by Julie Scheff, photos by Ralph McDaniel
Hawaiian music, corn hole tossing, and visits from police officers and elected officials took place at a National Night Out on Tuesday August 3rd. Centennial United Methodist Church hosted the event in their grassy and tree-shaded courtyard at the corner of Freeport Blvd. and Murieta Way. Organizers encouraged both neighbors and church members to mingle and visit information booths about the local food bank and the church and get bites of watermelon, ice cream and cookies. A “passport” noting a visit to all the arranged stops merited a goody bag upon departing the event.
“This was our first National Night Out, and we hope to do it again,” said Gerlene Kwan, who is part of the outreach team at the Church. “It gives a sense of community, getting to know each other and helping improve the community” She estimates there were 60-70 people who came out between 6:00 to 8:00pm on that 100-degree evening.
Three police officers from the local station at Franklin Blvd. near Fruitridge Blvd. paid a visit and mingled with the crowd who were enjoying snacks and the sounds of KaBang, a ukulele & guitar quartet.
City Council Member Jay Schenirer (District 5) and County Representative Patrick Kennedy were on hand with staff members to give updates on district happenings and answer residents’ questions.
Anyone interested in booking KaBang for an event are welcome to call Ms. Kimi Kaneko at (916) 718-0379