32nd Annual National Night Out Against Crime set for next month

32nd Annual National Night Out Against Crime set for next month
Photo courtesy of Neighborhood Initiatives Development Corporation

As an annual display of solidarity, thousands of Bronxites will join local law enforcement officials for this year’s 32nd annual National Night Out Against Crime set for Tuesday, August 4.

During that evening, the borough’s 12 precincts and two police service areas covering public housing will host family-friendly carnival festivities at varying hours while sharing important crime prevention advice.

Partnering with the 49th Precinct and the 49th Precinct Community Council, Neighborhood Development Initiatives Corp. will hold its 11th annual NNOAC at the Great Lawn of Pelham Parkway North between Wallace and Barnes avenues from 6 to 9 p.m.

The free community event will see elected officials, law enforcement agencies, fire fighters, city agencies and community-based organizations in attendance building neighborhood unity, strengthening police-community partnerships, raising awareness of police programs in communities and bringing police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.

“This year, we’re coming up on 11 years and we want to help strengthen the ties between community members and the local organizations which help them,” said Valete Graham, NIDC Development/Communications associate. “This is meant to help raise awareness of the local opportunities the majority of community members may not be completely aware of.”

Festivities will include a live musical performance from Just Nuts, a dance performance by the Albanian Entertainers, free amusement rides, free give-a ways, free refreshments and slushies as well as cotton candy and pop corn for guests to enjoy throughout the evening.

NNOAC also allows community members to speak with their elected officials, Bronx borough officers, NYPD police units, local fire fighters, U.S. Armed Forces members, the New York City FBI, representatives from United Health Care, Health First and AARP among many other organizations.

Free information on crime prevention, volunteer community patrols, the Bronx District Attorney’s office, community organizations and homeland security will be available for guests.

The 49th Precinct will be providing bicycle registration and cell phone and tablet registration services.

“We try to keep everyone entertained with great music and fun activities, but we also help provide them with important information they should know about like crime prevention and health care options,” said Hazel Muira, NDIC Housing and Community Development director and 49th Precinct Community Council treasurer.

Community-based organizations looking to attend should contact Hazel Muira at (718) 231-9800 ext. 11 by Monday, July 27 if they wish to participate.

The 45th Precinct’s NNOAC will take place at Co-op City’s main Greenway from 6 to 11 p.m. and features an outdoor screening of ‘The Amazing Spider-Man 2’.

According to Michelle Sajous, Riverbay Corp. director, the event is a collaboration between the 45th Precinct and the 45th Precinct Community Council, Assemblyman Michael Benedetto, Riverbay Corp. and Fidelis Care featuring free hot dogs and drinks, a bouncy castle, prizes, raffles and community organizations sharing their resources with guests and residents.

“It’s a wonderful event for people to meet with their local police officers and community organizations wanting to sharing their resources with others,” she said.

Community organizations wishing to participate at NNOAC should contact Sajous at (718) 320-3300 ext. 3532 prior to Friday, July 31.