Hooray to Jay Ellington and PWC parks

John Pauswinski
Published: March 26, 2008

The Easter egg hunt at Ben Lomond Community Center was a real hoot!

So many families participated that the eggs were recycled and three separate hunts were done. Gary, who was in charge, was exuding so much joy that everyone was enthusiastic and playful. The games were noncompetitive and taught the kids how to play as a team. Inside was the Easter Bunny. He was enjoying himself and constantly waving to everyone, young and old alike and the children really enjoyed getting their pictures taken.

The puppet show was first class and taught the children about morals through interacting with them about lying and stealing. When the egg accidentally fell off the stage, the puppeteer started laughing and so did all the children. It was a magic moment.

I got nostalgic and remembered how a few citizens were able to get this community center built in the early 1970s. I participated under the lead of Pat White and the West Gate Woman’s club. Through cooperation with John Sloper, director of the Greater Manassas Sanitary District, we were able to float a bond for $300,000 and the Community Center became a reality.

When the hunt was over I joked with a park lady that this was fun and we should do this at least every three months. She joked back “why not every Saturday?”

I replied “I don’t think Mr. Ellington, the director of Prince William parks would go for that.”

Please get involved with your parks and enjoy first hand what a wonderful park system we have!

Learn about what is right with our community!

JOHN PAUSWINSKI

Manassas