BERKELEY – It was another year of sports, games and togetherness as the Manitou Park Family Day came alive.
DJ Will Jacobs blasted tunes and ran games, like a version of musical chairs played on one of the basketball courts. The courts saw a lot of action, as they hosted various challenges throughout the day as well as free play. The playground and inflatables were also welcoming kids.
Occasionally, a child would walk by who obviously just saw the face painter. Meanwhile, food was being grilled and served on one end of the park on Third Avenue.
A lot of the activities had an older youth leading younger children, which is a mainstay of Family Day and Unity Pride, the organization that runs it, which celebrates mentors and good role models.
Rob Taylor has been overseeing this event for many years. When The Berkeley Times asked him for comment, he instead directed attention to the many people who were offering services during the day.
For example, Melissa Loutas was providing free haircuts for hours. Kids might not be looking forward to school starting in September, but at least they’ll be looking their best.
Zeta Amicae of Monmouth and Ocean counties has a mandate to serve the community. Jasmine Marshall-Butler said they were providing supplies kids would need for school.
Those looking to learn more about Zeta Amicae, and how they help others, can send an email to ZamocVicePresident@gmail.com.
In addition to basketball, the Jersey Elite Conference pop warner football was another sport on location, spreading the word about their teams: the Toms River Seahawks, Brick Hydra and Lakewood Pioneers.
Their season began on August 1 for kids ages 5-14, said Heather Scannell.
Leading up to the holidays, they do toy and winter coat drives, she said. They also provide tutoring services in the area in connection with Unity Pride and the Sadie Vickers Resource Center.
Sadie Vickers representatives were also at Family Day. Chaplain Barbara Miles, Community Liaison for the organization, was making sure everyone knew about the services they provide.
Named after the late Sadie Vickers, the community center is across from the Holy Temple Church Of God In Christ, where she faithfully attended. Since Manitou is tucked away far from most assistance programs, this has become an oasis where people can access a variety of help. There’s also a new CommUnity Garden that is neighboring it on First Avenue.
Next month there will be a Health Fair And Resource Day, on September 19, from noon to 3 p.m. In attendance will be a number of healthcare vendors, screenings by the Ocean County Health Department, and other activities.
Speaking of health care, Ocean Health Initiatives was offering health screening at Family Day, such as blood pressure and glucose checks, said Nicole Jones, special event planner for OHI. They also had personal hygiene kits as well as crayons with coloring pages.
They have locations throughout the area, the closest one being at the corner of Lakehurst Road and Stockton Road in Toms River. For more information, visit ohinj.org.
The Toms River branch of the NAACP meets at the Holy Temple Church Of God In Christ as well. On Family Day, they had stacks of books celebrating Black authors and historical figures.
Lisa Scofield, the group’s president, said that the organization has been active at Family Day for 15 years. In addition to books and supplies, they also had QR codes for people to scan that would help them register to vote.
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