Dear Editor,

A heartfelt “THANK YOU” goes out to Covington and the surrounding communities in Newton and Rockdale Counties for their support of “Twilights at Chimney Park,” which was held Sunday, Dec. 3. If smiles, giggles and expressions of awe on the faces of children and adults are indications of success, then this year’s “Twilights” was that and more!

“Twilights at Chimney Park” is an annual community event hosted the first Sunday in December by Friends of Newton Parks, a nonprofit organization that is tasked with the development of Chimney Park, located at 8201 Hazlebrand Road behind the Newton County Health Building. 

The park is strung with thousands of lights of all colors and shapes creating unique lighted features making the woodland park come alive. As Christmas tunes filled the air families searched for items on a Christmas photo safari; and enjoyed refreshments, including hot dogs, popcorn and s’mores, served throughout the evening.  Santa and Mrs. Claus are special guests so the little ones can deliver their wish lists directly to the old gent.

This holiday festival relies on a vast network of community volunteers. These volunteers come from civic groups, local businesses, volunteer organizations, schools and individuals willing to dedicate their time to a worthy cause.  On behalf of the Board of Directors of Friends of Newton Parks, I would like to offer publicly our sincere appreciation and gratitude to the following groups:

Covington Lions Club; Oxford Lions Club; Covington Kiwanis; Covington Rotary; Satsuki Garden Club; Covington Garden Club; Heartland Woman’s Club; Pilot Club; Newton County Recreation Commission; Covington Police Explorers; Boy Scout Troup 222; Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints; Young American Christian Academy(8th grade class); Alcovy HS Key Club; Alcovy HS CASA; Newton HS ALANHS; Oxford College Volunteers; United Bank; Newton Federal Bank; Snapping Shoals EMC, Newton County Water and Sewerage Authority; EMC Security; Gas South; Berry’s Christmas Tree Farm; WildArt (Ann Wildman) and Tony and Mary Alice Johnson (Santa and Ms. Clause).There are far too many individual volunteers to mention in this letter, but we do want to express appreciation for those supporters who step up each and every time we issue the call.  For those who helped out for the first time this year, we hope you will continue to serve.  Chimney Park is known as “A Park with Heart,” and its success is because of the caring hearts of everyone who contributes to the park through the donation of time, talents, resources and attendance at our special events.

Sincerely,

Melvin Allen

Covington