Pae12-Ms erys re rssJnur 1-4,20


Steve Miller, Janice Dasher and Charles Jenkins.


Original Old Timer Willie Jackson, Sr. poses with his family.


Representing the ILA are Michiel Walker and Robert Mills.


Willie Trapp, Larry Newman and Truck of the Youngbloodz Team.


Carolyn Brown, Shaquana Hawkins and Rebecca Reddick.


Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Holmes, Robbie (Tuck) Jennings and Aaron Finn.


Ii


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Clayton Carter, Felicia Guy, Alonzo Davis, Jr. and Latasha Curtis.


Continued from front
and Mildred "Mickie" Carter, to
bring together comrades from their
Gilbert High School Years, has
evolved into an all out community
extravaganza. Complete with free
food, barbecue and T-shirts, the
semi-annual event is a time for
renewal of friendships and an ongo-
ing rivalry.
"It used to be just for the old foot-
ball players," said Elps. "However,
as we have gotten older, we found
the need to bring in the younger
generations."
 That wasn't hard to do. Many of
the youth who grew up watching
the game that originated at Simonds
Johnson Park now play on the
teams that pit the "Old Timers" vs.
the "Youngbloodz". Due to the
large amounts of people who now
attend, the event is now held at the
Boobie Clark park This year the
Old Timers were defeated in a 12 -
0 shut out and promised a 'whip-
ping' on their next meeting during
the Thanksgiving season.
 Offensive Most Valuable Player
for the second year in a row Steve
Mott looks forward to the rivalry.
The 1990 Sandalwood graduate


played high school football, but no
competition is more anticipated
than the Old Timers game.
 "I've been watching this game
since I was a youngster," said Mott.
 While Elps is primarily in charge
of organizing the officials and mak-
ing sure the game is in order, his
partner Mildred Carter makes sure
the refreshments are in order. For
years, the two have single handedly
sponsored the game which provides
free food for all the kids in atten-
dance which number in the hun-
dreds. Now they encourage every-
one to bring their own grills and
participate in the giving process
while many others participate in the
planning process. In addition, spon-
sorships are available but never
required.
 "We're still here for all who are
hungry," says Carter.
 The event is open to anyone and
everyone regardless of age who
wants to attend and it doesn't mat-
ter if you attended their alma mater
or not. All that is required for par-
ticipation is a fun attitude and
peaceful spirit.
 "We don't ever have any mess out
here,"said Elps. Trouble makers are


Big Lil, Shorty Cool, Burt Brown, Stanley Oglesby, and (kneeling) Dre
Pickett and Tony Finn.
not tolerated and never expected...
"If that's what on your mind, you
best stay home." he said.
 The two are very proud of the
expansion of their social project. At
first it was just a few friends get-
ting together, now it includes com-
munity organizations, clubs and a
roster of organized activities. First
timers can smell the barbecue a
mile away and be amazed at the sea
of cars, campers and motorcycles
that encircle the park. The highlight
of the event is the coveted awarding I
of the MVP trophies, chosen for
both offensive and defensive teams.
 Carter, who is recovering from an s j
illness looked over the sea of cars
and people with pride as she remi-, .
nisced on the simple vision and. ,.,
what it has become. As the sun set
on the northside park, close to 1000
people of all ages and socio-eco-
nomic statuses participated in an
event devoid of crime, outbursts
and other pariahs that often plague official John "JuJu Cohen"
the African-American community. official John
the African-American community. shows off his shirt at the event.
 "By the grace of God," says Cohen has been involved with the
Carter, "all things can happen." founders since the games incep-
 n M n w d h bn founders since the games incep-
 Even Martin would have been
 Even tion and was an original team
proud. played
 player.


 ..



Samuel Newby, Robert Harris, Jr., Delores Melton, James Cotton and
Dorothy Ransome.


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January 18-24, 2007


Page 12 Ms. Perry's Free Press


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