Press Release from:

HAMDEN YOUTH SERVICES BUREAU · 11 PINE STREET · HAMDEN, CT 06514 · (203) 777-2610 · Fax: (203) 562-3498

e-mail: srubino@hamden.com

Susan Rubino

Telephone:

(203) 777-2610

Fax:

(203) 562-3498

HAMDEN -- On  Aug. 2, thousands of communities are joining forces for the National Night Out crime and drug prevention event.

National Night Out is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch and is

co-sponsored locally by the Hamden Police Department and Hamden Youth Services Bureau with

special support from TARGET, the national corporate sponsor.

More than 11,000 communities from 50 states, U.S. Territories, Canadian cities and military bases around the world will participate.

National Night Out is designed to: (1) Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; (2) Generate

support for, and participation in, local anti-crime efforts; (3) Strengthen neighborhood spirit and

police-community partnerships; and (4) Send a message to criminals letting them know

neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

The Town of Hamden invites area families and individuals for a fun, free evening of activities and

entertainment at Rochford Field, 533 Newhall St., from 4 to 8 p.m.

Last year, Hamden ranked No. 33 in the entire nation compared to other

communities our size. This year, Hamden’s National Night Out will be bigger and better than ever, according to Susan Rubino of Hamden Youth Services.

Special emphasis will be placed on issues of Juvenile Justice and Crime Prevention in our community.

Hamden is partnering with New Haven Family Alliance to launch a Juvenile Review Board.

Representatives from New Haven Family Alliance will be on hand to answer questions and recruit

volunteers for this initiative.

Bicycle, car, child and pedestrian safety education, information and resources will be provided. Carter

Mario Injury Lawyers will distribute free bicycle helmets. Casey DelBasso, Miss Greater

Hamden 2011, will be on hand to discuss the horrific consequences of texting and driving; New York

Life will provide Child Identification cards; Hamden Elks will be on hand with a drug prevention

trailer and activities; and the NEOA Educational Trailer will also provide an abundance of information

on drug prevention.

Other organizations and businesses offering various resources, activities and giveaways include TD

Bank – WOW Zone, Walgreens (giveaways, personal photos and more), YDTRC at The Consultation

Center, The Elks Club, Domestic Violence Services of New Haven, Hamden Public Library,

Connecticut Early Childhood Alliance and Experience Corps.

Children and adults of all ages will enjoy: a Community Art Project with P.L.A.C.E.; Face Painting,

Spin Art, Jewelry making, with Hamden Youth Services’ Summer Youth Workers volunteers; Fire

Engine Exploration; K-9 demonstration; Bridgeport Sound Tigers; Hamden’s own Jus B. will round

off the evening.

In addition to arts and crafts, games, moonbounces, dunk tank, raffles, giveaways, community

resources and other activities, we will celebrate National Night Out with live performances by Maya

Butler, Hamden High Cheerleaders, Lady Dragon Steppers, Bashta’s Martial Arts Studio, Ginga

Brasileira (Brazilian Dance) (Sponsored by Young Audiences of Connecticut with funding from

PACK) The Whitney Players, music provided by a D.J. from Absolutely Awesome Entertainment and

the Master of Ceremonies will be Vincent Iezzi. Free refreshments will be offered including hot dogs

(fresh from the grill), chips, water and refreshing sno-cones. With support from the Town of Hamden

Office of the Mayor – Scott D. Jackson, Hamden Arts, Recreation and Culture, Fire Department,

Public Works, and Community Services, it is sure to be a great evening!

Space is still available free of charge to non-profit organizations that wish to set up a table with

resources for the community.

For more information, please contact Susan Rubino at (203) 777-2610 or

srubino@hamden.com

Or visit www.hamden.com

National Association of Town Watch (610) 649-7055 www.nationalnightout.org