Linden Fund USA Newsletter - July 2026

Family Fun Day Delivers Another Winning Tradition

Blue skies, great company, and plenty of laughter made this year’s LFU Family Fun Day another memorable success, thanks to a superb team. Held on Sunday, July 19, at Cedar Brook Park in Plainfield, New Jersey, the annual event drew a loyal crowd despite the excitement of the World Cup finals. Families and friends enjoyed a full day of fellowship, friendly competition, and entertainment, with lively games of musical chairs delighting children and adults alike. The always-popular dominoes tournament, organized by Rudy Hines, once again crowned deserving champions, with James Brusche of the Brusches Basketball Foundation generously providing the annual trophies. Special thanks to our very own Leece Clarke, who captured the day’s highlights through his photography. For more than two decades, Family Fun Day has brought the Diaspora Linden community together in New Jersey—and we look forward to welcoming everyone back on the third Sunday in July 2027!

Region 10 Department of Agriculture Supports Seedling House Volunteer Program

LFU’s 2026 Seedling House Volunteer Program is off to a strong start at our building in Linden, giving young participants the tools and experience to cultivate both agricultural skills and community leadership. School teacher Cassandra Smith is the coordinator of the five-week summer program, which received a welcome donation from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Region 10 of essential agricultural tools and production inputs. The generous contribution to this year’s cohort reinforces the program’s mission of equipping youth with practical, hands-on learning while fostering a passion for sustainable agriculture. LFU Guyana Inc. extends sincere appreciation to the Regional Agricultural Officer, Region 10, and the department for investing in the next generation of agricultural leaders. Watch for highlights from this year’s Seedling House Volunteer Program in our August newsletter.

Young Community Members Honor Mandela Through Service

In the spirit of Nelson Mandela’s belief that “what counts in life is the difference we have made to the lives of others,” dozens of volunteers in Linden came together on July 18 to celebrate Nelson Mandela International Day through meaningful community service. Facilitated by LFU Guyana Inc., members of the Young and Thoughtful Youth Group, joined by several parents, rolled up their sleeves to clean around the iconic “I LOVE LINDEN” sign and refresh the paint at the Linden Museum. Their enthusiasm and dedication were quite heartwarming to witness. Building on the success of this year’s initiative, plans are already underway to expand the Day of Service in 2027, continuing to plant the seeds of civic pride and community leadership for future generations.

From Linden to the Global Pickleball Stage

From representing Guyana as a national volleyball player to shaping the future of one of the world’s fastest-growing sports, Lindener and LFU member Byron Freso continues to make an international impact. As the Association of Pickleball Players’ (APP) Director of International Referee Training and Officiating, Freso travels the globe training officials to officiate professional and amateur pickleball competitions. An accomplished player, coach, and respected ambassador for the sport, he has recently focused his efforts across Asia, including India, China, Japan, Việt Nam, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. As pickleball’s popularity continues to surge—and with growing optimism that it could one day become an Olympic sport—Freso is helping build the global network of skilled referees needed to support its future. We proudly celebrate Byron’s remarkable achievements and his dedication to advancing the sport on the world stage.

Oldies Party Save-the -Date