‘Ribbon Cutting Ceremony’ Aug. 20
To the editor:
The Greater Pine Island Lions Club is planning a “Ribbon Cutting Ceremony” for our newly reconditioned park equipment (thanks to Brittany Newman; her dad, Mike; her mom, Lynn; and her friend, Angel – who did this for Brittany to earn her Senior Award Badge for Girl Scouts). The work was completed, painting was started and on July 12 more than 25 people showed up to paint the park, clear debris and underbrush and anything else to make it look better. Thanks again to those who donated money for the paint (an anonymous $250 donor who challenged the St. James Civic Association to match the donation and they did with $250. Bobby Halloway Foundation $300). As a result of our thank you article in The Eagle the next week, Gerard’s Tree Service called me on Sunday and volunteered to come to the park, cut the palm fronds from the trees and any other invasive undergrowth the need to have removed. That is scheduled for Aug. 13, at 8 a.m. We will have light refreshments and bottled ice water. All we have to do is carry the cuttings and put them in his truck so he can haul them away when we have finished.
The “tower” was donated and delivered to us from Lakeland, Fla. I cleaned it up, put an ad in Facebook for a local artist to volunteer to paint it for us. Thanks to Jade Luetenberg and her grandma, Andrea Thomas, they came to my house that evening and decided it was something she wanted to do, took it home with them. (Publix Food Stores donated $100 for paint). It has been returned, painted and is beautiful.
Thanks too for all of the books that have been donated. Tonya Player brought boxes of children books, the Romeos were having a garage sale that was closing that Sunday and I went there, told them who I was and what I was looking for. The told me I could have anything left in the box. Andrea Thomas and Jade Luetenberg had boxes of books they also donated.
No we need vendors: Anyone who would like to set up a small table and bring your books you have written for children or adults, jewelry, food, Fudge Factory, music would be nice if someone would like to provide us with that — just call me to reserve a spot. Bring your own table and chair. We do not have electricity or restrooms but are looking at 2-4 p.m. on Aug. 20 for the “Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.”
The Greater Pine Island Lions are proud of what has been accomplished by the community this summer and we want to brag about it. So please call and reserve your spot. We want to promote the park for use by the community for other things than just a playground and a place to relax and read. Call me at 239-283-9761. If I am not at home please leave a message. I am the only one who answers the machine. Thanking you in advance!
Mary Von Burg
President, Greater Pine Island Lions