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Neighborhoods ready to unite during local 'Night Out' events
Police and fire department demonstrations, flashlight walks and neighborhood safety tips will highlight next week's annual National Night Out, which includes activities at six locations in Cheektowaga, Depew and Sloan.
Activities will take place at four locations in Cheektowaga: Town Park from 5-7:45 p.m.; Cedargrove Park from 4-9 p.m.; Garden Village Apartments from 5-9 p.m. and the Doyle-2 Fire Hall from 5-9 p.m
In addition, the Town Park Homeowners Association will have a neighborhood watch information table set up at the Pine Hill Fire Hall.
Officials in the Villages of Depew and Sloan are expecting strong turnouts as well. Griffith Park is the location for activities in Sloan. Events there begin at 4 p.m. Depew Night Out runs from 5-9 p.m. in Firemen's Park.
While National Night Out continues to be a popular event in Cheektowaga, the number of locations has decreased in recent years. Most notably, Dartwood Park will not host activities next week.
The location was known to attract crowds with its entertainment, children's activities and fund-raisers. However, local organizer June Bosworth found that the task was becoming too much for one person to do, and when she couldn't recruit assistance in the neighborhood, she bowed out.
"Unfortunately, that was a big component of our activities," said Lieutenant Mark Petruniak of the Cheektowaga Police Department's Crime Resistance Unit. "She used to really bring the numbers in. There were a lot of things for people to enjoy."
Petruniak noted that south Cheektowaga is still represented by activities at Garden Village and Doyle-2.
A reduction in the number of locations is expected to help with scheduling because popular attractions often stay beyond their time slots, which puts other locations behind schedule.
Petruniak said that the police department's K-9 and SWAT unit demonstrations, plus the Erie County Sheriff's Mounted Division are popular attractions.
The three groups will appear at all Cheektowaga and Sloan locations, with two exceptions. The K-9 unit will not appear at Garden Village, and the Doyle location will not host the SWAT team.
National Night Out is touted as "America's night out against crime." The annual event is marked by observances and celebrations throughout the United States, Canada and on military bases.
Typical activities include block parties, cookouts, parades, visits from police departments, contests and rallies.
"It provides us a chance to bond with the citizens," Petruniak added. He reminded residents to report any suspicious activity and let the police determine its significance. "We like to stay busy and active."
One of the most popular activities is neighborhood flashlight walks, hosted by local block clubs and neighborhood watch groups. There are 13 planned walks in Cheektowaga this year, with the police and local fire departments escorting walkers. A list of locations can be found on page 9.
"The flashlight walks are a symbolic gesture on the part of law enforcement and the community at large," said Petruniak. "We're partners in the fight against crime. It also shows neighbors that you care and you're looking out for one another."
Residents who do not participate in the walks are encouraged to turn their porch lights on during the walks in a show of solidarity.
Events at the annual Depew Night Out in Firemen's Park include face painting offered by the recreation department from 5-8:30 p.m., a performance by the Depew Alumni Band at 7:30 p.m. and acoustic music by Sean Brown.
The village once again will distribute Sahlen's hot dogs and soda from 5:30- 7:30 p.m.
From 5-7 p.m., children may participate in three sports activities: a soccer challenge, 50-yard dash and a softball home run derby.
Swimming fees at the village pool will be waived between 4-7 p.m. A water rescue demonstration, performed by the Depew Fire Department, will take place in the pool at 7 p.m.
According to the Crime Prevention Association of Western New York, the local National Night Out theme this year is "Vulnerable Populations," with an emphasis on crime prevention for the elderly and youth.
The association will hold its kickoff celebration in the Town Park Cultural Center on Monday, beginning at 4 p.m. The celebration is open to the public.
Expected to speak prior to the celebration are representatives from the FBI, the Center for Missing and Exploited Children, New York State Police, Erie County Sheriff's Department, Buffalo Police Department, Erie County Senior Services and the Buffalo and Erie County Board of Block Clubs.
Chief of Police Christine M. Ziemba and Town Clerk Mary Holtz will also speak.
A "Celebration of Peace" immediately follows.
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