Crime & Safety

Dedham to Participate in National Night Out 2014

Get the full schedule of activities beginning Aug. 2.

Dedham police are joining forces with several civic groups in town to support National Night Out next month, according to an announcement by the Dedham Police Department this week.

Starting on Saturday, Aug. 2 and through Friday, Aug. 8, the town will take part in several festivities as part of the annual event, which allows for local law enforcement and citizens to unite to embolden safer neighborhoods and encourage community participation and awareness about public safety. 

Among the activities will be an annual open house at the Dedham Police Department on This year's open house Monday, Aug. 4 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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Dedham residents are asked to keep their lights on until 11 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 5 to show they are committed to "shining a light for safer neighborhoods," according to Dedham police.

"We are very excited to participate in National Night Out for the fourth year in a row," Dedham Police Chief Michael d'Entremont said in a statement. "The participation from the community has been great, and we continue to evolve the schedule to include new and exciting events. As in past years, we are  partnering with several different civic groups, town departments and local businesses to reach the greatest number of citizens. We are looking to capitalize on the success and positive energy generated by the various groups to make Dedham’s neighborhoods safer.One of the highlights every year for the Dedham police is the open house at the station. It is great to have kids and neighbors tour the station, and learn about our capabilities.”

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Dedham Square Circle, Mother Brook Community Group, Manor Neighborhood Association and Oakdale Square Alliance are all participating in events throughout the week.

“As Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, I was delighted to issue a proclamation, along with my fellow selectmen, that officially proclaims Tuesday, Aug. 5 as National Night Out in Dedham," said Selectman Jim MacDonald in a statement. "This program represents a way to strengthen police-community partnerships, and celebrate all of the great work done by law enforcement. Every year, this event gains in popularity and brings the community together in a special way."

Said Dan Hart, Chairman of Mother Brook Community Group in a statement, "All of the civic groups have planned many fun events to kickoff Dedham’s fourth National Night Out. Most of the events are kid-friendly and family oriented, and all events are free and open to anyone interested in supporting this public safety initiative. This year, we have the softball game, movie night at Condon Park, a police-academy-style obstacle course in the Oakdale neighborhood, public-safety story time at the Blue Bunny bookstore, and a flashlight walk in the Manor neighborhood. In addition, we have two new events - a hike at Cutler Park and a special exhibit at the Dedham Historical Society that showcases the Dedham Police Department throughout the years."

The full schedule of events for the week can be found below; information was provided by the Dedham Police Department:

National Night Out 2014 Scheduled of Events

Saturday, Aug. 2 - Saturday Aug. 30

Dedham Police Department Retrospective
Time: Hours vary, please check www.dedhamhistorical.org
Location: Dedham Historical Society, 612 High Street, Dedham
Description: Photos and relics will be on display in a special exhibition curated for National Night Out 2014.

Sunday, Aug. 3 

Kids Obstacle Race Adventure
Time: 4-6 p.m.
Location:  Oakdale Elementary School, 147 Cedar Street, Dedham
Description: A fun obstacle course for kids of all ages. Each participant will receive a medal of honor once they complete this police-academy-style obstacle course. Each station in the course has two degrees of difficulty (one for little legs and one for longer legs). Depending on the temperature, the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office will conduct a K-9 demonstration; in addition, the Sheriff’s Command Post will be on site for viewing. Bug spray is recommended as this is an outdoor event. Free refreshments.

Softball Game: Dedham Police vs. Dedham High School Students
Time: 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Location: Condon Park, 184 Bussey St., Dedham
Description: A light-hearted, fun-filled game of softball featuring members of the Dedham police force and a coed team of Dedham High School students. Refreshments and treats are free to spectators. Bug spray is recommended as this is an outdoor event.

Monday, Aug. 4

Internet safety tips and fingerprinting demonstration
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location: Dedham’s Main Library, 43 Church St.
Description: Please join Sgt. John Connolly as he shares important internet safety tips everyone should know. He will also demonstrate the fingerprinting process, and each child can take home their own set of prints. This event is open to adults and children.

Open House at Dedham Police Station
Time: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Location: 600 High St., Dedham
Description: Tour the station and meet ‘McGruff the Crime Dog’. This station is the central command center for keeping Dedham safe - see the jail cells, booking station, and dispatch center. Also on display, police motorcycles, dunk tank, and emergency vehicles. McGruff will offer safety tips to all, and coloring books to children. A trained police officer will also be available to conduct child car-seat-safety inspections. Come check out the emergency vehicles, cruisers, and motorcycles.

Tuesday, Aug. 5

Children’s story time (public safety theme)
Time: 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Location: Blue Bunny Books and Toys, 577 High St., Dedham
Description: Join the Blue Bunny staff to hear informative stories that focus on safety and teaches children valuable lessons. The wonderful staff will also lead a craft event for the children.

Movie Night: “The Incredibles” feature film
Time: 7-8 p.m. (hot dogs and popcorn) and feature film from 8-10 p.m.  
Location: Condon Park, 184 Bussey St., Dedham
Description: Bring a chair, blanket, family, friends, and a flashlight to guide your way to the Park for a family-friendly movie (bug spray is also recommended). Popcorn and drinks will be available. Come see some movie magic under the stars. Special thanks to WHOLE FOODS DEDHAM for providing the hot dogs and more!

Flashlight Manor Neighborhood Walk
Time: 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Location: Manor Neighborhood - meet at Terri’s Market.
Description: Enjoy an illuminating stroll with friends and family around the neighborhood (1 mile walk). Light refreshments will be available.

Friday, Aug. 8

Nature walk at Cutler Park (nature safety tips)
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location: Riverdale, Cutler Park - park at Riverdale School
Description: Join Paul Mullen and Stephanie Radner for this informative and enjoyable walk through one of Dedham’s nature trails. Stephanie and Paul will share their knowledge of plants and wildlife. Please dress accordingly (for bugs and ticks), and apply bug spray.

Art provided by Dedham’s kids will be on display from Saturday, Aug. 2 through Tuesday, Aug. 5 at the following locations:

Tedeschi Food Shops - Oakdale SquareLegacy Place CinemaDedham Community TheaterTerri’s MarketKings Bowling AlleyBlue Bunny Books and ToysWalgreens Pharmacy-DedhamThe Paradise Cafe
Dedham officials have issued a special thanks to the following for organizing and participating in the effort:

Chief d’Entremont and all the Dedham police officers and detectives, volunteers from Dedham Square Circle, Mother Brook Community Group, Manor Neighborhood Association, Dedham Square Artist Guild, and Oakdale Square Alliance for planning the events, Paradise Cafe, Blue Bunny Books and Toys, McGolf, Dedham librarians, Walgreens Pharmacy-Dedham,  All Season Rent-All,  Dan Hart, Rob Blaney, Cara Crisafulli, Jen Barsamian, Marietta Apollonio, Rich Campagna, Kerry Hawkins, Philosophe Salon in Oakdale Square, Paul McMurtry, Paul Reynolds, Janet Reynolds, Jim MacDonald, Dennis Teehan, Carmen DelloIacono, Mike Butler, Dennis Guilfoyle, Amy Haelsen, Rita Mae Cushman, Jim Maher, Dedham Parks and Recreation, Paul Mullen, Stephanie Radner, Chris Ryan, Martha and Paul Zeolla, Ziad Greige, Charlie Krueger, Janet Mattozzi, Rita Mae Cushman, Bob Stanley, Norfolk County House of Corrections, Sheriff Bellotti and the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office, Nancy Baker, Custom Art Framing of Norwood, Showcase Cinema, McGolf, Ron’s Gourmet Ice Cream, Dedham Savings, Curtis Newton, East Dedham Builders, Tedeschi’s, Oakdale Pizza, Terri’s Market, Whole Foods Dedham, Village Manor, Dedham Community Theater, Whole Foods Dedham, and District Attorney Michael Morrissey.


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