On August 3rd the Ithaca Housing Authority (IHA) helped sponsor the 27th annual National Night Out celebration. National Night Out is a police/community partnership for the prevention of crime, drugs and violence within a community. There was a party located in the Titus Towers 1 pavilion; however, the main event took place at Conway Park located next to the Northside developments. This year IHA brought music to the event from the Lewis and Clark Music Group LLC. “A purpose of Night Out is to bring communities together as one, to break down the barriers, empower the youths and offers information from Human Service agencies,” said Brenda C. Westfall, the Executive Director of the Ithaca Housing Authority. “Usually we have in excess of 200 people that come out to this party every year.” Lewis and Clark brought in a great show with DJ Split Image along with special R&B artists Elbonee ‘Trece’ Stevenson from Erie, PA, Mbusi Ntombela and the 15 year old rap sensation Cameron Sanders AKA Young Siege. Inside the park, many informational tables pertaining to the community were set up. Organizations represented at the free event included the Ithaca Housing Authority, Ithaca Police Department, The Finger Lakes Independence Center, the Ithaca Youth Bureau, and Community Dispute Resolution. A kids tent gave out many free gifts to children, hosted coloring contests and did face paintings as well. One new addition to the party was a mascot of McGruff the crime dog who was a big hit with the kids. As always there was free food and entertainment from the beginning of the party until nighttime. Many from the community return every year and the event brings in a greatly diverse community. “The IHA greatly appreciates all of its volunteers; these are the people who make it happen. The number of people who continue to give back to the community is phenomenal” Westfall said, “we couldn’t possibly do it at this magnitude without them.” The IHA is happy to put on this yearly event and is looking forward to the 28th annual night out.
