National Night Out Comes to Ford City Tomorrow

Officials hope another large crowd (like the one that attended their first meeting in April) attends tomorrow night’s free National Night Out in Ford City Park. (KP File Photo)
by Jonathan Weaver
A local community effort to combat crime will conduct their first event tomorrow.
Now known as the Manor Area Crime Watch, community volunteers will hold a National Night Out in Ford City Park from 6-9PM Tuesday evening.
Crime Watch Administrator Bill McMaster said the event will include Ford City and Manor Township fire trucks and officials, Ford City and Manor Township police vehicles and officers, the Pennsylvania State Police public affairs officer, a representative from Guardian Protection and children’s games.
“Should be a good event,” McMaster said.
McMaster clarified that the group is now Manor Area Crime Watch again instead of Armstrong Crime Watch due to Manor already registered as a non-profit organization.
However, officials all along have said residents are welcome from all local municipalities.
Half of the organization’s $70 in funds raised at last month’s meeting at the Latin American Club in Ford City went toward registration for the event, an idea brainstormed by Ford City Police Sgt. John Atherton.
Secretary/Treasurer Sandy Hutchison received further from the National Association of Town Watch communication with officials from Wynnewood, Pa.
According to the Manor Township organization’s original manual, community Watch groups and other crime prevention organizations around the nation hold block parties, cookouts, parades and rallies to promote involvement in crime and drug prevention activities during the annual National Night Out.
Vice-President Darla Bernot previously said the event premise is to “get outside and meet your neighbors.”
“Seems like a good program for us to get involved in,” Crime Watch Administrator McMaster replied.
It is the only National Night Out scheduled in the local area.
The next crime watch meeting will be held at 7PM Monday, August 10 at the Manor Township fire hall.