Crime & Safety
Oakton Turns Out For National Night Out
Oakton residents on Cranbrook Lane socialize with their neighbors and local police officers
Close to 40 neighbors, many with their dogs in tow, turned up on Cranbrook Lane on Tuesday for an ice cream social to celebrate the 29th annual campaign.
The Miller Heights Neighborhoods Association hosted the event, organized by the association's newsletter editor, Lisa Hopp. Hopp's three children — Jake, Emma and Leah — helped her set up the ice cream social, which aimed to build community spirit and strengthen ties with police officers.
“It’s a great opportunity for a meet-and-greet,” she said as she prepared ice cream, toppings, whipped cream, marshmallows, and of course, cherries for the top. “We did it last year, so this is an encore performance.”
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Wayne Twombly, the Fair Oaks crime prevention officer, pulled up in a police cruiser, hopped out and impressed the kids right away.
Adam Faust, 3, gripped his arms around the neck of his father, John, watching in fascination as Twombly turned on his car’s emergency lights. (No sirens this time.)
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Next Twombly deputized a long line of youngsters who proudly wore their new badges — just like his. Then he handed out trinkets provided by the national sponsor, Target.
As the kids jumped, played and rode their scooters and bicycles around the cul-de-sac, Twombly said his goal was to make friends with the kids.
“Sometimes they might be afraid, so it’s important they see they can approach us," he said.
Jim Tiani, president of the Miller Heights Neighborhoods Association, pointed out the group was not an official HOA, but rather a more informal civic group.
The Association hosts a community yard sale, as well as occasional guest speakers like Fairfax County Public School's Dean A. Tistadt, chief operating officer, who explained the intricate process of scheduling school bus routes to a large group of interested neighbors.
Tiani expressed appreciation for volunteers like Hopp and thanked Twombly for attending their event.
When asked what should he do if there is an emergency, Jake Hopp said, “Call a helicopter?” His mother helped him with the next best answer: “Call 911.”