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National Night Out is Aug. 4
Neighborhoods throughout Columbus are invited to join forces with thousands of communities nationwide for the 26th Annual National Night Out (NNO) crime and drug prevention event Aug. 4. NNO is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW) and is locally co-sponsored by the Columbus Division of Police.
The 2008 campaign involved citizens, law enforcement agencies, civic groups, businesses, neighborhood organizations, and local officials from over 15,000 communities. In all, over 37 million people participated in NNO 2008.
NNO is designed to promote police-community partnerships; heighten crime, drug and violence awareness; generate support for anti-crime efforts; and build neighborhood unity and send the message to criminals that neighborhoods are fighting back. The City of Columbus was named an award winner for cities with a population over 300,000 for 2008.
NATW is a nonprofit, crime prevention organization that works in cooperation with thousands of crime watch groups and law enforcement agencies throughout the country. Since 1981, NATW has been dedicated to the development, growth and maintenance of organized crime and drug prevention programs nationwide.
Westside NNO events Aug. 4 include:
•Highland West Merchants and Residents Blockwatch, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Hillcrest Baptist Church, 2480 W. Broad St. Open to the public.
Meet local police officers and high-ranking public safety officials while also enjoying free food and entertainment and attractions that include the Jarad Mahone Band, NASCAR driver Eddie Vallette and Friends, the Ohio State Highway Patrol and the U.S. Marine Corps. In addition, several community groups and local agencies will have displays. Parking is available at Hilltop Lutheran Church, 12 S. Terrace Ave.
•Ogden Blockwatch, 6-8 p.m. located on South Ogden Avenue between West Mound Street and Whitehead Road. Open to the public.
Activities include COSI Science Spot, animals from the Columbus Zoo, music and karaoke, free food, beverages, games, and activities and door prizes. Area leaders and elected officials are invited to speak about taking back the neighborhood. VFW 4044 will present the colors as the Singing Buckeyes perform the National Anthem. Those driving to the event are advised to park on either Whitehead Road or surrounding streets.
•Wayne Avenue Blockwatch will host Cruisin’ on Wayne Ave from 6-8 p.m. Open to the public.
Car registration will begin at 6 p.m. and wards will be presented at 9. The Rockin’ Rons will showcase oldies of the 50s, 60s and 70s. The event will also feature food, door prizes and live animals. The Columbus Division of Fire will provide a fire truck and a safe house.
•Great Western Blockwatch and Civic Association, 6-8 p.m. at Hoge Memorial Church, 2930 W. Broad St. Open to the public.
This event will feature an oldies party, including a classic car show, live music, free raffles, free pizza and a chain saw carving competition. Supplies are limited, so attendees are encouraged to arrive early.
•Westgate Blockwatch will hold its annual potluck dinner in conjunction with NNO at Parkview United Methodist Church at 6:30 p.m. Each attendee should bring a dish to be shared. Only those who live in the blockwatch area, West Broad to Sullivant and Westmoor to Demorest, can attend.
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