HACKETTSTOWN’S NATIONAL NIGHT OUT: An Evening Of Neighborhood Camaraderie

By Cathy Miller

Friends and neighbors experienced a true sense of community at Hackettstown’s National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 1 from 6–10 p.m. at the Arthur J. Sheldon Recreation Complex, 499 Warren Street, next to the Hackettstown Community Pool.

Introduced in Aug. 1984, National Night Out is an annual campaign that promotes strong police-community partnerships and facilitates more caring neighborhoods in which to live and work.

National Night Out was co-sponsored by the Hackettstown Recreation Commission, Hackettstown Business Improvement District, Hackettstown Medical Center, Mars Wrigley, and Marley’s Gotham Grill.

*Hackettstown Police Department hands out goodies to visitors.*

*Will Van Doren, of Great Meadows, strapped down and strapped into a restraint chair, while Sgt. Gubelmann looks on.*

Mason Churchill, of Great Meadows, dons a correction shield, helmet, a side handle baton, and a tactical vest.

*Norwescap Child and family Resources brought informational materials.*

*Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Crisis Center of Warren County (DASACC) brought informational materials and other goodies.*

*Sam Scupoline, Chief, Hackettstown First Aid and Rescue Square, with her pup Cooper.*

(L-R) Karin White, Member of the Warren County Bicentennial Cultural and Heritage Advisory Board; Laurie Rapisardi, Chair (president) of the Bicentennial Advisory Board and Executive Director of the Hackettstown Business Improvement District; and Jessica Taenzer, Marketing and Events Coordinator of the Hackettstown Business Improvement District.

Chef Bruno Pascale and his daughter Ava pose in front of his new food truck for Marley’s Cravin’ Cuban

Marley’s Gotham Grill Wings & Things Food Truck handed out free wings, Mars Wrigley supplied free candy, and there was free swimming at the Hackettstown Community Pool.
The Hackettstown Business Improvement District hosted a Wellness Fair which featured Bright Smiles 4 Kids, Ivy Rehab, Centerpoint Wellness, and Real Time Fitness. The BID also collected donations (food and monetary) for local food pantries. Visit www.hktwn.com for current drop-off sites.

Other participants included Hackettstown Fire Department, Hackettstown First Aid and Rescue Squad (fire and rescue vehicles were on display), WRNJ Radio, Warren County Bicentennial Cultural and Heritage Advisory Board, Blue Star Mothers of North Warren NJ-7 Chapter, Hackettstown Stormwater Management, Hackettstown Free Public Library, Tiger Junior Lacrosse Club, Warren County Corrections, New Jersey State Police, Norwescap Child and Family Resource Services, Hackettstown Area Girl Scouts, Wawa, Domestic Abuse & Sexual Assault Crisis Center of Warren County, and Pumpkin Patch Preschool.

There were plenty of activities for children and adults, all kinds of goodies to collect, and plenty of tote bags in which to store it all. The community pool and tours of the emergency vehicles added to the fun.

To close out the evening, visitors were treated to a free showing of “DC League of Super Pets” beginning at dusk.