Mountain View residents will notice that this year the town is sponsoring many more community events. The goal is to provide multiple opportunities for neighbors to get to know each other. Additionally, mayor Emilie Mitcham hopes that more events will build deeper relationships between residents and their elected officials and the town’s police department.
Successful long-term planning addresses the real needs of the community and in order for that to happen, residents need to feel comfortable sharing their perspectives and speaking in planning meetings.
“If community members find it hard to connect to their elected officials, they will find it hard to share their views,” Mitcham states. “So, we want to create many opportunities for finding connections and decreasing any feelings of isolation.”
Saturday, May 28 is the town’s Memorial Day Celebration, from 10a.m. to 1 p.m. Hot dogs and chips will be served after the flag ceremony to commemorate those who were wounded or lost in service to our country. Community members who are interested in sharing their family stories of service are encouraged to contact Mitcham via email at EMitcham@tomv.org.
Sunday, June 19 the police department will be offering complimentary car washing to residents who bring their cars to the alley behind Town Hall from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Although this is a celebration of Father’s Day, Corporal Stephen Hicks, who is coordinating the event, notes that the role of a father isn’t always typical. “There are some single moms out there, or uncles for example, who play the role of dad. We don’t want to leave them out,” he states. “So, make sure residents know everyone is welcome.”
The town will hold two of the popular outdoor movie nights this summer, starting at dusk on Saturday, June 25, and again Saturday, Aug. 2. Events Committee chair Brittany Loecher states that popcorn and candy will be served on the Town Hall lawn, and the movies selected will be announced shortly.
Independence Day will be marked with a midday bike parade on Friday, July 3. Town Hall will provide bike decorations for those who wish to participate and refreshments will be served.
Mountain View is participating in National Night Out this year, on Saturday, Aug. 2. More information about this country-wide event can be found at www.natw.org. Designed to promote community-police partnerships, the event is right in line with the goals of both Mitcham and police chief Steve Davis. Especially after several years of increased isolation and anxiety due to the pandemic, both the mayor and the chief believe that community safety starts with opportunities for neighbors to get to know the officers who protect the community.
“Good relationships between the police and community members are vital to the success of our town,” states Mitcham. “There’s no way you’re going to trust the police if all you ever hear are the bad stories. Building relationships, learning more about each other, making it easier to reach out – these things create stronger community bonds and are fundamental to my goals.”
The summer of events will culminate in the Annual Town Picnic on Saturday, Aug. 27, with the police grilling up hamburgers for the residents, a live band, and games for the whole family. The town council and police department hope residents will mark their calendars and join the festivities.
