Police, residents take part in National Night Out
By Amy Batista, Special Writer
Communities across the nation celebrated National Night Out on Tuesday and East Windsor was one of the thousands to join in that celebration uniting with others, a chance for the community to hang out with its police department and get to see officers in a different perspective at least once a year.
The 14th annual National Night Out was sponsored by Mayor Janice Mironov and council members in conjunction with Police Chief James Monahan and the Police Department Tuesday night at the East Windsor PAL complex on Airport Road.
Mayor Mironov presented a proclamation in honor of National Night out before addressing the crowd.
Chief Monahan welcomed everyone to the National Night Out.
”It seems each year it grows more and more and this year is no exception,” he said.
”Tonight is a great opportunity to come together as a community to have a great night out, to celebrate East Windsor, to join with our police officers and with our council to show that we are united together and ensuring that we are a safe community, that we are vigilant as citizens and that we enjoy the quality of life and the wonderful environment here and facilities and in East Windsor Township,” Mayor Mironov said.
”I congratulate and thank all of you for coming out and for helping make this the greatest community in the state of New Jersey second to none,” she said.
Mayor Mironov selected the winners of the second phase of the Use Your Head, a bicycle helmet giveaway program.
Residents participated in demonstrations put on by the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department, including a dog trained in detecting illegal drugs, as well as child car safety seat inspections, and a presentation by the American Red Cross.
Residents were also able to get identification cards for their children.
Local fire companies and first aid companies were there to provide fire safety demonstrations and give tours of their ambulances.
Additional activities included a moon bounce and rock climbing wall. Music was provided by local bands.
Local community groups and area businesses hosted booths with information and giveaways supporting the Nation Night Out theme.
”It’s great for the kids,” said Karin Walsh of East Windsor and noted her husband had a booth set up this year at the event.
”Squirting the house,” said son Jack Walsh, 4, of East Windsor while he was enjoying trying to knock down the pretend flames in the house that was set up by the East Windsor Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 which was his favorite thing.
Council member Peter Yeager was enjoying the evening with his family.
”Nice turnout,” he said, noting it seemed to be a large crowd this year. “Good weather.”
Joel Simon, 9, of East Windsor was enjoying racing the sailboats at the Hightstown Cub Scout Pack 53 station but his favorite thing was trying the out lacrosse.
”I think it’s great that there are so many organizations out,” said his mom, Hope Simon of East Windsor.
Victor Hom was one of the vendors there for the evening.
”I think it’s great that everyone is supporting this event,” said Mr. Hom of East Windsor, the owner of NJ Dance Fitness. “It’s nice to see a lot of local vendors and nice to be part of the community.”
Chris Woods of East Windsor was enjoying the evening out with her husband.
”It’s really fantastic,” she said. “There seems to be more people here than last year.”
”It’s a wonderful way to bring the community together,” said Anne Soden of East Windsor. “There is something here for everyone.”