National Night Out (NNO), a crime and prevention annual event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW), takes place each year on the first Tuesday in August. This year, National Night Out will take place on Aug. 1 in Charleston.
Previous National Night Out events have involved citizens, law enforcement agencies, civic groups, neighborhood organizations, neighborhood crime watch groups, and local officials from all over the city of Charleston. The events are designed to: Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; Generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime programs; Strengthen neighborhood spirit; and Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
Along with traditional displays of outdoor lights and front porch vigils, Charleston neighborhoods have participated in a variety of events over the years that have included block parties, cook outs, visits from local police, fire department and City officials, flashlight walks, contests and youth programs. Participating in National Night Out is an effective, inexpensive and enjoyable program that promotes neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships in our efforts in maintaining a safe community.
Current participants and activities scheduled for National Night Out 2017 are as follows:
n Orchard Manor: 5:30 to 8 p.m. Cookout and free haircuts provided by Trey's Barber Shop. The Emergency Services Parade will take place at 5:30 p.m. Units will line up facing north on Griffin Drive in front of the Switzer Center led by CPD motorcycles. They will be followed by fire and EMS, and other CPD units to include the Chevelle. The route will go north on Griffin Drive, east on Hutchison Street, and south on Copenhaver Drive back to the Switzer Center.
n Washington Manor: 5:30 to 8 p.m. Cookout.
n South Park Village: 6 to 8 p.m. Kids activities, music, cookout, and police.
n Carroll Terrace: 6 to 8 p.m. Cookout, guest speakers on safety, walk around the block leaving the backside of Carroll Terrace to Virginia Street, Elizabeth Street, Kanawha Boulevard, and back to the front of Carroll Terrace.
n Lee Terrace: 6 to 8 p.m. Pizza and refreshments, door prizes, guest speaker Delegate Mike Pushkin, and music by Vandalia Male Choir and the Spiritual Harmonizers.
n Lippert Terrace: 6 to 8 p.m. Cookout, police and fire.
n Jarrett Terrace: 6 to 8 p.m. Karaoke, food and games.
n Brooks Manor: 5 to 6 p.m. Safety talk.
n Agsten Manor: 6 to 7 p.m. Safety Talk for residents, vendors, refreshments for residents.
50th-57th KC Watch:
n Washington Avenue and 39th Street Watch: 6 to 8 p.m. Cookout and activities. Location: Westminster Presbyterian Church at 5502 Noyes Ave.
n Garrison Avenue Watch: 6 to 8 p.m. Corn hole and basketball, goodie bags for kids, 209 Garrison Ave.
n East Kanawha Estates: 7 to 8 p.m. Walk around the neighborhood with refreshments at the east Kanawha Estates Garden Club. Meeting at corner of Roosevelt Avenue and 67th Street.
The Charleston Police Department will be on hand at all sites throughout the evening. The events will take place between 5 and 9 p.m. at the above locations. For more information, contact Sgt. Paul Perdue at paul.perdue@charlestonwvpolice.org or call 304-348-6470, ext. 4917.