Dear Editor,

I have four children and “Cinema in the Park” is a tradition that will be stamped in their childhood memories. What an experience to remember! At the start of every season, we visit the Neosho Chamber of Commerce website and find a schedule for the upcoming movie season. Hot summer days, packed with baseball games and softball games, followed by cool evenings lying on quilts in Big Spring Park eating popcorn and drinking soda is something my children will be sure to remember for a lifetime.
When the children were littler, we would bring the garden cart because it was inevitable that half our crowd would doze off making it impossible for my husband and I to return to the car with our arms loaded down with quilts, chairs, trash, and kids. The park is always packed on these evenings with families enjoying one of the city’s truly family oriented events.

After the last cinema showing of “E.T”, I left the park with a heavy heart.  I was told that this could be the last season for “Cinema in the Park” by the man who runs the projection and audio, Steve York. When we pressed for a further explanation, it became clear why.  He not only brings his own toilet bowl brush, Lysol, bleach, and rubber gloves, but cleans the porta-potty before every engagement. We could hear the low rumble of the generator humming that he provides to operate all of the equipment that he owns because he is locked out of the inadequate electrical box. On numerous occasions, he has had to hunt down Mr. Workman in order to unlock the gate so that he can gain access to the park to unload and set up his equipment. He and Laura Mills stay after the movie is over and pick up trash in the park. We didn’t ask, but later wondered if he or Laura were footing the $250 bill for the rental of the movie. He explained to us that he is simply burned out by the lack of gratitude from the chamber and city and the hassle he has to go through in order to make this event happen.  

Why should Steve have to bend over backwards to provide a city event? Steve is not on payroll, he is a volunteer. This is HIS time, HIS money, and HIS equipment. I am saddened by the treatment he receives for his hard work. I watch others in the city receive honors and awards for far less. A simple thank you and helping hand would probably go a long way with Steve. I know my family and I are planning on staying after the next event and helping pick up the trash. It is not much, but he needs to know, you need to know, Steve, that we appreciate all your hard work and effort.

Sincerely,

John, Aimee, Isaac, Alex, Chloe and Olivia Renfro

Neosho