Medina Township starts Halloween with trick-or-treat kick-off party at the Medina County Health Department

MEDINA TWP. — Kids in costumes grabbed candy and learned more about being safe on Halloween at a trick-or-treat kickoff party at the Medina County Health Department on Friday evening. The event was co-hosted by the Medina Township Police Department. Medina Township trustee Chuck Johnson said the police department historically put on a trick-or-treat open house but would have issues with staffing because everyone was getting ready for Halloween. "Knowing (the health department is) right here on Ledgewood (Drive) and is in front of a development, we decided to try last year to team up together and offer safety features," he said. Kids who attended this year's event could receive a toothbrush, learn about bike safety and go trunk or treating with residents and area organizations like the Life Support Team and the Emergency Management Agency. Johnson was promoting trick-or-treat safety tips like looking both ways before crossing the street, wearing colorful outfits and walking as a group. "A lot of grandparents can't do all the mileage, plus a lot of the little kids don't understand trick or treat, so this gives them a nice, safe atmosphere where they can do it while it's daylight," he said. "Then for the other ones, it gets them excited and gets them warmed up for going out there, and hopefully we're making them a little safer." Johnson said he was excited to have a good turnout at the event and hopes that each year it will get bigger and bigger as the event spreads by word of mouth. "As a trustee, this is what I do," he said. "I like to do the community events. I really would love to have more help, so if anybody in Medina Township wants to be a part of a community committee, I'm looking for some help to do some other summer functions." Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at (330) 721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.