National Night Out organizers promise event will get 'better and better'

Date: 7/27/2009

By Courtney Llewellyn

Reminder Assistant Editor



EAST LONGMEADOW - Looking for something for the whole family? Want to get to know your town better? The Police Department would love for you to stop by the town's fourth annual National Night Out, taking place Aug. 4 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the high school.

"It's a night out for everyone. It's a crime-free evening," Police Chief Doug Mellis explained. "This year we're putting the spin on our emergency service capabilities."

Those capabilities include the town's fire and police departments, a K9 unit and, weather and time permitting, a LifeStar helicopter. An auto extraction drill, using the "Jaws of Life," will take place to show residents what is involved in rescues that result from car accidents.

What started as an event to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness and generate support for and participation in local anti-crime efforts has become an evening for East Longmeadow residents to learn about all the various groups who work in their town. All the organizations that were present last year will be returning, and some new groups will be involved as well.

Al Grimaldi, a member of the East Longmeadow Rotary Club and an organizer of the community's National Night Out, had to put together a list of all the new visitors.

"Shaker Bowl is bringing a portable bowling alley for the kids," he said. "The Rotary Club's 'train' will give kids rides ... Colorful Creations Bead Company will be doing crafts with kids."

Grimaldi noted there are "still some more things we're working on" for the event, all of which will be free of charge. Residents who turn out for the National Night Out will enjoy free drinks, food, ice cream, games, crafts and music, which will be provided this year by local entertainer Jimmy Mazz.

"We started planning this right after the ending of last year's events," Grimaldi said. "We're always looking for new things, especially for the younger crowd."

He added that there will be something for everyone at this year's event, be it for kids, parents or grandparents.

In addition to the focus on public safety and fun for the whole family, a classic car show will take place, hosted by Tony Bordoni of Bodyworks Unlimited and Officer Stu Strohman.

The Baystate Blood Mobile will be on hand, accepting life saving donations too.

"Last year, the blood drive was so successful, we overloaded the Red Cross," Grimaldi stated. "We had people donate more than 35 pints."

"Any business, any organization in town is invited to join [the National Night Out]," Mellis said. He invited those not already involved to contact Officer Joe Barone at the police department at 525-5440 if they are interested in participating.

"It's gonna get better and better all the time," Grimaldi said. "It's a time to get everybody together, and everybody is so enthusiastic to be involved. It all adds up to one big, tremendous thing."

He joked that the only thing that could hold the evening back would be inclement weather.

"I'd like to see [the night] as big as possible," Grimaldi said. "I'd love to double last year's number of 2,000 [visitors]."

To learn more about the local event and all its patrons, visit www.eastlongmeadowweather.org, and to learn more about the National Night Out, visit www.nationalnightout.org.