National Night Out

National Night Out, ''America’s Night Out Against Crime,'' was introduced by the National Association of Town Watch in 1984.  The National Association of Town Watch is a non-profit, crime prevention organization which works in cooperation with thousands of crime watch groups and local law enforcement agencies throughout the country.  The event has grown from 400 towns in 23 states the first year to over 15,000 communities in all 50 states with 37 million people last year in August 2010.  Questions, suggestions and offers to volunteer or contributions can be directed to VivaPottstown@hotmail.com or flyeredup8831@gmail.com.

• Activities will be at Chestnut Street Park at the corner of Washington and Chestnut streets in Pottstown.   The celebration is being coordinated by Citizens for Pottstown’s Revitalization, the MOSAIC Community Land Trust, Pottstown, Pa. and Genesis Housing. The event is open to all and will include refreshments, public safety demonstrations and a story time for kids with book reading on internet safety awareness.

• New this year for Pottstown will be a four-block walk through the streets near the Park.  The traditional display of support for NNO is for area residents to keep an outside light on during the evening and sit outside on a porch or step.  Residents are asked to come out to show solidarity against drugs and crime, and to help develop a partnership between the community and local police, fire and emergency services.  Local organizations are also invited to bring a table and any information or handouts.