114th Community Council President Ann Bruno welcomes the precinct’s new commanding officer, Deputy Inspector Stephen Cirabisi. Photos Jonathan EllisThe 114th Precinct 2010 National Night Out Against Crime event was held at Astoria Park on Tuesday, August 3, and was attended by hundreds of area residents. Tables manned by representatives of several organizations, civic groups and businesses formed a circle around the Astoria Park Lawn. There was face painting by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation; the Kiwanis Club of Astoria sponsored a ball toss and gave out prizes, and Community Board 1 provided information about the flu and how to make an emergency preparedness kit as well as providing fingerprinting for the kids. The Greater Astoria Historical Society shared information about the history of the area, Mount Sinai Queens Hospital did blood pressure screenings, the NYPD and the Salvation Army grilled hot dogs and there were pony rides and a dunk tank. The event was co-sponsored by the 114th Civilian Observation Patrol (114 Civ-OP) and the 114th Precinct Community Council and supported by more than 30 groups and merchants.
Elvis Impersonator Sal Di Pietro serenaded the crowd at the 114th Police Precinct National Night Out Against Crime event Tuesday, August 3.
People young and old, out to enjoy the evening, visited the various booths starting at 5 p.m. and received handouts and give-aways ranging from free Colgate toothpaste to Eukanuba dog food.  At 6 p.m., the crowd was treated to a hip-hop dance number by youths from the Variety Boys and Girls Club Dance Team, followed by spirited dances from members of the Golden Group Dancers of Raices Senior Center. Golden Group principal dancer Tomás Caro of Colombia stated he’d been dancing with Raices for a number of years and explained that the dances were native to Colombia, Puerto Rico and Ecuador.

After the performances, 114th Community Council President Ann Bruno, who served as Master of Ceremonies, welcomed the new commanding officer of the 114th Precinct, Deputy Inspector Stephen Cirabisi, as well as Congressmember Carolyn Maloney. Maloney then addressed the gathering, stating: “We come together to thank the men and women of the Police Department. Your participation with the Police Department has made a big difference. Since 1990 [when the first National Night Out was held in Astoria], violent crime has [been] reduced by more than 70 percent because of volunteers like those here tonight helping police to take back the night.” City Councilmember Peter Vallone Jr. added, “I’m glad everyone’s out here to stand together against crime and I’m especially happy about our new Inspector!”
The Golden Group Dancers from Raices Senior Center Perform amidst the displays at the National Night Out Against Crime.
The evening drew to a close at 8 p.m., preceded by a performance by Elvis Impersonator Sal Di Pietro, rock and roll tunes from Zambrana Productions, a raffle for a bicycle and other prizes, and an invitation from the FDNY to the kids to experience sitting behind the wheel of a real fire truck.