The Havana Community Development Corporation celebrated the Havana community’s seniors with a summer luau for those 55 and up.
The luau was held at the old Havana North Side High School in the auditorium from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, July 28.
Seniors day out events are held every four weeks with different themes for each one. The event hosted vendors like: Care About You – a homemaker and companion agency – Paparazzi, Big Bend Cares, and Cakes by Liz Sweets and Treats.
The unofficial dress code was tropical colors, and leis were given to people upon entry as well as one raffle ticket for a drawing.
The raffle prizes included a small portable fan and a new coffee maker.
Donations were encouraged and lunch was served after a group prayer, speeches from the honoree and guest speaker, Pastor Mike Carson, the raffle drawing, and celebrating all the July birthdays.
After lunch there were activities provided including bingo, musical chairs, a 360 photo booth, and a backdrop to get a high quality picture from a photographer.
Event Chairperson Bernika Wright and Co-Chairperson Debbie Williams said these events are made for seniors in the community, to bring them together, feed them, and have a good time.
There was a new business announcement of Hawk’s Family Mortuary & Cremations located at 115 S. Main St. in Havana.
The development corporation choses one member of the senior community to honor at each event, this month it was Ronald J.
Colston. He was chosen for his positive contributions and commitments to the community of Havana and Midway. Among his many achievements he was the former mayor of Midway and during his time
Midway gained its first garbage service, fire station, and developed its first charter to govern the city.
Colston said people in the community have asked him to step-up and serve and he has answered that call. He received an engraved thermos mug and will have a plaque in his honor in the Havana Community Development Museum.
Guest speaker, Pastor Mike Carson, is senior pastor of Dowling Park Church of God in Live Oak, Florida.
Carson is a graduate of Havana North Side High School and reminisced about former teachers and fellow students and spoke a message of being thankful.
The development corporation is committed to bettering the lives of the residents of the Havana area.
The seniors day out is one effort put in place to help achieve that goal, along with the renovation of Havana North Side High School.
The school is currently on the National Historic Registry and permits for construction were obtained a week ago.
The goal is to turn it into a community center, civil rights museum, and various other applications for the space to help the community.
The corporation also hopes to focus on teaching children valuable skills, providing food for the community, and providing spaces to rent out for events.
Summer Batten
