Aug 4, 2010 By Rebekah Sungala 4 min read

Residents of Uniontown’s East End celebrated their community and the good things occurring there by participating in the National Night Out Event. The event, held Monday in a grassy lot at the corner of Coolspring Street and Collins Avenue, was locally organized by the East End Concerned Citizens’ Group in collaboration with the Uniontown Police Department, Uniontown Fire Department, state police, city government, and the city’s redevelopment authority.

National Night Out, also known as America’s Night Out Against Crime, is designed to strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships while also sending a message to criminals by letting lawbreakers know that a neighborhood is organized and is fighting back.

Gina Jones, a founding member of the East End Concerned Citizens’ Group, said Monday’s event was the third time the local group, which is nationally recognized, participated in National Night Out.

Jones said such events strengthen neighborhood ties and improve relations between the community and police.

“It’s great to see so many people out,” she said, noting that similar events were also occurring across the country Monday.

Pat Henderson, who is also a member of the East End Concerned Citizens’ Group, said it’s important for residents of Uniontown’s East End to know that people do care about the community and that efforts to revitalize the area are underway.

“Events like these are great. It lets the community know that someone cares, and that we’re all here to work together,” Henderson said.

She said that although the East End is often associated with crime, a change is occurring in the area as more youths become involved in positive activities sponsored by the neighborhood watch group.

Henderson said that several juveniles – including Christian Jones, Kristoferr Eilam, Darrion McGee and Jerid Durant – volunteered their time to help set up booths before the event and clean up the lot after it was over.

East End Concerned Citizens’ Group members Madonna Minor, Rena Dickinson and Gene Kelly also played key roles in making Monday’s event a success, Henderson said, noting that it was a complete community effort.

Jeff McLaughlin, who oversees revitalization efforts focused on the East End, Lafayette and Gallatin Avenue areas, said the actions of those involved in the East End Concerned Citizens’ Group are making a difference.

“It’s difficult to revitalize an area if there is a lot of crime. By working with the police and holding other community events, the groups help reduce crime,” McLaughlin said. “We want our residents to know they can trust the police, so if they have a problem they can go to them. We’re all on the same team.”

Uniontown police Chief Jason A. Cox, who attended the event with officers Eric Hanula, John Kauer, Dave Rutter and Mike Garrow, said it’s important that community members and police officers have an opportunity to interact in a non-stress situation.

“It’s great to have an opportunity to meet people and for them to have a chance to interact with our officers in this type of setting,” he said.

Garrow, who is also the city’s K-9 officer, gave a demonstration with police dog Leo, and later gave children attending the event an opportunity to have their picture taken with the dog.

Uniontown Mayor Ed Fike said the East End community has changed a lot in the last few years, crediting the positive change to the hard work of its residents.

“This is a beautiful event,” Fike said. “It’s a wonderful thing to see the friendship and partnership here, and that trumps all.”

Uniontown Councilman Philip Michael and city Treasurer Joe Giachetti also attended Monday’s National Night Out Event.

“Community involvement around the city, with the support of city residents, the mayor, the police department and a multitude of volunteers, really has and will continue to have a positive impact on our city, particularly the youth,” Michael said. “I commend all who were involved because this shows our city has a positive future.”