Glendale Hts. keeps tradition of Night Out going this year.(Neighbor)

Carolyn Kein has been going to National Night Out events in Glendale Heights for eight years."I go because I get to meet a lot of people in Glendale Heights and you get to chit-chat and find out what's going on in different neighborhoods," Kein said. "It's a fun time."

The Glendale Heights police department is hosting its eighth annual National Night Out from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Sports Hub. The evening is dedicated throughout the nation to inform communities about the fight against crime and drugs.This year Glendale Heights plans to have free hamburgers, hot dogs, soda and dessert, a display of police cars, the Glenside Fire Department, watermelon provided by this year's sponsors, Target and McGruff, the crime prevention mascot.Sgt. Larry Pincsak has been organizing the event each year and is often times the mystery behind the mask.

"Sometimes I dress up as the McGruff," Pincsak said. "Although it's hot in the costume, it's a lot of fun to go around and shake kids' hands."Debbie McKenzie, community outreach specialist for the police department, also helps with the organization. "What's good about it is it gives citizens an awareness of who police officers and police department staff are," McKenzie said. "And it's our way of also thanking out participants and our neighborhood watch programs."

The Junior Women's Club will be serving food after village representatives work the grill. Bill Burger, director of finance, grills and passes out beverages each year."I just do it to contribute," Burger said. "And I enjoy it, quite frankly." Members of the police department will be handing out goodies and encourage residents to attend.

"There's no better way to know somebody than to share a meal with them," McKenzie said.For more information call Sgt. Larry Pincsak at (630)909-5441.
Mahmood, Hafsa Naz