Casco Township to hold a National Night Out on Tuesday August 4

SHAES Station 1 will be the site of Casco Township's first National Night Out on Tuesday August 4

Casco Township residents are invited to participate in Casco's first National Night Out program to be held at Station One, 864 66th Street, located in Casco Township.

National Night Out is focused on building partnerships with police, community camaraderie, and safety education. Casco Township's version will include not only the opportunity to meet Casco Deputy Zack Hoyt, but also South Haven Area Emergency Services (SHAES) personnel. The Casco Township community will also have opportunity to learn more about safety programs and resources.

Casco Township resident Linda Teeter spearheaded the initiative. "A Philadelphia neighborhood in 1985 was the location of the first National Night Out," Teeter explains. "The goal was to have neighbors meet neighbors and to have neighbors build relationships with their police and fire staff who serve them every day."

Teeter is supported by an organizing committee of volunteers including Debbie Weaver, a resident of Miami Park, who serves on the Casco Township Parks and Recreation committee. Weaver is involved because, as she says, "National Night Out is more than an event--it's a celebration of what makes Casco Township such a wonderful place to live. We come together to celebrate our strong sense of community, build new friendships, reconnect with neighbors, and thank the first responders who help keep us safe."

Attendees will be able to see the fire and police vehicles up close, as well as other safety equipment.

National Night Out includes opportunity to see historic fire equipment up close

Activities include recording an updated history of the Township. Attendees will be asked to contribute their own history in Casco Township to a larger history of the community.

This initial event will feature distribution of a new Senior Citizen Resource Directory designed to be helpful to Casco seniors served by both Allegan County Senior Services and Senior Services of Van Buren County.

Kelly Hecker, a member of the Parks and Recreation Committee and also Chair of the Casco Township Fundraising subcommittee will host an informational booth about the new "Back to the Beach" campaign to restore public access at the Casco Township Nature Preserve. Campaign t-shirts will also be available for purchase.

Other activities include temporary tattoos and stickers for children, and corn hole for all ages.

The event's activities are free. A simple dinner of hot dogs, popcorn, drinks, and ice cream will be available at no charge. There will be a short program at 6:15 pm.

The Casco Township National Night Out runs from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm on Tuesday August 4 at Station One, located just south of the Casco United Methodist Church on 66th St, south of 109th Avenue. Parking at the church is encouraged. Those with mobility issues are welcome to use limited parking spaces at Station One, 864 66th Street.

Jamie Walle, Principal and Superintendent of the Glenn School; and Julie Cowie, Founder of Casco Township News, are also part of the event organizing committee.