Cheswolde National Night Out Huge Success! (Photo Essay)

By BJLife/Isaac Draiman
Posted on 08/11/17

Baltimore, MD – Aug. 11, 2017 - On August 9 2017 over 500 community residents came out to support the Cheswolde Neighborhood Association's (CNA) National Night Out event. The purpose of the event is to demonstrate community unity and support for law enforcement and emergency responders.

There was no doubt that from the crowd of enthusiastic attendees that the evening was an overwhelming success. Those who attended heard remarks from Baltimore City Police Commissioner Kevin Davis, Councilman Isaac "Yitzy" Schleifer and CNA President Nathan Willner. This was a great opportunity for the community to meet many members of local law enforcement and firefighters, as well as community volunteers from Hatzalah, Shomrim and Chaverim.

In addition to the free food and activities for children, there were many Police and Rescue Vehicles including Baltimore City Swat and the Maryland Transit Authority Police mobile command center. Even two mounted Baltimore City police horses were there for neighborhood children and their parents to see.

Councilman Isaac "Yitzy" Schleifer, one of the sponsors of the 3rd annual event and resident of the Cheswolde Neighborhood, was instrumental in organizing the various agencies bringing their officers and equipment. Among the many dignitaries that came to show support included; Congressman Jon Sarbanes, State Senator  Nathaniel Oaks, Delegate Sandy Rosenberg, Delegate Bilal Ali, Delegate Angela Gibson, Comptroller Joan Pratt, Councilman Robert Stokes, Councilwoman Sharon Middleton, Baltimore City Fire Department Chief Roman Clark, Director of the Department of Recreation and Parks, Reginald Moore, Director of the Department of Transportation, Michelle Pourcia, Izzy Patoka, LifeBridge Health, Assistant Sheriff, Sam Cogen, The Honorable Judge Karen Chaya Freidman, and Dalya Attar, Candidate for House of Delegates.

Nathan Willner, President of the CNA, remarked, "I am overwhelmed and encouraged by our neighborhood's strong show of support this evening. The Community-Police relationship is critical to enhancing safety in Baltimore City. These dedicated officers, firefighters, EMTs and volunteers have incredibly challenging jobs and deserve our appreciation. That's what tonight is all about, showing appreciation. I also want to sincerely thank Councilman Schleifer for everything he did to make this event spectacular. This is our 3rd year and each year we figure out how to take it up a notch, I am not sure how we are going to top this year's NNO, but I'm sure we will find a way."