THE JOURNAL & TOPICS NEWSPAPERS | WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 2007
Lessons, Entertainment All Part Of 'Night Out'
The Niles community will be educated and entertained to help stay safe and connected during "National Night Out Against Crime," busting out 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 7.
The event, part of a national event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch, is expected to draw over a thousand to the parking lot of Culver Elementary School near Oakton Street and Waukegan Road.
"It's an important event for the entire Village," said Sgt. Robert Tornabene. "It's a way to shine a light on crime and to teach people basic safety."
The event is being touted as a way to both heighten public awareness of crime, drug, and violence in the community, and strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships. Police hope it will strengthen support for local anti-crime programs, as well as send a message to criminals.
Children are one focus of the event, as police will give detailed, hands-on demonstrations intended to help children handle 911 phone calls, deal with strangers, and exercise bicycle safety. Seniors will learn what they can do to protect themselves from being taken advantage of by scam artists and criminals. Police will give a K-9 assisted crime prevention demonstration, and help residents operate and maintain solid door locks.
On the lighter side, the evening will include classic rock band Undercover, featuring Village Attorney Joe Annunzio on keyboard, saxophone, guitar, and harmonica.
"It's going to be fun, be there," said Annunzio. "We're going to do whatever we can to make it as successful a night as possible."
While attendees listen to Annunzio jam out, they can munch on refreshments or participate in children's games, face painting, and raffles.
The event is sponsored by the Village of Niles, Target Stores' community giveback program, Niles School Dist. 71, and donations from Niles businesses. Tornabene said although some municipalities may spend more on similar programs, he is confidant the Village will get the most cost-effective community return with a budget between three and six thousand dollars.
The mayor, village trustees, and other government officials will all make appearances that Tuesday. Attorney General Lisa Madigan and Springfield State Representatives Elaine Nekritz have also been known to drop by in years past.
The Village of Niles has participated in the 35 million strong event for the past six years, with former Chief of Police Joe Chan's support. The night has been held previously at Grennan Hts. Park, Golf Mill Park, and Notre Dame High School.
Although less residents came out in 2006 due to extreme temperatures, Tornabene said if weather cooperates, this could be the biggest National Night Out yet.