Dennis Township Revives National Night Out

DENNISVILLE – At its meeting July 24, Dennis Township Committee announced that it will hold a “National Night Out” Aug. 7. 
Per its website, National Night Out (NNO) is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make neighborhoods safer and more caring places to live.
Mayor Zeth Matalucci explained, “Millions of neighbors take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories and military bases worldwide on the first Tuesday in August (Texas celebrates on the first Tuesday in October).
“Neighborhoods host block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts and various other community events with safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel, exhibits and much, much more.
“Committee members and I feel it’s a great time for our residents to meet our first responders and police officers in a nice, calm atmosphere.
“If not for NNO, most people would only encounter our emergency personnel in highly-stressful situations.
“Also, it’s a great way to spark a child’s interest in volunteering for our fire departments when they get older.”
The previous Dennis administration stopped celebrating NNO saying there was a loss of interest in the community, and they wanted to take a break from it and regroup.
“So we took the reins and brought it back last year with great success, and plan on hosting an even better event this year,” the mayor added.
Dennis’ NNO 2018 will feature fire and safety demonstrations, crime prevention exhibits, the band Goodman Fiske, 500 free soft pretzels and sodas, and a barbecue company will be selling food.
Dennis Township Committee is personally paying for water ice for up to 300 children. The event will be held at the recreation complex, 565 Dennisville Road, South Dennis Aug. 7 at 6:30 p.m. All are welcome.
To contact Camille Sailer, email csailer@cmcherald.com.