The Florida HBPA-sponsored Recreation Program for the Backstretch Community, on hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, celebrated its first event in more than a year with a trip to Rapids Water Park in West Palm Beach on Tuesday. Pastor Tom LaPointe, who directs the program, organized 43 backstretch workers and their families for the day trip, providing lunch and snacks and transportation to and from the Park. More trips are planned for the summer, including visits to the Jungle Queen, the Metro Zoo and the Swan Boat rides. “I grew up in the Bronx, and my Dad was always loading the car up and taking us places – to the zoo, to go camping – he was always doing things with us,” Pastor Tom said. “Those memories are really good. I like to do that for the workers. These trips build great memories, and it helps the people get closer with their kids and their families.”
