City employees to be feted at renovated school

HIGH SPRINGS – Citizens for a Better High Springs will be hosting a Christmas party for City employees and their families at the refurbished old school building behind City Hall. The group received approval from the High Springs City Commission to hold the festivities at the former school. The event, which will be a catered dinner with live entertainment, will take place on Friday, Dec. 14, 2012, from 6-8 p.m.

The idea for the dinner came about as an effort to thank City employees, some of whom took a pay cut this fiscal year, for the hard work they do on behalf of the citizens of High Springs.

Donations of food, drink, paper goods, decorations and entertainment are all being provided by more than 20 individuals, businesses and groups who want to show appreciation for the City employees.

Ed MacKinnon, Events Chair for Citizens for a Better High Springs, said that people are still making donations. “There will be no shortage of food.”

A variety of casseroles, a shrimp, rice, vegetable medley, roasted turkeys and Boston butts, along with a large array of desserts are among the dishes on the menu to be enjoyed by City employees and their families. “I’m going to have to slow some of them down a little bit,” quipped MacKinnon with a chuckle.

The gathering will be entertained by guitar music and vocals by Michael Loveday of Bank of America.

Former and retired employees, “some of whom retired 25-30 years ago,” will be joining in the festivities according to MacKinnon, who also said that many of them are providing food for the event.

“We are honored to be the first group to use the building in its new condition,” said MacKinnon about the former school. “The City spent $2 million renovating the building and it is absolutely beautiful. With its large rooms, high ceilings and beautiful wood floors,” he said, “it’s a throwback to an earlier time. They did an excellent job in rebuilding this school.”

“We really want employees to bring their children and spouses to this event,” said MacKinnon. “This is a great opportunity for all of them to see this beautiful building,” he said with a smile.

By the way, he said the nickname for the old school building used to be “The Sand Spurs.” Many long-time residents may remember that name he remarked with a smile.

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