NHS students take action to support TJ community through volunteering at the annual Southmoor picnic.
Courtesy of Blair Perrone
As summer comes to an end, the annual Southmoor neighborhood picnic is a big hit, with a little help from local neighbors, the fire department, and TJ’s very own National Honors Society.
For the TJ community, the Southmoor picnic has been an on going event for over twenty years. With approximately 620 homes in the Southmoor neighborhood, the event is always a success when it comes to attendance. Southmoor Resident Blair Perron had a huge part in planning and putting together the event. Usually falling on Memorial Day weekend, Blair said the end of summer bash was a fantastic way to end the season. “It’s a real tight-knit community. We had a lot of help from the neighbors, and the police and fire department,” said Blair.
The picnic began at 11:30 a.m. and ended around 1:30 p.m. Volleyball games, a blow up slide, ice cream booths, food galore, live music and of course the famous hose-down from the fire department were all present to make it a memorable picnic. Music created the atmosphere at the park, as the band, Second Bell, played. The band helped to raise money for the Southmoor Elementary School’s music program.
TJ’s very own NHS students also took a great part in adding to the success of the picnic as volunteers. “It’s cool to see the community come together and have a good time. It feels great to help out,” said Junior Volunteer Ed Gloor.
NHSers helped prep, set up, grill and serve food, and then stayed to clean everything up. “I was happy to be able to interact with all the Southmoor Park residents. Everyone was so friendly, it made serving and grilling all the food really fun,” said Mitch Moore, who is a junior at TJ.
The Southmoor picnic was supported by not only TJ volunteers, but also by neighborhood companies and retailers. UMB Bank supplied the ice cream and cookies, the Denver Police and Fire Department were there to entertain the kids, and Citywide Bank donated Bonds. Subway, Gentle Touch, and the Home Owner’s Association, also helped to support the picnic. A canned food drive also took place at the picnic to support the Weinberg Food Pantry, a Jewish family service. Everyone around the neighborhood was eager to get involved and help out, while having a little bit of fun, as well.
Residents all agree the Annual Southmoor Neighborhood Picnic was a huge success. The neighborhood was able to come together and celebrate its community. NHS volunteers said they were truly excited to get the chance to help out, especially since it was for their very own TJ community. The annual picnic continues to grow every year, with dedication from organizers such as Blair and the rest of the neighborhood. The Southmoor picnic is sure to live on for many years to come.
