PETERSHAM — Residents and visitors gathered on the town’s historic common Tuesday night in recognition of National Night Out 2019. The event was sponsored by the North Quabbin Community Coalition’s PART (Prevention, Addiction, Recovery, Treatment) Task Force.
Amanda Mankowsky of Warwick, the Youth and Family Engagement Coordinator for NQCC, said the nationwide event was held each year for several reasons.
“This is happening in many locations as we speak,” Mankowsky said. Even some folks that I know in California have spoken to me about the event they were having. It’s really about community coming together, and about our partnership between our safety and local law enforcement. So, it’s the National Night Out Against Crime.”
“The message we’re really trying to get across,” she continued, “is that there are things to do in our community that are safe and don’t involve being out on the streets. It gives our teens opportunities to become more connected with their community. And, really, it’s just free family fun.”
Tuesday’s event featured music, a fire truck display, demonstrations by the Petersham Police Department K-9 Unit, food, and games.
Mankowsky said another goal is to make individuals in the community more comfortable with law enforcement.