News Release
For Release: Immediate
Contact: Frank Baraff 914-962-4630

Orange Announces Annual Night Out Events

Mayor Eldridge Hawkins, Jr. announced that Orange will hold a series of events focused on its Annual National Night Out Program. National Night Out takes place the 1st Tuesday of August annually and is an opportunity for communities nationwide to take their streets back from drugs and criminal activity.

The 26th annual National Night Out, sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch, will be celebrated across America Aug. 4 by an estimated 35 million people in 11,000 communities in 50 states.

The City of Orange, however extends its initiative beyond the one day by having a multitude of activities including a caravan, three softball games and a family fun day. These activities are done in conjunction with the Police, Fire and the Public Works Departments along with community leaders, block watch groups, members of the City Council and Mayor Hawkins.

Statement by Mayor Eldridge Hawkins, Jr.

“The purpose of the Night Out is to remind residents and businesses that they are partners with the police in the fight against crime. In Orange, according to the latest State Police Report, crime was down in all categories January to September of last year compared to the prior year. A 24% reduction.  We have made a significant reduction in crime by reorganizing the police department from top to bottom and rebuilding our police department around community policing. We’ve made progress against crime because the Orange Police Department 365 days a year works with community groups and individuals to identify criminals and crime hot spots and to bring criminals to justice. I urge citizens to get involved in this year’s Night Out events.”

Statement by John Rappaport, Police Director

“We are anticipating that this year our Annual Night Out will exceed our last endeavor. We have received so many requests for participation, that we expect this to be a great success.  Many thanks to our Community Network Groups for their continued efforts and support.”

Night Out Events:  

1. August 4th-The traditional caravan-beginning at police headquarters at 6pm and visiting an array of block parties throughout the town.
   
   
2. August 7th-The Mayor’s Second Annual Family Fun Day at Central Playground from 6pm-9pm featuring food, information vendors, The trackless train and other activities for the children along with DJ music, cultural activities and a basketball game centered around the theme of antiviolence- Councilman Hassan  Abdul-Rasheed will be sponsoring a team in honor of his son Hassan, who lost his life as a result of gun violence. Councilman Rasheed is leading efforts to promote antiviolence in the Orange community. His team will play members of a team formed by the Orange Recreation Department. This event is for the entire community. Families and friends that lost love ones to violence are encouraged to attend and help support this initiative. Admission is free.
   
   
3. August 14th-Second Annual Softball Game Police VS. Fire Dept. at Orange Park from 6:30-8:30 The Community Service Dept. will also be playing the Public Works Dept. in a Volleyball Game from 5:30pm-6:30pm, Refreshments will be served.
   
   
4. July 31-practice game Police Vs. the coaches of Recreation at Orange Park, Light refreshments will be served.