Community Corner

National Night Out Brings Monroe Families Together

The National Night Out attracted a big crowd at Wolfe Park Tuesday evening, as families met the men and women serving in the town's emergency services and children had fun making crafts, playing in moon bounces and taking turns at a dunk tank.

It was the fourth Night Out sponsored by the Monroe Police Department.

Det. Kelly McFarland, who organized the event, said, "It's about bringing our community and our families together for a wonderful evening."

Target is a national partner of the National Night Out, in which communities take a stand against crime. Managers of the Assets Protection departments of the two Target stores in Trumbull, Philip Giovanni and Liz Rahardj handed out Frisbees and school supplies to children at one table.

"This is my second year doing it and it's getting bigger every year," said Rahardj.

Since the first Night Out was held in Monroe at Fireman's Field four years ago, McFarland estimates participation has grown by about 100 people a year. She said last year's event drew about 600.

Police officers, firefighters from all three of Monroe's companies and Monroe Volunteer EMS personnel participated in the event, providing safety tips and allowing children to see their emergency vehicles up close.

Police brought a "Convincer" to demonstrate the importance of wearing seat belts.

Members of Monroe's Citizen Emergency Response Team (CERT) had a table and so did the Connecticut Narcotics Enforcement Officers Association.

Elliot Bard, a staff member, and Connecticut NEOA president, retired Monroe police lieutenant Michael Rinaldi, said their main mission is to educate the public about the harm drugs can do.

"If we can get kids to think twice before touching any of these drugs, then we're accomplishing our goal," Rinaldi said. "No communities are immune."

Edith Wheeler Memorial Library participated in the National Night Out for the first time. Other town organizations included the Monroe Food Pantry, Triad, A.D.A.M., the Girl Scouts and Sippin-Winspur Post 176 of the American Legion.

Members of the Connecticut DEEP Inland Fisheries Division's Connecticut Aquatic Resources Education (CARE) program were on hand to teach children how to fish (more on that in an upcoming story).

Lake Zoar Drive-In was the main food vendor and popcorn and Italian Ice was also available.

Kim Henderson from Studio On the Move painted children's faces.

At another table, Lauren Granata's 2-and-a-half-year-old daughter Elena colored with markers. Granata also brought Elena's twin brother Emilio to National Night Out.

"This is our first year here," she said. "It's a nice community event."


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