Downtown Jersey City was animated by the children and parents who filled area parks for the eighth annual National Night Out Against Crime on Wednesday. Enjoying hot dogs and balloons, kids got to meet their favorite cartoon characters, while parents learned about safety.
"The National Night Out is way for the Jersey City neighborhoods to show they can deter crime," said Edgar Martinez, deputy director of the Jersey City Police Department. "These people out here tonight are making crime prevention work."
Van Vorst Park featured a number of attractions, including face painting and Lucky the Clown.
"My family has been here about three years," said Wayne Street resident Robin Sweet. "The park is the real focal point not just for the kids, but also to socialize with other moms."
Sweet, who commutes to New York City to work, said accessibility to transportation was one of the advantages to living near the riverside.
"We lived in Brooklyn before moving here, and commuting was a real pain," said Sweet.
Along with many others at Van Vorst Park Wednesday, Sweet believes the Night Out events help keep secure what she feels is already a good neighborhood.
"We don’t have much trouble down here," observed Sweet. "I take my son to the park in the spring and summer and to the area playgroup in the fall and winter with no problems."
Joanne Laskowski, who brought her two-year-old son Maximus from her home on Barrow Street, agreed with Sweet.
"This area is getting better and better every year,’ said Laskowski, who moved to Jersey City four years ago. "It is a little expensive, but very convenient."
"This is a very good place for raising kids," commented Sandra Wroblewski, a mail carrier who has lived in Jersey City for 14 years.
Her five-year-old daughter, Lila, and Maximus Laskowski, encountered Clifford the Red Dog and Chuckie from the Rugrats television program.
Stefany Ovalles, who wore the Chuckie costume, said she participated in the Night Out because she likes to work in the community. "I do this because I like working with kids," explained the 14-year-old future lawyer, temporarily removing her "Chuckie" plastic head. "This is really fun."
Citations awarded
Citations for public service were awarded Wednesday night at Van Vorst Park. Sam Callieo Jr., the 5-year-old son of Samuel Callieo, manager of the Double Tree Hotel on Washington Avenue, was recognized for helping underprivileged children during the holidays. "We have a special gentleman here today," said Cpt. Peter Nalbach of the Jersey City Police Department. "Sam is a little guy, but he has a big heart."
According Nalbach, young Sam Callieo helped distribute toys to poor children on Christmas day and later served food to the homeless.
"We are very proud of him at the police department," added Nalbach. "A kid with that much concern should be saluted."
Sam’s father, Sam Sr., said his son was learning civic responsibility from the various charitable efforts he was participating in.
Also given recognition at Van Vorst Park was the president of the Historic Downtown Special Improvement District (SID), Jerry Blankman. Historic Downtown is one of four SIDs operating in the downtown Jersey City area, which pool money from merchants to make street, façade, and sidewalk improvements.
"I got a certificate of appreciation from the city," said Blankman, noting he was recognized for his "efforts at making Jersey City a better place to live" through his support of events like the Night Out and the upcoming Puerto Rican Day Parade.
"It was a nice thing to get this notice," said Blankman. "I always try to give back to the community."
Boriquan Village, at Manila Avenue and Fifth Street, was another busy Night Out location.
"The National Night Out demonstrates neighborhoods can keep themselves safe," said Elhiu Rivera, executive director of the Puerto Rican American Community Organization (PACO). "We have a very safe community here."
On hand at the Night Out event on Manila Avenue, amid the music, hot dogs, and domino games, were cadets from the Jersey City Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol. According to squadron leader John Mateo, the squadron is comprised of approximately 150 area youths interested in aerospace technology.
"The purpose of the organization is to promote education in aerospace technology, public service, and to help out in emergency situations," he said.
During the 9-11 terrorist attack, the squadron helped move supplies to New York from Jersey City. Later on, the group actually went to Ground Zero, where it helped direct traffic during the recovery period after the attack.
"I like the Night Out because I get to see a lot of people from my neighborhood," said Melissa Quintero, a cadet in the squadron. "I like this a lot."