Earlier this week, I stopped by Foxboro Common before the selectmen meeting to check out the town’s 29th Annual National Night Out Against Crime event.

I had received a press release announcing the event the week before and an invite from the Foxboro Jaycees.

I had never attended a National Night Out event but was told it was a good photo-opp and I never need much of an excuse to use my camera. So I got my Tuesday night started a little early and checked it out.

Here’s some thoughts from the event:

• Definitely attracts the families to the Common by giving the kids some pretty neat things to do. Everyone loves a bounce house and a police cruiser. There were both on scene Tuesday and the main attraction for children.

• Seeing kids take full advantage of open space brought me back to my younger days when I would find anything I could kick or throw and invite people to begin a backyard sport of some kind.
  
  
• The laughs and smiles from the children enjoying the bounce house gave the event a pleasant atmosphere that complimented the weather, which was perfect Tuesday night.

• The police cruiser parked on the Common was a big hit among children and I have to admit I stuck my head in there a couple of times to check out all the gadgets. The police officers were great with the kids, entertaining them with all the lights, sirens and sounds of the cruiser.

I spoke with Norfolk County District Attorney Michael W. Morrissey, who made an appearance at the event. Because I wasn't too familiar with National Night Out, I asked him about it.

“Not everybody in the county does it,” Morrissey said. “Foxborough was one of the towns we were invited to so it’s a good chance to show community spirit. It’s just a good chance for people to know there are people and resources out there that can keep the community safe and healthy.”

Morrissey explained a number of years ago; the event was geared towards taking back the neighborhoods from gangs and that it has been modified over time for communities who don’t have gang-related problems but certainly other issues they must deal with.

Morrissey said the event is also a good way for the community to get to know its police department.

“I see the police are here interacting with the kids, giving them badges and fingerprints,” Morrissey said. … “It’s always good to rub elbows with the community.”

Foxborough Police Chief Edward O’Leary addressed the modest crowd and thanked them for supporting the event and the community.

“Domestic violence and its prevention is critical to our community,” O’Leary said. “Foxborough has been involved in this particular project for over 25 years and it is because of volunteer groups that keep our community safe.”

Speaking of those volunteer groups – I was able to introduce myself to more Jaycee members Tuesday and what a great bunch of people! They truly enjoy what they do – volunteering their time to the community and interacting with fellow residents. I’ve lived a lot of places and in a lot of towns, so whenever I see a community helping each other out the way they do in Foxborough, I tend to appreciate it, knowing it is a unique quality few towns have today.

And at the end of the day, at least in Foxborough, that is what this event was about – helping each other raise awareness against crime.

“I’m happy to say Foxborough has joined a growing number of communities across the country and Norfolk County … not everybody does this but we think it is an important message to send to all your friends and neighbors that we care and they should care about their own safety and the safety of the children,” said Morrissey.

If you didn’t attend Tuesday’s National Night Out on the Common, you can check out some of the scenes in the photo gallery above. The Jaycees were right – it was an excellent photo-opp! Hope you enjoy.

Until next time.