Despite four days of adverse weather forecasts, more than 320 children came to the Aquatic Center to enjoy Forest Parkfs Third Annual Juneteenth Family Pool Party. The event is the result of the Village Councilfs 2008 resolution encouraging Forest Park residents to mark the state holiday. The event would not be possible without the generous contributions of the following local businesses: Currie Motors Chevrolet, Consolidated Auto Service Center, Inc., Caffe De Luca, Leonard Creative Works, and Park District of Forest Park. I thank you for supporting this annual, end-of-the-school-year celebration.
I would also like to thank our volunteer host committee. This group represents the diversity of Forest Park and helps to differentiate us from surrounding communities. The following is a brief summary of volunteersf ‘sweat equity” and investment in Juneteenth.
For the second year in a row, Eric Entler took charge of the grill, with help from Bill and Veronica Gerst, and Jon Kubricht. Michelle Vaughn, Mary Rueda, Sheila Johnson, and Sharon Daly welcomed our guest and passed out the free raffle. Akin Famoyegun passed out T-shirts, and distributed our educational Juneteenth history literature as guests departed. He was assisted by Brian Townsend and Taj Clark. Sean Blaylock recruited Yogo the Clown, and our videographer, Victoria McCoy, recorded Yogofs antics. Shelanda Barrens-John, Frank Hansen, and the dynamic duo of Marcia Hundt and Ken Rogers-Young (Lilliafs parents) were in constant motion serving food, and attending to guests.
Sheila Johnson was in charge of this yearfs raffle which included gift certificates donated by Flavor Cooking School, Shanahanfs, and several blocks of tickets donated by the Chicago White Sox organization. Marty Tellalian quietly served as co-chair of this yearfs event. Marty secured crucial financial support from a number of Forest Park residents and merchants who have asked that we not publicize their identity. Thank you to all!
Sincerely,
Rory Hoskins
Forest Park Commissioner
