Last week, friends and family gathered to kick-off the upcoming holidays with a good old-fashioned costumed pizza party. The G-Team, who are friends and volunteers of Dr.G’s CITY TALK organization, came together for delicious pizza, a cool beverage, an opening prayer, and the sharing of a few old-time G-stories. Of course, the “icing on the cake” were the fun costumes and literally the tasty custom cake that was specially made for the occasion.
About 40 people joined with Dr.G to enjoy the positive vib “in costume," and celebrate family, friends and the community. “This was a very nice event,” said Aubrianne Kester who brought her mom and two children to join in on the fun, and continued, ”My kids know Dr.G well and had a great time.” The event was held at Pizzadilly Restaurant @ 194 East Valley Blvd. Owner Raymond Dorado, was a gracious host, and offered comfortable space for the celebration. As usual, the pizza was on-time and delicious, and his staff of Gloria (sister) and Denise (niece) are to be congratulated for their excellent customer service and friendly atmosphere.
During the year, the G-Team participates in several productive activities that contribute to the positive atmosphere in our community. Such efforts have included talking with residents, assisting the homeless and veterans, supporting students, having trash clean-up projects, neighborhood meetings, planting flowers, painting park tables, visiting shut-ins, and much more.
“This event was a hoot,” said Cynthia Velasquez, who helped with the preparations of the costume pizza party. In addition, several individuals contributed to the informal program including Brandon Moreno with the Pledge of Allegiance, Anthony Velasquez with the pictures, Sirynn Crespin with the check-in, Julia Cardenas with the decorations, and four long-time supporters who offered great “G-Stories.” They were Jackie Ficarotta, Terry Vera, Christine Irish-Re, and Aubrianne Kester.
Everyone came in costume. Even Dr.G, who is well-known in the community for donning a costume for the holidays, came in a flashy “Beast” costume from “Beauty and the Beast.” Among the attendees were a banana, a hot sauce bottle, and a leopard. “This was fun,” said long-time supporter Norma Gallardo, who came dressed as a baker.
This costume pizza party was a good, creative way to celebrate the upcoming holidays and to generate genuine community spirit. It’s a great outreach of family, friends and community. Nothing extraordinary about it… Just caring for people. Congratulations to the G-Team for their continued community outreach, their volunteer efforts, and their positive contribution to community “Spirit.”
For more information about CITY TALK, various community groups, Colton history, the trash clean-up project, the G-Team, prayer list, history briefs, Veteran spotlight, Church Spotlight, Business spotlight, U.S. Flag Watch, neighborhood meetings, community projects and events, or the online live-stream programs, contact Dr.G @ 909-213-3730. Questions and comments are always welcome.