If you missed the National Night Out, there is one more similar event planned. The Family and Youth Initiatives Community Safety Day is scheduled for Thursday evening.
>>RELATED: FYI's annual Safety Day moves to weekday evening time slot
>>MORE COVERAGE: National Night Out important for Enon, New Carlisle
Keeping its goal of educating families and strengthening communities in mind, FYI is going all out for this event. Amazingly, this promises to be even bigger than both National Night Out events combined, and it’s open to more than just the Tecumseh Local School District.
This is the sixth year for Community Safety Days, but the first time the event has been held at Tecumseh High School.
According to Pat Benaszak, executive director of FYI, the event had to be moved to a bigger space to accommodate all of the terrific things that have been added.
“Last year we decided we wanted to do something for fire and police, to honor them,” she said. “We wanted to do more to make it so kids understand the police are people, too. We want them to see police in a different light.”
Meet the Faces Behind the Badges is the theme of this evening and law enforcement will be a big part of this occasion with safety tips, car seat safety, K-9 demonstrations and the drug take-back van. In addition there will also be a tug of war, a smash ball game and other activities.
There will be many opportunities for teens and young folks to interact with police, deputies, emergency responders — and even FBI agents — face to face. It’s hoped that this evening will help good relationships form between law enforcement and the community.
“We want them to understand that being a police officer is an honor in this country,” said Benaszak, who wants to build more respect and interaction between all members of the community. Safety is that common thread that appeals to all.
The fun begins at 4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 11, and reaches out to all ages.
A preschool fun area will be managed by Colonial Baptist Church. Older young folks won’t want to miss the bouncy house, games and bike safety.
Tecumseh students are eligible for one of the 600 backpacks that will be given away, and 300 bicycle helmets will be given away to children from all over the area. And there will be lots and lots of school supplies at various places. This is important since back to school costs are a stress on families.
“We want to help them have a good start at school,” Benaszak said.
Entertainment includes the Tecumseh High School Band. Keeping the focus on safety will be incorporated in many of the 55 booths and presentations.
A mentoring program is beginning at the high school and FYI is seeking teens to participate and business leaders to be mentors.
According to Benaszak, FYI wants to remind students that there are choices in life and it wants to help them make the wise choices.
She’s pleased that motorcycle safety will be demonstrated by a local cycling group that wants to share their safety tips with teens that are considering acquiring a motorcycle.
Fire and EMS departments and CareFlight will have equipment available to tour. Free blood pressure tests will also be available. Children’s Hospital and the Health District will also have presentations.
Even the car show will have a safety focus, comparing vehicle safety of the past to today.
The Tecumseh Boosters will have a variety of foods for sale. Some desserts will also be available for purchase.
The organizers are quite pleased to be in this new location, Tecumseh High School, which has lots of space for the event and lots parking.
The festivities will last until 7 p.m.
About the Author