HIGHTSTOWN: Over 800 attend borough’s National Night Out

By Christina Whittington, Special Writer
   A new location was no deterrent to the success of Hightstown’s participation in the annual National Night Out on Tuesday.
   ”I have been coming to National Night Out for the past couple of years and I think this year’s is by far the best. My daughter is having a blast.” said Hightstown resident Amy Russell.
   The event was moved from an area between Borough Hall and the firehouse, where it had been from 2007 to 2011, to the Main Street parking lot.
   According to Patrolman David Chenoweth, who has spearheaded the event since its inception in 2007, “(the Main Street lot) provided additional space and as a result of the flood (from Hurricane Irene) the Borough Hall was closed. We felt that this backdrop would provide more opportunity for community involvement with the use of the Tavern on the Lake and Peddie Lake.”
   Patrolman Chenoweth estimated that this year’s turnout for the event was the highest ever, with around 800 people attending.
   The annual event, sponsored nationally by National Association of Town Watch, is intended to increase awareness of crime and drug prevention programs and serve as a message that communities are working with police to fight back against crime.
   Hightstown and East Windsor are among 15,000 communities across the country to take part, according to the NATW website.
   ”This is wonderful. It’s the police meeting the town,” said Borough Council President Larry Quattrone, who attended with his wife, Judy.
   In both East Windsor and Hightstown, residents, local police departments and law enforcement agencies, local businesses, neighborhood organizations and local officials came together for a night out against crime.
   This was the sixth consecutive year that the Hightstown Police Department has participated in the National Night Out event, which had something for everyone.
   Children jumped in an inflatable Bounce House, slid on a water slide or played a number of carnival games. A DJ played music for all age groups, and there was plenty of food available.
   The Hightstown Police Department grilled 300 hamburgers and 300 hot dogs which were free to anyone who attended the event.
   Manninos Pizzeria, Anthony’s Chicken & Ribs and Mercer Street Charcoal Grill Deli were also on hand offering some of their food specialties for purchase with all selections under $5.
   Law enforcement and first responders were there to give the public a glimpse at the work they do for the community.
   The Hightstown Fire Department and First Aid Squad had its vehicles on display, allowing people a view inside of the rescue vehicles.
   The Mercer County Sheriff’s Department was represented, offering safety literature people could take home.
   Community organizations such as RISE and the Animal Welfare Committee also had tables with information.
   For many who came out to the event, it has become an annual tradition.
   ”This has become part of our normal routine,” said Hightstown resident Jim Hall. “We come here every year and the kids love it.”
   ””Many borough officials attended National Night Out as well.
   ”This is a really nice event that is nicely attended by the community. There are lots of kids. Really that’s what the event is about.” said Hightstown Mayor Steven Kirson.
   Members of the Hightstown Police Department were also happy with the community turnout.
   ”This event helps the community come out and meet the police.” said Officer Frank Jimenez.
   ”We are looking forward to many more years of participating in National Night Out.” said Officer and PBA Local 283 President Janine Krupa.
   ”I like being able to interact with members of the public best. It became a tradition and I enjoy trying to better the event and making it more successful than the last. It’s a good challenge for myself, the department and the community to build upon what was started years ago.” said Officer Chenoweth.
   Officer Chenoweth will be retiring from the Hightstown Police Department at the end of the year.
   ”I have every intention of remaining active with the PBA and the borough. Although I don’t plan on spearheading the event I will continue to support this event.”