Boston Neighborhood Crime Watch

Copy of Suffolk County Sheriff's Department Newsletter

Joseph Porcelli — Wed, 07 May 2008 16:42:00 -0400

Many Neighborhood Crime Watch members often ask for information about what partners agencies are up and what they can provide the public. Check out Common Good, the Newsletter of the Suffolk County Sheriff's Department, to find out what they are up to!

Let's start planning for National Night Out!

Meli Hernandez — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 13:17:00 -0400

Hello Everyone,

As the summer approaches so do our National Night Out events. We've taken the time to update all NNO information for 2008 so you can get an early start.

Here is a list of information you'll find:

What is NNO? Learn about National Night Out and the difference it makes

Neighborhood Events Find out how to get involved in your neighborhood and on your street

Poster Contest A fun and thought provoking exercise for Boston Youth.

Sponsors The wonderful organization who make National Night Out possible

Franklin Park Zoo The city-wide celebration at the Franklin Park Zoo on Tuesday, August 5

Award Nominations Nominate groups and individuals who have made a difference in your neighborhood

PRESS RELEASE: BOSTON POLICE LAUNCH PILOT SOCIAL NETWORK

Joseph Porcelli — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 18:06:00 -0400

Boston, MA. The Boston Police Department’s Neighborhood Crime Watch Unit has launched a pilot social network called The E-13/Jamaica Plain Neighbors Network (http://e13.bostoncrimewatch.com). The neighborhood centric social networks aims to connects neighbors to each other, provides them with organizing and communication tools, and invites them to take advantage of police, city, and community resources to address crime, quality of life, and engage each other in neighborhood happenings.

Updates have been made to all area phone sheets

Joseph Porcelli — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 12:13:00 -0400

Updates have been made to Area phone lists sheets. They are available for download at Police Phone numbers page.

Boston Shines 2008

Joseph Porcelli — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 09:45:00 -0400

Let the city help you organize a neighborhood clean-up or a day of community service for your co-workers. Join us and paint a community center, plant flowers, sweep, rake and pick up trash to make our communities more beautiful.

Introducing the "Text For Peace" Poster Contest

Joseph Porcelli — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 16:35:00 -0500

What: The 20th Annual National Night Out Poster Contest run by the Neighborhood Crime Watch Unit of the Boston Police Department. For whom: All children between the ages of 5 and 18 enrolled in any school, community center, library, before and after school program, or any adult coordinated youth activity program/group in the City of Boston are eligible.

CRIME ADVISORY - GPS UNITS REMOVE AND TAKE WITH YOU!

Joseph Porcelli — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 15:27:00 -0500

Please spread the word! Due to the sudden increase of these expensive units being stolen from motor vehicles along with all other electronics (cell phones, laptops, etc.) The Boston Police Department strongly recommends the following:

City Declares Snow Emergency - Sunday 1/13/2008

Joseph Porcelli — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 15:20:00 -0500

Mayor Thomas M. Menino today declared a snow emergency in anticipation of forecasted heavy snowfall tonight. The snow emergency and parking ban will go into effect at midnight tonight. Putting public safety as the top priority, Mayor Menino reminded residents of the following:

Changes Made to Area B and D Phone Sheets to reflect new Boston City Councilors

Joseph Porcelli — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 12:15:00 -0500

Updates have been made to the Area B and D phone lists sheets to reflect new Boston City Councilors John R. Connoly and Mark S. Ciommo and are now available on the Police Phone numbers page.

Also see the 2008 Boston Elected Official Guide.

LIFTED - City Declares Snow Emergency - Sunday 12/30/2007

Joseph Porcelli — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 18:28:00 -0500

Mayor Thomas M. Menino today declared a snow emergency in anticipation of forecasted heavy snowfall tonight followed by frigid temperatures mid-week creating possibly icy conditions. The snow emergency and parking ban will go into effect at midnight tonight. Putting public safety as the top priority,

City Of Boston Declares Snow Emergency

Joseph Porcelli — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 11:09:00 -0500

Mayor Thomas M. Menino today declared that a snow emergency and parking ban will go into effect at 2:00 p.m. this afternoon. Putting public safety as the top priority, Mayor Menino reminded residents of the following:

Change made to Area E Phone List sheet

Joseph Porcelli — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 15:26:00 -0500

Updates have been made to the Area E phone list sheet and are now available on the Police Phone numbers page.

Holiday Safety Tips

Joseph Porcelli — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 15:59:00 -0500

The holidays are a special and joyous time of year. It is also a time when individuals need to be alert to the possibility of crime. The Boston Police Department encourages individuals to take simple precautions to ensure a happy and safe holiday.

The hustle and bustle of the holiday season can easily create a distraction for people. However during this festive time, it is important to pay special attention to the things going on around you. The holiday season is considered peak season for burglars, pickpockets and shoplifters.

Don’t let the spirit of giving lull you into giving burglars and pickpockets a chance to dampen your holiday spirit. Thieves love the holidays as much as everyone else, especially because it’s an opportune time for crime.

The Boston Police Department believes you can never be too careful, too prepared or too aware. Please share these safety tips with your family, friends and neighbors. We ask you to remember these simple safety precautions and enjoy the excitement of a safe and happy holiday.

Take a Holiday Inventory:

The holidays are a good time to update – or create– your home inventory. Take photos or make videos of items, and list descriptions and serial numbers. If your home is burglarized, having a detailed inventory can help identify stolen items and make insurance claims easier to file.
Make sure things like TVs, DVDs, VCRs, stereo equipment, cameras, camcorders, sports equipment, jewelry, silver, computers, home office equipment, and power tools are on the list. Remember to check it twice!

Celebrate Responsibly:

The holiday season is a time of celebration and revelry. Drinking and driving is a danger to everyone on the road. Anyone with a BAC of .08 or higher is in violation of Boston law and may go to jail. Remember that the risk isn’t worth it - if you choose to drink alcohol at a party, don’t drive. Take a cab, use public transportation, or a designated driver. Have fun, but remember to celebrate responsibly.

If You Are Traveling:

Get an automatic timer for your lights.
Ask a neighbor to watch your home, shovel snow, and park in the driveway from time to time.
Don’t forget to have mail and newspaper delivery stopped. If it piles up, it’s a sure sign you’re away.

If You Are Out for the Evening:

Turn on lights and a radio or TV so it looks like someone’s home.
Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
Don’t display gifts where they can be seen from outside.

If You Are Hosting A Party:

Have non-alcoholic beverages available for party guests.
Find alternative transportation for intoxicated guests.
Arrange for an official designated driver for your party who will not drink at all.

If You Are Attending A Party:

Have something to eat before consuming alcoholic beverages.
Eat high protein foods that will stay in your stomach longer and slow the absorption of alcohol into your system.
Remember: Only time will eliminate the alcohol from your body. Know your safe limit.
Never drink and drive.

Protect Your Vehicle:

Loading up on all those gifts is a sign of progress in the holiday shopping. But if those packages are left out in the open after they’re in the car, your car has become a likely target for thieves. Remember the old cliché “Out of sight, out of mind?” The same idea applies to items in your car.
Always lock your vehicle and store all items out of sight. Breaking into an empty car isn’t worth a thief’s time. However, anything left in plain view – from your holiday gifts to spare change, sunglasses, CDs, iPods, cell phones, GPS or laptops – may tempt a thief.
Help prevent your vehicle from being stolen by always locking your car and using anti-theft devices. And although it’s cold, never leave your vehicle running while you run inside your home or a store – even if only for a minute or two.
If you take packages to the car but plan to return to the store or mall, drive your car to a new location. Criminals can be on the lookout for unsuspecting shoppers who simply drop their purchases into the trunk and then return to keep shopping.
When returning to your auto (or home) have your keys in your hand ready to open the door. A few seconds may keep you from becoming a crime victim. Also check the inside of the vehicle for an intruder. Lock your doors immediately after entering the vehicle.

If You Are Shopping:

Walk confidently with your head up, stay alert and be aware of what’s going on around you.
Park in a well-lit space, and be sure to lock the car, close the windows, and hide shopping bags and gifts in the trunk.
Avoid carrying large amounts of cash; pay with a check or credit card whenever possible. When using credit cards, make sure that only one credit slip is printed with your charge card. Also, be sure to tear up any carbons that may be used to complete the transaction.
Deter pickpockets and purse-snatchers. Don’t overburden yourself with packages. Be extra careful with purses and wallets. Carry a purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps. Put a wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket. Open-weaved bags or purses without zippers or flaps are easy marks for pickpockets. Check your surroundings when opening your purse or wallet.
Shopping with kids? Teach them to go to a store clerk or security guard if you get separated.
Pay attention to people walking in front of and behind you. Be particularly observant when you are in crowded areas such as malls and stores, as places with large crowds are favorites for thieves and pickpockets.
Dress down while shopping instead of wearing expensive clothing and jewelry, which attracts thieves.

After Opening Gifts:

Don't advertise all the wonderful gifts you received over the holidays. Turn all gift boxes, bags, and wrapping paper inside out before recycling.

Changes made to Area B and E Police Phone Number Sheets

Joseph Porcelli — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 16:46:00 -0500

Updates have been made to Area A and B phone list sheets and are now available on the Police Phone numbers page.

Host a Holiday Pot Luck Social for your neighbors

Joseph Porcelli — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 14:31:00 -0500

We've received multiple requests over the past couple of months from Neighborhood Crime Watch leaders and members on what they could do with their groups during the holidays.

Our answer, Host a "Holiday Pot Luck Social" for your neighbors. Share the warmth, holiday spirit, crime prevention tips, and add neighbors to your "Phone/Email Tree".

Here is a step by step guide:

Send an email to your Neighborhood Crime Watch Group proposing your have a "Holiday Pot Luck Social". In your email, propose a three dates, ask someone to host, and ask for two volunteers to help get the word out; one person to flyer the street, and the other to call each members and invite and remind them to come.
Once your date and location have been determined, email me at Porcellij.bpd@ci.boston.ma.us with the details (Name of Group, Date, Time, and number of expected attendees and we'll print and mail you flyers, safety guides, holiday safety tips, sign-in forms, and an agenda for the Social.
Have your your neighbors flyered 1 week before the Social.
Have reminder calls made three day before the Social.
Have fun at the Social.
After the social update your phone/email tree and email everyone to thank them and attached up-to-date phone/email tree sheet.

Updates made to all Area Boston Police Phone List Sheets

Joseph Porcelli — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 18:16:00 -0500

Updates have been made to all Area phone list sheets and are now available on the Police Phone numbers page.

RETURNED HOME: Boston Police Seek the Public’s Assistance in Locating Missing 9 Year Old Girl

Joseph Porcelli — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 18:59:00 -0500

THE MISSING GIRL HAS BEEN FOUND

Thank you for your help

The Boston Police is seeking a missing nine-year-old female from Jamaica Plain.

At approximately 1:01pm today, officers from District E-13 responded to 63 Mozart St. in Jamaica Plain for a missing nine-year old girl. There, officers spoke to the victim’s mother who reported that the victim left for school this morning around 8:00am but never showed up for school at the John F. Kennedy Elementary School located at 7 Bolster St. in Jamaica Plain. The mother became aware that the victim was missing when the school notified her.

9 year-old Neishalys Gonzalez is described as a white Hispanic female, 4’11" in height, and weighing about 65 pounds. The victim is further described as having brown eyes, black curly shoulder length hair, and wearing a gray jacket, blue jeans, and black shoes. The victim was last seen this morning walking by the school in the company of two young girls.

Please call 911 with information.

Can Share 2007 - The Annual Food Drive Helps City’s Hungry

Joseph Porcelli — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 16:04:00 -0400

Neighborhood Crime Watch members and friends,

On Tuesday, Mayor Thomas M. Menino launched the City of Boston’s 21st Annual Can Share with a trip to Hi-Lo Foods in Jamaica Plain for a community shopping challenge. Mayor Menino joined community members to shop with a budget of $21, equal to the average weekly food stamp benefit of a Massachusetts household, showing how challenging it is for some households to feed their families. The shopping trip kicked off Can Share, the city’s annual food drive to help feed Boston’s hungry.

Below is a short film with footage from the event. We hope it inspires you to participate!

The Neigborhood Crime Watch unit strongly urges Neighborhood Crime Watch members accross the city to participate in Can Share by donating 21 cans, $21 dollars, or tell 21 of your neighbors about Can Share. Cans are being collected at Fire Stations, Community Centers, City Halls, and Fedex Kinkos through December 4.

BPD District Halloween Events

Joseph Porcelli — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 14:08:00 -0400

Click more to find out where BPD Halloween Events are happening in your neighborhood.

Halloween Safety Tips

Joseph Porcelli — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 14:04:00 -0400

Halloween Safety Tips

Parents should establish a route for children, stay within familiar areas and surroundings. An adult should accompany young children.
Remind kids not to enter strangers' homes or cars.
Remind children to avoid homes without an outside light on.
Attach your phone number and address to your children’s costume.
Take a flashlight.
Be sure clothing/costumes are bright, reflective and flame retardant.
Set rules about not eating treats until kids get home. Be sure to inspect all treats before allowing kids to eat them.
When in doubt, throw it out! Candy that has been opened should be thrown away. Any homemade treats or fruit should be inspected closely.
Never cross the street between parked cars.
Watch open flames from jack-o-lanterns as they can catch costumes and long wigs on fire.
Make sure that fake knives, swords, and guns are made from cardboard or other flexible materials to avoid accidental injury or worse, have them mistaken for the real thing!
It is also important to ensure that your home is safe and accessible to trick-or-treaters. As adults there are some very simple things we can do to make the evening safe everyone.
Turn on your porch light and sit outside to distribute treats. Encourage your neighbors to join you. It makes the whole neighborhood safer.
Move lit jack-o-lanterns off the porch where kids get bunched up if they are trick-or-treating in groups.
Remove objects from your yard that might present a hazard.
Drive slowly all evening-you never know what creature may suddenly cross your path.
Report any suspicious or criminal activity to the police.

Boston Police Department To Conduct Testing of New ‘Gunshot’ Detection System

Joseph Porcelli — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 19:38:00 -0400

On Wednesday, October 3, 2007, starting at approximately 9:15 p.m., the Boston Police Department (BPD) will conduct testing of the new ‘gunshot’ detection system known as Shotspotter. The testing will include simulated live gunfire near the following locations:

Celebrate Crime Prevention Month!

Joseph Porcelli — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 14:33:00 -0400

Yesterday, was the first day of October and, subsequently, the first day of Crime Prevention Month, 2007. Since 1984, communities all over the country have designated October as the official month of crime prevention. It is a time to spread the message of prevention and rally for the cause, as well as a time to celebrate past efforts and successes.

Meet Boston Public School Superintendent Dr. Carol R. Johnson, Friday, September 21, 2007 5:45-7:30pm at the Reggie Lewis Track & Athletic Center

Joseph Porcelli — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 13:44:00 -0400

You are cordially invited to join community leaders and organizations for a Welcome Reception for Boston Public School Superintendent Dr. Carol R. Johnson

Resource for Boston Youth www.bostonavigator.org

Joseph Porcelli — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 12:51:00 -0400

BOSTONavigator; www.bostonavigator.org is now the place for youth, their parents and other caring adults to locate and learn about out-of-school time program opportunities in the City of Boston.

Video and Report of National Night Out Boston 2007 "Unity Through Community" Celebrations

Joseph Porcelli — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 13:12:00 -0400

Please also see the three documents attached below of our Report.

Thank you to all the Neighborhood Watch members, block party organizers, District Police Stations, The Boston Red Sox, all National Night Out Nametag Day and Franklin Park Zoo volunteers, The Franklin Park Zoo, City of Boston and Boston Police Personnel, our wonderful sponsors, and Commissioner Ed Davis and the Honorable Mayor Thomas M. Menino and staff, for everyones participation and support.

Special thank you to Target, The National Sponsor of National Night Out

Please enjoy the following links to photos from NNO events in Boston:

NNO 2007 E-13 Open House

NNO 2007 Nametag Day at Fenway Park

NNO 2007 A-1 Open House

NNO 2007 B-3 Open House

NNO 2007 C-11 Open House

NNO 2007 Neighbors United Against Crime

NNO 2007 E-5 Open House

NNO 2007 August 4 & 5

NNO 2007 Poster Contest

NNO 2007 Zoo Celebration

NNO 2007 Awards

NNO 2007 Sponsors

NNO 2007 B-2

NNO 2007 Orchard Gardens

NNO 2007 Eustis Street

National Night Out Boston 2007
Impact Statement

National Night Out Participation:
Increase participation of National Night Out.

*55,000 National Night Out event attendees.
*150 National Night Out Block Parties, Porch Sits, Lights-on events
*11 District Open Houses
*10,000 National Night Out Branded Nametags distributed at the National Night Out Nametag Event at *Fenway Park and 39,500 people invited to participate.
*8,000 people attended the citywide National Night Out “Unity Through Community” celebration at the *Franklin Park Zoo, on Tuesday, August 7th.

Press Coverage/Outreach:
Drive awareness of National Night Out and message.

*6 National Night Out Articles in major daily papers
*8 National Night Out Articles in neighborhood weekly papers
*7 National Night Out TV interviews
*12 National Night Out TV news stories
*4 National Night Out Radio interviews
*2 National Night Out Radio stories

The Difference National Night Out helped make:
Drive awareness and participation in the Neighborhood Watch Program.

*Since 2005, the Neighborhood Crime Watch Unit has produced an extraordinary number of new and revitalized Neighborhood Crime Watch groups. In 2005, we started 26 new groups and revitalized 23 for at total of 49. In 2006, we started 39 new groups and revitalized 51 for at total of 90; and in 2007 we started 89 new groups and revitalized 37 for at total of 126. We have successfully leveraged the momentum of inspiration and translated it into action that fulfills our mission of deterring crime and reducing fear.
*2,000 people have signed up to receive our newsletter since last Summer.
*At the same time last year our web analysis showed about 2000 unique visitors a month. In July 2007 there were 16,685 unique visitors.
*Published hundreds of National Night Out photos to our website www.BostonCrimeWatch.com.
*Doubled the amount of funds raised from 2006 and brought on five new sponsors.
*Overall violent crime is down 9% from the same time last year, a priority for BPD.

Additional Photo's from National Night Out Boston 2007 Posted

Joseph Porcelli — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 12:43:00 -0400

Click to see additional photos from the National Night Out Boston 2007 Poster Contest Awards Luncheon and B-2 Open house.

If you have pictures you would like us to share please email to Joseph.

Michael Kozu, 2007 Crime Fighter of the Year

Joseph Porcelli — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 13:11:00 -0400

2007 CRIME FIGHTER OF THE YEAR
MICHAEL KOZU

Michael Kozu has been the Project RIGHT Grove Hall Safe Neighborhood Initiative community coordinator for more than ten years. He has been the key staff person for this public safety/neighborhood restoration partnership, while also organizing residents and community representatives on neighborhood issues.

Michael Kozu has been a major player in helping the Neighborhood Crime Watch Unit organize and sustain numerous crime watch groups in the Grove Hall and Blue Hill Avenue corridor. Working hand-in-hand with residents from Stanwood, Fayston, Devon and Intervale Streets, Michael has forged an alliance of trust and commitment between crime watch members and the police officers from District B-2 and the Youth Violence Strike Force.

His influence, positive attitude, constant encouragement and support provide residents and crime watch members with direction and leadership in a Boston neighborhood heavily impacted by violence.

Because of this, we salute Michael Kozu’s commitment and devotion to “Unity Through Community” with the 2007 Crime Fighter of the Year Award.

Target awarded the 2007 Tracy Amalfitano Award

Joseph Porcelli — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 13:10:00 -0400

Tracy Amalfitano Awarded to Target

This award is named after the former Assistant Director of the Boston Police Department Neighborhood Crime Watch Unit and the National Night Out project Director. It is given to a person, group, or company that has proven to be a true friend of the Neighborhood Crime Watch Program and Community Policing.

We are proud and pleased to announce that the 2007 Tracy Amalfitano Award goes to Target. Greg La Pre has been the lead on this and our faithful, enthusiastic partner from Target. Over the past few years the Target Team has served our Unit and Neighborhood Crime Watch members across the city on numerous occasions. Their enthusiastic contributions have made a significant impact on the quality of life in Boston. Target employees serve on our Advisory Board and have attended every one of its meetings this year. In March, two teams volunteered to help us with outreach for the Poster Contest, resulting in the submission of many more posters this year. In July, they again sent two teams to help with outreach for National Night Out and to encourage people to register their block parties. In addition to being a national sponsor of National Night Out, Target’s financial contribution helped make this event in Boston possible. It should also be noted that Target assists the Boston Police Department and its Community Policing Program in a multitude of other ways from special-project grants to individual Districts to their Safe City initiatives around their stores. We are grateful to have the Target Team as part of our team.

Top Ten Neighborhood Crime Watch Groups of 2007

Joseph Porcelli — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 12:47:00 -0400

It is our pleasure to announce the Top Ten Neighborhood Crime Watch groups of 2007! Thank you and congratulations to all the honorees. Click to download high resolution versions of below picture.

THE ANDREW SQUARE CIVIC ASSOCIATION has met regularly with and worked closely with the C-6 Boston Police to make this area a safer, better place to live and work.

THE BAILEY & FULLER STREET NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION stepped up to the plate after a vicious attack in their neighborhood left the victim with multiple gunshot wounds and clinging to life. They became directly involved with the investigation. Their involvement and support led to the victim being willing to identify his attacker and ultimately led to an arrest.

THE FOREST HILLS HOUSING COOPERATIVE CRIME WATCH has worked diligently with Boston Police District E-13 to identify and target youth issues and property crimes by encouraging their members to get their children invested in neighborhood/community safety. These efforts have been successful. (The group was not available for a picture.)

THE FRIENDS OF ROGERS PARK CRIME WATCH has worked with Boston Police District 14 and other City agencies to alleviate public drinking, vandalism, drug activity and traffic problems which were plaguing the area. They have met regularly and have created a safer environment around the Park.

Last year when residents noticed illegal activities taking place in Union Street Park, THE FRIENDS OF UNION STREET PARK, led by Rob Lockhart, they immediately formed a crime watch, cleaned up the park, planted new flowers and trees, contacted City Hall to have street lights repaired, and worked with the District A1 Community Service office and the Municipal Police. Soon the area was bustling with residents, criminal activity ceased, and the park was once again a vibrant location that families and residents could enjoy.

THE MAVERICK TENANTS CRIME WATCH is determined to make their new housing safe and prevent crime. They have met on regular basis with the District 7 Boston Police and Winn Management to meet their goals. They have passed along information that has resulted in arrests and in the Management Company being able to evict bad tenants. (The group was not available for a picture.)

THE MOUNT HOPE/CANTERBURY CRIME WATCH, led by Steven Godrey, has been consistently involved in neighborhood issues. They meet every month with the E-18 Boston Police and residents and address problems in the neighborhood such as, B & E’s, speeding, chop shops, and property development issues. By working together they have improved the response to crime problems and are bale to enjoy a better quality of life.

NEW ACADEMY ESTATES II CRIME WATCH--Fifteen years ago before Academy Homes II became New Academy Estates crime was out of control in this development. Mothers, fearing for their safety and the safety of their children, banded together, began to meet with the B-2 Boston Police to address the problems, and have been doing so ever since. This has resulted in a safer, less fearful existence for the development.

THE PENFIELD/PINEHURST CRIME WATCH has met consistently to work on crime as it arises. Over the years they have addressed such issues as: street robberies, speeding, trash, noise, and the many issues emanating from the rental of the Am Vets Post. By working regularly with the E-5 Boston Police they are able to quickly address crime issues and stop it in its tracks.

THE TALBOT-NORFOLK TRIANGLE NEIGHBORS UNITED are residents and local businesses who work with the B-3 Boston Police, elected officials, and local non-profits to make their neighborhood a caring and thriving community. When they realized that their neighborhood needed more recreation space they began working to transform vacant land on Elmhurst Street and Spencer/Whitfield Streets. What were once unsightly, dirty neighborhood spaces overgrown with weeds, covered with broken bottles and trash are now 2 neighborhood playgrounds for young children and families, complete with art, spray fountains, and lawns.

8,000 attend National Night Out Celebration at the Franklin Park Zoo

Joseph Porcelli — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 11:56:00 -0400

The National Night Out citywide celebration at the Franklin Park was a huge success. Just about 8,000 people attended to demonstrate their “Unity Through Community.” Mayor Menino and Police Commissioner Ed Davis honored the Top Ten Neighborhood Crime Watch Groups and the Crime Fighter of the Year. Police Commissioner Ed Davis stated, "Mayor Menino and I would like to applaud everyone who participated in this year's hugely successful National Night Out festivities. National Night Out highlights the large number of highly-motivated community members combined with the spirit of community policing that makes the city of Boston such a remarkable place to live and work."

Here is the first batch of pictures from the celebration. Click on any picture to be taken to the photo album where you can enlarge and download.