08/18/2026
2026 Newport Rec Reunion - Where We Began
The 2026 Newport Rec Reunion Committee sincerely apologizes for the cancellation of two Monday events: the Town Hall Meeting and Hooping It Up at the MLK basketball courts.
Unfortunately, the lead coordinator for the basketball games and other key elements of the weekend withdrew on a very short notice. We thank Larry Dupree, who did attend and provide music at the courts. We extend a heartfelt apology to everyone who came, especially the children who were looking forward to a full day of fun.
Attendance at the basketball games was intended to help draw participants to the Town Hall Meeting. Rain then began, and an additional urgent matter requiring immediate attention ultimately led to the Town Hall's cancellation.
We sincerely apologize to the scheduled Town Hall speakers - Mrs. Fern Lima, Mrs. Victoria Johnson, Ellen Pinnock, and Angela Lima - and, most importantly, to everyone affected by the lack of timely communication regarding the cancellation. Monday's circumstances created an unfortunate snowball effect that disrupted both events.
Future Rec Reunion planners are urged to choose their teams carefully and to clearly understand each person's level of commitment to the success of every planned event. Protecting the traditions, values, and legacy of the Rec Reunion requires dependable teamwork and shared responsibility. Lesson learned!
We also extend our gratitude to Ernest DeWitt, Akeia de Barros Gomes, Terrence Monterio, Lamar Edwards, and Stephen Putnam for contributing their time, effort, and labor to mediate and resolve issues throughout the weekend.
Despite Monday's challenges, the love, connections, friendships, and legacy-building experienced at the Meet & Greet, Family Day, Sunday Brunch, and Sunday Dance made the 2026 Newport Rec Reunion one we will remember with joyful smiles.
Thank you to everyone who attended from near and far.
We lived. We learned. We laughed. We loved. We remember!
