11th Annual Back 2 School Block Party

By Jennifer L. Warren

BEACON – Becca Roper-Eckstein’s children have an internal clock when it comes to the Back 2 School Block Party.

“They always remember it in the late summer, and start asking me when we are going; it’s something they really, really look forward to,” said Roper-Eckstein about the excitement her rising kindergartener, Arlo, and third grader, Dahlia, who attend Glenham Elementary School, have for the popular, community gathering that helps get children, parents, teachers, businesses and an array of others in Beacon prepared for and confident about the upcoming school year. “This is our third time coming here; the kids love getting the school supplies, going to the nearby playground, visiting each tent and meeting the vendors and seeing familiar faces from the community.”

That unbridled joy was evident throughout the South Avenue Park grounds, as children, many wearing or carrying their drawstring backpacks containing a bevy of school supplies, could be seen getting signatures on a special form attesting to their visitor efforts while actively interacting with vendors, filling up bags with a host of resources and fun goodies, spotting classmates and neighbors as well as meeting new friends while listening to DJ Big Will spinning tunes in the background, a contagious vibe that created some on field dancing. It’s a treasured community scenario Reuben Simmons, Executive Director of I Am Beacon- a nonprofit organization whose mission lies in bringing people, community and resources together while uplifting all in a positive way, envisioned over a decade ago when the seeds were planted and a beautiful partnership emerged with Key Foods for their Community Appreciation Day.

What started as a five vendor event in that super market parking lot has flourished to an over 30 vendor affair, featuring 12 community sponsors, including first ever $3,000 Title Sponsor: Sun River Health, along with others, such as; Beacon Teachers Association, Staples, MVP Healthcare, MountainView Dental, The Roundhouse and Twin Athletics- each overseeing a vendor booth as well as three community partners: Beacon City School District, Beacon Recreation and Beacon Hoops. Over at the nearby, newly refurbished basketball courts, Beacon Hoops All Star Basketball Games (Rookie, Girl and Junior divisions), preceded by a skill building drills clinic by Twins Athletics for the younger, elementary-aged hoopsters were featured; while at the entrance area, I am Beacon members were holding a collection for the Stuff the Bus, a full community effort centered upon donating school supplies, hygiene products and other essentials which are then distributed to partner, Beacon School District. Beacon Historical Society was also involved, donating 100 complimentary copies of the newly released: HOP ON THE BUS: LET’S EXPLORE BEACON.

“This day is a true example of everyone coming together,” said Simmons. “It really shows what community should look like.”

A big part of that community equation remains Presenting Partner, Key Foods, where the epicenter of the event’s roots lie. Barbequing hamburgers and hot dogs as well as providing drinks and chips, the town’s grocery store has always been committed to keeping community at the forefront and has been part of the Block Party for nine years.

“It’s all about community, parents, teachers and non profits coming together and making things better,” said Junior Dabashi, Key Foods Owner. “It’s just a really good feeling to give back.”

Yet another long-time participant has been the Beacon Fire Department, with the event since its inception. On hand with a fully loaded, shiny, red fire truck on site, volunteers could be spotted eagerly delivering information to youth who were excited to climb aboard, inquire about all of the equipment’s usages and of course, connect with the firefighters.

“The kids all recognize us from doing fire instruction in school,” said Lieutenant, Mark Romanelli. “Building a rapport with them at a young age really helps, and we just really like to see everyone coming together at events like this.”

It’s those priceless, unifying bonds that permeated the day and were the lasting impression left by so many who were a part of this special community event. That feeling was particularly felt by new Title Sponsor, Sun River Health, who could be seen actively engaging with guests, providing critical health information, life-saving devices and other health-related gifts, as well as bringing smiles to children with their creative face painting images.

“We were thrilled to take part in Saturday’s ‘I Am Beacon’ event and continue to share the news about our new health center updates,” said Sherry Wyckoff, MPH, Vice President of Operations, Sun River Health. “Days like this remind us why community is at the heart of everything Sun River Health does-it was a joy to connect with our neighbors and celebrate the spirit of the city alongside them.”