{"id":150499,"date":"2025-08-16T12:39:18","date_gmt":"2025-08-16T12:39:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/150499\/"},"modified":"2025-08-16T12:39:18","modified_gmt":"2025-08-16T12:39:18","slug":"national-night-out-gets-a-free-pass-from-mother-nature","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/150499\/","title":{"rendered":"National Night Out gets a free pass from Mother Nature"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>As miracles go, it wasn\u2019t necessarily Biblical.<\/p>\n<p>Let\u2019s call it a minor miracle.<\/p>\n<p>As grumbling storms passed through our area surrounding Gorgas Park last Tuesday afternoon, the National Night Out extravaganza was somehow spared any significant precipitation.<\/p>\n<p>For those from the Fifth Police District Advisory Council (PDAC), the 21st Ward Community Town Watch, and Friends of Gorgas Park who worked feverishly to set up the annual event, maybe we can just refer to the meteorological phenomenon as good karma.<\/p>\n<p>As storms raged around the park\u2019s perimeter, nervous organizers kept looking at their Doppler apps in disbelief.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"mng-gallery-initialized mng-gallery-slider\">\n<li data-index=\"1\" class=\"mng-ge mng-gallery-active\" id=\"mng-ge-0\" aria-hidden=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><img alt=\"Adorable 2 year old K-9 White Lab Bailey got more...\" class=\"size-article_inline\"  \/>\n<p>Adorable 2 year old K-9 White Lab Bailey got more than his share of doggie loving from attendees. (Photo by Rick Cawley)\n<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"2\" class=\"mng-ge\" id=\"mng-ge-1\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Community Relations Officer Damian Caggiano was blown away with the...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/RBR-L-nightout-0816-04.jpg\" \/>\n<p>Community Relations Officer Damian Caggiano was blown away with the gifted historic map of his home Horsham area from Kris Soffa. (Photo by Rick Cawley)\n<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"3\" class=\"mng-ge\" id=\"mng-ge-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Mino and Luca Marano found plenty of activities to hold...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/RBR-L-nightout-0816-02.jpg\" \/>\n<p>Mino and Luca Marano found plenty of activities to hold their attention. (Photo by Rick Cawley)\n<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"4\" class=\"mng-ge\" id=\"mng-ge-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Jaycee Doroba props up little sis Cali, who later got...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/RBR-L-nightout-0816-06.jpg\" \/>\n<p>Jaycee Doroba props up little sis Cali, who later got to explore the inside of a fire truck. (Photo by Rick Cawley)\n<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"5\" class=\"mng-ge\" id=\"mng-ge-4\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Friends of Gorgas Park Prez John Boyce, with Beth Strain...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/RBR-L-nightout-0816-05.jpg\" \/>\n<p>Friends of Gorgas Park Prez John Boyce, with Beth Strain Berry, was beside himself with excitement over the turnout. (Photo by Rick Cawley)\n<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Show Caption<\/p>\n<p>1 of 5<\/p>\n<p>Adorable 2 year old K-9 White Lab Bailey got more than his share of doggie loving from attendees. (Photo by Rick Cawley)\n<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#\" class=\"icon-enlarge mng-gallery-fullscreen-expand\" aria-label=\"Expand fullscreen slideshow\">Expand<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Oh, there was plenty of booming thunder and lightning strikes off in the distance, enough for Mr. Do-It-All James Dougherty to leap from the Dunk Tank after one chilling thunderbolt over the horizon.<\/p>\n<p>Dougherty, would intrepidly regain his perch once he was confident that the nearby weather system had passed, sacrificing his body to treat the youngsters to a bit of guilty pleasure.<\/p>\n<p>But other than a few innocent drops, the event proceeded virtually, and can I say miraculously, unscathed.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\" lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Courageous Linus Nannery enthusiastically climbed back up on the dunk tank seat despite countless dunkings. (Photo by Rick Cawley)\" width=\"4273\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/RBR-L-nightout-0816-01_e499ae.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"1114550\" \/>Courageous Linus Nannery enthusiastically climbed back up on the dunk tank seat despite countless dunkings. (Photo by Rick Cawley)<\/p>\n<p>Of course, one would have to think that National Night Out celebrations in other parts of the city and beyond may not have been so lucky.<\/p>\n<p>The National Night Out, which is held on the first Tuesday in August, was created as a way to enhance positive relationships between local law enforcement and the neighborhoods in which they serve.<\/p>\n<p>The goal is to increase awareness regarding police-related programs in communities such as Town Watch, Drug Awareness, and other anti-crime initiatives.<\/p>\n<p>Community Relations Officer Damian Caggiano and his PDAC crew try to raise the bar each year to provide a stimulating and fun environment so that folks will continue to flock to the event as they have in years past.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"mng-gallery-initialized mng-gallery-slider\">\n<li data-index=\"1\" class=\"mng-ge mng-gallery-active\" id=\"mng-ge-0\" aria-hidden=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><img alt=\"Aiden Szlanic gets an imaginative face makeover from artist Annette...\" class=\"size-article_inline\"  \/>\n<p>Aiden Szlanic gets an imaginative face makeover from artist Annette Atkins. (Photo by Rick Cawley)\n<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"2\" class=\"mng-ge\" id=\"mng-ge-1\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Members of the Philadelphia Mounted Police drew quite a lot...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/RBR-L-nightout-0816-01_9521b9.jpg\" \/>\n<p>Members of the Philadelphia Mounted Police drew quite a lot of attention with their impressive steeds.(Photo by Rick Cawley)\n<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"3\" class=\"mng-ge\" id=\"mng-ge-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Officer Damian Caggiano, with volunteers Steve Aldinger and Lisa Hoback,...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/RBR-L-nightout-0816-03_d150ba.jpg\" \/>\n<p>Officer Damian Caggiano, with volunteers Steve Aldinger and Lisa Hoback, deserves kudos for his efforts in making the night a success. (Photo by Rick Cawley)\n<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"4\" class=\"mng-ge\" id=\"mng-ge-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Emma Szlanic got the thrill of sitting on Officer Cliff...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/RBR-L-nightout-0816-03_bc4b99.jpg\" \/>\n<p>Emma Szlanic got the thrill of sitting on Officer Cliff Gilliam\u2019s Highway Patrol cycle. (Photo by Rick Cawley)\n<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"5\" class=\"mng-ge\" id=\"mng-ge-4\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\u201cThe Music Mann\u201d (aka Barry Redemann) kept the scene rockin\u2019...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/RBR-L-nightout-0816-02_bf50b1.jpg\" \/>\n<p>\u201cThe Music Mann\u201d (aka Barry Redemann) kept the scene rockin\u2019 with a steady diet of upbeat tunes. (Photo by Rick Cawley)\n<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Show Caption<\/p>\n<p>1 of 5<\/p>\n<p>Aiden Szlanic gets an imaginative face makeover from artist Annette Atkins. (Photo by Rick Cawley)\n<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#\" class=\"icon-enlarge mng-gallery-fullscreen-expand\" aria-label=\"Expand fullscreen slideshow\">Expand<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Some of the mainstays included the aforementioned dunk tank, including a slew of crowd pleasers for the younger set like kiddie games, face painting, music, funnel cake, prize raffles, and free hot doggies courtesy of those master grillers (PDAC\u2019s Rich Wilczynski and Officer Michele Mobley).<\/p>\n<p>There were several info tables set up by local organizations explaining the many resources that are available to the public within our gem of a community.<\/p>\n<p>Some of the groups represented included Kaleidoscope, Amerikick Andorra, Girls Scouts, Town Watch, State Rep. Tarik Khan\u2019s office to name a few.<\/p>\n<p>There was a notable Philly\u2019s Finest vibe getting attention across the generation gap ranging from a Swat Team vehicle with gear to try on to a couple of Mounted Police looking to get a little TLC for their equestrian partners.<\/p>\n<p>One particular highlight occured when Fifth District Captain James Kimrey was able to coax the Avalon String Band to come and perform selections from their mummers routine.<\/p>\n<p>Is it New Years already?<\/p>\n<p>Highly orchestrated events like National Night Out don\u2019t happen without the generous contribution of sponsors.<\/p>\n<p>At the top of the list would be the Friends of Gorgas Park and Town Watch, along with the Crabill family, Shop Rite, Small Things Food Bank, and the good folks at Independence Blue Cross.<\/p>\n<p>The folks from PDAC have another kid-friendly event just over the horizon, as they usher in the school year with their \u201cAnnual Back 2 School\u201d supplies giveaway on August 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.<\/p>\n<p>Better get there early as demand is always high!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"As miracles go, it wasn\u2019t necessarily Biblical. Let\u2019s call it a minor miracle. As grumbling storms passed through&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":150500,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5132],"tags":[5229,728,50,1448,2830,1311,20348,25630,25629,67,586,132,5230,68,2969],"class_list":{"0":"post-150499","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-philadelphia","8":"tag-america","9":"tag-local-news","10":"tag-news","11":"tag-pa","12":"tag-pennsylvania","13":"tag-philadelphia","14":"tag-philadelphia-county","15":"tag-roxborough-review","16":"tag-top-stories-tth","17":"tag-united-states","18":"tag-united-states-of-america","19":"tag-unitedstates","20":"tag-unitedstatesofamerica","21":"tag-us","22":"tag-usa"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@us\/115038491095594650","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/150499","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=150499"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/150499\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/150500"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=150499"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=150499"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=150499"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}