2004 - Annual 'Night Out' Is Lots of Fun, but Serious, Too
by Lynda Lohr

      Aug. 25, 2004 - Paper snowflakes and an inflatable plastic snowman didn't do much to cool off Monday night's hot tempo as St. John celebrated its annual Night Out Against Crime in Cruz Bay Park.
      "It's for a good cause. We have a lot of crime in St. John," 16-year-old Gemma Ashley said.
      Gemma chairs the St. John Community Foundation's Teen Committee, which organized the event.
      Turning to give another volunteer directions, she acknowledged that chairing the event is a big job. "But it's fun, you know," she added.
      While the popcorn, cotton candy and music by All We Band were entertaining, the messages from several organizations with tables set up in the park were serious.
      The V.I. National Guard was on hand with an anti-drug message. "We are losing most of our young people to drugs," Sgt. Beverly John-Baptiste said.
      The National Guard also was recruiting. Sgt. Matthew Connor said that to be accepted, an applicant must be between 17 and 36 years old, a U.S. citizen and high school graduate.
      Lyria Freeman, who works on St. Thomas with the Village substance abuse program, said she was telling students to stay in school. "And read, read, read. The most important thing is life is reading," she said.
      The Police Department had a few officers out meeting, greeting and passing out small presents to the crowd. "Say no to violence," Officer Bridget Conow said as she distributed balls, hats and tiny snowmen.
      The music and the crowd drew residents and tourists alike.
      Connor Randolph, 12, of Boston said he and his family came into town for an evening out from Maho Bay Camps, where they're staying. "I like the music," he said.
      Dixie Van Deventer and her husband, Harold, of Monticello, Ill., came into Cruz Bay from the Westin Resort for dinner, heard the music and decided to stick around for a while. "Do you have a lot of crime here?" she asked.
      The Night Out also was a time for residents to catch up with each other.
      Val Trillhaase was saying goodbye to friends because she is moving back to her home state of New Jersey "so I can be closer to grandkids."
      She and her husband, Walt, were major players in organizing St. John Rescue. He died last December and she has sold their house.

2003 'NIGHT OUT' IS FUN FOR ALL, BUT SERIOUS, TOO
by Lynda Lohr

Aug. 7, 2003 - St. John residents' idea of a "Night Out Against Crime" was mixing and mingling in Cruz Bay Park on Thursday evening while enjoying free hot dogs and snacks.
      "We're here for the cotton candy," Crystal Daly said, clarifying that it's her son, Jahmari, 5, who likes the sweet confection, not her.
      La'Neisha Abraham and Gemma Ashly, both 15, were on hand to staff the prize table. "I'm glad we're doing this to stop crime," Gemma said. La'Neisha added that crime shouldn't happen in such a peaceful place as St. John.
      However, the island is not crime free, observed St. John resident Aldria Wade, who was on hand to represent Delegate Donna M. Christensen. Wade called on her fellow residents to keep watch on their neighbors' homes to help stop crime.
      As the crowd listened to music, waited to hear whose names would be called in the raffle drawings and got up to dance, police officers were circulating to get their message out.
      It's important for the police to get out and meet people in the community, Officer Bridget Conow said. "We need your help. We can't solve crimes on our own," she said before rushing off to get her picture taken with a group of young people.
      Several local organizations also took advantage of the "Night Out" gathering to get their messages out. Judith Plair, a nurse at Myrah Keating Smith Community Health Center, passed out flyers announcing the clinic's free immunization days this month.
      From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, staff at the Myrah Keating Smith center will provide all the usual back-to-school shots for kids at no charge. On Aug. 15, also from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., adults can get free tetanus shots at the Morris de Castro Clinic.
      The St. John Community Foundation organized Thursday night's event.
      "Night Out Against Crime" is observed in more than 9,850 communities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories and U.S. military bases. Over 53 million people are expected to participate this year.
      The event's purpose is to heighten awareness about drug, crime and violence prevention; generate participation in and support for local anti-crime efforts; strengthen relations among businesses, police and the community; and let criminals know that crime and drugs will not be tolerated in the participating communities.

From the St. John Source

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