On Sunday, September 10, 90 Mill Creek Towne residents of all ages enjoyed one another’s company at Mill Creek Village’s Annual Picnic on Caddy Court despite the weather forecasts for heavy rains. The attendees helped to turn away the clouds and bring sunshine on a celebration of the Village’s first 10 years of existence as a nonprofit, charitable community organization.
A huge thank you goes to Jennifer Black, the Village’s Social Committee Chair, who very ably organized and oversaw the event. Our grillers Bill Hackman and Jeff Black did an awesome job, as did our servers Cindy Queen, Pat Stone, John Solyst, Mary Etta Nader, and Ed Ludwig. We also appreciate the many Caddy Court neighbors who shared their street who helped with the canopies, tables, and chairs.
Attendees enjoyed beef, veggie and turkey burgers and all-beef hot dogs with all the fixin’s. There was also mixed and potato salads, cole slaw, and a variety of potato chips. Desserts included Carmen’s Italian Ice, brownies, assorted cookies, and chocolate and vanilla anniversary cakes. As in year’s past, the Mill Creek Garden Club generously provided beverages. Sue Richardson, who has been involved with the Village since its inception and has resided on Caddy Court for 38 years, blew out our anniversary candles on behalf of all the volunteers.
There were also lawn games and a raffle (each ticket was only $1.00) with 10 winners to commemorate the decade of service that the Village was celebrating. The prizes included several $25 gift cards to various local restaurants and sets of new Mill Creek Village tee-shirts and baseball caps valued at $25. The Village Treasurer Anna McBain handled the raffle and sign-in table with Debbie Isaacs. And, Kathy and Tom Phelps provided an Amazon gift card for the winner who guessed the number of candy corn and other treats in a jar they also donated. Kathy and Tom also generously provided mums to serve as the centerpieces for the tables that were covered with plastic cloths that matched the colors of the Village’s logo. Neighbors took home the mums after the event.
Since 2013, Mill Creek Village has served our residents with the dual mission to:
1. HELP OUR ELDERLY NEIGHBORS IN NEED OF ASSISTANCE TO AGE WELL IN PLACE, PRESERVE THEIR INDEPENDENCE AND AVOID DEBILITATING SOCIAL ISOLATION.
2. HOST EVENTS AND SHARE INFORMATION THAT PROMOTE INFORMED AND CARING NEIGHBORS AND INTERACTION ACROSS ALL AGES TO FOSTER A MORE SOCIALLY CONNECTED COMMUNITY.
Joe Isaacs, the Village’s president, provided formal remarks to recognize the special occasion. He noted that “it has literally taken a village of volunteers to sustain and grow our young organization over its fragile first 10 years of existence.” He directed attendees to the handouts at each table. They highlighted the names of more than 90 current and former Village volunteers who stepped up to help fulfill the promise of “NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS.”
“Among their accomplishments since 2013,” Joe continued, “these volunteers have dedicated more than 12,000 hours to serve our residents and they have hosted and delivered flyers to every household for more than 50 free community events that have drawn more than 2600 participants of all ages. We cannot thank them enough for their vision, spirit, compassion, and commitment.” The audience joined him in a round of applause for these community-minded neighbors.
Joe emphasized that volunteers are the Village’s lifeblood and that new folks would be welcome to the cause. He encouraged those with the desire and time to give back to their community to contact the Village by phone or e-mail at (240) 686-5870 or mctvillage@gmail.com. He noted there are various roles that volunteers play, ranging from driving elderly to appointments, to being a friendly visitor, to event hosting, to grocery shopping, to database management, to newsletter editing, to serving on the board of directors, and more.
He concluded by saying that “without our volunteers, business sponsors (who were cited in the handouts), some small grants and the wonderful donations and participation of Mill Creek Towne neighbors, the Village could not have provided needed elder services and host community events free of charge.” He closed by asking everyone to join him in a toast to all those who made it possible. He told the crowd that “with their ongoing support, the Village will continue to make a difference in our neighbors’ lives and help keep Mill Creek Towne a desirable community in which to live, raise a family and age in place. Cheers!”
Thanks again to everyone who attended. It seemed that a good time was had by all. New residents Taylor Ivy and Marleny Escobar participated in their first-ever Village event. We welcome them to the neighborhood! Here are photos from the event for you to enjoy! These pics and others will be posted in the Photo Gallery section on our website at www.millcreekvillage.org/gallery Our next event is our Annual Wine and Cheese Party (adults only) on Saturday, October 14. Look for our flyers and other announcements for details.
MCV’s 10th Anniversary Community Picnic Attracts Sunshine Amid Rain Threats
