By Nancy Reardon
MethuenLife Writer

Bringing communities together is what National Night Out is all about, and Methuen residents did just that last month. National Night Out enhances the relationships between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a sense of community and a wonderful opportunity to get everyone together under positive circumstances.

With 24 Methuen neighborhoods hosting block parties, several hundred families gathered across the city at their neighborhoods with cookouts, pot lucks and more.

Six teams from the Methuen police and fire personnel showed up at each event with costume characters McGruff the Crime Fighting Dog along with the Fire Department’s Sparky and Marshall.

Block parties were abuzz at the Methuen Housing Authority on Mystic Street complete with a DJ and pizza party, as well as at Sycamore Drive, Rebecca Way, Arrowwood Street, Hidden Road, Central Street, Ditson Place, Hampshire Circle, Coolidge Street, Westgate Drive, Temple Drive, Haven of Hope, Glen Avenue, Riverside Drive, Franklin Street, Plymouth Street, Brook/Eastbrook, Davis Road, Jackson Street, Washington Street, Bonnano Farm, Meriline Avenue and Youngfarm Road. Methuen Arlington Neighborhood hosted a cookout that was attended by over 100 families. They also presented both police and fire departments with plaques as a thanks for being a part of their community.

The Kattar family, led by Kevin and Jamie, also received a plaque for their community involvement.

According to Lt. James Gunter, “This has been one of the biggest National Night Out events we have had in a long time. It’s nice to see everyone come together and have fun meeting each other and gaining new friends.”

Police Officer Brandon LaFlamme was the contact person for block-party hosts to get visits from both police and fire departments.

He said, “It was amazing to see neighborhoods come together and have positive interactions with first responders. This is what brings communities together!”

At several stops, MethuenLife asked neighbors, “What do you love about your neighborhood?”

Jackie Morey from Temple Drive said, “All the kids come here to play and fish in the pond (located across from her home); everyone talks to each other and looks out for each other.”

Franklin Street neighbor Biana DeSimone didn’t hesitate to say, “We’ve always liked that sense of community in our neighborhood. Sometimes you just don’t get that anymore with so much online technology. … Going out and meeting people makes you feel like you’re connecting with people.”

Many of the neighborhoods echoed similar comments: quiet, great neighbors, wonderful sense of community as well as coming together in times of need.

 

Coolidge Street residents gathered for a photo at the end of their block party. MaryBeth Donovan-Grassi said, “It’s a quiet neighborhood and we always have a wonderful time when we get together. Great neighbors!”

Officer Arthur Hardy couldn’t resist the sweetness of 2-month-old Hadley Bilitch.

 

Madison Marrone, 6, enjoyed sitting on a Methuen Police motorcycle saying, “It was fun!”

 

Naviana Martinez, 5, was delighted to meet McGruff the Crime Fighting Dog at the Methuen Arlington Neighborhood Block Party.