D-YES Picnic

**Danny** · April-29-15, 01:44 PM

We must have the D-YES picnic soon. Not because we can't go the Belle Isle due the Michigan State Park driving fees, or to some other parks. It's for the honor for Django! Who meets with us forum members and tells to amazing adventures in Detroit and other places in this Dylan-eque travels So c'mon, what do you all say? Let us plan this picnic. Who's with me?

**stromberg2** · April-29-15, 01:46 PM

I'm in, Danny. Kathleen???

Stromberg2

**Danny** · April-29-15, 06:48 PM

Come on D-YESSERS! We need our annual picnic back.

**sumas** · April-30-15, 02:28 AM

Originally Posted by Danny

Come on D-YESSERS! We need our annual picnic back.

I offered our home once for a picnic and the response was zero. We live in Historic Islandview Village near BelleIsle We can offer off street parking for maybe 20 cars. We have a large yard and tables/ chairs to accomodate. Several grills charchol and gas. You organize and we will happy to host. Dogs welcome have a big dog run. PS I am a very good cook

**Smirnoff** · April-30-15, 06:26 AM

Originally Posted by sumas

I offered our home once for a picnic and the response was zero. We live in Historic Islandview Village near BelleIsle We can offer off street parking for maybe 20 cars. We have a large yard and tables/ chairs to accomodate. Several grills charchol and gas. You organize and we will happy to host. Dogs welcome have a big dog run. PS I am a very good cook

Wow - how can anyone say no with your gracious hospitality offer?

**scooter** · April-30-15, 07:01 AM

lets do it

**sumas** · April-30-15, 10:21 AM

Pick a date. Not late May as the prix is early this year and police crowd control make traffic nutsy.

My husband wanted to throw me a big party for my birthday, even had a caterer lined up. I talked him out of that.

We can dedicate the event to Django, who lived with us off and on. I miss him so much!

With a date I can make plans, I love a good party. Have always enjoyed past dy picnics.

**PlymouthRes** · April-30-15, 12:41 PM

The picnic and putting it together were discussed at Django's memorial on Wednesday night. Kathleen is contemplating a date and several of us volunteered to help. It will be at a local park like it always has been. Stay tuned fo more info to come.

**Kathleen** · April-30-15, 04:32 PM

I'm not sure where to even start...

Yes, the subject of having a picnic this year was brought up when a few of us saw each other at the Old Miami for Django's wake. I said that I would consider looking for a date. And several said that they would pitch in.

And before this gets blown out of proportion, let correct this statement: "Kathleen has been THE ONLY ONE planning and executing these events since their inception." Of course, that is not true. ItsJeff started the tradition, with several of us [[Gannon, Jams, and others) helping him out each year. Following his passing in Feb 2007, The Grillmaster and I, with some of the other regulars, carried on the tradition for several years.

But due to the Grand Prix taking over Belle Isle on our usual Memorial Day Sunday date, leaving us to try to find another location, and the continuing decrease in attendance, plus busy schedules, led to no picnic last year. This never has been a "just show up" event for those of who were involved in its planning. It takes time to gather up all the supplies, including the basic necessities of a group picnic, and haul them to the picnic site. And there is some $$$ involved [[not just ours). So when people say they will be there, and then do not show up, it's a disappointment as well as frustrating. Of course, I realize that things happen at the last minute, but when more than half who said they are coming, don't show up, you have to think twice.

Sumas: I really do appreciate you and Ronaldj offering your home. However, speaking for myself, I have concerns about having a picnic at a residence, for a couple of reasons: parking [[the turnout could be way more than 20 cars), and the facilities [[that's a lot of people tromping through your house, not to mention that you might not know all the people who might show up at your house, especially if we have to post the information here, and that can lead to security issues that day and perhaps later). Also, I myself am allergic to dogs, and it sounds like you have a dog or two, and others might bring them too.

For a picnic site, I still want to see it on Belle Isle to carry on that tradition. Still checking out dates for June or July. The Grand Prix is scheduled for May 29-31, which means that parts of the island are already shut down on Memorial Day weekend. Plus we've always had folks who said they couldn't attend then due to family and other priorities.

That's all I've got for now. Carry on!!

**Kathleen** · April-30-15, 04:34 PM

Danny: I still have the photo album that you left at the picnic two years ago.

**Bobl** · April-30-15, 05:28 PM

I have been a bit of an outsider and have met only a few forum members, but have enjoyed and often been enlightened by this site.
Please, do not let this tragedy be divisive, folks. You all seem to be good folks, from what I see here.
I regret not getting to know Django, other than a few conversations at the Dally, and once on Belle Isle. I suspect that he would not be pleased by anything that results in hurt feelings here.
Peace, to all.

**Danny** · April-30-15, 06:18 PM

Originally Posted by Kathleen

Danny: I still have the photo album that you left at the picnic two years ago.

Ok, Let's plan a date for the D-YES Picnic between mid May to Mid June on Sundays. Hold on to my photo album until the picnic starts.

**old guy** · May-01-15, 12:56 AM

You guys are great with all your emotions and your ability to organize two memorials. That's what I'd want. Why not? My guess is that he'd probably appreciate as many memorials as he could get, and I never met him. Got a feeling I kind of knew him though. Had some good discussions with him over the years. I always appreciated his honesty.

**sumas** · May-01-15, 09:20 AM

Originally Posted by old guy

You guys are great with all your emotions and your ability to organize two memorials. That's what I'd want. Why not? My guess is that he'd probably appreciate as many memorials as he could get, and I never met him. Got a feeling I kind of knew him though. Had some good discussions with him over the years. I always appreciated his honesty.

Matthew always made me laugh. He helped a neighbor who has mobility problems put a bannister on her porch steps free of charge. What she didn't know is he scrapped it from an abandoned building.
Wish you could have met him. He was honest in his fashion and had cute dimples. He was always upbeat.

He liked DY and had several friends from that. He was a popular character everywhere

**sumas** · May-02-15, 01:01 AM

Kathleen you are a class act.

Hoping the park you pick is handicap accessible, would love to attend. Ron does have a scooter but he falls off. It is funny sometimes. A three wheeler isn't that stable. I adore my husband [[40 yrs) but to see him crash into our shrubs hilorious.

Area kids love that scooter. They amuse me no end how they enjoy it!

**Isle_of_fun** · May-02-15, 07:15 PM

This year Memorial Day is May 25th , a week before the races. I wish everyone hugs and great kindness. May your picnic be blessed with great weather and helping hands!

**Kathleen** · May-03-15, 10:16 AM

After looking at our calendar, and checking to see if there are any major events happening around the area...

Our first choice for the DYes Picnic is Sunday, June 14.

Second choice is Sunday, July 26.

The location will be, as we had for so many years, Belle Isle, east of the Casino, and north of the Skating Pavilion. Restroom facilities nearby. Yes, it does mean that you need to have the $11 State Recreation Passport to get on the island.

If you are interested in attending this year's Picnic, please help us select the date.

Thank you!

**sumas** · May-03-15, 10:43 AM

June 14th sounds good. The bugs and bees are not out in force yet.

**stromberg2** · May-03-15, 12:57 PM

June 14th sounds like a winner, Kathleen.

Stromberg2

**SyGolden48236** · May-03-15, 01:24 PM

At this point it looks like we will be in town that weekend and will plan on attending. Thank you Kathleen. We haven't been on Belle Isle in many years. It will be interesting to see how it has changed.