Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
| By Lori O' Brien Correspondent It's a "night out" for a good cause. Two local communities are among thousands across the country that will participate in National Night Out (NNO), slated Aug. 1 and sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch. NNO is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime programs, and strengthen neighborhood spirit and police and community partnerships. NNO also sends a strong message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. This year marks the Holyoke Police Department's fifth annual NNO. Events planned from 5 to 7 p.m. at Crosier Field include child fingerprinting and information booths on local police, fire and medical teams. In addition, participants can receive free handouts of gun locks, T-shirts and other items. There will also be free raffles for many prizes including Red Sox tickets. Hot dogs, hamburgers and ice cream will be provided. Lt. Gov. Kerry Healey is expected to attend, and the Massachusetts State Police will have a helicopter and bomb disposal robot on display. Crosier Field is located at the corner of Beech and Northampton streets. For more information on Holyoke's NNO, contact the police department weekdays. In Springfield, the Indian Orchard Community Police Task Force, the Indian Orchard Citizens Council and the Indian Orchard Main Street Partnership will host its sixth annual NNO from 6 to 9 p.m. NNO events will be conducted at Myrtle Street Park at 117 Main St. State Rep. Gale Candaras is sponsoring the oldies group, Route 66, who will entertain audiences throughout the evening. Entertainment will also include Big Bob who has volunteered his emcee time and will host a karaoke segment. The Moose Lodge of Chicopee has volunteered their time as well and will donate hamburgers and hot dogs for all in attendance. Games for all ages will include wiffle ball, musical chairs, and a dance contest. The Molly Bish Foundation will also be on hand to provide identification kits consisting of fingerprinting and pictures. For more information on Indian Orchard's events, contact Sue Craven at (413) 543-3172. *** For the second year, the Avalon Crime Watch is taking part in National Night Out in cooperation with the Springfield Police Department. This event is designed to strengthen the neighborhood through police-community partnerships. The goal is to heighten awareness of crime and drug prevention, build support in local anti-crime programs and, most importantly, send a message to criminals that the neighborhood is organized in fighting back. It's also the perfect opportunity to know your neighbors even better. This year, the event will take place Aug. 1 on Grand Street, between Wareham and Ozark Streets, from 6-9 p.m. The Anti-crime Walk will start promptly at 6 p.m. in front of the Wesleyan Church at 98 White St. The route will be: White, Orange, Malden, Allen, and back to the church. The block party will include free hot dogs, ice cream, soda and water; free helium balloons; literature on community issues; free books for children; children's games; fire department engine around 7 p.m. and city and state officials have been invited. This event is sponsored by the Avalon Crime Watch and the Springfield Community Police. |