LETTER: National Night Out organizers say thank you

To the Editor:

The weather was a little uncertain earlier in the day but the evening proved to be perfect for all in attendance on Monday, July 29. It was a great evening for children and families. Numbers were down slightly again this year, but with so many last-minute activities before school, a slight decline seemed imminent.

However, those who attended were presented with an evening of fun. Not quite 900 hot dogs were grilled thanks to North Salem State Bank, 80 pizzas, apples, our always favorite snow cones, popcorn and lemonade. We must not forget the wonderful ice-cold milk provided by the Putnam County Farm Bureau milk barn.

The committee worked diligently for more than six months finalizing details ensuring the success of this event. Ruth Myers of Phil the Need along with her team of volunteers once again shared canned food non-perishable items for each family leaving the event. This year the Jack and Shirley Dalton Family Foundation sponsored our food distribution, amounting to more than 200 families provided with enough food items for several healthy meals. This addition brings a great conclusion to our families’ evening each year.

There are so many to thank, not only those who participated, but the many organizations and agencies that support us financially each year. We are not sure you can go anywhere in our county and have an evening like this. Living in a community that comes together to meet the needs of our children and families is sincerely humbling.

Those who participated: Heather Taylor State Farm Insurance, Greencastle Pediatric Dentistry (Dr. John Hennette and staff), Greencastle Police, Putnam County Sheriff’s Department, Greencastle Fire Department, Greencastle Kiwanis Jim Maxwell Bicycle Safety Program, Phil the Need (food insecurity), Roachdale Police Department, Bainbridge Police Department, Duke Energy, Mason Hubner 811, Cummins, Moose Lodge 1592, Jason Chew and the North Putnam Transportation Department, Mental Health America of Putnam County, Putnam County 911, Putnam County Public Library, Putnam County StatFlight, Greencastle Parks Department, Putnam County EMS, National Guard Army, Putnam County CERT, Putnam County Health Department, Putnam County Safe Schools, Boy Scout Troop 99,Isaiah House 117, Everwise, PC PIE Coalition – student representatives, Putnam County Hospital, Putnam County Juvenile Probation, Putnam County Adult Probation, Hendricks Regional Health, Putnam County Pet Care, Duke Energy, Putnam County Safe Schools, Putnam County Youth Development Commission, Elaine Boroff – food pantry, Putnam County Recovery Coalition, Putnam County Family Support Services of West Central Indiana and our emcee for the evening, James Figgy Hardwick.

Our event was made possible through financial contributions and/or in-kind donations: Curtis Garage, Baker’s Septic Systems, Old National Bank Staff, Hendricks Regional Health, Big Bounce Fun House, Butler’s LP, Buzzi Unicem, Chicago’s Pizza-Kevin and Jenny Hutcheson, Jack and Shirley Dalton Family Foundation, Brad Tucker State Farm Insurance, Heather Taylor State Farm Insurance, Putnam County Culligan Water-Jeremy & Marta Clark, Duke Energy, Domino’s Pizza, Pizza Hut, Firefly, Moose Lodge 1592, John Garl Bikes, John and Kelly Robertson, The Waters of Greencastle, Putnam County PIE Coalition, Jerrod Baugh family, Monical’s Pizza, Niagara Water Bottling, Kevin Girton – Eckrich, Putnam County Fair Board/Fairgrounds, Putnam County PIE Coalition, Putnam County CERT, Putnam County Hospital, Aldi, WREB radio station, Putnam County Sheep Barn, Kathy’s Compassion and Caring, Greencastle Parks and Recreation, Dr. John Hennette’s office, Pizza King, Papa John’s, Putnam County Farm Bureau-milk barn and North Salem State Bank.

We are grateful beyond words for the many community volunteers who line up each year to participate. This year there were more than 200 volunteers who gave so freely of their time. Please know while your name may not be listed, your commitment and desire to provide this annual outreach, did not go unnoticed. Thank you again, we couldn’t do this without you.

We are honored to have a very dedicated committee that continues to donate their time, energy and talent each year — Jeff Mace, Karen Martoglio, Alan Zerkel, Patty Sprinkle Cathryn Ensley, Sherri Miller, Ruth Myers, Megan Wager, Josh Boller, Elizabeth Butts, Sarah Cofer, Jack Smith, Kerri Keyt, Jane Hazelton, Frank Gardner, Jessie Cook, Heather Taylor, Debra Simmons, Carrie Gorham, Heather Lewis, Mason Hubner, Ronnie Campbell, Kelly Russ, Ed Wilson, Rob Frank and Sonny Stoltz.

To all the organizations that provided fun activities, handouts, and an evening for so many to enjoy, we say a humble thank you. If you are interested in joining our team for 2025, we will begin meeting in early February.

On behalf of the many smiling faces and the great memories that were made, we say thank you for participating, donating or attending, we hope to see you next year. For our 19th annual outreach – Putnam County National Night Out for Safety.

Linda Merkel, Renee Marsteller and Tom Sutherlin

PC NNO – Co-Chairs