Residents and staff at the John Kane Regional Center in Glen Hazel participated in the National Night Out celebration with a gathering and cookout in the center’s courtyard on Aug. 3.

“We played music, enjoyed grilled hot dogs and soda,” said Kathi Lindsley, Therapeutic Recreation Manager at Kane Glen Hazel. “We grilled 110 hot dogs. The staff on the 3-to-11 shift was encouraged to bring a resident and enjoy a hot dog. The weather even cooperated.”

The National Night Out is a concept created by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW), a nonprofit, crime prevention organization that works in cooperation with thousands of crime watch groups and law enforcement agencies throughout the country. National Night Out, also known as “America's Night Out Against Crime,” was introduced by the Association in 1984. The program was the brainchild of NATW Executive Director Matt A. Peskin.

In an effort to heighten awareness and strengthen participation in local anticrime efforts, Peskin felt that a high-profile, high-impact type of crime prevention event was needed nationally.

While the traditional “lights on” and front porch vigils remain a part of NNO, activities have expanded considerably over the years to include cookouts such as the one held at Glen Hazel, block parties, parades, visits from police, festivals, neighborhood walks, safety fairs, contests, rallies and meetings.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for communities nationwide to promote police-community partnerships, crime prevention, and neighborhood camaraderie,” Peskin said in a NNO statement. “While the one night is certainly not an answer to crime, drugs and violence, National Night Out does represent the kind of spirit, energy and determination that is helping to make many neighborhoods safer places throughout the year. [NNO] is a night to celebrate safety and crime prevention successes -- and to expand and strengthen programs for the next 364 days.”

The Night Out was a hit at Glen Hazel. “Residents were still talking about the event the next morning,” Lindsley said. “They said how much they enjoyed it and thanked everyone for making the Night Out possible.”

For more information, contact Kathi Lindsley, Therapeutic Recreation Manager at Kane Glen Hazel, at 412-422-6919.