Fire Juggling, Social Services and Hot Dogs for Port Jervis Night Out Crowd
Social issues surfaced amid merriment at the event.
By Fern Ashworth
Port Jervis. An enthusiastic crowd partook of free tee-shirts, hot dogs, potato chips and various entertainments and demonstrations at the annual National Night Out event on August 28 at Riverside Park, hosted by Port Jervis Police Department. The main stage area featured music provided by the Broome Street Band, a magic show, and juggling with fire (Kids, do not try this at home).
The overarching theme of the event was finding positive solutions and keeping the community beautiful and safe. Within that framework, many public agencies were showcased in law enforcement as well as human services. Officers Paul Martini and Justin Langdon represented the Eastern Pike Regional Police, which serves Matamoras and Westfall Township. Officer Martini said that the department has been participating in this event for about 12 years.
“This is a great event,” he said. “Port Jervis does a great job”.
New York State Police were on hand as well, with an airboat on display. Trooper Ben Strickland, of Troop F, explained that the highly maneuverable boat is well suited for shallow water areas such as the Delaware River. Because of its powerful propeller, it can also operate on land, on surfaces such as grass, snow and ice, to quickly reach those in need.
Also represented was Independent Living, Inc., which provides much needed services as well, guiding people in crisis to specific resources.
Jill Anderson-Guerrero, first time attendee, said, “We’re there, boots on the ground,” and half-jokingly said she has worn out several pairs already.
Originally from New York City, where public transportation is abundant, Anderson-Guerrero said she wished there was locally a more efficient way to get people to needed services. Often, the service can be on the opposite side of the county, and the lack of efficient public transportation between the various towns can be an obstacle.
Participants in Falun Gong, a Chinese religious group recently in the news (“Behind the Pageantry of Shen Yun, Untreated Injuries and Emotional Abuse,” in the New York Times), were in attendance, offering orange punch in cups neatly arrayed on tables, but the crowd seemed wary and maintained a polite distance.
As summer draws to a close, and colder months will soon be here, Orange and Rockland representatives provided information about the federally funded Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), as well as the Neighbor Fund; information for both programs can be found on the O & R website (oru.com).
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