National Night Out is a community-building campaign that is run all over the country promoting police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. It is typically hosted on the first Tuesday of the month of August. The event was established by Matt Peskin in the western suburbs of Philadelphia, and has take place annually since 1984.
The purpose of National Night Out is to increase awareness about police programs in communities, such as drug prevention, town watch, neighborhood watch, and other anti-crime efforts. It is also an opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances. On Aug. 6, the towns of Belchertown, Palmer and Ware are encouraging folks to come out for an evening of fun and festivities. Later this year, the Monson Public Safety Night Out will also take place on Oct. 5 from 2-6 p.m. at Veterans Field and Warren’s National Night Out will be on Oct. 1 at Dean Park from 4-8 p.m.
Belchertown’s National Night Out will take place at Chestnut Hill Community School Parking Lot from 4:30-7 p.m. with a rain date on Aug. 13. There will be a K-9 demonstration, magic show, photo booth, music, vehicle tours, and many more community resources.
Patrol officer Drainé Rivera of the Belchertown Police Department said, “We are hoping to be able to get people to come out, enjoy the resources and have a positive interaction with first responders.”
Organizations such as the Belchertown Cultural Council, Eastern Hampshire District Court, Children’s Advocacy Center of Hampshire County, Belchertown Board of Health, Bikers Against Child Abuse Organization, Planet Fitness, Life Flight, Belchertown Cultural Council, and many more will be in attendance. Those with questions should contact Rivera at 413-323-6685 or drivera@belchertown.org. Donations can be mailed to 70 State St., Belchertown, MA 01007. Make checks payable to the Belchertown Police Department Gift Account NNO.
Palmer’s National Night Out will be outside the Palmer Police Department at 4417 Main St. from 6-8 p.m. Participants include the Quaboag Hills Substance Use Alliance, Palmer District Court Probation, Behavioral Health Network, local businesses, numerous nonprofits, and other agencies within the town. The Palmer Police Department will be serving hot dogs, chips and water. There will be cotton candy, donuts from Dunkin’, face painting, magician, a race car, and plenty of games.
“It’s a fun uplifting event,” said Lt. Erin Sullivan of the Palmer Police Department. “Oftentimes in law enforcement we’re thrust into peoples’ lives in the worst moments of their lives or in a crisis situation and a lot of times people will walk away with a negative felling towards the police because they have to take certain action. This will be an event to show that we’re human and hopefully see us in a different light.”
For questions on Palmer National Night Out, contact Sullivan at 413-283-8792.
The town of Ware will host its National Night Out at Granville Park on Church Street from 6-8 p.m.
“This is our fifth year,” said Town Manager Stuart Beckley. “We want this to be a fun family night and that people will come. The turnout for this event over the years has been great and I think people have appreciated being able to connect. It’s also a learning opportunity to learn about some of the programs in town or some of the activities that town departments are doing.”
Children can check out the public safety and public works vehicles, see police dogs and horses, games, and food. Plus, families can learn of service and health programs. The DPW, the Knights of Columbus, Police Department, Fire Department, library, Massachusetts State Police, Senior Center, ADA Commission, Cub Scouts, Parks Commission, local banks, local businesses, Lions Club, Holiday Flair/Fireworks Committee, Quabbin Health District, Quaboag Substance Use Alliance, and Healthy Quaboag will participate at the event.
Officer John Cacela of the Ware Police Department said, “It’s a relaxing, family friendly event. The takeaway we want the community to have is that town departments and businesses can build relationships with citizens and create safer neighborhoods.” he continued, “The best way to build a safer community is to know your neighbors and your surroundings. National Night Out triumphs over a culture that isolates us from each other and allows us to rediscover our own communities and build lasting relationships.”
For questions on the event, contact either the town manager’s office at 413-967-9648, ext, 100, or Cacela at 413-967-3571, ext. 205.
