🌻Thank You Monte Nido!🌻

What a fun and charmingly old-fashioned Fourth of July we have the good fortune to celebrate here in Monte Nido! 2023’s “Flower Power” Parade and the Picnic at “Fleemans’ Meadow” may be over for this year, but the events will be in our (especially the children’s) memories forever. It is the quintessence of Monte Nido.

Of course, it takes the volunteer efforts of many, many members of the community to make it all happen, which is why it is such a wonderful show of neighborliness.

With deep appreciation, we’d like to thank the following people:

 PICNIC —

• Dana and Grace Benson, Jason and Gara Post for the generous community use of “Fleemans’ Meadow” allowing Monte Nido to continue our most treasured tradition.

• All the immediate neighbors, thank you for letting us invade for the day.

• Ryan and Stephanie Cupps (assisted by Evan and his grandparents) for valiantly stepping up to Chair, then setting up and decorating this year’s Picnic.

• Doug Rosen for grading the Meadow without anyone even needing to ask.

• Gary Bardovi for the strategic signage and messaging, hanging the Grand Old Flag, ordering the necessities, and much more from start to finish.

• Ann Monahan, Tracy Katz, and Alison Sherman (plus assorted helpers) for selling hundreds of raffle tickets and greeting everyone with a welcoming smile.

• Rodger Reiss and Tod Stobie for a masterful job of MCing the afternoon, organizing the games (Tod even brings the eggs and water balloons), and keeping the event flowing with such good humor.

• Lauren Buckman, who with the support of daughters, Brooklyn and Charlie, opened the event singing a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem

• Austin Miles Grant (vocals) and Dana Benson (acoustic guitar) for providing the perfect live performance soundtrack to a memorable day.

• Milo Sherman and crew, we’re hoping to hear you play at a future date.

• Zadi Diaz for keeping everyone well-informed via our website which she makes inviting and attractive, for helping with this year’s merchandise, and for photographing the community in action.

• Kyle Mlodzik for cheerfully being a one-man clean up committee, also for providing popsicles and enthusiasm.

• Sally Livingston who once again satisfied the picnic-goer’s “sweet tooth” with a yummy selection of homemade baked goods. She did yeoman’s duty with watermelons, popsicles, and tee-shirts being added at the last minute.

• Sally in turn thanks “all those community bakers who delivered delicious baked goods! Some of you are anonymous (or I failed to get the names, sorry!) but here are those I know for sure: Lena Hansen, Harriet Hellberg, Lois Love, Ann Monahan, Shari Pevsner, Alison Sherman, Joan Slimocosky, Darci Spiker. Thanks to those who offered to help with sales and organization at the Bake Sale Stand: Lena Hansen, Harriet Hellberg, Bryce Livingston, Josh Livingston, Joan Slimocosky, Alison Sherman. Last but not least, thanks to Josh Livingston for slicing numerous watermelons. A pleasure to work with one and all!”

• Jane and John Cudworth who curated an amazing assortment of community donations of art, pottery, signed books, jams, wine, flowers, jewelry, vacation homes, dining experiences, and much, much more making them items of high interest and high bid. Jane’s helpers were Justin Cudworth and Lara Manouchehri, on stage she was assisted by Shawn Carvalho. 

• To every individual who contributed items to the Raffle and Auction and those who bought tickets or placed bids, our sincere thanks. Your generosity significantly helps endow this community event. 

PARADE —

• Lois Love for being willing as ever and so reliable in lining up the Parade Participants and Judges.

• Thank you, Parade Judges: Cathy Ikkanda, Makela Pichler & sister Kelli Martin, Eileen Fiori, Shannon Sellers, Laurie Brandt, and Igor Rados!

• Yehuda Netanel for showing up and creating order where there is chaos.

• Joan Slimocosky for working with the CHP on traffic control.

• Manny Gonzalez produced a delightful video of past Monte Nido parade floats with a “how to” primer for newcomers. Check it out on the website!

• Stephanie Abronson for the extraordinary effort to secure (and be!) equine participation in the parade in the absence of our local ETI Corral.

• Monte Nido’s Fire Station 67 and Mark Mehner for leading the parade with panache, friendly waves, and the “whoop, whoop” of sirens.

• The USA and CA Flags and MNVCA Banner Bearers for representing.

• Ann Monahan for the “Winner” medals and David Coronella for help with the “Grand Marshal” sashes.

• Wayne Pepper for decorating the Edenwild Bridge in true holiday spirit.

• To all the Camino Colibri, Coray, Thornhill, Timpangos, and Huckleberry residents who welcome the parade participants year after year (especially Bill Stanley who plants flowers for the occasion.)

• Grand Marshals. There were well over 60 members of the many three-generation Monte Nido families who joined or viewed the parade. Congratulations on your history in and love for our community!

• To all the Parade Floats and Entries – four-footed, two-footed and wheeled, thank you for your high-spirited efforts and flower-powered beauty. Kudos. You were spectacular!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart, apologies if I have omitted anyone.

Alicia González

President, Monte Nido Valley Community Association