block Party from 1800 - 2000 hours. Streets from Paddock Hills Lane and Avon Drive will be blocked off to Paddock Hills Avenue, and residents will be treated to grilled hamburgers and hotdogs, ice cream, baked goodies and homemade lemonade.
Carthage will participate in National Night Out events for the first time in several years by holding an ice cream social from 1800 - 2000 hours. This event will take place at the Carthage Recreation Center, located at 19 East 72nd Street.
DISTRICT FIVE:
District Five has a community cook-out scheduled from 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm at the College Hill Presbyterian Church, located at 5742 Hamilton Avenue. Entertainment will feature the "Most Wanted" band.
