KENNEDY - The final summer meeting in Hallquist Park was held recently by Kennedy Pride. Members enjoyed the new blacktop work, making access easier.
Co-president Steve Stanton gave a treasurer's report. He stated that bill payments were up to date. The birthday party for Kathy Stanton had taken in donations for charity. Kennedy Pride received $130 from the event. Group members felt the party for charity was an excellent idea, and expressed their appreciation.
Linda Bish then reported on the last two Jammin' In The Park events. More than 100 youth attended the Battle of the Bands, which was held in the Kennedy Fire Hall because of the weather. The evening went well. About 70 people attended the performance of David Rublee and friends in Hallquist Park. The group was pleased with the summer music concerts, and hope to provide more concerts next year.
Article Photos
‘To The Sky,’ local Christian rock band, performs at the Battle of the Bands in Kennedy.
P-J photo by Rose Mary Carver
The annual Christmas party will be held on Saturday, Dec. 4 in the fire hall. Stanton asked if everyone wanted to have the miniature horse there again. Group members felt the horse had been a big hit. There will be two more Kennedy Pride meetings before the event.
Larry Mee stated that the new memorial plaques had been placed on benches in the park. He said that he did not have to use all the money that Pride had set aside for the blacktop, since the Highway Department had to use its CHIPS funds.
The "Welcome to Kennedy" sign has been fixed and once again placed at the eastern side of town on Route 394. He asked about trimming trees at the back of the park. Mee felt that after the veterans' memorial was in place, some of the limbs would be in the way. Group members felt this was accurate, and told him they agreed.
Mee also said that he would like to do some work around the picnic tables in the park. They are currently each in a raised bed with gravel and a wooden frame. Mee would like to use either blacktop or concrete to make bases for the tables and their grills, making it easier for maintenance. A way to make the ditch easier to mow and nicer looking is another project he is looking at. The flags on the poles around town have been taken down for the winter. They appear to be in good shape, and should be serviceable again next year.
Clarence Robbins then addressed the group. He stated that the walking path in Hallquist Park "is something that Charlene and I have wanted for years."
He then presented a check to Kennedy Pride for $1500 to pay for Kennedy Pride's portion of the cost. Everyone was quite surprised, and thanked them for their generous gift to the community. This will enable the group to focus on more efforts in the future.
The grant for the veterans' memorial was brought up. The possibility of a loan from the town to pay for the monument, and then a reimbursement from the grant, had been discussed by the Town Board. More information is needed.
Future fundraisers were discussed. The 100 Club Dinner is usually held in February. Linda Bish said she could check on a date, and make the tickets.
Steve Stanton said he is still hoping to get the bridge in the park finished this year. There was a loose board, but it can be easily fixed.
Now that the path has been paved, it was suggested that a look at the five-year plan be taken. Ideas for what projects to be taken up next will be looked into.
Mrs. Bish noted that Kennedy Pride still has T-shirts and hoodies for sale. They are good quality and would make nice gifts.
Kennedy Pride will hold their next meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 20, at 6:30 p.m. in the Kennedy Free Library. Everyone is invited to attend, and to offer any suggestions for community projects.