Milo Academy Church’s inaugural Community Connection event on Aug. 9, 2015, by all accounts was a resounding success. The church presented a free picnic supper at the historic Milo Academy bridge for all residents of the Milo, Days Creek and Tiller communities.
Chad Reisig, Milo Academy Church pastor, says, “[The event] was born out of an old youth group adage: ‘If you feed them, they will come.’ Essentially, it was the concept of creating an inviting environment where the community can just get to know us as neighbors and begin to develop relationships.”
More than 150 people attended the event, more than 50 of whom had no connection to the church or school. According to Reisig, “Most of the community folk had never crossed the bridge before.”
Chef Allyn Birth and his team prepared a build-your-own “nachos supreme” taco salad buffet, also known as “haystacks” at the academy.
“I received nothing but positive feedback from our neighbors," Reisig reports. "Many asked when we could do this again.”
More than 150 people enjoy Milo Academy Church’s first Community Connection picnic.
The taco salad buffet was well-received by hungry guests.
Larry Sample, Maranatha volunteer from Salem, enjoyed the Community Connection event.
Smokey Bear made an appearance to remind everyone about the importance of fire safety.
