Neighbors in communities across Arlington closed their doors and ventured out to celebrate National Night Out on Aug. 6. This nationwide event is held the first Tuesday in August to help people get to know their neighbors and to foster good community relations with the police and other emergency responders.

Cherrydale Library was one of 19 spots around Arlington that sponsored an event.  Other areas included Barcroft Apartments, Amazon, Green Valley Civic Association, Melwood and Virginia Gardens AHC.  

Sliders were provided by Burger Billy’s Joint just down the street from the Cherrydale Library. “I brought 80, 40 cheeseburger sliders and 40 hamburgers but cheeseburgers are the 3-1 favorite for sure.”

“Mmmm,” someone commented.  “I don’t get out much but I’ll have to give you a try.”

Neighbors spread across the yard outside the library chatting about vacations and watching their children chase each other around the tables. Three-year-old Tina and one-year old Sylie Sherman from just down the block were favoring the long plastic wrapped popsicles. Their mom explained she came here because there is free food and she doesn’t have to make dinner and they had a library book on hold. “It’s a double whammy.” She tells Tina, “No more grapes, you can have a bottle of water or another burger instead.”

Del. Patrick Hope mingled in the crowd chatting with some about the very hot weather and others about the legislation he finally got passed making it illegal to hold prisoners in solitary confinement. “It’s been a long battle but now we’ve done it.”

ACPD Deputy Chief enticed several children to find the surprises in the large paper bag he was holding while other members of the ACPD Community Engagement division passed out stickers. “Every kid loves  stickers.” The bean bag throw was popular and if you liked music, there was a sing along inside the library on the second floor.

Greg and Suzanne Embree have come for the third year to the Cherrydale event.  Greg says they came to chat with neighbors and the police as well as enjoy the good food. “We also wanted to meet Helen Ignatenko, the new manager at the Cherrydale Branch.”  Greg is also the photographer for  “Sweet and Sour News,” the neighborhood newspaper.