Even Rain Couldn’t Dampen the Good Vibes of the Summer Sizzler

Artist Kim Riley applies face paint to one of many kids during the third annual Summer Sizzler. Image courtesy of Mark Rutherford

Chess was one of the games featured at the Summer Sizzler. Image courtesy of Mark Rutherford

Something special happened when the skies opened up last month in the middle of our third annual Summer Sizzler.

Instead of running for their cars, most people huddled together under the picnic shelter, chatting and laughing as they waited out the storm. We certainly wouldn’t wish for rain every year, but it’s good to know that even a thunderstorm can’t dampen the spirits of Morningsiders and East English Village residents determined to have a good time. We estimate that the event drew140-150 people, including lots of kids, from both neighborhoods.

For the third year in a row, Morningsider Diana Gomez brought us the flavors of northern Mexico through her award-winning Tacos Hernandez food truck. East English Village resident Ken Ford’s Sweet Dream ice cream truck was a new and very welcome addition on a sizzling hot day. Both vendors said it was a rewarding afternoon.

We know it takes a village of volunteers to create a successful party, and this year was no exception.

Topher Anuzis led games of volleyball, badminton, foursquare, ultimate football, and bridgeball, with help from Corey Latocki. Kim Riley painted kids’ faces, and Charon Nogues and Wendy Watson helped the kids with Habitat for Humanity’s popular birdhouse-making project. Arts & Scraps donated craft kits of recycled materials, and Nancy Brigham created her own “Draw a Picture, Get a Book” project for the first, but hopefully not the last year.

Some of the many non-profit organizations serving Detroit had a presence as well, including U-SNAP-BAC, MEC Patrol, East Warren Development Corporation, Detroit Bird Alliance, and Councilmember Latisha Johnson’s office. The Detroit Public Library couldn’t come in person, but they donated 100 children’s books for us to give away.

Chef Adrian Green grilled a mean hot dog, as always, and Twiana Odom made sure that everyone got served efficiently, with help from Priscilla Huddleston, Barbara Hamilton Pitts, and Karin Barger.

Due to an emergency, our DJ had to bow out at the last minute, but Ulysses Jones came to the rescue with a boombox for Bee Davis’ hustle lesson in the drizzle. Next year it hopefully won’t be rained out, but at least now we know “Boots on the Ground.”

Eric Dueweke, Greg Stolarski, Quintin Sweat, and Maureen Dritsan worked the registration table. Graphic artist Jessica Krcmarik designed an awesome flyer for outreach, and Alex Afanasyev made sure they got placed in businesses along the E. Warren corridor. Nic Hall, Eric Dueweke, Charon Nogues, Sharon Gray, Susan Newell, and Timothy Davis leaf-letted door-to-door.

The General Services Department did such a great job of mowing and cleaning Three Mile-Munich Park that when a group of volunteers showed up the evening before to spruce it up, there was nothing left to do.

We also want to thank the businesses who generously donated food, water, and ice to the event - Kroger, Trader Joe, and Morningside’s own J&J Motown Beverage at the corner of E. Warren and Berkshire. Professional Printing Services gave us a deep discount on flyers, and Better Made Snacks also discounted our chips. And what would we do without “go-fers” to pick up the donations? Thanks to Lauren Tewilliager, Susan Rutherford, Susan Newell, Will Parker, and Twiana Odom for taking on those jobs.

Lastly, thanks to the two Susans – Susan Rutherford from EEV and Susan Newell from Morningside– who coordinated the many details necessary to bring it all together.

The Summer Sizzler grill master, Adrian L. Green. Image courtesy of Jim West

Summer Sizzler organizers, Susan Newell and Susan Rutherford. Image courtesy of Mark Rutherford