As I See It

By  Mayor JoAnn B. Seghini

The holiday season is soon approaching, and winter will eventually come.  As we prepare, remember that each home and business is responsible for snow removal in front of their home or office within 24 hours of the end of the storm.  Keep our community safe for pedestrians, especially on school routes.  You will be receiving leaf bags again this year; help keep our storm drains clear of debris so that water can drain as snow melts.  Remember to use extra caution while driving during winter months.

Our fall bulky waste program has been very successful.  As I drive through the community, I can tell that many of you have done a lot of fall cleaning.  Thank you for bundling green waste.  Please remember to sweep the street in front of your home.  The street sweeper does not get all of the debris. We are fortunate to live in a community that provides this service.

Thanksgiving weekend is an important time for many families.  It gives a time to look back and to share our common goals as friends and families.  If you know of people who are living alone and who have no family, take time to drop by and give them a treat.  Let them know that they are not forgotten and check in with them from time to time.  Christmas is often difficult for those who are house bound.  Get to know your neighbors and make your entire neighborhood a welcoming place.

The overflow homeless shelter will be opening in late November.  Many improvements have been made, including fencing off the property, so that those staying at the shelter can safely remain on the property.  They will also have vans that can transport people to stores and to transportation.  A walkway was installed on the north side of the street so that people have a safe place to walk.  Their new building has many improvements and will be a much safer place for those who stay there temporarily as they await permanent housing. The shelter will be housing families, and the grounds around the building have been fenced and greatly improved so that people and children will not be inclined to leave the property.  This should greatly decrease people who might want to visit neighboring businesses. 

In the past the people of Midvale and surrounding communities have been very generous.  They frequently make donations of food and Christmas gifts for children.    As they open the new facility, special needs include towels, laundry soap, toilet paper, diapers, and bedding for single size beds.  All of the beds will be bunk beds as opposed to cots, so clean, used bedding would be greatly appreciated.  Your support of this overflow shelter for families has been very important.  Remember the homeless during the holidays.       λ