The Neighborhood Block Captains’ National Night Out Party was back.

This is the annual event at Woodbridge by Del Webb, the active adult community with resort-style amenities, held five out of the last six years in the clubhouse on Tuesday.

“It was good getting together again (for NNO),” said Mary Brown, who is one of the Neighborhood Block Captains.

The gathering was one of dozens of neighborhood gatherings taking place in Manteca that was part of a national effort to bring neighbors together to get better acquainted in an effort to help combat crime. The working theory is based on people who know their neighbors are more likely to notice if something is amiss and advise law enforcement.

Block parties throughout Manteca had visitors from the police and fire departments, Manteca Ambulance District, elected city officials and volunteer units such as Seniors Helping Area Residents  & Police as well as Seniors Aiding Fire Effort.

Last year’s NNO was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Block Captain Millie D’Alessandro held on to the donation from the 2019 event, putting it towards this one – hotdogs were free and partygoers brought along potluck items.

Meanwhile, a few other NNO gatherings took place in Del Webb and throughout Manteca. But this indoor one was reserved way ahead of time.

Brown estimated the space was large enough to accommodate 80 residents and guests.

Other Neighborhood Block Captains in attendance were Polly Smith, Betty Basehore, Phyllis McDonald, Sandy George and Barbara Silver.

The event also consisted music – Country and Jazz – performed on acoustic guitar by Frank Perez.

Frank Aguilar provided his refreshing “Hawaiian Shave Ice.”

He, too, was thrilled to see people in his community getting together once again for this special event.