Celebrating a National Night Out

By Bennie Scarton Jr.

Published: July 29, 2008

The Wellington community in Manassas will be celebrating National Night Out on Saturday evening.

Manassas city police and Prince William County law enforcement offices will join Wellington Neighborhood Watch members, residents, owners and friends at the Wellington Community Center at 6 p.m. for a walk throughout the neighborhood.

The community has more than 1,400 homes in the city and county.

This is the 25th anniversary of "National Night Out" a nationwide annual event sponsored by the Na-tional Town Watch.

It is designed to strengthen communities by encouraging neighborhoods to engage in stronger relationships with each other and with their local law enforcement partners.

The goal is to heighten crime-prevention awareness, build support and participation in local anti-crime programs and most importantly, send a message that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

It is also the perfect opportunity for residents to know their neighbors even better.

Other communities around the county are planning events to celebrate the night.

The National Night Out anniversary celebration will take place on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. on Aug. 5 at 4 p.m.

-- Bennie Scarton Jr.