On Tuesday, residents throughout Bradford are being invited to join forces with thousands of communities nationwide for the 35th annual National Night Out (NNO) crime and drug prevention event.
National Night Out, which is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW) and co-sponsored locally by the Second Ward Neighborhood Partnership Project and City of Bradford Police Department, will involve more than 16,500 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases around the world.
From 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, residents are asked to lock their doors, turn on outside lights and spend some time outside with neighbors and police. The Second Ward NPP and Bradford police will host an event at 54 E. Corydon St.
Information will be available on Crimewatch, a new technology the City of Bradford Police Department is deploying to expand its effort to increase awareness and reduce crime.
Also, Donnia Anastasia Denig, owner of Sacred Spaces Holistic Centre, will lead an outdoor yoga session at 6:15 p.m. This session will include basics and is appropriate for all levels; just bring a mat and enjoy the informative and relaxing 20 minute session.
“Along with the traditional outside lights and front porch vigils this is a night to stand together and promote awareness and neighborhood unity,” said Lisa Keck, Elm Street manager. “It is also an opportunity to showcase the vital importance of police and community partnerships as we fight for safer neighborhoods.”
Bradford officials are in the second phase of efforts to improve the quality of life in the city’s Second Ward Neighborhood. The local Office of Economic and Community Development, the Downtown Bradford Revitalization Corp. and private investors have worked together in projects to increase safety and remove blight.
Officials have put together a project advisory committee and sought input from neighborhood residents as the improvements continue.
At Tuesday’s event, “We will be providing information to anyone interested in getting involved with our Neighborhood Revitalization efforts,” Keck noted.
In all, more than 38.5 million people are expected to participate in “America’s Night Out Against Crime.”
There are several goals for National Night Out. It’s designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime efforts; strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and send a message to criminals letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
