“In a world filled with hate, we must still dare to hope. In a world filled with anger, we must still dare to comfort. In a world filled with despair, we must still dare to dream. And in a world filled with distrust, we must still dare to believe.” - Michael Jackson
“Got me working day and night.” I was exhausted after the Delta conference activities on Friday night and their golf tournament on Saturday morning. I just wanted to “beat it.” The rain did not dampen the spirits of the golfers because they were “off the wall.” We arrived at Forest Park at 7:15 a.m. and the storm arrived five minutes later. The looks on the faces of the golfers when pro Tim Sanders “wanna be starting something” said they couldn’t play if it was lightning was priceless. It’s “black or white.” Sam Redd of Redd Funeral Services told everyone the Delta golf tournament ended the drought period.
“The way you make me feel.” Purcell Wylie had everyone in hysterics on the golf course with his great sense of humor. Terry Owens, a news anchor on ABCTV2, said he never had so much fun playing golf. Ms. Judy’s buffet consisted of fried chicken, fish, carved turkey, hot dogs with sauerkraut, cheese burgers, candied sweets, baked beans, macaroni and cheese, sweet corn, salads, string beans, fresh fruit, assorted pastries, rice pudding, banana pudding, cakes and much more. Dr. Barney Wilson said he likes to play at Forest Park just to eat Ms. Judy’s cooking. The spread reminded me of a Thanksgiving feast with all the trimmings. Stop by Forest Park for breakfast or lunch and you won’t be disappointed. First place winners of the tournament were Sam Redd, Rudy Cook, Sherry Jackson and Federico Adams.
“Heal the world.” The staff at Sinai Hospital said “what’s going on” with Wade Taylor in the hospital, his mother-in-law across the hall and “along came John Miller” on the next floor. Visitors coming to the hospital traveled room to room and floor to floor. “Ease on down the road” to recovery.
“He mourns honestly who mourns without witnesses.”- Martialis
“You are my life.” Family and friends decided to “come together” and celebrate the 90th birthday of Hazel Ferguson at Millbrook Park. “You are not alone.” Guests also celebrated the life of Hazel’s brother, Lindbergh Carpenter, who was funeralized the day before.
“And my goal in life is to give to the world what I was lucky to receive: the ecstasy of divine union through my music and my dance.” - Michael Jackson
The death of Henderson “Sonny” Lee brought back memories of the days our children were growing up together. “Remember the time.” Lee loved organizing our parties when SSA would give us four hours off on Christmas Eve. “Don’t stop till you get enough.” Pennsylvania Avenue was still jumping, the clubs would prepare food for us as we went club hopping at the Sportsman’s Lounge, Maceo’s and the Sphinx Club with stops in between. There were many kids waking up Christmas morning wondering why Santa didn’t put both wheels on their bike or looking for the handle bars.
“Man in the mirror” Lee never tired of talking about his years in the Air Force, his job or his children. When he walked in a club he owned the juke box playing jazz, blues and old school. When the music finished he’d tip his hat and leave. Prayers to his wife Evelyn and children Joanne, Tony and Cheryl.
“It's so nice to get flowers while you can still smell the fragrance.” - Lena Horne
Orchids to Lena celebrating her 92nd birthday.
“Just good friends.” Happy birthday to Bill Massey, Wanda Watts, Valerie Henson and Paul Smith. “You rock my world.”
“The greatest education in the world is watching the masters at work.” - Michael Jackson
The Living Classroom Foundation’s Frederick / Myers Maritime Museum hosted their third anniversary awards dinner and dedication of the Benjamin L Cardin Pier. The reception honored Sen. Cardin, Eva Slezax and my golfing friend Ovetta Moore for their commitment to the community. The beautiful reception was catered by Forum Caterers and Simply Elegant Caterers. Guests dined on fine china, crystal Stemware and silver place settings. The room was beautifully decorated in shades of green, purple and gorgeous spring colors. After dinner, guests were led outside to the pier by the Frederick Douglass Brass Band for the champagne toast during the christening of the pier. The fireworks, ringing of the tall ships bells and the fire boats water display were the perfect ending to a beautiful evening. James Piper Bond, CEO of Living Classrooms thanked board member Dr. Patricia Schmoke and former Mayor Kurt Schmoke for their support in making Living Classrooms a dream come true. In attendance were Ruby Blakely of Annapolis, Richard McClearn, Sharon Pinder, Maxine Smith and Marsha Jews event planner for the museum.
“If you enter this world knowing you are loved and you leave this world knowing the same, then everything that happens in between can be dealt with.” - Michael Jackson
“Gone too soon.”
“Like a comet blazing cross the evening sky, gone too soon; like the loss of sunlight on a cloudy afternoon, gone too soon; like a castle built upon a sandy beach, gone too soon; born to amuse, to inspire, to delight; here one day, gone one night, gone too soon.” - Michael Jackson
“We are the world.” We love you Michael; you’re “BAD.” Rest in peace.
“I’ll be there.” Valerie & the Friday Night Bunch
A luta continua