living for the weekend2

“I’ve had some good days I’ve had some hills to climb I’ve had some weary days and some sleepless nights. But when I look around and I think things over all of my good days outweigh my bad days I won’t complain. Sometimes the clouds are low I can hardly see the road I ask a question, Lord why so much pain? But he knows what’s best for me although my weary eyes they can’t see so I’ll just say thank you Lord I won’t complain.” Paul Jones

“I’m as mad as hell, and I’m not going to take this anymore!” Howard Beale- Network

Join the “Elders of the Village,” 9 a.m., Dec. 22 at the intersection of Reisterstown Rd and 695 as they stand in unity and solidarity in protest of the recent deaths and injustice in Missouri, Ohio and New York.

“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view… until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.” Atticus Finch- to Kill a Mockingbird

“They Can’t Take Away Our Music” War

The spirit of the people attending WAR’s recent concert was the same as back in the day. The only difference was the pep in our step, and we no longer sported our perfectly groomed bush and dashikis. “I was slipping into darkness when I heard my mother say” someone had “spilled the wine”  I told her  “Cisco Kid was a friend of mind” he was a “low-rider” who knows “the world is a ghetto.” Lonnie Jordan, the original member celebrated his 66th birthday that night as he reminisced about 40 years of performing with War taking us “back down memory lane.”

Nestled on a strip at 7216 Windsor Mill Road is a hidden gem, Café 1137 where Chef Devin Chambers prepares mouthwatering fare with a taste of Asian and New Orleans while mastering American cuisine.  The friendly staff welcomed me and offered to assist in my menu selection. I introduced myself to the Chef and told him I would mention him in Living for the Weekend; the surprise was on me he said, “Sharon Richmond told me you were coming.” Sharon had told me about the food and I promised I would stop. Café 1137 specializes in a variety of items including bean pies grilled, baked and fried foods. Call 410-265-1137.

 “…but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”  Joshua 24:15

Rising Sun First Baptist Church under the leadership of the Rev. Emmett Burns presided over the ordination of our friend, newly appointed Deacon Carlos Hutchins and his wife Deaconess Patsy Hutchins. Also ordained were Deacon Michael Holden and his wife Deaconess Stacey Holden. We congratulate the couples and their dedication to their ministry.

“If I can help somebody” Patricia Smith,  program director of The Art of Caring Foundation is seeking  donors to sponsors youth for the 2015 Harlem Globetrotters tour Dec. 26 at the Royal Farms Arena. Contact Pat at 410-542-1919.

Celebration time come on! Happy Birthday Cordell Boone, Patrick Roberson, Donald Rainey, George Ray, Trena Taylor Brown, Michael Graham, Hattie Hillery, Rev. Toni Draper, Tanika Sykes, Larry Poncho Brown, Nykidra Robinson, Jake Chambers, the Honorable Sheila Dixon and Dr. Charlene Cooper Boston.

It’s your anniversary Frank and Marcia Coakley and to Delores and Edward Briscoe who celebrated 62 years wishing “love and happiness” to you.

“I am a great mayor; I am an upstanding Christian man; I am an intelligent man; I am a deeply educated man; I am a humble man.” Marion Barry

May you rest in paradise Mr. Mayor.

 “In the sweet bye and bye we shall meet on that beautiful shore”
Condolences to Dorothy Marshall on the death of her sister, Claudia Hamilton; to the Polston family on the death of their brother Warren “Dumpy” Polston; to Angie DeVeaux on the death of Kevin Thompkins; to the family of “Skeeter” Blue and to Yoma Mitchell on the death of her mother.

What are you doing New Year’s Eve?

Phaze 10’s New Year’s Eve celebration is destined to be a sensational evening with a three-course menu of prime rib, stuffed lobster or stuffed shrimp and a midnight champagne toast. The price is right $67.50 per person. For reservations, call 443-462-0971.

“The Lord bless thee, and keep thee; the Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee; The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace”  Numbers 6: 24-26

2014 was a year of triumphs and disappointments for me personally; the death of my father Benjamin Scott Johnson in January left a void that only memories can fill. I celebrated 10 years as a breast cancer survivor in November and mourned the loss of those who lost the battle.  For most of you, it was also a tough and challenging year. Many of you suffered the loss of parents, the loss of siblings, loss of a child or family member, the loss of a lover or friend, the loss of economic security and the loss of good health. There have been victories and celebrations this year. The nation watched Baltimore celebrate the birth of the Star-Spangled Banner and enjoyed a spectacular firework display. We cheered the Orioles and rooted for the Ravens. We saw the unemployment rate decline and job opportunities increase. We saw a neighborhood crumble and saw neighbors extend a hand to help rebuild. Through it all, “it was a very good year” our good days outweigh our bad days. In 2015 may you continue “living for the weekend”.

Until next year, we wish you a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year Valerie, and the Friday Night Bunch