By Valerie Fraling, Special to the AFRO
“Summer was our best season: it was sleeping on the back screened porch in cots or trying to sleep in the treehouse; summer was everything good to eat; it was a thousand colors in a parched landscape; but most of all, summer was dill.” Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird
Summer Solstice 2019 was welcomed with a flurry of activities to celebrate its arrival. The Ladies of Cherry Hill Community Presbyterian Church hosted their afternoon Hat and Tea party at their historic church. Pastor Cleoda Walker’s message from Luke 14:12-14 “Then He also said to him who invited Him, “When you give a dinner or a supper, do not ask your friends, your brothers, your relatives, nor rich neighbors, lest they also invite you back, and you be repaid. But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just.” Was warmly received in the spirit filled room. She reminded us the reason we give is not for what we get in return but the joy it brings to others. The ladies were adorned in an array of colorful outfits and beautiful chapeaus adorned their heads as they strutted throughout Murphy Hall. Guests enjoying the beautiful first day of summer were my host Libby Massey, Marion Curry, Falisha Massey, Wanetah Wilkins, Dr Carol Scruggs, Norma Hall Ridgley, Amara Hall, Julia Hines, Stephanie Stevenson, Ernestine Boyd, Maureen Generette, Gloria Bailey, Linda Weaver, Gwen Scruggs, Lillian Barnes, Juanita Bellamy, Marcia Tuck, Linda Hollis and Mattie Barton. The uplifting music was provided by Rose Gold Experience and grace was given by Pastor Keith O Page.
“And so, with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.” F, Scott Fitzgerald
“Let’s get it on.” Myra Owens Queen hosted her annual first day of summer Ladies Only Party on her spacious and well-appointed deck at her gorgeous Windsor Hill home.
“Oh yes it’s ladies’ night and the feeling’s right.” Kool and the Gang
The ladies enjoyed the beautiful afternoon sipping champagne and nibbling on assorted hors d’oeuvres. Ladies in attendance where Jacqueline Richardson, Brenda Sykes, Michelle Carter Herberta Jones, Cynthia Jackson, Debbie Martin,
Sheila Hatcher, Regina Pollitt, Cynthia West, Tracy Days, Betty McNeil, Stacy Ridgeway, Tessa Sheffield, Geraldine Taylor, Carolyn Wainwright, Sandi Matthews and Sonia Rufus. Special thanks to the King of the castle, Albert Queen for welcoming us and being our unofficial valet.
“Living my best life,” at Sullivan’s on Light Street for one of the best happy hours I’ve attended in quite a while. General Manager Damon Hawkins and his assistant general manager Dexter Harris has taken happy hour to a new level with happy hours on Monday through Sundays featuring live entertainment. Sunday’s happy hour starts at 11AM. The $7 drink menu features top shelf martinis, bourbon and cognacs and the $7 food menu features high end appetizers including oyster rockefellers, beef wellington and more. The first day of summer I joined the Red Hatters “Hot Sirachas” for happy hour. Music was provided by Rodney Kelly and Andre Lunsford on guitar. Later we enjoyed drinks and cigars on the outside patio. Valet parking is available after 5PM.
“I can’t stop loving you,” singing happy anniversary to David and Karen Brown Hagans, James and Jo Lewis, G. Louise and James Green and Brigitte and Bob Hodges.
“They say this cat Shaft is a bad mother…shut your mouth but I’m talkin’ ‘bout Shaft. Then we can dig it” Isaac Hayes
Myrna Jackson-Cann celebrated her birthday at Next Act Cinema at the Pikes for the opening showing of “Shaft”. Guests were able to order food and drinks before the movie started that was delivered to our seats. After the movie we joined the birthday girl in the lobby for a delicious pink and green decorated birthday cake. Each guest received a gift bag with a bottle of champagne and a champagne glass compliments of Myrna and her husband Mike. Robert Wright the founder of the theater was there to greet us.
Singing happy birthday to Linda James, Frank Tate, 5-year-old Amy Caroline Boston Smith and William Bill Massey.
“There’s a sweet sweet spirit in this place. And I know that it’s the spirit of the Lord. There are sweet expressions on each face. And I know that it’s the presence of the Lord. Sweet, Holy Spirit. Sweet heavenly dove. Stay right here with us. Filling us with your love.” Elvis Presley
Remembering my line sister Merita White as she entered the invisible chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Omega Omega Chapter. Merita and I were members of 108 Black Pearls who pledged Delta in 1997. She wore her Delta symbols with dignity and pride. She knew it was a lifetime commitment and lived true to her commitment to Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. until the end.
Sending prayers of comfort to McNair Mickey Taylor and family as they mourn the death of Brent Taylor and to Sammy Mackel and family as he mourns the death of his wife Linda.
“What’s going on!”
June 30 Straight Ahead Jazz featuring Michael Thomas Quintet at the historic Arch Social Club 2426 Pennsylvania Avenue 5PM. Insured professional valet service is provided.
July 4, Cherry Hill Arts and music waterfront festival at Middle Branch Park.
July 6 at 4:00 PM Cherry Hill’s James Dow and his band will perform at a free outdoor jazz concert at the Avenue Bakery 2229 Pennsylvania Avenue.
July 13 White Out 4 Summer Breeze Affair sponsored by the Iota at the Forum Caterers.
July 21 Roberta’s House 3rd annual crab feast at Patapsco Arena 3301 Annapolis Rd for tickets www. robertashouse.org
I’ll be seeing you. Happy 4th of July!!!!