This content was published: July 25, 2008. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
PCC-Cascade hosts National Night Out
Photos and story by James Hill
Many neighbors, local businesses, government agencies and nonprofit groups will converge on Portland Community College’s Cascade Campus on the night of Tuesday, Aug. 5 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of National Night Out.
The event, essentially a giant block party, will take place from 4 to 8 p.m. on the campus’ Borthwick Mall between North Killingsworth and Jessup streets.
“It’s a great opportunity for families to bring their kids down and have a safe environment for them to hang out and play,” said Marissa Johnson, president of Cascade Campus’ student government. “And with all these community organizations on hand, there will be plenty of things for adults to do as well.”
The celebration at the Cascade Campus (705 N. Killingsworth St.) is part of the larger National Night Out movement, which takes place simultaneously in neighborhoods across the United States. The theme for the event’s 25th anniversary is: “A Going-Away Party for Crime and Drugs.” This theme will be echoed at the campus through demonstrations and information from the Portland Police Bureau, the nurses of Oregon Health & Science University, the Oregon Red Cross, and many more. The evening’s entertainment is provided by Ethos Music Center and Burgerville will be on hand with refreshments. A series of raffles will take place throughout the night with prizes from New Seasons Market, Jamal’s Café and Popeye’s Chicken, among others.
Several contests are on the schedule, including a McGruff the Crime Dog coloring contest, a chalk drawing competition and the Safety Safari, a challenge course that instructs kids on how to be safe at home and in the neighborhood. Rumor has is that McGruff himself will put in an appearance. Some of the groups and organizations participating in the event include the Albina Press, East Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District, Legacy Emanuel Hospital, Oregon Action, Phi Theta Kappa, Portland Women’s Crisis Line, Sexual Assault Resource Center and Women’s Strength.
About James Hill
James G. Hill, an award-winning journalist and public relations writer, is the Director of Public Relations at Portland Community College. A graduate of Portland State University, James has worked as a section editor for the Newberg Graphic... more »