National Night Out community-building campaign to foster police-community partnerships

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — Residents, police officers and city staff participated in "National Night Out" gatherings across the city of Rochester Tuesday night.

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live.

"It gives the community to hear the message that we care. And that we want to work to connect with them. And particularly this area where we’re at right now. North Clinton Avenue. It’s had a lot of challenges particularly as it related to violence. They need to know that we are here on the ground and that we are here to be able to support them," said Mayor Malid Evans.

Mayor Evans says it’s important to see each other, work together and have a good time. He says the way to drive out darkness is to bring in the light—with events like this.

Events were held in neighborhoods in each city quadrant, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. More information can be found by visiting the official National Night Out website.

Northeast NSC/Clinton Section

• All Northeast Neighborhoods and block clubs: 5:30 to 8 p.m. Meet at the International Plaza-828 N. Clinton Avenue – Activities include: Meet your neighbors; Recreational Activities; Performances; Music; Free Food

Northwest NSC/Lake Section

• All Northwest Neighborhoods and Block Clubs: Car parade and cookout, 5:30 PM: Meet to decorate cars at 1099 Jay Street. 6:00 PM: Caravan in the Motorcade throughout the Northwest Neighborhoods. 7:00 PM: Hotdog Roast in Charlotte at the Ontario Beach Park Shoreline Pavilion!

Southwest NSC/Genesee Section and Central Section

• Wadsworth at the Wadsworth Park
• Corn Hill ice cream social will be at 7pm. At the gazebo at the Lunsford Park (441 Frederick Douglass St)
• Upper Mt Hope will be at 6 pm. At the Eastmoreland Park (Eastmoreland Dr and Shelbourne Rd)
• 19th Ward runs from 6:30-8:30 pm. A parade starts at the Bullshead Plaza and goes to their office at 216 Thurston for a cook-out.

Southeast NSC/Goodman Section and Central Section

• ABC Streets. 1830-2030 hours, Harvard St./Calumet. They will have hamburgers, hotdogs and ice cream.
• Lock 66. 1800 – 2000 hours. Sumner Park, ice cream social.
• North Winton Village. 1800-2000 hours. This will be in the Linear Gardens on East Main St. (Almost to North Winton Road).