National Night Out Says, 'Thank You'

To the Editor:

On behalf of the National Night Out Committee we are proud to announce that over 1,400 community members attended our sixth annual event on Monday, Aug. 6 from 5--8 p.m. at Greencastle's Robe-Ann Park.

In all, 850 hot dogs, 850 snow cones, 400 bags of popcorn and over 60 large pizzas and drinks were shared with all in attendance. A total of 750 bags of basic schools supplies were distributed.

The National Night Out Knight made several appearances throughout the evening, ending with congratulating each participant as they crossed the finish line in our first annual "rookie run."

This event would not be possible without the sponsorship of so many community agencies. We continue to be humbled by their sincere and generous contributions: Area 30 Career Center; Bounce House Fun Rentals; Butler's L.P. & Fertilizer; Casey's General Store in Roachdale; Community Partners (Children's Bureau); Cross Cuts; Dance Workshop; DePauw University Athletic Department; Fig's Follies; FB Distro; Flowers Bakery; Garls' Bike Shop; Greencastle McDonald's; Greencastle Parks & Recreation and Aquatic Center; Hendershot's Service Center; Jean Holder, DDS; John Hennette, DDS; Holiday World; Humble Pie; Kings Island; Monical's Pizza; Monster Mini Golf; Papa John's Pizza; Pizza King; Purdue Cooperative Extension; Teachers Credit Union; Terre Haute Children's Museum; United Way of Putnam County; Pizza Hut; St. Andrews Episcopal Church; Walmart Super Center; Sears; 1st Financial Bank; Smart Style Beauty Salon; Farm Credit Services; and Old National Bank.

We appreciate our exhibitors who donate time and energy in support of this powerful community outreach and our goal of keeping Putnam County's children safe and healthy: Air Evac; John Hennette, DDS; Dennis Knuth, DDS; Ivy Tech Community College in Greencastle; Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts; DePauw University Public Safety; Department of Child Services; Family Support Services; Greencastle Fire Department; Madison Township Fire Department; Reelsville Fire Department; Roachdale Police Department; Putnam County Operation Life; Johnson Nichols Health Clinic; Putnam County Safe Schools; Putnam County Youth Development Commission and State Excise Police; Mental Health America of Putnam County; Putnam County Head Start; Putnam County Operation Life; Putnam County Tobacco Cessation Coalition; Putnam County PIE Coalition; Purdue Cooperative Extension; Putnam County Kiwanis; Department of Natural Resources (DNR); Greencastle Police; Putnam County Community Corrections; Putnam County Adult Probation; Putnam County Juvenile Probation; Putnam County Prosecutor's Office; Putnam County Sheriff's Department; Monster Mini Golf; Putnam County Public Library Bookmobile; and Dance Workshop.

Thank you to our school representatives who willingly volunteer their time to our annual "Dunk Your Favorite School Administrator" -- Stacey Baugh and Brent Sailor, Cloverdale Elementary and High School; Brad Hayes, Fillmore Elementary; and Shawn Gobert, Ridpath Elementary.

A special thank you to our wonderful community volunteers: Charlie Boller, Bobby Hopper, Teena Bryant, Matt Hertenstein, Jana Brothers, Nancy Michael, Sue Murray, Judge Denny Bridges, Stephanie Campbell, Lori Hallett, Janie Smith, Joanna Yeftich, Josh O'Neal, Natalie Pritchard, William Merkel, Kristen Sutherlin, Josh Richardson, Jennifer Edwards, Bronwyn Spencer, Jerrod Baugh, Dominique Gibson, John Kass family, Nancy Zennie, Mike Mahoy, and all the great help in setting up and tearing down from the Res-Care kids.

We also wish to thank Rod Weinschenk, and the staff of the park for their efforts and service throughout the entire process.

Words cannot begin to express our sincere appreciation and heartfelt thanks to the committee who willingly volunteered their time and energy to help organize this annual outreach: Tiffany Boswell, Ashley Underwood, Teresa Parrish, Renee Marsteller, Sonny Stoltz, Jamie France, Carrie Myers, Elizabeth Butts, Eileen Johnson, Janie Smith, Darcy Hendershot, Lora Zoll, Sharon Bone, Teena Bryant, Mark Evans, Sophia Spencer, Joe Woods, Tammy Hunter, Patti Harmless, Mary Bretscher, Jerrod Baugh, Rod Weinschenk, Troy Scott, Kim McMains, Tracy Bridges, Shelly Chadd, Jim Maxwell, Carl Singer, Charlene Shrewsbury, Dominique Gibson, Brian Hopkins and Jeff Mace.

We're convinced this annual event is a night for our community to stand together to promote drug and alcohol awareness, safety and unity. National Night Out showcases the fundamental importance of police partnerships and citizen involvement in our fight to build a safer community.

We look forward to bringing Putnam County our seventh annual fun filled and exciting event in 2013; we hope to see you there!

Linda Merkel and Tom Sutherlin

NNO Coordinators