Northwood News ♦ October 2006

2006 Neighborhood Night Out Can Take the Heat

By Jim Zepp

On Tuesday, August 1st, NFCCA joined with communities across the country in celebrating the 23rd National Night Out (NNO).  This event was started as a way to reduce crime by building citizen/police relationships by providing an opportunity for residents to meet each other as well as some of our local police officers.

The hot weather, unfortunately, affected this year’s turnout which was about 40 to 50 adults and children.  For those who did come, the Rec Center’s air conditioning was greatly appreciated.

County Police Chief J. Thomas Manger and Cmdr. Mitch Cunningham, Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) Third District, spent time talking with attendees.  Joy Patil, the MCPD Third District Crime Prevention Officer, arranged the visit by the police motorcade.  Because of the heat, McGruff the Crime Dog did not make this year’s event.  But the Montgomery Department of Public Works and Transportation distributed materials on trash collection and recycling.

Carol Petzold and Mike Lennett, who were both campaigning for the Maryland State Senate for our legislative district, discussed state issues with residents.  A reporter and photographer from the Montgomery County Gazette also stopped by to include our neighborhood in their article about the NNO celebrations.

We would like to thank Liz Sequeira and her son, Philip, for supervising the children’s activities for the fourth year in a row.  The ever-popular water balloons were especially appreciated this year.  Marion and Jerry Lane contributed the ice for drinks and other residents helped with setting up and removing the trash afterwards.   ■