August 26, 2009 — As reported at the August 25 meeting of the Board of Trustees, Maine Township's National Night Out Against Crime event, held earlier at Dee Park, was once again a very successful event. This year's theme was "Kiss Crime Good-Bye." Chaired by Township Trustee Susan Moylan Krey, the night provided residents with fun, safe and educational entertainment. Township Supervisor Carol Teschky along with Trustees Walter Kazmierczak, Laura Morask and Peter Gialamas, and Collector Mary Rhode also played pivotal roles in the event's success.

Additional volunteers from the official National Night Out Committee, including Audrey Nankervis, Louise Friedenson, Lila Gardner, David Cowin, Steve Meinecke, Rebecca Tamowatzis, Lisa Graff, Yousri Daoud, Judy Singer, Denise Gialamas, Dave Rohde, Kevin Krey, Rosalie Streng, Bill Gibson, Robert Prorak, Doriene Prorak, Tony Brzezniak of the Cook County Sheriff's Department, and Paula Kurland of the Golf Maine Park District, deserve great thanks for their efforts as well.

Maine Township partnered with the Golf Maine Park District and its Park Board Commissioners to secure a fantastic location. Those in attendance enjoyed displays of emergency vehicles from the Cook County Sheriff's Office, along with a helicopter fly-over and canine demonstrations. The Township's own Emergency Management Vehicle was also on display, and the North Maine Fire Department joined in the festivities as well. The Night Out also featured 15 information tables with give-aways, including 911 cell phones for seniors, amongst other items. There were also games for children such as potato sack races, ring-toss, corn hole and more. Every child was a winner and received prizes.

Another highlight of the evening was the children's poster contest. The winners, all Students at District 63 schools, are; Juhee Dave, Arij Virani, Diann George and Zain Durrani. Each received a $100 savings bond provided by either Liberty Bank for Savings or Parkway Bank. The contest was then followed by a raffle with some terrific prizes including $150 gift certificates, restaurant gift certificates, family membership for the YMCA, phones and radios, just to name a few.

As the evening concluded, following a police canine-unit presentation and guest speaker Laura Morask's insightful presentation on gang awareness, residents and volunteers took part in a flashlight walk through the community.

"National Night Out has limited funding through our Neighborhood Watch program, so it is important that we receive donations to make this event come together," said Moylan Krey. "I am proud to say that even in these economic times we had community contributions from over 40 local businesses and residents, which undoubtedly added to this evening's great success." The community support included a strong effort by local citizens and other volunteers.

For more information on this or other events, please contact Maine Township at 847-297-2510. Press Release