BERKELEY – To call it just a cookout would be a disservice.
Sure, there were people manning the grill, slinging hot dogs, hamburgers and more. And yes, any gathering of people is bound to have food. But that’s just one part of Family Day in Manitou Park.
You didn’t have to be near the grill to feel the heat. Family Day felt like the court was closer to the sun than the rest of the neighborhood.
Lots of local organizations had tables, trying to keep cool under tents. Some were visitors, like Ocean County Parks. Some were a few blocks over, like the Sadie Vickers CommUnity Garden. It’s on First Avenue, across from the Holy Temple Church Of God In Christ. It provides fresh, healthy fruits and vegetables for the neighborhood. They have a meeting from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. on the second and fourth Saturday of each month at the community resource center next door.
Activities were presented throughout Family Day. Some of them were organized, like a limbo contest, talent show, or a hula-hoop contest. Basketball competitions were held, but there was also plenty of free play. There were inflatables set up in the field behind the schoolhouse.
Kids could pick up bookbags and other school supplies that had been donated by the community beforehand.
It was also a time to celebrate. The Berkeley Basketball League was given center stage. Mike Colwell from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office received the Community Leader Award from Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated – Iota Chi Sigma Chapter (Jersey Shore Sigmas).
Dancing is the highlight of any celebration, and Miss Suzanne brought the fun – teaching men and women, boys and girls of all ages how to dance.
Family Day is the culmination of dozens of volunteers working hard for the people in the community. From Phi Beta Sigma and religious leaders to Bruce Scarpulla and Denno Riley manning the grills on loan from Central Regional, it was a joint effort full of heart.
Robert Taylor, organizer of Unity Pride, was front and center throughout the day. The “unity” in “Unity Pride” is what this is all about.
“It’s a melting pot,” he said, encouraging people to take a look around at the different people gathered together for a good time. “That’s my dream.”
