The annual North End National Night Out was held this Tuesday on the Prado bringing over a 100 neighbors together for the public safety, anti-crime celebration. North End Against Drugs (NEAD) and Boston Police District A-1 invited residents for food, music, activities and a candlelight ceremony. The event was also part of NEAD’s North End Family Pride Week that runs through Sunday, August 12, 2012.
Keeping the event on track was NEAD President John “JR” Romano and his team of hard working NEAD board members. DJ Sal Bartolo kept the music going while NEMPAC offered kids activities.
Many residents came out to meet District A-1 Captain Tom Lee as well as to catch up with Sgt. Tom Lema and Officer Teddy Boyle. Spike from the K-9 unit gave a demonstration of sniffing out narcotics and protecting the good guys.
Several neighborhood groups set up informational tables, include NEW Health, the Eliot School, U.S. Coast Guard, MBTA Transit K-9 Police Unit and NEMPAC. Stopping in for the fun were U.S. Congressman Steve Lynch, Clerk of Courts candidate Bobby Dello Russo. Nicole Leo from the Mayor’s Office was there along with Maria Puopolo from State Rep. Aaron Michlewitz’s office.
The traditional candle ceremony was held around the Prado fountain with some smoky dry-ice effects adding to the scene. This is the city equivalent of putting on your front light which they do in the suburbs on National Night Out. Enjoy these photos from the event.
From the left – Al Vilar, Officer Teddy Boyle, George Hadaya, U.S. Congressman Steve Lynch, NEAD Pres. John Romano, Sal Bartolo. Sitting: Karen D’Amico (left) and Olivia Scimeca.
Loving the smoky fountain on the Prado during the candle ceremony.
The friendliest table at the event for the Eliot School, from the left, Susan Santaniello Perez, Sarah Pizzute, Principal Traci Walker Griffith, Assistant Principal Lydia Torres, Danielle Simonini and Donna Wells.
The BPD new electric 3-wheel vehicle … From District A-1 on the left, Sgt. Tom Lema, Captain Tom Lee and to the right, Officer Teddy Boyle.
Spike from the K-9 unit finds the narcotics (I always thought those NEW Health folks were suspicious!)
From the left, Nicole and her daughter Sorcha enjoyed the food prepared by Anna B., Anna A.,Luigi, Louise and Matt.
North End Waterfront Health hosted a table with useful information.
From the left, standing, Debra Decristoforo, Al Vilar, Officer Teddy Boyle, U.S. Congressman Steve Lynch, NEAD President John Romano. Sitting are Karen D’Amico (left) and Olivia Scimeca.
Boston Transit Police came prepared with motorcycles and the K-9 unit (look at that tongue!)
Bobby Dello Russo, Candidate for Clerk of Courts, (left) with NEAD’s George Hadaya
Ah … the cheesy smile at the National Night Out Candlelight Celebration.
Almost a smoke out!
Gathering around the Prado fountain.
Sparkles the Clown keeps the kids happy with balloon animals.
In the ‘burbs on National Night Out, neighbors leave the front light on … in the city, residents gather with candles as shown here.
Watching the demonstrations at the North End’s National Night Out Block Party on the Prado.
Spike knows how to fight criminals.
Spike gives a demonstration from the K-9 unit with his handler, BPD Mike Carey.
Always working is NEMPAC Executive Director Becca Griffin, shown here with their QR Code
In the center of it all – Nicole Leo, left, from the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services and Maria Puopolo, Senior Aide to State Rep. Aaron Michlewitz.
The rockin’ Sal Bartolo and assistant!
Spike gets his man … or at least his arm.
Patricia Romano does arts and crafts with the kids.
North End Annual National NIght Out Neighborhood Block Party – Prado, Paul Revere Mall
Photos by Matt Conti. Download high resolution versions of these photographs for free and order prints/products here: http://smu.gs/N2l7hF
Clearly fabulous Event thanks once again to John Romano and the tireless NEAD team. Such a first rate.
Event deserves a cleaned up location and sufficient trash recepticles that reflect the Historical significance of the area. Those awful oil drums don't cut it.