"Neighborhoods coming together....in the fight against crime...."

NEIGHBORHOODS COME TOGETHER
FOR NATIONAL NIGHT OUT 2008

By Jon Mayhew
Publisher

LINCOLNTON -- Twelve different Lincolnton neighborhoods participated in National Night Out block parties Tuesday night. From D.J. Johhny B's beach and oldies sounds at the Carter Street celebration to the massive party at Newcastle Avenue, residents of each of the neighborhoods joined with law enforcement and city leaders to send a clear message to criminals.

Crime, in any form, isn't welcom in our neighborhoods.....at all!

Lincolnton Police and city officials across all areas of government have been participating in National Night Out for the past 13 years. New to the block party circuit this year was Deaton Avenue. Rev. Henry Floyd, pastor of Blessed and Highly Favored Ministries, said he's been a part of the neighborhood for about a year.

Floyd said it's one way the church can come to the neighborhood, instead of the other way around.

"The people are excited to be out here," said Floyd. "It's a way for people in the community to get to know you and by bringing the church to the people, they'll come to church."

Floyd said that Deaton Avenue -- like the entire city of Lincolnton -- isn't plagued with crime, that the city in itself is a safe place to live and work.

Gale Deal in the Wendover/Crestview neighborhood agreed. Having lived in her neighborhood since the early 1980s, Deal said her neighborhood has held block parties for the past 13 years.

"This is an opportunity for everyone to get involved," said Deal. "We also wanted a chance to get to know our neighbors."

One highlight of the neighborhood celebrations was the appreance of the North Carolina Highway Patrol robot, trooper "Safe T. First."

Lincolnton Police Sgt. Willie Vaughn and Trooper B.E. Hipp teamed up to bring the robot to various neighborhoods along the way. The robot is a way to teach children of all ages safety according to Trooper Hipp. Hipp also brought his Dodge Charger cruiser to the events.

The pair, along with The Carolina Scoop, made a huge entrance to the Carter Street block party. DJ Johnny B. welcomed the trio with the COPS theme song "Bad Boys."

Barkley said he's back to being a DJ for the block parties. He started playing music 13 years ago for the Newcastle neighborhood's National Night Out, took several years off, then returned Tuesday night to Carter Street.

"Next year, I'm going to be over on High Street," said Barkley.

Firefighters and Lincoln EMS paramedics also made the scene at several block parties, chatting with residents and enjoying various food and drink along the way.

The block party visits were organized by Lincolnton Police Lt. Kent Lukach, crime prevention/education officer with the department.

"It says a lot about everyone for coming out here in the heat," said Lukach. "It also says a lot about the people putting on these block parties as well."

Lukach said the event has grown in the last 13 years. Last year, law enforcement was paired off with community leaders to visit 10 neighborhood parties.

The number was increased to 12 this year.

Lincolnton Police Sgt. Willie Vaughn said there hasn't been a National Night Out he's missed in the past 13 years.

"It's a time for the community and law enforcement to come together on a positive note," said Vaughn. "It's also a way to send a message that crime isn't going to be tolerated."