MEDINA, Ohio — The Medina County Police Activities League, also known at MCPAL, held its annual Fall Mix and Mingle fundraising event Oct. 2 at the Blue Heron Event Center.
After enjoying a buffet of appetizers, more than 100 guests took part in a silent auction and three different raffles to raise money for supplies, equipment and other expenses for the program.
According to the MCPAL web page, “Since 2010, MCPAL has been offering county-wide youth programming.
“It is a youth crime prevention program that utilizes educational, athletic and recreational activities to create trust and understanding between police officers and Medina County youth.”
MCPAL helps eliminate the uncertainty of the police uniform, allowing kids to see police officers in a new light while fostering positive relationships between kids and law enforcement.
“Youths learn how to be productive citizens, with activities reinforcing good manners, teamwork and honesty.”
Program Director Rebecca Byrne said the program currently is active in five schools, with 200 children taking part once or twice a week after school.
Summer programs and field trips are offered to prior participants.
Byrne mentioned fishing, trips to Cedar Point and outings to hockey, baseball and football games.
Afterschool activities include dodgeball, arts and crafts, cooking classes and bucket drumming.
Usually, one officer from the school’s jurisdiction runs the program with the help of a staff member or high school mentor.
The program builds a special bond between the students and the officer.
Andy Riegelmayer, a fifth-grade teacher at Eliza Northrop Elementary School, said, “So, in my experience, students always look forward to MCPAL days.
“They eagerly await the chance to interact and play games with the program volunteers after school.
“Almost all students who participate have found the program engaging, entertaining and it helps them to build positive relationships with the officers who run the program.”
Attending the fundraiser in her Law Enforcement Explorers uniform was 17-year-old Marissa Nugent, a former MCPAL participant whose career goal is to be a detective.
She joined Medina County Law Enforcement Explorers Post 2552 after her years in MCPAL.
To learn more about the MCPAL program, log on to www.medinapal.org/.
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