New Haven Independent

The family trio, along with a friend, lugged two orange coolers to the corner of Columbus Avenue and Church Street South on Thursday, a muggy, overcast day. The crew punched each other’s shoulders and turned cartwheels on the sidewalk between serving the cars that slowed down or stopped at the light.

“You want the 50-cent or the 25-cent lemonade?” asked 14-year-old Dayshea Sykes (pictured above at center) before darting out to serve an outstretched arm. On their first day of business for the year, the group teemed with ideas for what the quarters might add up to.

“We’re collecting money for church,” announced Dayshea. “Our pastor needs a new robe for preachin’.” The rising high-school freshman sings in the choir at the New Holy Light Church on Howard Avenue. She and her family live a couple blocks away in the Hill.

“We want to go to New York!” said Donaja Brown (pictured at left).

“We want spending money, and it keeps us off the streets,” added Dayshea, who goes by the nickname “Pooka” (Donaja goes by “Nooka,” Pooka explained).

Pooka and Nooka said they’d set up shop every afternoon starting around 3 p.m. Last summer proved quite profitable, they said.

“I’m starting a dance group,” added Dayshea. “We’re called Capricious. We’re going to start practicing at my house.” When they’re ready, the hip-hop group will put on a show at the church — “or here!” — said the teen, jumping up to serve another customer.