National Night Out celebrated in Riverhead

Riverhead marked National Night Out Tuesday.

The annual event celebrates police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie and aims to make neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live, according to program organizers.

This is the 36th year the Riverhead Town Police Department has participated in the national program. Police ask residents to hold front porch vigils by leaving their outside lights on between 7 and 10 p.m. and participate in neighborhood block parties, cookouts and flashlight walks.

Times have changed a lot in those 36 years, Lt. Rick Boden said today at the Riverhead Town Board meeting. When National Night Out and neighborhood watch groups were first started, there were no cell phones, or webcams or doorbell apps like “Ring” to alert residents and neighbors. People had to keep an eye out for each other and if they saw something suspicious, pick up the phone and call police.

While things are different today, Boden said, it’s still important to know your neighbors and keep an eye out for one another.

Poster contest winners announced

Riverhead Town has a National Night Out poster contest every summer — kids in the town recreation department’s summer program participate.

First, second and third place winners in four age categories win prizes donated by local businesses and the Riverhead PBA. This year prizes included gift cards for Target and Roadhouse Pizza tickets to the L.I. Aquarium, and games at All Star Bowl. Winners were also presented with a certificate of achievement from the town board.

5 & 6 year olds:
1st place – Abigail Donovan
2nd place – Arden Faloon
3rd place- Ronan Cook

7 & 8 year olds:
1st place – Grace Castantine
2nd place – Naomi Carter
3rd place – Dominik Mikucki

9-12 year olds:
1st place – Luke Stepnoski
2nd place – Anthony Mango
3rd place – Madison Marshak

Teen:
Kelsey Saladino