By William Kenny
Times Staff Writer
In crime fighting, good timing can be everything. Good fortune helps, too.
Last week, Northeast Philadelphia Town Watch groups got a lot of both as they celebrated the 21st annual National Night Out at several area locations.
Things looked like a washout in the hours leading up to the evening’s activities. But around 6 p.m., the skies cleared over Fox Chase, Burholme and Castor Gardens, and neighbors flooded their respective neighborhood meeting places in the spirit of community unity and activism.
An estimated 2,000 folks showed up for a behemoth block party in the Fox Chase School yard, while hundreds more gathered at the United Methodist Church of the Redeemer in Burholme, although organizers moved vendors and sponsors inside just to be safe from a possible return of the rain.
Meanwhile, in the St. Luke’s Church yard, members of the smaller Castor Gardens Town Watch continued their annual tradition of a good old-fashioned cookout with the usual enthusiasm.
"People are out across the city," said Anthony Murphy, director of Philadelphia’s Operation Town Watch, while visiting the Burholme event.
"Despite the weather … the citizens still came out to support it. That’s what’s important. Folks are getting the message that we stem the tide (of crime). We make the difference."
For the uninitiated, Town Watch is a community-based and community-run organization which serves as "eyes and ears" for local police and other public safety officials year-round. Some Town Watch groups actively patrol pre-determined territories, while others simply ask that members monitor the activities of their own blocks from the comfort and security of their own homes.
Either way, members are asked to report even the smallest of crimes that they see in hope that prompt response will help prevent illegal activity from escalating.
Murphy’s Operation Town Watch is the administrative body that trains and certifies new Town Watch members, issues radios and other equipment to the many groups and oversees their adherence to the organization’s regulations.
National Night Out, meanwhile, is the annual opportunity for each Town Watch group to showcase itself to neighborhood residents. Groups celebrate their role in the community and invite new members to join.
In recent years, most groups in the Northeast have not organized public gatherings. But the few that have chosen to do something have been very successful at it, in spite of obstacles like the weather.
In Fox Chase, things got underway at 6:30 with dozens of local businesses, public agencies and community-based organizations setting up tables around the school parking lot.
Many offered free snacks and refreshments, such as water, soda, ice cream, soft pretzels, baked goods and, in the case of Conroy Catering, chocolate-dipped strawberries.
After a few minutes, members of the Philadelphia Fire Department’s Engine 56 and Ladder 28 arrived, riding one vintage engine and two contemporary rigs, all with sirens blaring.
Mascots McGruff the Crime Dog, Sparky the Dalmatian and Foxy the Town Watch Fox also rode the trucks onto the scene. Later, the Phillie Phanatic and Swoop from the Eagles joined the fun.
Featured attractions included former Flyer Bob Kelly manning an autograph booth, local youth singer Timmy Kelly, the Cardinal Dougherty Alumni Band and the Extreme Karate Club with a martial arts demonstration.
John Duffy, vice president of the Fox Chase Town Watch was the lead organizer of the neighborhood event.
The public officials on-hand were many, too. They included U.S. House candidates Melissa Brown and Allyson Schwartz, who are opposing each other in the 13th District, and state Rep. George Kenney and his opponent in the November election, Brendan Boyle. Brian O’Neill and Jack Kelly represented City Council, and, Mayor John Street eventually made an appearance.
But for most of the people, it wasn’t about politics. Instead, it was about family and neighbors.
"We’re here every year. I live right across the street," said Kate Petroski while enjoying one of those strawberries. "(We come) for the kids, for the Town Watch, to see our neighbors."
Steve McCrystal attended with his wife Diane and daughter Emily, 4.
"You see all of the people in the neighborhood — some you grew up with (and) people on the other side of the neighborhood who you never see anymore," Steve McCrystal said. "It’s a big thing every year."
Diane McCrystal thinks the Town Watch patrols help keep the area safe. The group hits the streets every weekend night.
"They do a good job. You always see them walking around the neighborhood," she said.
Organizers of the Burholme celebration welcome the same kind of support from people and businesses in that community, particularly for National Night Out.
"(The people) are hard working. They pay their taxes, and they care about the community," said Al Taubenberger, president of the Burholme Town Watch. "They care and are proud of the community they come from."
Dozens of vendors moved their tables into the United Methodist basement hall when the rain threatened, said Jeanette Scally, who co-chaired the event with Dorothy Gusst.
A primary objective of the evening was to bolster the Town Watch membership.
"You can always use more (volunteers). With an organization like this, recruitment and replenishing is an ongoing thing," Taubenberger said.
Dave Curry was in charge of the membership drive. As the event moved into its second and final hour, he had collected several dozen names of prospective members.
"Everybody is busy, so you can’t say you’re too busy. That’s not an excuse," he said.
The key, according to Murphy, the citywide director, is to keep people interested in Town Watch after National Night Out is over.
"It’s not just one night. We want to target every night," he said.
The Burholme Town Watch will next meet on Tuesday, Sept. 7, at the Burholme First Aid Corps, Oxford Avenue and Bleigh Street. For information, call 215-722-4901.
The Fox Chase Town Watch will meet on Wednesday, Sept. 8, at the Loudenslager American Legion, 7976 Oxford Ave. For information, call 215-694-6666. ••
Reporter William Kenny can be reached at 215-354-3031 or bkenny@phillynews.com