Eleventh Anniversary of National Night Out in Roslindale

by Cathy Slade

This year's National Night Out celebration in Adams Park was a huge success as 300 people stopped by on August 7 to enjoy the entertainment, learn more about the neighborhood, and applaud the recipients of community service awards. National Night Out is just what the title says, a night-time activity throughout the country where people gather outdoors. Having its roots as a memorial to a young woman who could have lived if bystanders had only called police when they heard her screams, the night serves as a reminder of how individuals can help police fight crime. The victim of the tragic event, Kitty Genovese, became a symbol for community activism in fighting crime. Passing from a memorial to a celebration, the purpose of National Night Out is to celebrate the successful partnership of the community and law enforcement in reducing fear and crime in neighborhoods and to encourage residents to become active in crime-watch activities.

In years past, the Mayor and his cavalcade of top law enforcement officials traveled to every neighborhood in the city. This year, the administration wanted to try something new. A city-wide event was held at Franklin Park, with an awards ceremony for the winners of the city's Top Ten Crime Watch Groups and for all residents, a free admission to the zoo. The Police Department encouraged that any neighborhood events be held within two weeks of National Night Out. Other communities opted out of the neighborhood events, but Healthy Roslindale decided to maintain the tradition of celebrating on the actual date of National Night Out. Using attendance as an indicator, it was definitely the right choice.

The entertainment was a big hit. There was the singing of the National Anthem by a female vocalist from Riverside Theatre Works, and two songs by a male soloist. Roslindale's Center for Asian Martial Arts' adult students gave a demonstration of various forms of these arts, including one with a sword. Young people from Tanya's Dance Studio and the Hyde Park Dance Academy displayed their dancing ability in colorful costumes. They rocked! Adults also joined in the dancing performances, as members of Tierra Del Sol, dressed in traditional garb of Mexico, entertained the audience with lively music and dance. Community activist Glenn Williams volunteered his DJ services and brought along his sound equipment.

Many community organizations turned out to promote their programs and services, some distributing give-away items and holding free raffles. Joining Healthy Roslindale were the Greater Roslindale Medical and Dental Center, the Sheriff's Department, Roslindale Community Centers Cluster, Earth Our Home, Diversity Dialogues, and West Roxbury Probation Officers. The Rossie Reps painted faces, led a children's game and helped at the Arts and Crafts table provided by Roslindale Village Main Street (“RVMS”).

The celebration culminated in the presentation of Community Service Awards from District 5 Police. Since he was very new to his assignment as commander of the Area E Police District, Deputy Superintendent Michael Cox deferred the privilege of presenting the awards to Cathy Slade of Healthy Roslindale. First, awards were given to West Roxbury honorees. Gary Parks of Gary's Liquors was recognized for his generosity in sponsoring the District 5 Halloween Party and recent Open House. Ryan Fitzgerald of the Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Services was honored for his dedicated work in the West Roxbury neighborhood. Mary Mulvey Jacobson was praised for her longstanding leadership of the West Roxbury Business Association and her selfless service to the YMCA. Tom Doherty was recognized for his leadership as Past-president of the West Roxbury Main Street Board of Directors and his recent appointment as Co-chair of the new District 5 Police Advisory Board.

Serving Roslindale, Angie Miller was honored for her deep involvement at the Bethany First United Methodist Church and her assistance to many in-house neighbors of her residence at Rogerson Communities' Roslindale House. Deborah Bloom was recognized for her prolific organizing of the City-Wide Diversity Dialogues. Due to her dedication, Roslindale has had more Diversity Dialogues than any other neighborhood. Laurie Jo Wallace and Maurice Penn were praised for their commitment to the youth of Roslindale and Marna Persechini was honored for her service at so many community events and programs in Roslindale.

During and following this 11th anniversary of National Night Out in Roslindale, people commented positively about the event, leaving organizers from Healthy Roslindale and RVMS proud to have offered the community another successful summer event.