EAST WINDSOR: Town to host National Night Out

By Amy Batista, Special Writer
Several local police departments will be participating in National Night Out on Aug. 5 as they join thousands of other communities across the nation to heighten crime awareness and enhance community relations.
"East Windsor Township is committed to strengthening neighborhood unity and police and community partnerships to help deter crime and to enhance our local quality of life," said Mayor Janice Mironov in a press release on Tuesday. "The Township has participated in hosting National Night Out for 15 years, during which we have provided thousands of citizens with information on crime prevention and community partnerships."
The introduction of National Night Out, "America’s Night Out Against Crime", in 1984 began an effort to promote involvement in crime prevention activities, police-community partnerships, neighborhood camaraderie and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back, according to its website.
Usually held during the first week of August, National Night Out now involves more than 37.8 million people and 16,124 communities from all fifty states, U.S. Territories, Canadian cities, and military bases worldwide.
The traditional "lights on" campaign and symbolic front porch vigils turned into a celebration across America with various events and activities including, but not limited to, block parties, cookouts, parades, visits from emergency personnel, rallies and marches, exhibits, youth events, safety demonstrations and seminars, in effort to heighten awareness and enhance community relations, according to its website.
The Township event is sponsored by Mayor Mironov and members of the Township Council in conjunction with Chief of Police James Monahan and the police department and will take place on from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the East Windsor P.A.L. complex located at 30 Airport Road.
The event will feature police, fire and emergency medical services equipment and crime watch information.
There will be demonstrations by a canine trained in detecting illegal drugs, child car safety seat inspections and demonstrations by the American Red Cross.
Many local community groups and area businesses will host booths with information and giveaways supporting the National Night Out theme.
In addition, areas will be set up for issuance of identification cards for children, fire hose demonstrations and face painting.
Further activities will include a moon bounce, a rock climbing wall and refreshments will be available.
"We are pleased to be a part of this national effort which provides an opportunity to enhance positive relationships between our citizens and local government," Mayor Mironov said. "I encourage all East Windsor residents to stop by and join with us in this fun and positive evening of fellowship and activities."
Hightstown Borough Police Department Sgt. Benjamin Miller will be organizing the event this year in Hightstown.
"I am honored to be running the festivities this year on behalf of the Hightstown Borough Police Department," said Sgt. Miller on Tuesday.
It will be held at Memorial Park, adjacent to the Tavern on the Lake from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Aug. 5.
The event will feature a waterslide, a bouncy house, and some boardwalk style games for prizes.
"Again, the police department, via generous contributions, will be able to give out free hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, juice, water, cupcakes, and water ice," he said.
Mr. Softie ice cream will be featured along with local community vendors to include but not limited to a live DJ, Make-A-Wish Foundation, SPCA, RISE, Hightstown Library, Hightstown Fire Department, Hightstown First Aid Squad, Boy Scouts of America, Mercer County Sheriff’s Department, First Constitution Bank, Hightstown Animal Welfare Committee, Hightstown Parks and Recreation with paddle boats, Mercer Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, and much more.
There will be a free raffle of Keurig coffee makers, a bicycle, and more, Sgt. Miller said.
"The Hightstown Borough Police Department invites our community to partake in this special night where we come together as a community and take a stance on crime prevention and strengthen the bonds between those we protect and the police department," he said. "Also, anyone wishing to donate water or juice, the police department is always seeking and accepting such for this event."
He noted that any leftover items get donated to our local food pantry and those that partake in the summer camp program.
"I look forward to seeing our community on this night," he said.