Councilman Stephen Shelley took time at the December 21 City Council meeting, to recognize the Homestead Parks and Recreation Staff who made “Holiday in the Park,” a special event held at Losner Park on December 2, very special.
Councilman Shelley introduced Yonne Knowles, executive director of Homestead Main Street, which organized the “family friendly festival” and tree-lighting ceremony. Homestead Main Street works closely with the City of Homestead’s Community Redevelopment Agency and other organizations such as the Seminole Theater and Atala Montessori School for Creative Expression to initiate downtown economic revitalization and to bring an expanded cultural element to the downtown area. Homestead Main Street also organizes a variety of special events throughout the year, including “Holiday in the Park,” that bring community of Homestead together.
Knowles began her presentation by introducing the “Holiday in the Park” Promotions Committee, including Catherine Smith, Bonnie King Moran, Bertha Lopez, Susan Dryer, and Barbara Nosan. She noted, “These are the ladies who really make it happen on the volunteer side of Homestead Main Street.”
Knowles then expressed her organization’s sincere gratitude to the staff of Parks and Recreation, saying, “This is something that should have occurred for every event we’ve had the past ten years because Parks and Rec has been there for us at every one of our events. This year, they really had some major challenges, which is specifically why we wanted to recognize their efforts.”
“It was a tremendous night,” recalled Knowles. “We had hundreds of children coming to see Santa and Mrs. Claus, free movies in the park and a stage extravaganza.” However, it might not have been so wonderful without the help of the great people of Parks and Recreation and their can-do attitude. Knowles explained that at 10:00 the morning of the event, they were faced with a back lot by the park that had been dug up, with mud everywhere.
She explained, “The guys came forward and by 5:00, the park was meticulously cleaned up and everything was in place” for the evening’s festivities.
The Parks and Recreation employees honored included: Dennis Maytan, Pedro Reynaldos, James Laurent Bernio Flevrant, Fritznel Fleurant, Milton Dixon, Kiwani Jones, Leandre Augustave, Luis Ledesma
and Tracy Moore, Supervisor, Water and Sewer. Knowles also noted the special contribution of Lazaro Prado, “who did all of the amazing work of hanging the decorations from the lift truck.”
Each individual received a special certificate, expressing Homestead Main Street’s sincere appreciation for Parks and Recreation’s important role in making “Holiday in the Park” a memorable evening enjoyed by hundreds of families who came out to enjoy the annual celebration.
“You support us tremendously,” Knowles concluded.
For more information on Homestead Main Street and its upcoming events, visit www.homesteadmainst.org.
