For the last three years, since the COVID-19 pandemic, the Coronado Neighborhood Council (CNC) has met at the park located at 18^th Street and Virginia Avenue to decorate the tree that was planted for CNC by the City of Richmond.

This gathering would usually include everyone bringing an ornament and candy canes to place on the tree, a gift exchange and lunch: sandwiches, cookies, coffee, hot chocolate, tea, and more.

This year was a little different. The weather forecast predicted a 100% chance of rain for most of the day so CNC made the decision to wait for a clearer day to decorate the tree, but the party would still take place. The owners of Marty’s Grill, across the street from the Post Office and Kaiser Hospital at 1000 Nevin Ave., agreed to accommodate the council.

Coronado Neighborhood Council volunteers. Photo by Ali Nasser.

CNC chose a menu that included a chicken tender combo, a bacon cheeseburger combo or Beyond Meat burger combo. The food was delicious, and the service was even better.

In past years, CNC would invite a member of the Richmond City Council to join them and say a few words. This year, its first year after being divided into districts, District 3 invited its representative and also invited Cezar Cepeda from District 2.

The celebration started with Coronado Neighborhood Councilmember John Stewart giving thanks for the occasion and for the food. The celebration ended with Maxine Fisher, CNC event coordinator, facilitating the gift exchange game.

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