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Block Watch party encourages community awareness
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Miranda Jorge played outside in the sun during the Austintown Block Watch Party held at the Wickliffe Christian Church June 30.
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Jacob Jones (left) and his father, Jim, showed their support during the Austintown Block Watch Party June 30.
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Cory Wilfong (left) and Alezis Jorge enjoyed all the festivities while attending the Austintown Block Watch Party June 30.
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Neighbors | Eartha Terrell.Nina Gamertstelder (back) and her brother, Cole, were excited to show off their face paintings during the Austintown Block Watch Party June 30.
By EARTHA TERRELL
The Austintown Block Watch hosted its fourth annual block party at the Wickliffe Christian Church June 30 as a way to interact with the community.
“It’s an event we hold every year to bring community awareness to the block watch and any one can come. There are a lot of people that don’t realize there is a block watch in Austintown. We’re there to encourage people to contact us and the police. It’s a way for people to come together and have a fun day,” said Block Watch member Shawne Wilfong.
The fun-filled event provided an outlet for families’ to enjoy themselves and learn more about the services provided by the block watch. People of all ages came out to participate in a slew of activities from face paintings to hot dog eating contests.
There was also a variety of food for everyone to eat as they mingled with their friends, family and fellow community members. Children also got a special treat when they got a full tour of the Austintown Township Fire Department’s fire trucks.
“It was a very good turnout. To me, success is when kids are having a good time. I can’t wait until next year,” said Block Watch member Debbie Irwin.
Although the event was a day for the community to relax and have fun, the block watch also wanted to stress the value of participating in the Austintown Block Watch or starting new block watch groups in their own communities.
“We can be like a stepping ground for people. There are a lot of people who are afraid to call police out of fear of backlash, and we want them to know they can call us,” Wilford said.SFlb