National Night Out 2016 was a big success! Hundreds of residents gathered at City Hall Tuesday to enjoy each others' company and celebrate life in Plainfield.
An extra feature this year was a car and motorcycle show.
Youngsters enjoy meeting with members of the Plainfield Fire Division.
Police Officer Bernel Harrison busts a move with a cadet from the mentoring program.
Councilwoman Rebecca Williams, the governing body's Public Safety liaison, addresses the crowd.
First Unitarian Society of Plainfield had an information table.
"Hello, Plainfield!"
Mayor Adrian O. Mapp welcomed everybody.
Plainfield Recreation Division representin'
Former Councilwoman Elizabeth Urquhart, who began Plainfield's National Night Out observance and championed it for 16 years while serving on the council, received recognition from the mayor and all present.
Mayor Mapp presented community awards to outstanding residents in each of the city's four wards. Here is First Ward resident Marie Davis being honored for her service to the city.
Second Ward resident Donald Van Blake was honored for promoting tennis in Plainfield, serving as a Buffalo Soldier and at 95 being a role model for several generations.
Third Ward resident Jean Black was not present, but will receive her plaque later. She is known for taking part in community affairs and always speaking her mind.
Rev. James Abney Of the Fourth Ward received a plaque for his community involvement.
A Plainfield Police Division mentoring program that began with 20 young people grew to 30 last year and 45 this year.
The group gathered with officials on the steps of City Hall for a portrait.
Proud relatives took their own photos of the cadets.
The crowd filled the plaza at City Hall.
Children enjoyed a bouncy house (slide?) on the grounds of City Hall.
Even the little kids enjoyed a game.
As always, Public Works Superintendent John Louise manned the grill. The size of the crowd this year required extra hot dogs and popcorn
City Council members and other officials made a caravan through the city to visit neighborhood celebrations of National Night Out before convening at City Hall. Residents citywide left porch lights on to show community solidarity against crime.
According to information on the official website, National Night Out began in 1984 with 2.5 million people in 400 communities taking part. By 1999, it had grown to more than 32 million people in 9,530 communities participating. Mayor Mapp welcomed members of city boards and commissions, his cabinet members, community organizations and the general public Tuesday for National Night Out 2016.
--Bernice
Congratulations to the Council, the mayor, and to all the members of the administration and departments who made this event such a great success. It was wonderful to see so many people come out and show their support for Plainfield. And congratulations and many thanks to Marie Davis, Donald Van Blake, Jean Black, and Rev Abney for their service to the City.
ReplyDeleteThank you all very much.
Tom Kaercher
This is why we all love Plainfield. It is a great community in which to live. Thank you Mayor and administration and council. Most thanks go to the people of Plainfield who make this city great.
ReplyDeleteMarie Davis is a class act.
ReplyDelete