On Tuesday August 5th I joined with police officers and community members for National Night Out activties throughout District 5.  As many of you know, this is an annual event designed to bring awareness to crime and drug prevention and provides an opportunity for neighbors to connect with each other and law enforcement.  Lieutenant McCullagh, of the Montgomery County Police, and I visited many communities, including Northwest Park, Flower Branch Apartments, Hillendale East and West, the Hamptons, Avery Park, New Hampshire Estates, and the Takoma Langley Crossroads.  Neighbors participated with police in ice cream socials, block parties, cookouts, and other family activities.  I would like to thank all of the communities that we visited for their hospitality.  National Night Out sends a clear message to criminals that neighborhoods are organized and committed to improving the safety of their communities.