National Night Out Helps Acquaint Neighbors

For North Baltimore residents, Tuesday's National Night Out helped neighbors get to know each other.

The smell of hot dogs and hamburgers wafted down the 2700 block of Maryland Avenue as residents gathered to partake in the 28th annual event.

The night out was sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch to help promote crime and drug prevention, according to the National Night Out website.

The Charles Village Community Benefits District organized four events within its boundaries.

Jennifer Erickson, president of the Charles Village Civic Association, helped at the get-together on Maryland Avenue.

“It’s the neighbors getting together, meeting people and the more you know the neighbors the more likely you are to look out for them,” Erickson said.

Bud Beehler, a retired elementary school principal, worked the grill Tuesday. Although he’s lived in Charles Village for 10 years, he said he wants to get more involved.

By participating in events such as National Night Out he feels as if he’s contributing in the community.

“I love Charles Village and somebody’s got to step up and help keep it the great place it is,” Beehler said.

The benefits district also helped organize an event in the Abell neighborhood in the 300 block of East 32nd Street.

Elena Moscatt, who has lived her entire life in the area, said the neighborhood has become more populated with Johns Hopkins University students, and events like National Night Out help keep people in touch.

“It’s a good way of getting to know your neighbors,” Moscatt said.