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Health & Fitness

What Is National Night Out Against Crime?

National Night Out (NNO) Against Crime is a nation-wide event that started on Aug. 7, 1984.  That year, 400 communities in 23 states took part with 2.5 million Americans participating.  Today 15,000 communities in all 50 states and Canada observe this important event.

Lilburn started hosting NNO four ago years and it has since mushroomed into one of the premiere NNO events in Georgia.  This year’s get together will be held tomorrow (Tuesday, Aug 6th) at and around the pavilion in Lilburn Park from 6-8:30 pm.  It’s expected to be even bigger and better than previous years.

“We’re really excited about this year’s National Night Out,” stated Margot Ashley, president of SafetySmart Lilburn (SSL).  She points out that there is a significant increase in exhibitors, demonstrations and activities over previous years. “We will have incredible array of community, government and civic organizations offering safety tips and resources,” she said.

Here is just a sampling of Lilburn’s National Night Out 2013:

  1. Several cultural organizations representing the diversity of Lilburn;
  2. Kids activities such as a scavenger hunt, kids’ workshop, Cinnamon the Clown, and a puppet show;
  3. Mascots from Chick-Fil-A and Gwinnett Fire;
  4. Safe movement and dance demonstrations;
  5. Conversations with Lilburn Police about bullying, tag readers and the Georgia Move Over Law;
  6. K-9 and bike demonstrations; 
  7. Health clinic offers free blood pressure, blood sugar, body mass index, vision screening, and consultation with a doctor.; 
  8. 14 local restaurants are donating food free for area residents to sample;
  9. Meet Lilburn police officers and Gwinnett Fire personnel directly and be able to talk to them directly.
Bruce Hedley, Lilburn Police Chief

“We enjoy sponsoring National Night Out,” the Chief said.  “It’s an important event for our police department and the community.  It’s one time a year when we all can get together with a common goal of fighting, reducing and deterring crime here in Lilburn,” he said.  Adding, “Building relationships between the police and community and working together is how we solve this problem.

SafetySmart Lilburn has worked with the police department in facilitating and organizing the event every year since it was started in Lilburn four years ago.  SSL is a non-profit, tax-exempt community organization of volunteers dedicated to its motto of “Building the Safest Community in Georgia.”  

If you would like to learn more and perhaps get involved, visit their web page at www.safetysmartlilburn.org.
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