National Night Out Brings Communities Together
View slide show from National Night Out
On Tuesday, August 3, 2021 many kids in the area had an opportunity to meet and greet their local heroes and first responders in the community.
National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. Furthermore, it provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.
The first National Night Out was held in Emlenton with Main Street blocked from Kerr Avenue to the Emlenton Post Office. How fun was it? Just ask four year old Mason Stumpner (pic left) who for the first time had the opportunity to get behind the wheel of a fire truck. Mason has learned all about fire trucks in the books he has been read. Now was his turn to feel the experience. With a smile as big as the big red truck, Mason jumped out full of excitement.
The idea of having a National Night out was the collaboration of Emlenton Police Chief, Justin O’Neil and Knox Police Chief, Nicole Bauer. The event drew hundreds in a show of great community support and appreciation.
Fire trucks and rescue units lined Main St. with the Emlenton V.F.D. displaying the American Flag off of their ladder truck as a tribute to all the first responders. (pic right)
The evening was kicked off with the National Anthem being sung by Jennifer Lowrey. Hope Rising Church gave an opening prayer asking for the blessing for all those in attendance and the first responders who risk their lives every day.
Barry Louise of the Emlenton Borough Council welcomed everyone and served as emcee for the evening.
Children in attendance were given a nap sack bag with a few goodies and had the opportunity to be finger printed. All kids in attendance had the opportunity to register for some great prizes including a Police Powerwheel, Ambulance Powerwheel and Fire Powerwheel donated by Emlenton Brew Haus. Scooters were donated by Otto’s Tavern and Restaurant. The Boy’s and Girl’s Club Along The Allegheny donated a his and her bicycle and Amy’s Closet donated two tricycles for the younger kids. Farmers National Bank who put up an information table, donated a hover board. Various other prizes included passes to Keystone Safari/Living Treasures, $25 Farmers Inn gift certificate, and passes to Moonlight Drive Inn of Butler.
The Boy’s and Girl’s Club Along The Allegheny with the help of Little It Deli passed out water and nearly 400 hot dogs.
The evening featured the music talent of Jeff Powell and Jenny Lowrey and a magic show by magician, Ray Lucas.
Families and kids had the opportunity to meet with all the local first responders in attendance.
Chief O’Neil of Emlenton Police Dept. accepts a Diamond Dots American Flag Display from Hope Mayes, created by Hope and Anna-Marie Vilish.
Participating in the event were many agencies and groups. They included: the Knox Police Dept.; Knox Fire Dept.; Knox Area Ambulance; Emlenton Police Dept.; Emlenton Fire Dept.; Emlenton Area Ambulance; PA State Police; PA Game Commission; PA State Parole; Eau Claire Fire Dept.; Parker Fire Dept.; Clintonville Fire Dept.; Seneca Fire Dept.; Bruin Fire Dept. and Rehab Team; St. Petersburg Fire Dept., Clarion E.M.A.; Callensburg Fire Dept.; Bifano’s Farm, Hope Rising Church, Autism Tough Foundation, Farmers National Bank, Armstrong County Sheriff, Knox Library, Linmas Drugs, Indiana Armstrong Clarion Drug & Alcohol, McGruff the Crime Dog, Mark Bauer, PA Constable Whitehill, Hovis Truck Service, Boys & Girls Club Along the Allegheny, Jeff Powell and Jennifer Lowrey.
Sponsors included: Emlenton Brew Haus, Otto’s Tavern, Hepler’s Meat Processing, Emlenton IGA, Little It Deli, Amy’s Closet, Bill’s Service, C93, The Progress News, Keystone Safari/Living Treasures, Jeff Powell, Hovis Truck Service, Hickman Lumber, Farmers National Bank, Allegheny Mountain Hardwood, Emlenton Borough Council, Knox Borough Council, Farmers Inn, Moonlight Drive Inn, Warren Jackson, UniMart, Explore Clarion/Venango and The Boy’s and Girl’s Club Along The Allegheny.
State Senator Scott Hutchinson and State Rep. Lee James drew the names of the winners for the prize drawing. Winners were as follows:
1st Prize Police Powerwheels, donated by Emlenton Brew Haus - Erik Fischli
2nd Prize Fire Powerwheels, donated by Emlenton Brew Haus - Koulter Eddy
3rd Prize Ambulance Powerwheels, donated by Emlenton Brew Haus - Judah Mellor
4th Prize Power Scooter, Donated by Otto’s Tavern - Jolie Van Lien
5th Prize Power Scooter, Donated by Otto’s Tavern - Riley Garris
6th Prize Power Scooter, Donated by Otto’s Tavern - Grayson Jackson
7th Prize Hoverboard, Donated by Farmers National Bank - Jase Bartley
8th Prize Boys Bicycle, Donated by Boys & Girls Club Along the Allegheny - Hunter Zychowski
9th Prize Girls Bicycle, Donated by Boys & Girls Club Along the Allegheny - Farris Baum
10th Prize Girls tricycle, Donated by Amy’s Closet - Hadley Ice
11th Prize Boys tricycle, Donated by Amy Closet - Callen Fischli
12th Prize 4 passes to Keystone Safari/ Living Treasures, Donated by Keystone Safari - Kayden Sullivan
13th Prize $25.00 to Farmers Inn, Donated by Farmers Inn - Cameron Mattern
14th Prize Pass to Moonlight Drive Inn, Donated by Moon Light Drive Inn - Bennett Stumpner
15th Prize Pass to Moonlight Drive Inn, Donated by Moon Light Drive inn - Henry Hickman.