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Young Will Be Honored with Legacy Award

Bob Gernert — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 18:25:14 +0000

Community Foundation of Greater Winter Haven Announces 2010 Legacy Award

Marlene Duffy Young is the Community Foundation of Greater Winter Haven’s 8^th Annual Legacy Award recipient. The Legacy Award is presented each year to a community leader who has made a significant and lasting positive impact on our community and the lives of our citizens. The award event will be held Thursday, November 11th, 6:30 PM at Theatre Winter Haven at the Chain of Lakes Complex. It will begin with a hors d’oeuvre reception at 6:30 followed by the program honoring Marlene Young at 7:30. Opportunities to sponsor and tickets to attend are available by contacting the Foundation at 298-9020.

Winter Haven Loses an Institution – Nick Christy

Bob Gernert — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 15:27:57 +0000

Legendary Winter Haven Restaurateur Nicholas “Nick” Christy, 91, died on Monday, March 22. Christy came to Winter Haven in the early 1950s and purchased what was then called the Sundown Restaurant. He brought his own special flair and Greek influence to a menu that made the establishment one of the most famous and popular in the Central Florida area.

Services for Mr. Christy will take place at St. Sophia’s Greek Orthodox Church at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 27, 2010. The church is located at 1030 Bradbury Road, Winter Haven. (This is a change from previously announced graveside services.)

Share your memories of Nick or the restaurant … comment below.

Pictured left Christy serves Marilyn Van Derbur, Miss America 1958, one of many pageant winners that visited the restaurant while appearing at Cypress Gardens.

Young Candlelight Tribute May 27th …

Bob Gernert — Fri, 23 May 2008 19:11:58 +0000

There will be a Candlelight Memorial to Marlene Young in Central Park on Tuesday evening, May 27 from 8 – 8:45 p.m. It will be a time of music and quiet reflection by candlelight. Those attending should bring candles and lawn chairs or blankets.

Husband Robert Young and other family members plan to attend.

(Update 5-28-08) The memorial service at the First Church of the Nazarene in Winter Haven will take place at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 30.

Young died early Thursday, May 22 following a Wednesday night automobile collision on Lake Howard Drive, SW. She was a passenger in a car hit head on by another driver who crossed the center line. Her husband Bob was treated for injuries including a broken leg and released. Daughter Meghan was injured more seriously and she is expected to recover.

A memorial fund has been established at the Community Foundation of Greater Winter Haven in Marlene’s name. It will fund her favorite community causes. For more information phone 863.298.9020. All donations are tax deductible.

Photo courtesy of The Ledger, Paul Johnson