Photo: A neighborhood event brought out over 130 teens, adults and children for hot dogs and fellowship. ©The New Citizens Press
LANSING, MI — The New Citizens Press, 96.5 and Power of 9 have joined forces this year to bring the community a free food event along with entertainment. Volunteers will be grilling up hot dogs, giving out prizes and making our community smile.
The barbecue is one of the oldest cooking methods known to man, and it also brings people together. They are always associated with an enjoyment activity, which is the reason why in 2009, Rina Risper, Publisher and President of The New Citizens Press began this tradition in her backyard. Little did she know it would be so successful.
The event was a huge, with over 100 kids, 30 parents and 20 neighbors attending. Included in the kid count were about 10 handicapped children and 6 with extremely limited English skills. They did the Hokey Pokey, played games like Simon Says and line danced.
They handed out information bags containing summer brochures, Girl Scouts brochures, Teen Help phone numbers, 211, five food groups, healthy recipes and much more. They served, hot dogs, brownies, water and Juicy Juice.
The event was sponsored through donations. They also recycled all plastic bottles and cups and styrofoam cups. They used napkins for the hot dogs instead of plates and reduced our normal trash by 70%.
Ms. Vivian Bodiford, one of the major sponsors said, “Last year we honored my son, James “Jay” Edward Jones III, who was killed in 2008. He would always invite the neighbors over to join him when he barbequed. It was a special time to be had by all who attended.”
This year the event will be hosted by McMathis Counseling at 1615 E. Michigan Avenue on the corner of Marshall across from Kentucky Fried Chicken on August 21, from 12-4 p.m. Other sponsors are Gateway Community Services, Community Coalition for Youth, One Love Global and HAPE.
It will be held in honor of Amaia Edmond, a 7-year old, that was killed in July. It will be a celebration of life, love and peace.
Sierra Rose Farms Healing Hearts with Horses will be on hand with their miniature horses, DJ Black Jewel will be helping with the music and we will have a car club on hand to show us their works of “art”. There will also be special performances you will not want to miss.
If you would like any more information, please contact Rina Risper at 517-282-3961. You may also email her at rina@oneloveglobal.net.
This was originally printed in the August 15, 2010 – August 28, 2010 edition.
