Peter Cooper resident Sam Mednick is ready for action behind the wheel at a police car at the event. (Photo by Maria Rocha-Buschel)
By Maria Rocha-Buschel
National Night Out Against Crime, an annual event aimed at strengthening relations between law enforcement agencies and communities that has, over the years, morphed into becoming block parties for different police precincts, was held on Tuesday night. At the event organized by Stuy Town resident Jo-Ann Polise and the 13th Precinct Community Council, it was a mix of local organizations and businesses exhibiting, offering free food and other giveaways as well like caricature portraits. Cops from the 13th Precinct manned the grill, cooking countless burgers and hot dogs.
Representatives from various local organizations, businesses and city agencies had tables at the event, including Community Board Six, the District Attorney’s office, the Stuyvesant Town-Peter Cooper Village Tenants Association, the Board of Elections, M&T Bank, thrift shop Cauz for Pawz, the Bellevue Community Advisory Board, the Gramercy Neighborhood Associates and others. New to the event this year was Cub Scout Pack 422.
Cubmaster Maureen Riley said that assistant Cubmaster Kim Salvo had been coming to National Night Out for the 13th Precinct with her kids in previous years and suggested the event as a way to get interest up in the community about scouting.
“It can be really difficult getting people involved because they don’t think of it as something they can do in the city,” Riley said. “We want kids to know that it’s not just something that exists in the suburbs.”
Salvo was manning the event table with Riley and both were in uniform, trying to entice passing children with activities.
“How could you not love this?” Salvo said as enthusiastic kids swarmed their table to make necklaces.
