Dear Editor,
On Friday, April 8, the Wilmington Recreation Department staff invited the community to come together to celebrate the fiftieth birthday of our beloved Playground Supervisor, Bernie McNally. While his actual birthday is not until May 4, we decided to begin the celebration of this milestone a bit early as he continues to struggle with his health.
Bernie has become synonymous with the Playground Program. Parents come to the Recreation Department to register their children for “Bernie’s program”, a testament to the indelible mark he has made on this program and the lives of so many children.
We planned a gathering not knowing how many people would attend. We estimate that approximately 200 people celebrated with us. Parents, students, friends, relatives and co-workers took time out of their busy schedules to wish Bernie well and share memories of his tenure with the Playground Program. Some students stopped by in gowns and tuxes on the way to their Junior Prom.
Bernie arrived to his party in style thanks to donated services by American Classic Limo. We would like to thank DJ Frank Marchese for donating his time and talents to get everyone in a party mood. Jack Cushing provided his popcorn machine and all the supplies to the delight of all. To everyone that helped us pull this together, we offer our heartfelt thanks.
So many of us look forward each year to spending our summer with Bernie. We thank him for giving us so much to look forward to.
Sincerely yours,
Deborah Cipriani
Recreation Director
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