It was a special party in the park at the 15th Anniversary Celebration for Friends of Christopher Columbus Park on Tuesday night. U.S. Air Force Rhythm in Blue Jazz Band performed as hundreds sat on the Great Lawn to enjoy the perfect summer evening in the park.
Boston Mayor Marty Walsh was on hand to congratulate the all-volunteer group while State Rep. Aaron Michlewitz proudly declared FOCCP as the BEST Friends group in Boston. Also taking part were State Senator Joe Boncore and Parks Commissioner Chris Cook. A highlight from the City and Parks Department were commemoratory benches with plaques presented to FOCCP Presidents Dan Nuzzo and Joanne Hayes-Rines.
It wouldn’t be a birthday with cake, and there was plenty including a custom Trellis Birthday Cake from Modern Pastry and 500 Rose Garden Cupcakes from Lulu’s Sweet Shoppe. Wow Balloons created a huge balloon flag structure that flew all night in the park.
The Anniversary Celebration Committee was chaired by MaryGaye Grizwin with members Laura Benvenuto, Jeanne Brady, Francine Gannon, Joe Kelly, Jack McCarthy, Rita Pagliuca, Meredith Piscitelli, Patricia Sabbey and Marie Salvati. A special tribute was given to founding FOCCP members William Lee, Chris Fincham, Christopher Carbone, Victor Brogna, Francine Gannon, Ileen Gladstone, Susanne Lavoie, Arlene Lowenstein, Deborrah Calcagno, Danny Nuzzo, Anne Devlin Tagliaferro and Dr. Selma Rutenburg.
when I lived in the Northend in the 70’s I recalled that they constructed park back then. why only 15 years? I also hope no one dumps paint on Christopher like they have done in the past.
Thank you, Matt, for the fabulous photos documenting our wonderful event last night.
Yes, Tom, the park was constructed in the 1970s and then renovated in 2001 at which time the all-volunteer, non-profit Friends of Christopher Columbus Park was created. We had an amazing celebration of our first 15 last night and look forward to our next 15!
The Friends do a wonderful job! The photos give a real fell for the exuberant mood of the evening. Many thanks to Joanne and all of the FOCCP for their wonderful park!
PS Nice looking cake!
Hi Matt, Thank you for your thorough coverage of the FOCCP Birthday event last evening. How nice to see people of all ages from the community as well as tourist enjoying the evening including the cake and cupcakes! We are blessed to have the beautiful park and be in a city which values the work of the FOCCP members and partners with the group to continually maintain and beautify the park.
The collaboration results are obvious as so many community members and visitors enjoy the park daily.
Terry