Dublin Residents Participate In National Night Out

Neighborhood streets throughout the city were blocked off Tuesday evening with visitors from the Dublin police and fire departments as Dublin residents celebrated the 28th Annual National Night Out.

Sixteen Dublin neighborhood watch teams registered and organized the separate block parties, which promoted crime and drug prevention.

Janine Thalblum, who registered the S. Forestdale Circle block party, said it was a good opportunity to meet new neighbors.

Thalblum said she obtained a permit to close the street, with 48 adults and 36 children registered to attend her neighborhood’s block party.

Children could be seen riding their bikes, running around in fire hats provided by the fire department, getting their faces painted, playing and eating treats. They even received a visit from McGruff the Crime Dog and city councilman Don Biddle.

“Everyone in the neighborhood loved it,” Thalblum said. “It’s a good chance for the kids to bike and play.”

Thalblum said her neighborhood watch program started with a small group discussing ways to keep the neighborhood safe, including her block’s co-captains Noelle Hannula and Sonia Gurusiddaiah.

They began participating in the National Night Out three years ago, and received such a positive response that they were able to have the event catered this year and hire a face painter for the children.

“I think the purpose for me is to get to know my neighbors and for our children to get to know each other,” she said. “Usually we just drive by and wave, but this is a chance for everyone to say hi and get to know each other.”

Neighbor Shyam Desai said he is new to the neighborhood, and was very happy to have the opportunity to get to know his neighbors and learn more about the neighborhood.

“We are so busy sometimes that we don’t get the chance to know everybody and the kids got a chance to mingle around,” Desai said. “We are lucky to have people like Janine to be so active. It’s really nice.”

Tom Threlkeld, block captain from Alto Way, held his block party with Regio Drive residents Tony and Marie Russo and Loren and Bonnie Sharp.

This is their neighborhood’s 10th year participating in National Night Out.

“It is nice that we get all of the neighbors out,” Threlkeld said. “It’s nice to chitchat and exchange ideas. I enjoy the camaraderie.”

Threlkeld said it is important to get to know faces and families to keep the neighborhood close.

If you're interested in setting up a neighborhood watch program in your neighborhood, call the Crime Prevention Unit at (925) 833-6670.