Reverand Becham from B&M Barbecue fired up the grill around 4:00 so he could “get some smoke in the air” as he put it. As we waited for the neighbors to show up, Rev. Becham handed out some samples to those of us that were there to set up for the festivities. After finishing my samples, I knew I wouldn’t have to worry if the food was going to be good. It wasn’t just good, it was excellent!
It was a beautiful night for a cook out. The food prepared by Rev. Becham included ribs, wings, fried chicken, mac & cheese, and spaghetti. Bobby Qasim from Lakeshore Food Mart provided the pop. Dessert was from Cakes by Sweetwater. If anyone went home hungry, it sure wasn’t because there was not enough good food.
Chairperson Patricia Harrison welcomed everyone to the first of hopefully many more Block Parties. Mrs. Harrison encouraged everyone to also attend the meetings which are the 4th Wednesday of every month at the Arts Collinwood Community Center (397 E.156th St.) at 6:00pm. She shared with the group that Councilman Polensek and the 5th District Police Department are at every meeting to listen to the questions and concerns of residents. Councilman Polensek and the 5th District Police also provide updates at the meetings on what is going on in the neighborhood. Mrs. Harrison told everyone “that the meetings are a good opportunity to meet and talk to your neighbors”.
Councilman Polensek thanked everyone for coming to the cook out. He told the group that “a neighborhood is only as good as the people in it and people can make a difference in their neighborhood by participating in Block Watches”.
Camille Maxwell, Real Estate Development Director from Northeast Shores, explained to the residents that most of them live in what is called a “Model Block”. Camille shared with the residents the various opportunities that are available to them because they live in a Model Block. Some of the initiatives offer help with the painting of the exterior of your home, another one helps with the weatherization of your home, and the Model Block Small Grant Rebate plan helps residents with exterior repairs or to help address any exterior violations they may have. Call Camille for a complete list of the opportunities available.
Liz Copic our “One Fun DJ” provided us with party music off of her Iphone. Yes Iphone! Technology is amazing these days. She had Rev. Becham dancing as he was cooking.
The Yo-Yo club was there dazzling the crowd with their yo-yo tricks. Merchants from Waterloo mingled with their customers. Old people were talking to young people and everyone was eating! A good time was had by all who attended.
If you would like to join the East 156th St. Block Club, all you have to do is attend their monthly meetings on the 4th Wednesday of the month at 6:00 at the Arts Collinwood Community Center.
If you are interested in starting a Block Watch in your neighborhood or want to find out if your neighborhood has a Block Watch, call Denise Lorek at 216-481-7660 for more information.
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