On behalf of the host committee, I would like to thank the volunteers and sponsors who helped to make the annual Juneteenth Family Pool Party a success. Working closely with the Park District of Forest Park, we hosted over 600 children and families from Forest Park and neighboring communities. Musical entertainment was provided by the Proviso East High School Jazz Band and by New Face of Soul, featuring village resident Maurice Mahon.
Thank you to the Park District of Forest Park. Larry Piekarz and the managers and staff made our many guests feel welcome. Thank you to the Park District Board of Commissioners for their work and for providing safe, quality programming. Special thanks to park district commissioners Entler and Sansone for their active participation in the event.
The host committee included Sean and Andrea Blaylock, Mary-Winn and Eric Connor, Akin and Susan Famoyegun, Bill and Veronica Gerst, Steve and Deborah Hinton, Sheila Johnson, Mary Rueda, Wiley and Rev. Debbie Samuels, and Michelle Vaughn. I am pleased to report that this year we had assistance from several new committee members, including Jeff and Cherisa Russell, Ken Rogers-Young and Marcia Hundt, and Marvin and Shelanda Johnson. Everyone worked hard to make this into a memorable event for the kids.
Six children attending Forest Park District 91 schools presented the history of the Juneteenth holiday. Our guest speaker, Congressman Danny Davis, made a point of complimenting our local school system during his remarks. He spoke about the value of a complete education.
Our sponsors included Riveredge Hospital, the Park District of Forest Park, and Leonard Creativeworks. Additional support came from Village Commissioner Marty Tellalian, from Steve and Gloria Backman, and from Duran Johnson.
The committee members and I are privileged to serve the community and look forward to building on our success in 2011.
Rory Hoskins
Commissioner, Village of Forest Park
