“No matter what happens, whether the cancer never flares up again or whether you die, the important thing is that the days that you have had you will have lived.” - Gilda Radner
‘You’ll never walk alone’
October is breast cancer awareness month. Make use of this time to do something special with your loved ones. Take them to their exam then celebrate life at your favorite restaurant or visit one of the local spas. Northwest Hospital is offering free clinical breast exams for a limited time. Visit www.knowyourhealthbaltimore.org to schedule an appointment.
“I would define, in brief, the poetry of words as the rhythmical creation of beauty.” - Edgar Allan Poe
‘You are so beautiful to me’
Spa Week starts October 12. Many spas are providing special services for $50. Get ready for the “breakthrough” because “you deserve the best.” Contact www.spaweek.com/spas/Maryland for participating spas.
Café Hon was always an intriguing place with the pink flamingos and other object of art. So, when my girlfriend Ora Reed from Japan called suggesting I go to McCabe’s in Hampden for the best crab cakes, I thought it was a great idea. What she didn’t know was that McCabe’s was no longer in business. Since we were in Hampden we decided on Café Hon, another bucket moment. After dining, I wondered why I had not been there before (OK, no comments). It has delicious food, a marvelous atmosphere and happy hour specials. The Maine lobster platter with all the trimmings, including fresh sliced tomatoes and dessert, for $19 was superb. Other specials include half-price wine by the bottle and burger nights. I rarely eat dessert but since it came with the meal I chose the bread pudding. Our server was too kind and he added a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The seating is cozy with the feel of being in your living or dining room. I will return.
A tribute to the late Walter Harris, owner of Tequila Sunset, takes place on Oct. 11 at 2 p.m., no cover charge. Show Libby love as she continues to keep music alive on the avenue. Plenty of food, music and “dancing like a dancing machine.”
‘The days of wine and roses’
My first wine festival with friends Greg, Walter, Patrick and Lisa at the 26th Maryland Wine Festival at Westminster Farm Museum was another bucket list moment. It was a perfect way to spend a beautiful Saturday afternoon tasting wines from the local wineries, enjoying continuous music, craft booths and wine seminars. We tasted wines from Basignani Winery, Berrywine Plantations, Linganore Wine Cellars, Boordy Vineyards, and more. The entrance fee included a souvenir wine glass for use while sampling the assorted wines.
The excitement in tasting, selecting and purchasing a bottle of wine that we liked and sharing it was exhilarating. Needless to say, we found several bottles we enjoyed while we sat overlooking the lake and enjoying the musical groups. This two-day event was attended by more than 12,000 people. The Eastern's Bayside Blues & Wine Fest at the Eastern Yacht Club is this weekend.
‘The roof is on fire’
The roof at the New Haven Lounge is in need of repair after we tore the “roof of the mutha” at Thursday’s “let the monkey go.” “I wanna testify” that when owner Keith Covington invited me to “let the monkey go,” “I stood accused.” At first I couldn’t fathom his enthusiasm but now I understand. Ot took me back to “school daze” at Coppin and the Civic Center with my “flashlight, neon lights,” go-go boots and bush. These musicians had us riveted in space and time. The P Funk Band, comprised of musicians that perform with the Parliament Funkadelic band including leaders Greg Deanda and Gary Curtis, had musicians from Prince and Michael Jackson’s last band sitting in, making the night sensational. Reliving our college days with sounds of Sly & the family stone, Bootsy Collins and the infamous George Clinton were Lennox Fraser, Calvin Johnson, Anthony Jones, Jahureia Gethers, Chris Spagnolo, Ron Rollings, Ralph Magwood and drummer Dennis Chambers.
Go Bears. Fifth quarter celebrations will take place at The Haven to cheer the Morgan Bears. Special shout out to Coach Hill.
Celebration time. Happy birthday Tobi Pulley, Haven Lounge’s Sydney, Susan Smallwood and Scott Taylor.
“Some days there won't be a song in your heart. Sing anyway.” - Emory Austin
‘I lost someone’
Two longtime friends earned their wings. We say goodbye to a “phenomenal woman” and Mrs. Senior Maryland Verna Day-Jones, Baltimore’s ambassador to “living life like its golden” and Ralph Chase, the retired acting director of Recreation and Parks and a 1961 Morgan State graduate. Chase was the first Black manager at Memorial Stadium, a wonderful husband to Betty, a great father, pop op, friend and smooth hand dancer. RIP Verna and Chase.
“If someone is too tired to give you a smile, leave one of your’s; because no one needs a smile as much as those who have none to give.” - Rabbi Samson Hirsch
“I’ll be there”
-Valerie & the Friday Night Bunch
A luta continua