Living for the Weekend by Valerie Fraling September 4, 2008
“Difficult times have helped me to understand better than before, how infinitely rich and beautiful life is in every way, and that so many things that one goes worrying about are of no importance whatsoever” ~ Isak Dinesen
“Love & Happiness” is what the Polston Family has shown their old neighborhood at the corner of Robert Street and Pennsylvania Avenue for 36 years on Labor Day. Each year Harvey, Kenneth, Warren, Michael, Michele, Robey and Mouse host a cookout for old friends and neighbors. This year more than 300 enjoyed this free event sponsored by the Polston family. George White of Macedonia Baptist Church was the chef on the grill. Friends and neighbors enjoyed the fun and festivities. Luke 12:48 says, “ To whom much is given much is required.” Living for the Weekend salutes the Polston family for giving back to the community.
“Breakfast at Tiffany’s” was the theme for the GEMS’ 30th anniversary celebration. This breakfast-dance is held every year on Labor Day. This group of “Sophisticated Ladies” was founded in 1977 by the late Dorothy George and Helena Hicks with a mission to give a party as a group and invite their friends and divide the cost. The idea of having a breakfast-dance was born when one of the members attended a breakfast party in “do you know what it means to miss New Orleans?” This is a highly sought-after invitation and starts the fall party season. The ballroom of the Lafontaine Bleu was decorated in tiffany blue and white. As the guest entered the ballroom, movie marquees showing Audrey Hepburn lined the walkway, with the trademark Tiffany boxes on display. The club members were dressed in beautiful black dresses with their long pearls and black cigarette holders. I think I caught a glimpse of the beautiful Audrey Hepburn “through the looking glass.”
“Moon River” drifted through the room as the members waltzed with their mates to the delight of the guests. A special moment came when Wallace Baden sang “My Funny Valentine” to resounding applause. Our lovely hosts was GEM Debbie and Earl Taylor who made sure her table guests Mert and Dean Evans, Walter Hill Jr., Dr. J. Laws Nickens, Reggie and Sharon Pinder and I received special attention. Other guest enjoying the lovely affair were Carol Hilton, Greg Williams, Mary Demory, Cheryl Randall, Susan Parker, Dr. Vallen Emery, Wallace and Delores Baden, Anne Parker, Liston George, Bernice Mc Daniels, Ray and Carol Haysbert, Paul and Blanche Beckham, Mildred and Dickie Harris, Goldie and Judson Woods, Warren and Jackie Hayman, Arnold and Virgie Williams, Audrey Freeman, Edie Green, Ryan McNeil, Tyrone McNeil, Vallen Emery III, Carol and Joe Hillery, Ellen Howard, Eddie Watson, Dr. Reed Winston, Christine Moore and Gordon Perry from Durham NC who loves coming to this wonderful party. Music was provided by the David Arnett Group featuring the lovely Tracey Curbeam vocalist. The magnificent buffet was delicious with an omelet station for freshly prepared omelets, a carving station with roasted turkey, and beef, an assortment of breakfast foods including chipped beef on toast points, cherry and blueberry blintzes. Members of the GEMS are Yvonne Leacock, Michele Emery, Darlene Bernard, Brenda G. Baker, Shirley Swafford, Cynthia Askew, Regina Bernard, Dr. Anne Emery, Helena Hicks, Juanita Morton, Mildred Taylor, Deborah Baily-Taylor, LaMoyne Cooper, Delores Ridgely, Wendy Dukes, LaVerne Naesea and Alisa Henderson.
Going up Yonder
Living for the Weekend readers on Friday we lost two very close friends. While at the golf course I got a phone call from my friend Ruth Pratt around 10 a.m. that Marian Bates had died. Many of you remember Marian when she used to host her annual Hawaiian Luau dressed as Tina Turner and perform her dance routine to the delight of her guest as we fell over each other laughing. Marian was also a “give me that old time religion” usher at her church. She would invite her friends to worship with her for the usher’s anniversary. For those of you who don’t know about old time religion ushering, it is when the lead usher, that would be Marian, would bring the ushers and choirs into the church. Sister Marian would stand tall all five feet. Her pastor would say bring them on down Sister Marian! Marian would drop her right shoulder go down low and strut “down the aisle” to the front of the church make that boss right turn straighten up and drop back down and lead them out the church. In later years, old man Arthur caught up to her and she couldn’t usher or dance but she never lost her sense of humor. Whenever we greeted Marian we would say, “Bring them on down Sister Marian.” “What a man a mighty fine man.” The second message came from golfer Sherry Jackson. She received a text at 12:40 p.m. that our friend Larry Gordon had died. Larry was a gentleman and a scholar always pleasant and easy to talk with and just loved the good life. The family hour is Sept. 6 at Wylie Funeral Home, 9200 Liberty Road with the home going services Saturday at St. James Episcopal Church. Contact Al Wylie at 410-655-9200 for further information.
“Once, twice three times a lady.” Friday Night Bunch member Jacqueline “Jackie” Robinson’s mother Ms. Ethel B. Burrell’s memorial service will be Sept. 20 at Mentrotone Baptist Church, 5126 B St. S.E. Washington, D.C. Living for the Weekend and The Friday Night Bunch remember Jackie’s mom fondly, known as Pinkie and a warm-spirited woman that could make a short rib walk off the bone. As they say in the old school, she could burn. Ms. Burrell was the aunt of Sam and Lydia McCargo Redd and John and Charlene McCargo.
“When the Saints go marching in” Angels, take flight. It has been a rough week for Living for the Weekend readers. Be prepared when they arrive. Larry will be organizing a reunion with old friends, Ms.Pinkie is bringing the melt- in- your- mouth short ribs with the candied yams and Marian will be dressed as Tina Turner. Old Arthur has left her body, so when St. Peter says bring them on down, Sister Marian will be able to drop that right shoulder put her hand behind her back and say saints “Free at last, free at last” as she ushers the saints through Heaven’s gates..
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“Celebration time come on”
It’s your Birthday Happy Birthday to you Emmett Starkes, Beau Stokes, Bernard Smith, Arthur Smith, Beta Dotson, Ralph Wright, Sonny Hill, Charlie Scott, Nat Trader and Dante Daniels owner of Maceo’s Lounge. Virgos in the house!
We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give. -- Winston Churchill
Dr. Levi Watkins renowned heart surgeon and long time civil rights activist hosted his 30th annual party at the Bay Café overlooking the water in Canton. The party was to welcome Interns & Minority Freshman students to Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Wendell Shepherd and Company; provided the music with a special guest appearance by the beautiful vocalist Gabrielle Goodman accompanied by her brother David Bunn on keyboard. In attendance were Dr Peterson & Dr. Miller, President and CEO of Johns Hopkins. Dr. Homer Favor, Marsha Jews, and Delegate Nathaniel Oaks just returning from the Democratic National Convention. Goose the owner of Bay Café was there welcoming guest as they dined on jerk chicken, bbq shrimp, crab balls and much more.
“Sitting on the dock of the bay” The Bay Café is world known for the signature shrimp salad and the beautiful view overlooking the water. They also host the Sunday Jamaican me crazy party. This Sunday they have a great half time special and they do serve ice cold Amstel. After the Ravens game come for some “Jamaica funk is what it is” party for Jamaica.
“I am proud to be an American” Living for the Weekend asked Del. Oaks his feelings and thoughts concerning the recent convention in Denver. He said that the delegates were more unified. He felt the selection of Joe Biden was a great choice because it brought experience and will help bridge the gap between Pennsylvania and Virginia. The most rewarding moment was Ted Kennedy literally straight from his hospital bed to show support for the party and the tone was set with Hillary and Bill Clinton picking up on Michele Obama each speaker connected with the next. He stated the seating of the Maryland delegates was not the best, they were in the rafters. In the end, it was quite an experience. Nathaniel will be hosting the 12th anniversary of his 50th birthday next month at the Bay Café. More to come later...
“On the street where you live” On Sept. 3, Mayor Sheila Dixon and Dr. Reginald Avery, president of Coppin State University participated in renaming the intersection at North and Warwick Avenue after Dr. Calvin W. Burnett, former president of Coppin State College. As a proud Coppin graduate, I stand with all Coppinites and congratulate Dr. Burnett on this most prestigious and well deserved honor.
“I was glad when they said unto me let us go into the house of the Lord” Psalm 122:1
Received a call from Carol Johnson Todd excited about the upcoming week-long celebration in preparation for the installation of the new pastor of Douglass Memorial Community Church, The Rev. Dr. Sheridan Todd Yeary. On Sept. 6, they are having an open house block party at the corner of Lafayette and Madison Aves. from 1- 4 p.m. All are invited. On Sept. 12, a gala to benefit Camp Farthest Out will be at Renaissance Harborplace with special guest Judge Glenda A. Hatchett; Sept. 14, the homecoming service is at 10:00 a.m. Sunday afternoon, our friend the Rev. Dr. Harold A. Carter Sr. will be the guest preacher at the installation service. For more information, contact our good friend Marco Merrick at 410-523-1700.
“School Daze.” A.P. Shaw-Congress Heights United Methodist Church hosted its fifth-annual Back to School Jam. They distributed over 300 backpacks filled with grade-appropriate materials and school supplies. Over 600 adults and children in the community were in attendance at this family-oriented event. Participants were able to register to vote and also receive free health screening services. My 3 Sons Unisex salon provided free haircuts and natural hair braiding services. Living for the Weekend thanks Ryane Nickens for keeping us informed about this great church in the community. For more information on this community-involved church, contact Sandra Rice at 202-889-3660 or apshawumc@comcast.net or visit their \Web site at www.aps-ch.org.
When you get that “summertime feeling,” Living for the Weekend “Express Yourself.” You are the “King of the Road.” “Pull up to the bumper.” its “Summertime” and the “last of the summer wine.” Remember “you got to make it funky” and “get on the good foot.” “I’ll be there” at Valerie@afro.com for the rest of the story.
- Valerie & the Friday Night Bunch