The Safe Summer Kickoff, which was held Saturday, June 11, in downtown Eliot, and presented by Eliot Connects and the Eliot Police Department, attracted more than a hundred local residents and many others from surrounding communities.
The aim of the event was to provide safe and fun activities for children and teens, and to introduce local law enforcement to the community. It was a tremendous success on both counts.
There was face painting, bubble-making, a bicycle rodeo, and a booth where children could build their own miniature boats from bits of paper, wood and cork. Eliot Police grilled burgers and there was bottled water for all. Community organizations, including OPTIONS (the Overdose Prevention Through Intensive Outreach Naloxone and Safety), William Fogg Library Children’s Reading Program, Caring Unlimited, and York County Community Action Corp., were on hand to meet with the public and give out small gifts.
Eliot Police were joined by Maine Game Wardens (who brought a rescue boat for children climb aboard and inspect), motorcycle police from nearby Somersworth, New Hampshire, and Fire, EMT and other public safety groups. YCCAC’s Community Outreach Liaison, Diana Minott, worked with Eliot Connects and the Eliot Police to make this such a fabulous success. Great work, Diana. (And thanks too to your daughter, Kyla, who was always ready to lend a hand!)