National Night Out set Tuesday

Sponsors, coordinators, contributors and hosts have been planning Greencastle's first National Night Out, a crime and safety awareness event scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 7 at Robe-Ann Park. Among organizers are (front, from left) Carl Mundy of the city park's department, Jeff Mace of the Greencastle Fire Department, Amanda Thorn of the parks department, Darcy Hendershot of Greencastle Police, Brian Hopkins of Greencastle Police, Heather Williams of the Department of Child Services, Linda Merkel of Putnam County Youth Development, Eileen Johnson of Mental Health America of Putnam County, Marvin Peters of Duke Energy, (second row) Greencastle Park Director Rod Weinschenk, Pastor Clyde McCammack of First Baptist Church, Elizabeth Butts of Family Support Services, Jamie France of Community Corrections, Samantha Richardson of Juvenile Probation, Steve Smith of Community Corrections, Patti Harmless of Putnam County Youth Development, Mayor Nancy Michael, Barb Southof the Department of Child Services, Renee Marsteller of Juvenile Probation, Paula Fry of Co-Alliance, Cayla Summit of the Putnam County Prosecutor's Office and Charlene Shrewsbury of DePauw Safety and Security.

Ever wonder who are the people behind the badges who protect the local community.

Those attending the first National Night Out in Putnam County can meet those people at Robe-Ann Park Tuesday, Aug. 7, beginning at 7 p.m.

Hosted by the Putnam County Police Community Partnerships and coordinated by the Putnam County Youth Development office, National Night Out is an event designated for local organizations to demonstrate safe, crime-stopping skills to youth and their families. The Greencastle event will parallel with other cities around the country celebrating the national night, as well.

"It's a way to collaborate with the Putnam County police agencies and community partnerships," said Linda Merkel of Putnam County Youth Development. "But it's also a way to reach the youth and show them that crime is not acceptable. We want to show that we are against it. We want to help them grow up safe and secure and have healthy lifestyles."

As families arrive at the event Tuesday, they will be greeted by a police officer stationed at three different entrances. Each family arriving will receive one schedule and a food ticket for each individual. Attached to the schedule will be a family swim ticket, allowing the family free access to the pool that will be open from 8-10 p.m.

During the hour before the pool is open, families are urged to visit all the different booths set up around the bandshell. Local organizations will be set up offering services such as face painting, a drunk tank, blood pressure tests, safety demonstrations, and safety information. Entertainment will be provided by Fig's Follies.

Ambulances, fire trucks, and a water rescue boat will be among the service vehicles present on the scene, along with the Smoke House and Sparky the Firepup.

As for refreshment, food tickets turned in at the shelter house will allow each individual a hot dog, some popcorn, and a drink.

Merkel said she is expecting anywhere from 500 to 1,000 people, and Park Director Rod Weinschenk said the more people, the merrier.

The park will be shut down Tuesday during early afternoon hours to prepare, and Merkel said they will be ready to greet people starting at 6 p.m.

To make this event possible for the first time in Greencastle, several different sponsors have jumped on board. Each sponsor has given the event either volunteers, donations, or supplies.

Sponsors of the event include Greencastle Parks and Recreation, Area 30 Career Center, Duke Energy, Jerry Lewis Construction, Pepsi Corporation, DePauw University Printing Dept., Co-Alliance, Burger King-Greencastle, PC Sheriffs Dept., St. Andrews Episcopal Church, Fillmore United Methodist Church, Greencastle Church of Nazarene, Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, Seedline International Church, New Providence Baptist Church and First Baptist Church.