Pubdate: Mon, 01 Aug 2005
Source: Standard-Times (MA)
Copyright: 2005 The Standard-Times
Contact:  http://www.s-t.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/422
Author: Lauren Daley, Standard-Times correspondent

NIGHT JOINS NEIGHBORS TOGETHER TO STOP CRIME

NEW BEDFORD -- There's a party in New Bedford tomorrow, and the whole city 
is invited.

National Night Out, an annual event held to strengthen community spirit and 
raise awareness about crime, will be held at 5 p.m. at Alfred J. Gomes School.

"It's a night out against crime, where neighbors come together to celebrate 
the partnership between the police and the community partnerships," said 
Carl Alves, executive director of the New Bedford Prevention Partnership 
and an organizer of the event.

Night Out, in its ninth year in New Bedford, was designed to highlight the 
prevention of crime and drug abuse, generate support for and participation 
in anti-crime efforts, and let criminals know that neighborhoods are 
fighting back.

National Night Out will involve more than 9,600 communities from all 50 
states. More than 32 million people are expected to participate.

 From 5 to 9 p.m. tomorrow, New Bedford residents are asked to lock their 
doors, turn on their outside lights and spend time with neighbors at the 
school.

"It's a chance to say thank you to police and law enforcement and for 
families to have fun," Mr. Alves said.

The event is free. Domino's Pizza will provide food; Cool Licks will give 
away sandwiches and ice cream.

At 6:30 p.m., there will be a parade of law enforcement vehicles and 
classic automobiles. Everyone will then return to the school for food and 
ice cream, he said.

He said carnival games, including a moon-walk, will run throughout the 
evening. There also will be K-9 demonstrations.

The state police will bring a helicopter, weather permitting, and the 
National Guard will provide a rock-climbing wall, he said.

He said human service organizations will set up tables for people to sign 
up for programs.

The national event is put on locally by the New Bedford Prevention 
Partnership and Neighborhoods United.

The mayor's office, New Bedford Housing Authority, the District Attorney's 
Office and the New Bedford Police Department also are sponsors.

"It's a community event. Get to know your neighbors, have some free food 
and fun, and maybe learn something new," Mr. Alves said.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom