WEEKEND, JULY 29-30, 2017
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EO Media Group File photo
In this 2015 file photo, Preston South poses for a selfie with Hermiston Crime Prevention Officer Erica Sandoval at an ice cream social block party in
Hermiston. Berek South found the medallion hidden by Sandoval to earn the party in conjunction with National Night Out.
National Night Out promotes partnerships between neighbors, police
“We do recognize how
important it is to get out
in the community. We
want to make sure when
situations arise, that’s not
the only time they see us.”
By TAMMY MALGESINI
East Oregonian
Communities across the United
States are encouraging people to get
out and get to know their neighbors
during National Night Out.
In its 34th year, the Aug. 1 event
promotes police-community partner-
ships and neighborhood camaraderie
to help in creating safer living envi-
ronments. The program’s purpose
is to enhance relationships between
neighbors, law enforcement and other
first responders to create a true sense
of community.
Local law enforcement personnel
and community leaders tout the bene-
fits of National Night Out — especially
in bringing police and citizens together
in a relaxed setting.
Chief Jason Edmiston of the Herm-
iston Police Department said it’s an
important opportunity to engage the
public in a positive manner. This is
the 19th year the city has participated
in the event. And the current timing,
Edmiston said, is especially relevant
with some perceptions about law
enforcement across the country.
“It’s an important time for us to
ensure that we’re engaging with the
community,” he said.
Shelly Studebaker, Pendleton
Police
Department
community
services officer, agreed. She said
Eastern Oregon is fortunate that it
hasn’t experienced the level of nega-
tive sentiments toward police that
some communities have. It’s especially
crucial, she said, to continue fostering
positive relationships.
“We do recognize how important
it is to get out in the community,” she
said. “We want to make sure when
— Shelly Studebaker,
Pendleton Police Department
community services officer
National Night Out
Pendleton Community Pool Party
•Tuesday, 6-8 p.m.
•Pendleton Aquatic Center
More info 541-276-4411, extension
1109
Festivities include free entry into the
pool, where people can swim and engage
in activities and games with prizes. Free
hot dogs, beverages and snow cones will
be served.
Staff photo by Tammy Malgesini
Members of the Lindley and South families, who are neighbors in
Hermiston, are the winners of an ice cream social block party after
finding the golden medallion during Hermiston’s National Night Out
treasure hunt. After spending five hours Wednesday evening hunting
along the walking trail on Highway 395, the group returned Thursday
morning and found it in a metal sculpture of cattails across from Nookie’s.
situations arise, that’s not the only time
they see us.”
Laurie Nelsen of the Echo Public
Library said National Night Out helps
create a sense of community. The
benefits of building relationships with
law enforcement, she said, is invalu-
able.
“If people aren’t afraid of police
officers, they would be more willing to
contact them if something is needed,”
EO file photo
In this 2013 file photo, Pendleton Police Sgt. Howard Bowen places a
tactical vest on Elizabeth Hearn during the National Night Out celebration
at Roy Raley Park in Pendleton.
Nelsen said.
Tim Miears, training officer/
evidence custodian with Hermiston
Police Department, said providing an
avenue for the public to connect with
first responders in a relaxed atmo-
sphere goes a long way in building
partnerships. Miears and Edmiston
are tossing around ideas on how to
facilitate even more opportunities.
“National Night Out is just one day
out of the year where we can try to
enhance the existing relationships and
partnerships we have,” Edmiston said.
Joyce Wright, Stanfield Police
Department community resource
officer, said Stanfield is resuming
National Night Out activities after
a 13-year hiatus. With several new
personnel, Wright said it’s the perfect
time to partner with the community.
In addition, she said it’s important
to encourage neighbors to get to know
each other. When neighbors communi-
cate, Wright said, it has a direct impact
on criminal activity.
“I think it helps immensely with
cutting down crimes,” she said.
Matt Peskin, founder and executive
director of National Association of
Town Watch, introduced the National
Night Out program in 1984. The first
National Night Out involved 2.5
million neighbors across 400 commu-
nities in 23 states. The event has grown
to include 38 million people in 16,000
communities across the nation.
People are encouraged to host
neighborhood block parties, festivals,
parades, cookouts and other commu-
nity events. For more information,
Hermiston Ice Cream Social
Block Party
•Tuesday, 7 p.m.
•1300 block of Southwest 10th Street
More info: 541-667-5112
The Hermiston Police Department and
city of Hermiston will serve ice cream with
all the toppings in the neighborhood of the
Lindley and South families, who found the
medallion as part of the National Night Out
treasure hunt. In addition, first responders
and city leaders will visit as many block
parties as possible.
Echo Neighbor of the Year &
Celebration
•Tuesday, 6-8 p.m.
•Echo Masonic Lodge & George Park
More info: 541-376-8411 or 541-449-
3245
Free hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and
drinks. Includes a youth bicycle rodeo
with prizes, bingo and other games. Local
businesses donated door prizes and items
for raffle drawings. Also, a resident will be
recognized as the Neighbor of the Year
(nominations accepted through Monday).
Milton-Freewater Festivities
•Tuesday, 6-8 p.m.
•Milton-Freewater City Hall (outdoors)
More info: 541-938-8247
Free ice cream, emergency responder
vehicle tours, carnival games and priz-
es. Community members of all ages are
encouraged to come out and meet their
neighbors, police and community leaders.
Stanfield Good Neighbor of the
Year & Celebration
•Tuesday, 6-8 p.m.
•Bard Park
More info: www.cityofstanfield.com or
541-449-3245
Free hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and
drinks. Features a youth bicycle rodeo
(with prizes) and a drone obstacle race.
Area businesses donated door prizes
and raffle items. Also, a citizen will receive
the Good Neighbor of the Year Award
(nominations accepted through Monday).
Evening concludes with free popcorn and
outdoor movie.
visit https://natw.org.
———
Contact Community Editor Tammy
Malgesini at tmalgesini@eastorego-
nian.com or 541-564-4539.