As quickly as Elmwood Park’s police chief and deputy chief could dish out sausages and hot dogs Tuesday evening, they had to put more on the grill to satisfy the hungry crowd.
The free food and other refreshments were part of National Night Out, a police and community-based event held the evening of Aug. 4 at the Elmwood Park Parks and Recreation Department’s Aquatic Center.
Hundreds of people were either eating, swimming, relaxing by the pool or sitting on benches taking in the cool evening air.
This year’s event was cosponsored by the village’s newly launched neighborhood watch group.
Elmwood Park Trustee Tony Del Santo, chair of Elmwood Park Neighborhood Watch, said the event was the perfect opportunity for residents to know each other and village staff. He said he received great feedback from those at the event.
“The thinking for doing this was getting neighbors out [of their homes] and meet each other,” Del Santo said. “There were two people here who lived on the same block for 30 years and never met each other until tonight. This is about getting neighbors out and talking to each other.”
Widower Jim Burris, 62, came out with his former brother-in-law, Dave Henders, 80, who doesn’t leave the home much. They had their eyes on the ladies.
“We’re two bachelors looking for a couple of broads,” he said jokingly.
Burris said keeping the streets safe is no problem for him and doesn’t hesitate to call the police. He said at one time, he had some guys outside his residence selling drugs.
“I already got rid of a few of them drug pushers,” he said.
Ana Carey, 36, is a captain for the village’s neighborhood watch program, overseeing the area between Belmont and Diversey avenues.
“I’m trying to get to know people in my area and promote safety,” she said. “We’re trying to bring the neighborhood back together.”
Naomi George, 59, who says she’s lived in the village for more than 20 years, came out to give kudos to the village she loves, because she feels around town, day or night.
More Top Picks Best Static Pressure Manometers For Hvac Balancing
“I can’t say anything but good about this village,” he said. “We are the best.”
Twitter: @DavidDPollard