Letter to the Editor: Dedham Police Thank National Night Out Organizers and Participants

Dear Editor:

On behalf of the Dedham Police Department, I would like to sincerely thank all the individuals, organizations and businesses who coordinated and participated in Dedham’s National Night Out 2013 celebration.  This is the third year that this national public safety campaign has been recognized and celebrated in Dedham.  

Events were organized from July 27 - August 6, 2013. The key organizers included representatives from civic groups and local businesses: Dedham Square Circle, Manor Neighborhood Association, Mother Brook Community Group, Dedham Square Artist Guild, the Blue Bunny Bookstore, Dedham Community Theater, Oakdale Square Alliance, and Walgreens. Each civic group aims to bring people together to improve the quality of life and economic prosperity in their neighborhood, and the town of Dedham. National Night Out 2013 provided an opportunity for the entire community to unite to raise awareness about public safety, and crime and drug abuse prevention.  

The following events took place throughout town:

• Mercury thermometers were collected at Walgreens for safe disposal, and Walgreens donated first aid kits to local residents.

• Young artists worked with professional artists from the Dedham Square Artist Guild to create pictures of super heroes. These wonderfully creative pieces were displayed in businesses town wide.  

• Kids participated in a “police academy” obstacle course at the Endicott Estate.

• A spirited softball game was played with Dedham High School student athletes contending against members of the Dedham Police Department.

• Several hundred citizens visited the police station to tour the building, explore cruisers, and viewed law enforcement equipment.

• Children enjoyed “local heroes” story time at the Blue Bunny Bookstore.

• Families enjoyed a free movie at the Dedham Community Theater.

• An illuminated group of crime watchers were joined by District Attorney Michael Morrissey as they strolled the streets of the Manor neighborhood.

• Movie night at Condon Park featuring the super hero hit, The Avengers.  Some concerns were raised related to the suitability of this movie for all audiences.  We will ensure that similar events in the future feature a movie which is suitable for all audiences.

The Dedham Police Department looks forward to building on the success of these events, and continued partnerships with all members of our community.

Our successful National Night Out 2013 events were made possible because of the help provided by and charitable contributions made from the following groups and individuals:

Dedham Square Circle, Mother Brook Community Group, Manor Neighborhood Association, Dedham Square Artist Guild, Oakdale Square Alliance, Blue Bunny Books and Toys, Walgreens Pharmacy - Dedham,  All Season Rent-All-Norwood, Dan Hart, Rob Blaney, Cara Crisafulli, Jen Barsamian, Marietta Apollonio, Rich Campagna, Kerry Hawkins, Laura Carawan Park, Paul McMurtry, Paul Reynolds, Janet Reynolds, Jim MacDonald, Sarah MacDonald, Carmen DelloIacono, Mike Butler, Amy Haelsen, Rita Mae Cushman, Carol Clements, Charlie Krueger, Jim Maher, Dedham Parks and Recreation, Stephanie Radner, Chris Ryan, Martha and Paul Zeolla, Ziad Greige, Janet Mattozzi, Ennis Mattozi, Bob Stanley, Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council, Bill Keegan, Erin Perron, Joe Flanagan, Dave Flynn, Dedham High School student athletes, the Endicott Estate, Dedham Department of Public Works, Norfolk County Mosquito Control,  Dedham House of Pizza, Dedham Community House summer camps, Custom Art Framing of Norwood, Kings Bowling, Josh Rossmeisl, Heather Pina, Mesah Moraes, Lauren Weathers, Showcase Cinema, Shaun Judge, McGolf, Tracey Legendre, Dedham Savings, Curtis Newton Lumber, Marie Naughton, East Dedham Builders, Tedeschi’s, Oakdale Pizza, Terry’s Market, Peter Patel, Village Manor, Dedham Community Theater, BJ’s Wholesale Club, Sandra Caruso, all of Dedham’s Police Officers  and District Attorney Michael Morrissey.

Many thanks to all,

Michael d’Entremont

Chief of Police