“No man for any considerable period can wear one face to himself and another to the multitude, without finally getting bewildered as to which may be true.”- Nathaniel Hawthorne
The No Name Club’s spring dance was a denim affair. The members of this invitation- only event changed the theme. Normally they are dressed in white dinner jackets reminiscent of Humphrey Bogart in Sabrina. The change in venue and attire enhanced a wonderful Sunday afternoon. The ladies were fabulous in denim outfits in hues of white and blue. The gentleman were attired in the latest denim fashion. Jerry Stamper kept the dancers on the floor doing the latest line and hand dances. Guests enjoying the afternoon were Ralph and Betty Chase, Reggie and Mary Haysbert, Mike Bradford, Quianna Cooke, Charlie Scott, Antoinette Johns, Fran Brown, Tony Joyner, Jacqueline and James Massey, Marsha Jews, Donald and Jenny Patterson, Lisa and Muso Akapelwa, Gwen and Nate Trader, Judson and Goldie Wood, Les and Lois Coles, Buddy and Louise Brown, Mildred and Dickie Harris, Richard and Flora Johnson, Tim and Joyce Holley and Nelson Taylor. The buffet prepared by Stanley Dukes had guests lining up for the scrumptious, hot fried chicken and other dishes including an apple cheesecake.
“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street; fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.”- Coco Chanel
Suited to Succeed’s live and silent auction at the Lyric Opera House was a success thanks to everyone’s favorite auctioneer, Jonathan Melnick. Their mission is to provide professional attire for women transitioning from unemployment, disaster recovery or welfare to work. Special recognition to Karyne Henry, board member of the year, and Mary Carole and Ted Lehukey, volunteers of the year. The caterers were Mem Sahib Indian Restaurant and Classic Caterers. One of the items I enjoyed was a spicy chicken dish. The assorted desserts had all diets “gone with the wind.” To support this project go to www.suitedtosucceed.org. Gov. O’Malley and Sen. Verna Jones were the honorary chairs. Guests in attendance were Angela Long, executive director of Martha’s Place; Monica Watkins, Dr. Vera Newton, Janet Johnson, Ernestine Jolivet and Tina Jolivet.
“All that jazz.” The Church of St. Mary the Virgin is hosting a jazz concert featuring The Dennis Fisher Band and the Winston Jazz Band on June 20 at the church. Ambre’s original art work and other items will be on display. Call 410-363-2633 for tickets.
“That’s the way of the world.” I will be at the hottest concert on June 10. Earth Wind & Fire will perform with Chicago at Merriweather Post Pavilion. Visit www.ticketmaster.com for tickets.
“Education is our passport to the future, tomorrow belongs to those people who prepare for it today.”- Malcolm X
Congratulations to the graduates: My niece Morgan Chase from Carver Center for Arts and Technology to Alvin Ailey Dance School, Rhavin Johnson from Baltimore School for the Arts to Delaware State University and Alicia Johnson from Western Tech to Elon University. Congratulations to our youngest graduate Brenden Jefferson from Kipp Ujima Village Academy to Mount Saint Joseph’s High School.
“To be young, gifted and Black.” Congratulations to Shirelle Giles on receiving the 2009 MVP for the Northwestern girls basketball team at their banquet at the Forum. “You’re my sweet inspiration.” The look of surprise was great when Principal Jason Hartling presented the Northwestern boys football team with varsity jackets for winning the Division 2 championship.
“She’s a Delta.” Kylista Darden was surprised at her party at the 5 Mile House when dad Harold Darden presented her with a birthday cake reading “to the newest member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.”
“I can do all things through Christ.”- Philippians 4:13. “Daddy’s girl.” Arthur Gray’s daughter Erin is featured in this month’s Essence magazine discussing the steps she took to lose 50 pounds. “You can make it if you try.” I lost 50 pounds once, my lhasa apso rags disappeared.
“Celebration time.” Happy birthday to Carolyn Kelley, Barbara Drake, actress Verna Day Jones, Ethel Cuffie Cooper and Friday Night Bunch member Reggie Pinder.
“To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.”- Thomas Campbell
“Color him father.” Prayers to Arthur and Debbie Allen on the death of Arthur’s dad, Clarence Allen, at the age of 99.
Prayers to Pete and Paula France, Jean Ross and Jason Hillen on the death of their mom, Rae Hillen. Friends and family traveled from New York, California, Chicago, Atlanta and Connecticut to bid Rae a safe flight to heaven’s gate. This flight is “signed, sealed and delivered” with love. “Take 5” and stop at the Montreal Jazz Festival before her final destination.
“There's no tragedy in life like the death of a child. Things never get back to the way they were.”- Dwight David Eisenhower
“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills which cometh my help” Psalm 121:1. Special prayers to my good friend Shirley Belton on the death of her daughter Jacqueline. Shirley, “trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5.
“To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe.”- Anatole France
Great Blacks in Wax is looking for an illustrator to develop designs for coloring and activity books for the 7- to10- year-old demographic. E-mail julie@ngbiwm.com for information.
"You're not alone." Thinking of you and prayers to Dr. Ernest Brown and Mrs. Michal Carney on your road to recovery.
I’ll be there
-Valerie & The Friday Night Bunch
A luta continua