Main Street holding annual meeting Sunday

For the first time since it was established in the Hope area a few years ago, Main Street of Hope is hosting its first annual public meeting entitled “Movie with Main Street” at the AMC Theatre, located at 555 Creekview Court in Columbus, at 2 p.m. Sunday.

“I am hoping all the business owners around town, the town council, off-duty emergency responders and the community can all come out and join us,” says Matt Lee, executive director of Main Street of Hope. “There is limited seating available so those interested need to RSVP sooner rather than later.”

On the agenda will be topics’ ranging from what is currently going on with Main Street and its agenda to a discussion about Main Street happenings for 2022, Lee adds. Attendees are encouraged to bring their ideas, questions and comments to share, Lee says.

More than anything, this meeting is designed to not only raise awareness of Main Street and its role in the Hope community, but also to provide a platform and equitable open door policy for business owners and community members to address concerns and offer ideas, Lee says.

Main Street Secretary Jenni Richards admits that when she first came on as a board member with the organization she wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. However, as she continues to settle into her role, it has become clear that the future of Main Street, its agenda and activities rest not only with current members and the community, but the youth.

“We need to figure out how to get the kids involved because they are the future of our little town,” Richards says. “I feel like there are kids out there who maybe just don’t know how to get involved or who to contact.”

Stemming from mild frustration with the lack of ready opportunities for area youth to volunteer and contribute to Hope happenings, Richards proposed the idea of launching a Junior Main Street, which would be open to high school-aged kids.

Building a junior version of Main Street is something that will take time, Richards acknowledges. However, she is hopeful that the idea will not only take off, but blossom.

And this Sunday, Richards is hoping the first seeds of interest are planted.

“Even if we start with two kids, if they get involved and then their friends want to join and they invite friends,” Richards says. “What I would like to see happen eventually is the kids get involved and have a voice that they can use to express what they would like to see for the community.”

As Main Street prepares for this weekend’s meeting, both Lee and Richards are hopeful for a big turnout. Like Richards, Lee is looking forward to welcoming some of Hope’s younger residents, as well, and says growing that base will be beneficial for everyone.

“It will help us with ideas to get the youth involved in our activities, like the Cruise-In,” Lee says.

Main Street talking points and open discussion will take place from 2 to 2:45 p.m., Lee says. After that, attendees are invited to stay for a free screening of “Dog” starring Channing Tatum and Skyler Joy and directed by Channing Tatum and Reid Carolin, which chronicles the story of Army Ranger Briggs and a dog named Lulu who, paired together against their will, embark on a once-in-a-lifetime road trip.