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** MEDIA ALERT: DEDHAM PARTICIPATES IN THE NATIONWIDE PUBLIC SAFETY PROGRAM - NATIONAL NIGHT OUT 2013**

Contact: Chief d’Entremont (p) 781-751-9304 [email protected] Release Date: July 22, 2013

**For Immediate Release**

Dedham Police, local civic groups, and town departments and businesses join together to host special events that create awareness about public safety and foster community participation.

DEDHAM, MA (07/22/13) - Dedham is participating in a public safety event known as National Night Out for the third year in a row. This nationwide event is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2013. It is an opportunity for local law enforcement and citizens to band together for safer neighborhoods by encouraging community participation and creating awareness about public safety. The Dedham Police have joined forces with several civic groups in Dedham to support this initiative and create community partnerships. Several festivities are planned throughout the town for July 27 - August 6, 2013. Citizens are also asked to keep their lights on until 11:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 6, 2013 to show Dedham is committed to shining a light for safer neighborhoods. The following civic groups are participating in the planned events: Dedham Square Circle, Mother Brook Community Group, Manor Neighborhood Association, and Oakdale Square Alliance.

Dedham Police Chief d’Entremont states, “We are very excited to participate in National Night Out for the third year in a row. The community participation was great in 2011 and 2012, and we are pleased to offer even more events for all ages to participate in. We are again partnering with several different civic groups, town departments and local businesses to reach the greatest number of citizens. We are looking to capitalize on the success and positive energy generated by the various groups to make Dedham’s neighborhoods safer. He also notes, “The entire police force is very excited to participate in the planned events, and we are especially looking forward to hosting an open house on Monday, August 5, 2013 at the police station to showcase our capabilities and emergency vehicles.”

Selectman Mike Butler adds, “As Chairman for the Board of Selectmen, I was delighted to issue a proclamation, along with my fellow Selectmen, that officially proclaims Tuesday, August 6, 2013 as National Night Out in Dedham. This program represents a way to strengthen police- community partnerships, and celebrate all of the great work done by law enforcement. It’s a special way to show the Dedham Police Department how grateful we are for the security and protection they provide to the community every single day.”

“All of the civic groups have planned many fun events to kickoff Dedham’s third National Night Out”, shares Dan Hart, Chairman of Mother Brook Community Group. “Most of the events are kid-friendly and family oriented, and all events are free and open to anyone interested in supporting this safety initiative. There is a softball game, movie night at Condon Park, a police- academy-style obstacle course, an art workshop at the Dedham Square Artist Guild to draw super heroes, “local heroes” story time at the Blue Bunny bookstore, and a flashlight walk in the Manor neighborhood.” *MORE*

National Night Out 2013 Scheduled Events

SATURDAY, July 27, 2013 - Art workshop - Draw your favorite super hero Time: 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m Location: Dedham Square Artist Guild, 553 High Street, Dedham, MA Description: Kids of all ages can stop by and work with a professional artist to create a “super” drawing of their favorite super hero. All participants will receive a trinket for their efforts, and final art work will be displayed at local businesses.

SATURDAY, August 3 - TUESDAY, August 6, 2013 - Mercury thermometer drop off Time: Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Sunday 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., and Monday/Tuesday 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Location: Walgreens Pharmacy, 983 Providence Highway Description: Visit the pharmacy during regular business hours to drop off and safely discard any old mercury thermometers. Walgreens will also give out free first-aid kits while supplies last.

SUNDAY, August 4, 2013 - Kids “Police Academy” Obstacle Course Time: 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Location: Endicott Estate, 656 High Street, Dedham, MA Description: A fun obstacle course for kids of all ages. Each participant will receive a medal of honor once they complete this police-academy-style obstacle course. Each station in the course has two degrees of difficulty (one for little legs and one for longer legs). Bug spray is recommended as this is an outdoor event. Free refreshments.

SUNDAY, August 4, 2013 - Softball Game: Dedham Police vs. Dedham High School Students Time: 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Location: Condon Park, 184 Bussey Street, Dedham, MA Description: A light-hearted, fun-filled game of softball featuring members of the Dedham police force and a coed team of Dedham High School students. Refreshments and treats are free to spectators. Bug spray is recommended as this is an outdoor event.

MONDAY, August 5, 2013 - Open House at Dedham Police Station Time: 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Location: 600 High Street, Dedham, MA Description: Tour the station and meet ‘McGruff the Crime Dog’. This station is the central command center for keeping Dedham safe - see the jail cells, booking station, and dispatch center. Also on display, police motorcycles, dunk tank, and emergency vehicles. McGruff will offer safety tips to all, and coloring books to children. Please bring along a non-perishable food donation to support the Dedham Food Pantry. A trained police officer will also be available to conduct child car-seat-safety inspections.

MONDAY and TUESDAY, August 5-6, 2013 - Children’s story time (“local heroes”) Time: 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Location: Blue Bunny Books and Toys, 577 High Street, Dedham, MA Description: Join the Blue Bunny staff to hear inspiring stories based on local people who displayed heroism in their lives.

*MORE* TUESDAY, August 6, 2013 - Movie Night: The Avengers feature film Time: 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. (hot dogs and popcorn) and feature film from 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Location: Condon Park, 184 Bussey Street, Dedham, MA Description: Bring a chair, blanket, family, friends, and a flashlight to guide your way to the Park for a family-friendly movie (bug spray is also recommended). Popcorn and drinks will be available. Come see some movie magic under the stars!

TUESDAY, August 6, 2013 - Flashlight Manor Neighborhood Walk Time: 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Location: Manor Neighborhood - meet at Terri’s Market. Description: Enjoy an illuminating stroll with friends and family around the neighborhood (1 mile walk). Light refreshments will be available.

Special thanks to: Chief d’Entremont and all the Dedham police officers and detectives, volunteers from Dedham Square Circle, Mother Brook Community Group, Manor Neighborhood Association, Dedham Square Artist Guild, and Oakdale Square Alliance for planning the events, Paradise Cafe, Blue Bunny Books and Toys, Dedham librarians, Walgreens Pharmacy, All Season Rent-All, Dan Hart, Rob Blaney, Cara Crisafulli, Jen Barsamian, Marietta Apollonio, Rich Campagna, Kerry Hawkins, Paul McMurtry, Paul Reynolds, Janet Reynolds, Jim MacDonald, Sarah MacDonald, Carmen DelloIacono, Mike Butler, Amy Haelsen, Rita Mae Cushman, Jim Maher, Dedham Parks and Recreation, Stephanie Radner, Chris Ryan, Martha and Paul Zeolla, Ziad Greige, Charlie Krueger, Janet Mattozzi, Rita Mae Cushman, Bob Stanley, Norfolk County House of Corrections, Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council, Bill Keegan, Custom Art Framing of Norwood, Walgreens Pharmacy - Dedham, Heather Pina, Showcase Cinema, McGolf, Ron’s Gourmet Ice Cream, Dedham Savings, Curtis Newton, East Dedham Builders, Tedeschi’s, Oakdale Pizza, Terry’s Market, Village Manor, Dedham Community Theater, and District Attorney Michael Morrissey.