Published August 1, 2019

NORTH READING — The North Reading Community Impact Team (CIT) is sponsoring its sixth annual National Night Out next week on Tuesday, August 6 at Ipswich River Park from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

National Night Out (NNO) is a free event focused on strengthening North Reading by encouraging neighborhoods to engage in stronger relationships with each other and with their local law enforcement partners. The goal is to heighten crime‐prevention awareness, build support and participation in local anti‐crime programs, and promote safety across all generations. Information on substance use and mental health are also featured. Last year, over 600 people attended NNO.

Focus on suicide prevention

This year’s additional focus will be on suicide prevention. Elder Services Director Mary Prenney commented, “We want all generations to know that the pain is the same, no matter your age. We’ll provide information from the Samaritans and hope that families will take a moment to meet our new Substance Abuse/Mental Health Clinician Laura Miranda.” Miranda, a full-time town employee, works out of North Reading Police Station, but is available to all residents for mental health and substance use referrals.

Sgt. Mike McAuliffe, National Night Out Coordinator for North Reading Police, explained, “We have something for every age at the event. There will be tables for seniors on identity-theft and veteran information. CIT’s Youth Substance Use Prevention Coalition will be there with information on substance abuse prevention for parents as well.”

In reference to child programming, CIT’s Amy Luckiewicz continued, “Kids are going to love what we have planned. We have a SWAT truck, law enforcement and fire vehicles. They can investigate some other public safety vehicles too.” Additional recreational activities and raffles are all free of charge. North Reading Ballet and musician Art Grossman will be performing.

The Community Impact Team will also be providing a light barbecue at the event. Officer McAuliffe noted, “The event is free for everyone. We’re hoping to see entire families come, have a hot dog or burger, visit the tables and take home some great information.”

The CIT would like to thank its volunteers and sponsors for this year’s event including: Aren Hall Corp., Peabody Properties, Melrose-Wakefield Hospital and the North Reading Republican Town Committee.

In addition, families are encouraged to walk or bike to the event. Elders are encouraged to contact the Senior Center at 978-664-5600 to schedule a free ride to the event, if needed.

The rain date for NNO is Tuesday, August 13. For more information on the event, contact the Community Impact Team at coalition@northreadingma.gov.