‘Safe Night’ Registration Deadline is March 31

BRIDGEWATER – Somerset County youth in grades 7 to 12 are invited to enjoy a “Safe Night” party on Saturday, April 5, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at the Ted Blum 4-H Center of Somerset County, located at 310 Milltown Rd.  The theme is “Black and White,” and participants are invited to wear black-and-white clothing.

Admission is $5, which includes refreshments. Seating is limited to the first 150 registrants.  Registration and payment are due by Monday, March 31.

“Safe Night” parties offer youth an evening planned by their peers and adults at which there are no weapons, alcohol, drugs or arguments, and where they can party, play and learn.

“The ‘Safe Night’ program is not just a one-night experience, because participants learn leadership, team building and character-building skills that will last them a lifetime,” said Freeholder Robert Zaborowski, human services liaison. 

“This is the 15th year Somerset County is hosting a ‘Safe Night’ program.  The program brings youth from around the county together in a fun-filled, safe environment,” he said. “It also provides an opportunity to share experiences and make new friends.”

The evening will begin with an introduction by Somerset County Youth Council members Tom Klein and Sarah Malek and a welcome by Freeholder Peter S. Palmer.  Following will be a Mystery Plot activity.  Participants will be given clues that they will garner by visiting different stations.  After completing each activity, each team will be given one clue to solve the mystery.  Team members will acquire seven clues to solve the mystery. Also, there will be dancing to the music of a disc jockey and games.

The “Safe Night” program is presented by the Somerset County Board of Freeholders, Somerset County Youth Council, Somerset County 4-H Senior Council and the Safe Communities Youth Coalition.

The “Safe Night” program was begun by former police officer Olusegun “Olu” Sijuwade through the City of Milwaukee Health Department in 1994.  It is recognized by the National Crime Prevention Council as a model violence-prevention program.

To register or for information about the “Safe Night” program, contact Sarah Murchison of the Somerset County Department of Human Services at (908) 704-6307 or murchis@co.somerset.nj.us.  A brochure and registration form are available at www.co.somerset.nj.us/spotlight.html.