Fighting crime and having fun
By: Nick D’Amore
The people of South Brunswick gathered this week to get to know their neighbors, to learn a few things about child safety, health – and to have a little fun.
Scores of residents showed up Tuesday evening to be a part of this year’s National Night Out festivities at Woodlot Park in Kendall Park. Those on hand were treated to music and prizes from the radio station, Magic 98.3 as well as children’s activities.
About 9,000 communities participate in the National Night Out program throughout the nation. The event promotes drug and crime prevention and allows residents to be more aware of the people and happenings in their communities.
Many residents came out to acquaint themselves with other members of their community.
"I’ve been coming the past couple years," said Nicole Bensema. "It’s a nice night to see what’s new."
For others, Tuesday’s event marked their first time being a part of National Night Out.
"This is my first time here and I think it’s very good," said Diane Antinora of Kendall Park.
She was accompanied by Carol Gardella, who added, "I brought my son to give him something to do."
One resident with several reasons for attending was Naomi Jackenthal, a Kendall Park resident, who was trying to get the most of out of the night.
"I’m here getting to know community leaders and seeing what they have to offer," she said "I also have young kids and I want to know what’s available."
Ms. Jackenthal said she was concerned about such issues as poison control, bike helmet laws, and home security and safety.
National Night Out also promotes interaction and communication between police officers and the communities they serve and protect.
"It’s a good time for officers to get to know the community" and vice versa, said Lt. Ron Schmalz. "A true message is being sent to get to know your neighbor."
He said when the community gets together and has fun, "they are more apt to keep an eye out for each other."
He also thanked the "numerous volunteers, the town council and the Recreation Department," without whom "we would be unable to put this on."
Council members Frank Gambatese and Carol Barrett praised and thanked the Police Department.
"We certainly have to endorse and back the police," said Mr. Gambatese.
"We are fortunate to have such a professional police force in the community," said Ms. Barrett.
Mr. Gambatese added that the community has to support the police for them to be effective.
Bill Kolesar, a volunteer, said, the event "teaches kids that the cops are the good guys."
He also said when the community as a whole works together and volunteers, the children can see that people still do care.
"And it’s a lot of fun."
In addition to community interaction, residents also were able to get information about child safety, health and home security.
Child-seat safety was a new addition to this year’s event. And officials from the state Division of Highway and Traffic Safety were on hand to teach parents the correct way to install a child seat.
"They are designed a certain way. If not installed right, it could injure the child," said Ed O’Connor from the division.
Also available to residents was the File for Life, a health initiative started by the South Brunswick Health Department and the Municipal Alliance.
Nancy Mackay, a public health nurse, was helping residents register for the File for Life, creating personal health files for them.
Residents who sign up for the service receive a magnetized card with their medical information on it, she said. The program was started a year ago and originally was targeted at senior citizens. Residents can register for free at the Health Department.
Ms. Mackay had registered about 40 residents in the first 40 minutes of the community festival.
For those residents concerned with home safety and security, ADT Home Security representatives were available.
Bob Kent, an ADT security consultant, said, "We want to make sure that the public is aware of what they can do to protect themselves" whether they are at home or not.
Throughout the night’s events, radio station Magic 98.3 was out entertaining the masses and helping spread the word about National Night Out.
Jan Ochs, midday personality on the radio station, said South Brunswick had among the highest turnout in New Jersey last year.
"This increases community awareness about fighting crime and preventing drug abuse," she said.