National Night Out is an event designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness while strengthening neighborhoods and fostering police-community partnerships.
Neighborhoods all over Roanoke City hosted events Tuesday night by turning on their porch lights and dishing out full-blown all-you-can-eat buffets. Gruff the crime dog made his rounds followed by police and Fire/EMS crews who enjoyed a short-lived break while talking with the people they serve.
It’s all about fighting crime and sending a message to criminals that the neighborhoods are fighting back. Criminals were in hiding Tuesday night. Camaraderie between the police and citizens took over the streets.
This year the Countryside Neighborhood Alliance fought back by having their watermelon feast at the entrance of the now closed golf course. The dead end has been host to unsavory activity since the course closed and overgrown weeds created a hiding place for uninvited guests.
The solution is coming per Acting Police Chief Chris Perkins and Zone 4 Lt. Mac Babb. Perkins and Babb solved the problem of blocking the fire hydrant located at the dead end. A gate will be erected and fire stations will have the key.
Council member Sherman Lea visited the Countryside Drive dead end and took a few arrows about the closing of the golf course. “It’s what is best for the city,” said Lea. He said a 9-hole golf course with high-end housing is the ticket to a skeptical electorate.
The barricades provided by the city kept vehicles from interrupting the chatter as neighbors were still communing well after the 8:00 p.m. last call for watermelon.
Other communities hosting events were: Fleming Court with their “inter”-National Night Out potluck, a fish fry hosted at Fairland Civic Organization, more food at Grandview Neighborhood Watch, Dorchester Court, Southeast Action Forum, and Oak Grove Farms Neighborhood Watch.
Watermelon feasts were held as well at Old Southwest and Riverland-Walnut Hills. Cookouts were hosted by the Melrose Rugby Neighborhood Forum, the Loudon Melrose Neighborhood Forum and Airlee Court Neighborhood Watch Association.
By Valerie Garner [email protected]