New Carlisle’s Neighborhood Watch (NCNW) group met for its monthly meeting on July 13 in the Smith Park shelter house in New Carlisle. The group discussed the high need to organize neighborhood welfare checks, and made final plans for the popular “National Night Out” event coming up on August 2.
Two community members were found dead in their homes in recent weeks. The deaths were not suspicious. NCNW members say the discoveries show why strengthening neighborhood camaraderie is so important. NCNW Coordinator, Jennie Stump, comments, “Neighbors need to get to know one another. That way, when something seems strange or out of the ordinary, they can check to make sure their neighbor is safe or contact someone else who can. This is especially true for when the weather is extremely hot or cold because that kind of weather can be devastating for older adults.”
The NCNW is also gearing up for its National Night Out celebration. The event will be held from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm on August 2 in the Church of the Brethren parking lot on North Main Street in New Carlisle.
National Night Out (NNO) is an annual, national event held to bring law enforcement and local community members and families together in a fun environment and relaxed atmosphere. NNO events are growing in popularity and NCNW member, Jennie Stump, says New Carlisle’s 2016 NNO celebration is shaping up to be better than ever.
“There are lots of activities planned for this year’s event. Local musician, Wayne Hobbs, will provide live music. “Care Flight on Wheels” will be there and the Fire Department will be bringing equipment out for everyone to see. A representative from the Ohio State Attorney General’s office will be on hand to provide safety information and get community feedback. A local food truck is going to be available and folks can also try their luck in the 50/50 raffle. A K-9 demonstration may also take place.
NNO helps strengthen ties between law enforcement and local communities, and police officers and Sheriff deputies typically play a large role in NNO events. New Carlisle does not have a Police Department, instead the city contracts with the Clark County Sheriff’s office for its law enforcement needs. Stump says Clark County Sheriff Gene A. Kelly told the group one deputy will be splitting its time between a few local NNO events, so the deputy will only be on hand for a portion of New Carlisle’s NNO celebration.
NCNW members say getting residents and law enforcement officers together builds relationships that can help lower the crime rate and make neighborhoods safer in the New Carlisle area.
National Night Out is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch.
NCNW meetings are held the second Wednesday of every month at 6:30pm in the Smith Park shelter house. For more information about joining the NCNW group or to get information about New Carlisle’s National Night Out, contact Jennie Stump at (937) 845-2235.
