Historical September–October 1998 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
The 1998 observation of National Night Out in Skinker DeBaliviere saw widespread participation, many special guests, and new program ideas.
A very successful neighborhood band, John Thomas and Friends, performed for an ever-changing crowd. People came and went, savoring the entertainment of the moment along with a bratwurst, visiting with old friends and sometimes even the neighbor from next door.
As has become a Night Out tradition, the 5900 McPherson Block Unit sponsored an ice cream social. Newcomers to the Night Out scene included the Skinker DeBaliviere Community Council Playground Committee, who sold pretzels and talked the talk regarding their efforts to construct a children’s play lot in the heart of the neighborhood, accessible to all and a safe haven where our youngest children can be brought to play.
The Grace Methodist summer camp youth group, T.A.G., sponsored a bean-bag-toss. Temporary tattoos proved to be the most popular and coveted prize awarded at this booth. Gary Hayes and Shirley Polk fed a crowd of hungry and thirsty folks (we ran out of beverages this year!).
They were backed up by Steve Schiller, Bridgette Gray, and Corey Welsh on the grills and Ruth and Herbert Johnson handling tickets sales.
In addition to fine music throughout the night, entertainment and information was provided by Support Dogs, Inc. Under the leadership of Georgi Fox, eighteen dogs, attired in their blue capes, and their handlers demonstrated some of the commands and responses that the dogs use to help those who depend upon them. Mingling freely with the crowd after their demonstra tion, the handlers of these extraordinarily disciplined dogs answered many questions about Support Dogs, Inc. Crowd – pleasing demonstrations of another sort were brought to the Night Out by a 7th district – sponsored Double Dutch team.
With the team’s star performers coming from the Skinker DeBaliviere neighborhood, the girls received an especially warm welcome. Jumping that night were: Tiffany, LaShonda, Tamika, Sharita, Princess, Tay, Ash, Myra, Ebony and Alicia.
The girls were coached by P.O. Jill Taylor. Dignitaries at our party included Police Chief Ron Henderson, Comptroller Darlene Green, Democratic Committeewoman Rose Storey, Alderman Lyda Krewson, Captain Harry Hegger, 7th District, Lt. Joe Beffa and Sarah Smith, Arts in Transit.
A Bi-State Arts Bus (painted by neighborhood resident Andy Cross), a fire truck, and the D.A.R.E. Corvette also make appearances during the festivities.
Original photograph caption
National Night Out gathering in Skinker DeBaliviere. Photo by Andy Cross.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, September–October 1998.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1998_09.pdf, printed page(s) 1; PDF page(s) 1.
