Walnut Hill residents gathered to celebrate their neighborhood and support their Neighborhood Watch Program on Tuesday, August 6. For the fifth year in a row, the Walnut Hill Citizens’ Association of Gaithersburg sponsored a community social to coincide with National Night Out, an event designed to heighten awareness of crime prevention, strengthen neighborhood spirit, and foster community partnerships with police and emergency responders.
Neighbors gathered on the grounds of the Washington Grove Elementary School, sharing delicious appetizers and desserts. The theme of the event was “Celebrating Walnuts”. Neighbors shared their homemade and store bought dishes and recipes, all containing walnuts, and voted for their favorites. Prizes were awarded to residents in the categories of Youngest Cook, Best Walnut Dessert, Best Walnut Appetizer, and Overall best entry.
Neighborhood residents were honored by the attendance of local dignitaries such as Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett, Montgomery County’s State’s Attorney John McCarthy, Montgomery County Police Chief J.T. (Tom) Manger and numerous county Police Officers. Each of county officials spoke to residents covering topics such as community policing, crime statistics, and crime prevention. The State’s Attorney’s office gave away reusable water bottles and mini-footballs for neighborhood children and residents.
