Parks and Rec accepting donations for ‘Lights of Remembrance’

By: 
Kim Brooks
Express Editor

     Social media was full of memes last week announcing the 100-day countdown until Christmas 2021. That said, Monticello Parks and Recreation is also starting to get in the holiday spirit.

     Last year, family and friends of Betty Wolken donated money in her memory to the department to be used to purchase Christmas lights to decorate the community.

     “Doc (Dr. Richard Wolken) came to us with the idea,” said Parks and Rec Director Jacob Oswald. “So people donated money in memory of Betty to Parks and Rec for special lights.”

     That idea has grown, and others have also donated money to the department in memory or honor of their loved ones who have passed away throughout the year. The department has received $4,200 in donations, and plans to grow that fund in time for Christmas 2021.

     “It’s cool to keep this project going from a remembrance standpoint,” suggested Oswald.

     This year marks the second anniversary of “Lights of Remembrance.”

     From now until the end of October, Parks and Rec is accepting memorial donations. The hope is to start lighting up city parks such as the downtown pocket park, the fence surrounding the Aquatic Center, Riverside Gardens, and Fountain Park.

     Parks and Rec is also working on building a fund to replace the aging wreaths that are displayed on the top of the downtown light poles throughout the holiday.

     “We want to replace all of the lights with efficient LEDs,” said Oswald.

     Each wreath comes at a cost of $500 to $700 to replace.

     Parks and Rec took over the light displays last year simply because no other entity was taking it on.

     Oswald recalled as a kid driving through Seventh Street in Monticello where his grandmother lived.

     “So many people decorated with lights and created a competition,” he said fondly.

     That concept is seen on Pine Street, too.

     Oswald said it would be great to see more neighborhoods in Monticello display lights to encourage residents and visitors to drive around on light tours.

     Parks and Rec is also working on establishing a way to recognize those who have donated funds and those the funds were donated in memory of.

     Donations can be sent to Monticello Parks and Rec, 766 N. Maple St., Monticello, IA 52310. On the memo line or with a note, please indicate who your donation is in memory of.

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