Clownie Connection
The Parade Company Volunteer Newsletter
Volunteer sign up forThe Parade will begin
September 4.Watch your email!
Clownie Call Out!!
If you've ever dreamed ofbecoming our beloved mascot,Clownie, here's your chance!
We are in need of volunteers towear the Clownie mascot
costume and represent TPC atevents during Parade season.
If you are interested, please email
[email protected]'ll need to come to the
Studio to be fitted and receivetraining.
In T his Issue
Summer Kick-off!
Cruise in Shoes 5K
Volunteer Spotlight
Thanks from the Rooftop!
May/June 2019 Issue #3
JOIN US!JOIN US!VOLUNTEER SUMMERVOLUNTEER SUMMER
KICKOFF EVENT & BBQKICKOFF EVENT & BBQSaturday, July 27, 10:30 AM
TPC Studio
On Saturday, July 27, 10:30 AM - 2:00 PM, join us atThe Parade Company Studio as we kickoff thesummer float build season!
Help with float washing, building, painting; or pull up achair and help with sewing in the costume department. We will have food, beverages, fun raffles, and lots oflaughs. Plus, Arlene will be selling vintage costumesstarting at $5!!!Friends and family are welcome to join (remembervolunteers must be 16 years old to volunteer)!
To RSVP, go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/volunteer-kickoff-to-summer-registration-35545740266
Summer Kickoff 2018
6 AM - 10:30 AMCourse Marshals Needed!
To sign up: Log on to Volgistics:
https://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/?from=244046
Click "Sign Up" on the Home page.Go to the volunteer calendar and click "HelpWanted" on the August 17 date.
If you have not joined Volgistics yet, you can sign upby sending an email to [email protected].
Dee w a s a Floa t Spotter a t th ePa r a de in 2 01 6 .
Dee w or kin g on Hen r y For d inth e A r t Stu dio in 2 01 3 .
Dee a t th e 2 01 9 V olu n teer Th a n k You Pa r ty
DEAIDRE (DEE) JONESDEAIDRE (DEE) JONES
Age: 46 years old (but my virtual age is 30...LOL)Occupation: Librarian in the Music, Arts, & Literature Department
at the Detroit Public Library
It takes hundreds of skilled, dedicated and big-heartedvolunteers to help The Parade Company (TPC) successfully dowhat we do year-after-year. This issue, we are shining thespotlight on one of those incredible volunteers: the alwayseffervescent and energetic Dee Jones.Anyone who has ever met Dee knows that she is adventurousand willing to try anything once.Her volunteer service at TPC is no exception - she'svolunteered for just about everything!"I have been a banner carrier, balloon handler, float spotter,float driver, tour guide, float host, and last year I wore a BigHead (Rosa Parks) in the Parade," says Dee. "I havevolunteered for special events such as the Auto Show, FordFireworks, several 5K walks, and Hob Nobble Gobblepresented by Ford. I also have helped clean and paint floats."The only thing Dee hasn't tried yet is joining the DistinguishedClown Corps (DCC) ... but give her time, and she'll probablyadd that to her bucket list.Dee donates over 80 service hours each year while working afull-time job and being a super mom to eight adult children.Did I mention that she's also a published author?It takes real talent to wear so many hats and to wear them sowell. We so appreciate Dee and all she does for ourorganization. Enjoy the following Q & A with one of TPC'ssuper volunteers!
Dee a t Hob Nobble Gobblepr esen ted by For d in 2 01 7
Dee w a s a Ba n n er Ca r r ier a t th ePa r a de in 2 01 2
Q: How long have you been a volunteer with TPC?Q: How long have you been a volunteer with TPC?A: I have been a TPC volunteer for almost eight years.
Q: How did you get involved with TPC?Q: How did you get involved with TPC?A: I got involved with TPC because my child was in the Paradeperforming with the Detroit Public School All City High SchoolMarching Band. My other children wanted to get involved aswell but were minors and could only do so if I was in theParade with them, so my youngest son signed us up tovolunteer. Q: Are you from Michigan? Did you grow up watchingQ: Are you from Michigan? Did you grow up watchingthe Parade?the Parade?A: I am a native Michigander as well as a native Detroiter. Iwas born, bred, and educated within city limits. I indeed grewup watching the parade and got a chance to see the Parade inperson a couple of times. When I became a parent, I madecoming down to the Parade a yearly family tradition. Q: What is your favorite volunteer position? Q: What is your favorite volunteer position? A: My favorite position is a tour guide. I really love seeing thefaces of people when they walk into Studio A then realize howlarger than life our beautiful floats are. I like it when our moremature guests share stories of Parades past. I love it when theBrownie troops recognize something during the tour fromwatching the Parade on TV or online. Tour guides get thehonor of highlighting how wonderful the Parade is and howmany dedicated employees and volunteers work very hard tobring the Parade to life. Q: What is your favorite TPC event?Q: What is your favorite TPC event?A: My favorite TPC event is the Hob Nobble Gobble presentedby Ford! I have had the pleasure of volunteering andparticipating in this glorious event. You get a mini-parade, acarnival, great food, and concerts all in one night. You just can'tbeat that anywhere. Q: Best volunteer memory?Q: Best volunteer memory?A: My best volunteer memory has to be when I got theopportunity to dress up like an elf and dance with the WDIVChannel 4 News anchors for Christmas in July at the TVstation. My mother didn't know I was there; she thought I wasat work that day. When the show aired live on TV, she calledmy phone nonstop to tell me that there was a girl on televisionthat looked just like me! I told her that it was me and shecouldn't believe it. I told my boss that I had very "importantbusiness" to attend to and needed the day off. Who knew thathe watched "Live in the D" during his break! When he inquiredabout my business when I returned to work the next day, I toldhim that I was helping Santa out.
Dee clow n in g a r ou n d a t th eStu dio
Q: Do you have any kids?Q: Do you have any kids?A: I have six biological children and two additional childrenthrough marriage. Total is five boys and three girls, ages 21-28.I also have a grandson and a granddaughter who are one-year-old. Q: Do your kids volunteer? Q: Do your kids volunteer? A: Most of my children have volunteered for TPC. They werebanner carriers, clown helpers, and costume fitters. Theyvolunteered with me when they were teenagers and have nowcome back as adults to volunteer when they are on break fromcollege. Q: Why do you volunteer?Q: Why do you volunteer?A: I volunteer because I enjoy giving back to the community.What better way to give back than to put smiles on people'sfaces? We are all from very diverse backgrounds with thecommon goal of wanting to have fun and enjoy a holidaycentered around being thankful. Q: Favorite song?Q: Favorite song?A: My favorite song is Overjoyed by Motown's own StevieWonder. Q: Favorite place to eat:Q: Favorite place to eat:A: Sweet Potato Sensations!! They have the best sweet potatowaffles and fried chicken. Yum! Q: Something cool about you that few know ...Q: Something cool about you that few know ...A: I like to take long rides with my husband on his motorcycle.It feels great to feel the wind in my hair and just for a fewmoments be fun and carefree. I am a published author ofseveral adult and children's books. I also sing in theDetroit Public Library Community Choir. Q: Have you ever sang while volunteering? Q: Have you ever sang while volunteering? A: Yes! I've sung for a few of our special needs guests duringtheir studio tour, and they loved it! Q: What other causes organizations do you support? Q: What other causes organizations do you support? A: I am passionate about literacy, domestic violenceprevention, church, and local cultural events. I volunteer forthe Detroit Jazz Festival, church, I have independently helpedscores of students navigate the financial aid process, preparefor the G.E.D., and improve reading skills. I have alsovolunteered for Think Detroit Pal, Detroit Public Schools, andother local charter schools.
Q: Have you won any awards or received recognitionQ: Have you won any awards or received recognitionfor community service or other talents?for community service or other talents?A: I won many volunteer awards in the past. One that I amespecially proud of is when I won a contest for banner designduring the cheerleading competition at Think Detroit Pal morethan 10 years ago. Q: Best place you've traveled ...Q: Best place you've traveled ...A: The best place that I have visited was the National Museumof African American History and Culture. That was by far thebest museum that I have ever been to from the interactivedisplays, the virtual car rides, and wonderful exhibitionsthroughout. We were there for several hours and were not ableto get through half of the museum. I will definitely returnbecause there is so much to learn and see.
BIG HEADS & BASEBALL!July 25, 5:30 PM
Jimmy Johns Stadium UticaWe need more volunteers to wear papier-mâché heads (Big Heads)for the Big Heads & Baseball event on Thursday, July 25. Volunteers will pose for photos, hand out giveaways and brochures.We will also have a parade around the baseball field!!If you can help, let us know!! Sign up on Volgistics or send an emailto [email protected].
________________________________________
SIGN UP TODAY! Detroit Metro Convention &Visitors Bureau
Big Heads & Handlers Needed!Port Detroit
130 E Atwater St
The Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau is scheduling aseries of welcome events for the cruise ships that enter into thePort of Detroit now through the fall. We are in need of volunteers towear the Big Heads or serve as Handlers for each event. Thevolunteers will welcome guests and take photos between 8:00 AMand 10:30 AM. See the schedule below for dates. We Depend on YOU! Please do not sign up unless you know for sure thatyou can make it. EVENT DATES
8/8/19 8/14/198/26/19 9/13/199/19/19
If you can help, please sign up on Volgistics If you have notjoined Volgistics yet, you can sign up by sending an emailto [email protected] Job Descriptions:
In order to volunteer to be a Big Head, you must be able to wearone of our paper mache heads. If this is your first time wearing ahead, you will need to come to our studio and try on the headsbefore the event. In order to sign up as a Handler, you must be able to lift about 10-20lbs because you'll be helping your assigned Big Head put ontheir head and costume. You will also assist with photo ops.
T HANKS T O ALL OF OUR RIVER RUN VOLUNT EERSFOR ANOT HER GREAT EVENT !!!
What action, if any, do you want your m embers to take? Add a "Find out
MAY JUNE JULY
Margaret AntushevichLavette Benson
Linda BiggerCynthia BlackburnMargaret Boussum
Jim BoylanGwen Britton
Shekinah BrownDoug BurtonSheila Butler
Philip CampbellApril Campbell-Williams
Nancy CataldoRalph Cheney
Jeffrey ColemanKendria Cooper
Jennifer DaleSusan Daron
CC DavisJacqueline DemmerEmoni DickersonMary Clare Duran
Elayne ElliottReuben Ellman
Kyley FleckAnnalisa Fleming
Tracy FletcherRicky Flowers
Jordan FozSandy Gabel
Tonya GarretteSuzanne Goldstein
Jonas GoodwinCourtney Hammerle
Deborah HarrisIlene Harris
Patricia HarrisonKelsey HatleyShardae HeardRose Hepner
Christine HoodKristin Hoy
Vivian HunterLaurie Janick
Kai JonesJanice Justice
Peggy KerrAngela Kirby
Shirley LedfordNorm Levy
Kristin LewandowskiDuvall LewisMary Lewis
Charma Lovett
Karen AbellaRaina Aiello
Robb AlbrechtTara AlexanderRyan AnklamSteven Avery
Jennifer BairleySharon Bastianelli
Irene BialczakViola Bryant
Dalton BurleighCherish Calleja
Suzanne CantrellEllen Carter
Michael CarusoJanette Cavender
Nancy CepedaWilliam Chilton
Melody ColemanSandra CurtisKaren DavisEric Decker
Maria DekimpeTimothy D. Deuby
Shalonda DunnKimberly Durden
Tori DuvallTonie ForbesParish FrazierSandra FrenchCarrie Gardner
Thereatha GaskinsCora GlennIsaiah Grant
Randy GrieserJames Gruda
Stephen HackettLynn Herrick
Barbara Hines-SturrStacey HinkleAlicia Hodge
Terri HolderithEricka Howell
Kelley Hunter-CareyMae Ingram
Sharond JakubusTimika Jefferson-Franklin
Rayvonte JohnsonStefanie Karadian
Amy KauffmanSherrie KillebrewEugenia Killian
Jeffrey KingsburyHeidi Kreindler
Gul AhmedMesha AllenBrian Alvin
Beatrice AndersonBeverly AtkinsRhonda BaileyKaren BangoRaquel Banks
Jill BaranLeila Barrett
Renee BradleyWaheeda BrandonDorothy Brennan
Sarah BryantGeorge Burgess
Kay BurhansTracey Burton
Pamela Burton JohnsonEbony Carson
Ken ChavisDarlene Chivinsky
Rachel CollierKathleen Copeland
Jena CraftonDiane CzaplickiRobert CzaplickiValencia DanielTamara DaviesNikishia Davis
Larry DeanMary Kay DeMayoMichael DingeldeyGabrielle DowdellShanee Elerson
Mark EllenaAnn Marie Ellis
David EllisE Essak
Steve FerrierKevin Gorman
Daniel HaggertyCynthia L Heldt-Kitowski
Kimberly HooverAnton Horton
Feana Humphrey
MAYKevin Machus
Lisa MartinGloria Mccollum
Beth MehrLinda MerkersonMichelle Morton
Laurie MuellenhagenKathy Niver
Earnett NoldenTammala Paige-Wigg
Gloria PettyDebra Poole
Evelyn PowellMadona Rascoe
Yvonne ReedJillian Rhind
Matthew RodemanTeresa Rodriguez
Penny RoppDonna RubinJohn Scotto
Wendy SeatonDana SharpeSylvia Sharpe
Deshonda ShortsMatthew SilskiEnid SimmonsJames SlowikDaniel Smith
JJ SmithNishant SoodCarol Straub
Nancy SwansonJennifer TedderJackie Thomas
Lorraine ThomasMarcel Thomas
Rita TurnerDiane UnderwoodDonna Voytush
Jan VuckovRudy Vuckov
Carol WashingtonKen Wiktor
Ruth WilliamsDoris Wilson
Mary Ann WojackMary Wright
JUNEAmy Long
Peggy LoseyPat Lutz
Rolanda MasseyUrsula McCrayPat McDonaldHarvey Miotke
Barbara MitchellMarie Morris
Sherry MortonVenus MosesPatti MuellerKim Naglich
Kathy NathanBianca NistorLeslie Pertz
Susan PiccirilliDawn RapaportLoren Rascoe
Debbie ReevesDarlene Rivers
LeShauna RobinsonJoanne RodemanLindie Rudover
Azalea SabaKathleen SchmidtValerie SeccombeRobert Shephard
Charles SikoraErlean Smith
Arneader SnowdenCynthia StraughnHeather StuperaLaura Sturdevant
jennifer swannSara Talabi
David TempletonTreazure Terrell-Wilson
Scott TerzichPatty Torrey
Rachel TuzinskyMichael Vogel
Jamario WashingtonShaticka Wesley
Brad WilliamsKinyotta WilliamsRamon Williams
JULYJohn Hunt
Jordan HuntMichelle Jackson
James JensenKathleen Jezak
Melissa KaspariNancy KayneMarilyn Kiefer
Suemarie KlimekKaren KnoxTom LaabsJulie Lazarz
Denise LeonardBill Love
Christee LoveRick Mabe
Michael MarshEvelyn McClellan
Payton McComseyTeresa McGuckinJamie MeadowsMatthew MillenCarolyn MirandaKimberly MizziNima MokaramTatum MullinsLydia MunozAmelia NorrisJustin Obrien
Pam OlechBob Oren
Staci OseidKena Parrish
Vashun PattersonLauren PennerJennifer Poole
Jeannette PuglieseAdriana Ramirez
Maria ReyesCynthia Roddie
JULY BIRTHDAYS CONT ... Mario RossiAlexandria RugensteinDebbie SchneiderTynique ShawTawana SimmonsTeante SimsPaul SingletonRon SmithCandace SnyderAlan SpeedTimothy SpositoMary Stroud
Leslie TaylorJennifer TenglerDanielle TiernanChedebrius TiggsJevon TinsleyDeborah TolesSusan Van CampenAndrew VettingRochelle VitaleNicole Wade-BellKimberly Wallace
LaVonne WaltersSharon WashingtonMarisa WeberMarilyn WhiteDenine WilberCleo WileyMary WilsonScott WilsonKenya WinnCathy YoungJochlynn Young
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!16500 Tireman Detroit MI
Volunteers are needed to help with a carnivalhappening on Saturday, August 17. Report time is
10:30 AM. Event ends at 6:00 PM.Volunteers are needed to help with line control, crafts
and picnic area.Sign up on Volgistics or send an email to
VolVolunteers Ready, Set, Gounteers Ready, Set, Go! ! INCREDIBLE SHINCREDIBLE SHOW ... OW ...
INCREDIBLE VOLUNTEERS!!!!INCREDIBLE VOLUNTEERS!!!! Visit the following link to v iew more photos:
https://theparade.org/ford-fireworks/photo-galleries/
THANK YOU!!!!!
STAY CONNECTED!