Koon's watch

As summer break comes to an end, the Sheriff’s Department is preparing for one last opportunity to connect with people across Lexington County before the new school year.

National Night Out will be observed Aug. 7 this year. The event is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live.

For years, deputies have looked forward to taking part in National Night Out events. Not only does National Night Out give our LCSD family a chance to meet yours, it gives us an opportunity to highlight what we do. That understanding is crucial because we’re all in this together.

Neighborhoods host block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts and various other community events with safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel, exhibits and much more.

We invite you to any of the following National Night Out events throughout the county Aug. 7:

• Three Fountains, 2606 Emanuel Church Rd, 6 p.m.

• Barnwell Estates, 1165 Barnwell Rd, 6 p.m.

• Whitehall, Tudor/Silvermill roads, 6-7 p.m.

• Whitehall II, 434 Forest Grove Cir., 6:30-7:30 p.m.

• River Oaks, 5324 Bush River Rd., 4-5:30 p.m.

• Stratton Place, 106 Stratton Ct., | 6:30-8 p.m.

• Woodland Village, 2221 Bush River Rd., 5:30-7 p.m.

• Waters at Berryhill, 18 Berryhill Rd., 4-6 p.m.

• Landmark, 19 Landmark Dr., 6-8 p.m.

• Hallmark, Century Drive end of circle, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

• Rapids, 520 Rapids Rd, 6-7 p.m.

• MacGregor Downs, pool area, 6-7 p.m.

• Wal-Mart, 1780 South Lake Dr, 5-8 p.m.

• Lloydwood, 329 Southall Rd., 6-8 p.m.

• Gaston Civic Center, 131 North Carlisle St., 6-9 p.m.

• Ridgefield, 142 Hollow Stump Rd., 7-9 p.m.

• The Grove, 2842 Neely Wingard Rd., 7-9 p.m.

• Batesburg-Leesville, North Oak St. and West Railroad Ave., 6-7:30 p.m. (Aug. 8)