A History of National Night Out

Matt Peskin in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania founded National Night Out in 1983. The National Association of Town Watch (NATW) sponsors it. It has since grown to become a national event observed in all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canada, and military bases around the world. NATW is a member of the Crime Prevention Coalition and the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC).

National Night Out is designed to: (1) heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; (2) generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime programs; (3) strengthen neighborhoods spirit and police-community relations; and (4) send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and are fighting back.

Along with traditional display of front porch outdoor lights, cities, towns, and neighborhoods celebrate National Night Out with a variety of events and activities such as: block parties, cook outs, parades, youth programs, and visits from local law enforcement personnel.

A Safety and Resource Fair was hosted by Corinthian Pointe’s Social Welcome Committee as a pre-National Night Out Awareness event.

The event was held at the community park, inside the sub-division on Saturday, September 27th, from 10-2p.m.

The first unofficial participation for Corinthian Pointe H.O.A. with National Night Out was held 2005 with the gathering of nine neighbors in a drive way. The few but diligent neighbors decided to organize an annual gathering for the neighborhood.

In 2006, the following and official year, the awareness event has become the largest supported community activity.

The event is a great opportunity to meet new neighbors and become reacquainted with others, whiling engaging good conversation and becoming involved in the safety of the community.

Now celebrating fourteen years since, the first neighbor moved into the sub-division, the recovery from Hurricane Ike, the Social Welcome Committee decided to re launched the NNO event.

Community organizations and partners such as the 5 Corners Improvement District (Allen Goodlow), Walgreens (Mr. Marcader), City Councilmember Larry Green office (Chief of Staff, Donald Perkins) and  Olive Garden (Charles Samuels), participated as judges for the selection of three Good Neighbors.

Marlin Maxwell, Anthony Wright and Francisco Rivera were this year’s 2014 recipients! The award is given in honor of Mr. Curtis Sowell.

Homeowners participated with the popular Meet & Greet Eight neighbors, a favorite activity to connect with another neighbor! This year community services hours were provided to student volunteers.

Ali McHenry of Dance Fusion USA provided entertained for the crowd with music ranging from soul to sounds in recognition of Hispanic Heritage month. Photography shots were captured by the 5 Corners Improvement District and Tiffany Goudeau.

Precinct 7,Constable May Walker’s office provided valuable resources as well as Officer Journet. The Houston Public Library Resource lab   was on hand and signed up over 30 neighbors for the new library card in partnership with HEB.

The Corinthian Pointe Community was established in 2000, by the Pyramid Residential Community Corporation, a non-profit development and has 462 homes.