The Ridge League of Cities December Membership Dinner Meeting was hosted by the City of Auburndale at the new Civic Center at Lake Ariana Park. The RLC dinner meeting was the first event to be held at the beautiful new facility overlooking Lake Ariana. A total of 280 attendees attended the dinner and “City Marketplace” event. Twenty-one of the RLC Associate Members displayed their products and services during the social hour in one of the two large meeting spaces of the building. Following the event, Robin Riley, Director of Client Services with Acentria Public Risk, noted that they had a fantastic time and called the Marketplace a great success. Patrice Fletcher, Senior Administrative Assistant with Jones Edmunds called the Marketplace a fantastic event and a great opportunity to connect and learn more about the Ridge League of Cities. Thank you to all the Associate Members that participated in the Marketplace!
After the social hour, the attendees were welcomed into Hamann Hall for dinner, a short business meeting, and to enjoy the holiday entertainment. The spacious room is named after former Auburndale City Commissioner Richard Hamann in recognition of his twenty-eight years of service on the Auburndale City Commission. Hamann also served as Ridge League President in 2001, and again in 2012. He was named RLC Municipal Official of the Year in 2013. Auburndale Mayor Alex Cam welcomed the membership and gave introductions. The hall was beautifully decorated with numerous Christmas trees and wreaths. Each place setting included an ornament for everyone to take home. Thank you, Auburndale, for hosting a great evening!
Ridge League President Sara Roberts McCarley complimented Auburndale on the new facility and thanked the city for hosting our December meeting. Nineteen of our twenty-five cities were represented in attendance with Lake Hamilton winning the Traveling Trophy. Chastain Skillman | DCCM was presented the Associate Traveling Trophy. The choral theater group from Harrison School of the Arts provided the evening’s entertainment. The talented students performed several Christmas songs to help kickoff the holiday season. A special heart-warming presentation by Auburndale Fire Chief Brain Bradway closed out the program. One of the Harrison students, Jaden LeRue and his mom, Samantha were each presented a Life Saving Award. Because of their extraordinary lifesaving actions, they saved the life of their father and husband, Auburndale Fire Lieutenant Bryn LeRue following a medical event in September. The Ridge League congratulates the LeRue family and wishes them all the best this holiday season!
