LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Pride in the cadets
I am the executive director of Franklinton Board of Trade.
My organization, along with several other organizers and volunteers from a variety of West Side nonprofits, hosted the fourth annual Songs on Sullivant event Dec. 16.
This event, the idea of City Councilmember Melissa Green back in 2019, is a partnership between Franklinton and Hilltop. The first three years were hosted in Franklinton, but this year we chose a new location farther West on Sullivant Ave. in the Hilltop.
It was a good move, as we had a packed house the entire time, featuring live music, Santa Claus, a crafts station, photo booth, coffee/hot chocolate and cookies, gift card giveaway, presents for the kids, holiday hams for the adults, and other aspects.
However, I think the best part of the event was the involvement of three young female police cadets. Since our first event in 2019 we’ve enjoyed a wonderful police presence, led by Sgt. Fred Brophy, to help with organizing, traffic, the crowds, etc., but this year was special. The cadets, from the minute they arrived, engaged with everyone in attendance and wore huge smiles on their faces the entire time.
They danced nearly all evening long with live music, got the kids to dance around with them, led people in singing the Christmas Carols, and just totally exuded joy. I’m so grateful that Brophy invited them, and the police department should be very proud. They delivered positive community relations at a whole new level, and what a refreshing and fun experience they created for everyone around them. I cannot praise them enough, and I hope they have wild success making it through the police academy. Eventually, I look forward to them deploying their terrific personalities in the entire community. I only hope they can be at Songs on Sullivant again next year!
Trent E. Smith, executive director, Franklinton Board of Trade: Advocate, Beautify, Connect