NNO organizers say thank you

To the Editor:

On behalf of the National Night Out Committee we are proud to share over 1,000 community members participated in our 12th annual event. Our attendance was down due to several factors, one, we moved from Tuesday, Aug. 7 to Thursday, Aug. 9 due to weather. And second many school activities were already underway which contributed to many families unable to attend. Ultimately, we were very pleased with the event.

Hot dogs, pizza, snow cones, apples, popcorn and drinks were again shared with all attending. 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: Flowers Bakery, Dr. Jean Holder, Casey’s of Roachdale, Putnam County Hospital, Casey’s of Greencastle, Chicago’s Pizza, Noble Romans, Monical’s, Pizza Hut, and Papa Johns. Also, Culligan of Putnam County, Teacher’s Credit Union, Community Partners, Duke Energy, Jeremy O’ Leary of Walmart, Kroger, Bill Nunn-Psychological Services, First Financial Bank, Kevin Girton, Butler’s, Big Bounce Fun House, John Garl Bikes, Aktion Club of PC Comprehensive Services and Troy Scott at Charlie’s, Greencastle Parks & Recreation and Aquatic Center, Heather Taylor, State Farm Insurance. Stat Flight, and United Way of Putnam County.

Annually over thirty community organizations donate their time and energy in support of this powerful outreach and our mission of keeping Putnam County’s children safe and healthy. A special thank you to all of the wonderful volunteers, you are the greatest! And of course to our National Night Out, we appreciate you always making an appearance. James Figgy Hardwick and his wonderful service as “DJ’ and to the staff of Robe-Ann Park, your work thoughtout the entire process is genuinely appreciated.

Words cannot begin to express our sincere appreciation and heartfelt thanks to the committee who willingly volunteer: Christy Miller, Heidi Menzel, Kerry James, Dominique Gibson, Sonny Stoltz, Chad Nunley, Dan McMains, Jessie Jackman, Bill Nunn, Jerrod Baugh, Rod Weinschenk and David Bault, Erin Ray, Rick Deer, Kevin Spear, Pam Wade, Kim McMains, Cierra Wilson, Laura Monnett, Kayla Hens, Jeff Mace, Karen Martoglio, Jim Maxwell, Jeff Mace, Brooke Trissel, Elizabeth Butts, Renee Marsteller, Holly McFadden, Patti Harmless, Allison Creekmore, Brian Hopkins, Bill Merkel and Kyle Gibbons.

We’re convinced this annual event is a night for the Putnam County 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 our 13th annual fun filled and exciting event in 2019, hope to see you there!

Linda Merkel

NNO Coordinators