Fun, food, and festivity were on tap, at the very first Hills Social Club Family Fun Day Brooklyn/Queens Unite 2024, organized to bring Guyanese from the two boroughs together in harmony.
Doris Rodney, owner of the Hills Restaurant, and Waterfalls Night Club, both on Church Avenue, at the intersection of Schenectady in Brooklyn, was fired up with excitement about bridging the gap between the Indo and Afro Guyanese in the Canarsie Park on Seaview Avenue, under Guyana’s motto: One People One Nation One Destiny.
The hours-long fun day that began at 10 a.m., under sunny skies, featured a Hulu hoop demonstration, and pastime customs such as a competitive game of Dominoes, sack race, lime and spoon race, and family talent show. These activities brought feelings of nostalgia, camaraderie, and a spirit of togetherness, on the grounds of the huge park, packed with colorfully dressed revelers.
Nationals relaxed under tents, and were seen hugging each other, shaking hands, and slapping each other on the back, excited to be connecting during the summer outdoor event.
Rodney, and club members who were decked out in Tee shirts emblazoned with the words – The Hills Social Club Family Fun Day Brooklyn/Queens Unite 2024, reiterated the importance of unity, saying, she was happy to host the event. She then called on her compatriots from the Borough of Queens to reciprocate next year, by hosting the family fun day, while bridging the gap between the two races.
“We are one people, one nation with one destiny. We always must remember that. To the Hills Social Club members, we did a phenomenal job today. Thanks to all who donated food. This is going to be an annual event. This year we did it in Brooklyn. But what we wish for, is that the next time we will do it in Queens. To the Queens people who are here, we hope you welcome us, like we welcomed you today.”
Rodney further thanked Leroy of Metro Plus, and Rhonda of Queens Lions Club for their support, and applauded social media bloggers, and Caribbean Life news for reporting on the day of togetherness.
Additionally, Rodney and close friend Sherif Barker, who came from a small village named Soesdyke on the East Bank of Demerara in Guyana, also brought their fellow villagers together.
During the activities, the village sisters, with the assistance of club member Burgette Williams, founder of an athletics club, handed out more than 100 backpacks of school supplies to students who attended the event.
“I want to congratulate the Hills Social Club for the phenomenal job they are doing, not only here, but other places,” said volunteer Sherif Barker, adding.
“We walked in, and we were served free food, and you distributed school supplies. Everything was donated by members of the club.”
“I want us to be helpful to make sure this club strive and expand to include more people. We have been a part of the Guyana Day in New Jersey. We must continue, to come together for the betterment of all of us, as we give back to the community, said Barker, who asked the picnickers to applaud the group, founded by Doris Rodney, for the exceptional work they have been doing at the Hills Restaurant and for planning the family day.
Lady Ira Lewis, president of the Guyana America Heritage Foundation Inc., New Jersey, who planned a successful Caribbean American/Guyana Family Day, on July 14, expressed thanks, and applauded the group for their contribution.
The emigrants, who were on their on their feet dancing to the infectious beats of Soca, and Calypso music provided by DJ Flexx Royce Andre Doorn, and DJ Danny Soesdyke #1 Sound System, and DJ Curry, looks forward to the next festive event.
