Photos from Old Town Neighborhood National Night Out PARTY August 5

We had 25 neighbors come out for a fun evening at the new picnic shelter at George Rogers Park for a pizza and potluck gathering to get to know one another, talk to City leaders from the Fire and Police departments, Parks & Rec, and Kim Ono from the City Manager's office. We played games and there was a new winner in this year's corn hole competition. But the STAR of the evening was Mango, the bearded dragon pet of new neighbors, and their two young sons Max and Victor who taught us all about bearded dragons!

Dave Arpin, the City's digital and graphic media specialist, took some great photos and I did as well that I shared with him. He wrote back, "Oh man. I missed Corn hole, a dragon and ukulele! What a good time. Thank you for your hospitality!"

Photo taken by Dave Arpin from City of LO

Earlier in the evening as the party started with Fire Battalion Chief Greg Barnum

Longtime Old Town resident and Board Member Jeannie McGuire welcomed people to our party. She told me she was sorority rush chairman. That prepared her well for this!

Jeannie McGuire welcoming guests

The LO Fire Department Battalion Chief Greg Barnum told us about the importance of the South shore Fire Station which needs to be remodeled and posed for photos with neighbors. Learn more here

Ann and Maya with LO Fire Department Battalion Chief Greg Barnum

We were also joined by LO Police Officer Tony Sparling and Kim Ono from the City Manager's Office. Officer Sparling told us there hasn't been crime in Old Town nor the park this past year. A year ago he said 12 purses were stolen in one day at GRP. He said the most frequent calls the police get are for alarms going off at the schools when someone goes in early and at people's homes when their alarms go off. He said a lot of their work is being out in town to show presence to prevent bad guys and bad things from happening. He said the LO police are recruiting and asked us to share that with people who might be interested. Kim said the police in LO have an important role of educating people here.

Police Officer Tony Sparling and Kim Ono from the City Manager's Office

Old Town Neighborhood Association VP Carrie Kaufman organized the pizza and food with help from Calleen and Bruce. Neighbors brought desserts and salads to share.

Carrie with Betsy Wosko, OTNA Chair for 6 years and now on our Board

There was a Corn hole competition again this year... with music... and a view of the River

OTNA Board Treasurer Laurie Carlson with her partner

Jim Perris and Bruce Glabau, both OTNA Board Members, won the Corn hole competition this year

OTNA Vice President Carrie Kaufman

Our neighbor and City Councilor Ali Afghan joined the party, just back from Rwanda

The STAR of the party was Mango the bearded dragon pet of Max and Victor

Peggy was brave to pet Mango

Walter, Derrith & Michael Schmidt's dog who has been the Old Town mascot, appears to have be joined by Mango as Co-Mascots of our neighborhood.

Max introduces Walter to Mango and it goes well!

We enjoyed getting to know each other with a fun mix and mingle game

It was an evening filled with wonderful community being together! If you couldn't make it, you were missed. See you around Old Town.