“You expected to be sad in the fall. Part of you died each year when the leaves fell from the trees and their branches were bare against the wind and the cold, wintery light. But you knew there would always be the spring, as you knew the river would flow again after it was frozen. When the cold rains kept on and killed the spring, it was as though a young person died for no reason.” –Ernest Hemingway
More than 100 patrons of the arts enjoyed an evening of jazz and a delicious dinner of hot fried chicken, string beans, and salad compliments of the Arch Social Club at the 24th annual Rosa Pryor Musical Scholarship’s press conference to meet the winners of the musical scholarships founded by Rosa Pryor- Trusty. Members of the Arch Social Club, the oldest continuous operating organization, located at Pennsylvania and North Avenue, in the heart of Baltimore’s Sandtown, hosted the event.
DJ Richard, Gregory Veney and the Common Times and Sherry Woodley Band provided the music performing pro-bono in support of the scholarship. Rosa Pryor Musical Scholarship board member Dr. Donna Hollie explained the in-depth selection process in selecting and awarding the scholarships and introduced the 2015 scholarship winners, sister and brother saxophonists Ebban and Eprahaim Dorsey receiving a standing ovation for playing Miles Davis’ “Kinda Blue.”
“Fall has always been my favorite season. The time when everything bursts with its last beauty, as if nature had been saving up all year for the grand finale.” –Lauren DeStefano
The picnic in the park hosted by Five Girls and Three Guys plus One, on a warm autumn day in Patapsco State Park in Maryland was amazing and is one of the most sought-after invitations kicking off the autumn season. The park was the perfect venue to witness the jewel-tone foliage, which created a majestic backdrop of colors as friends, strolled from table to table tasting and sipping the abundance of food. Invitees were excited to share their bounty with family and friends as they arrived loaded with goodies. Mack McGowan mastered the grill with hot dogs, burgers, salmon and more. Amongst the guests enjoying the gorgeous day were Rhoda Fassett, Brenda McNeil, Roxy Humphrey, Yvonne Frye, Eunice Robinson, Anton Sawyer, Allenette Valentine, Anderson Ward, photographer for the {AFRO}, Brenda Baker, Martin Austin, Terry Jones, Yolanda Crawley, Charles Frazier, Romona Gatewood and Jackie Brock. Bouquets of flowers to hosts and the creators of Picnic in the Park Blandnett Lynch, Everlon Moulton, Lyberian “Libby” Massey, Yvonne West, Maxine Turnipseed, Victor Green, Willard Wright, Lajoi Grimes and Matt McGowan.
“You are in integrity when the life you are living on the outside matches who you are on the inside.”-Alan Cohen
Congratulations to Kelly Carter, Cole Weston, Comptroller Peter Franchot and Attorney General Peter Frosh the recipients of the Baltimore County Democratic Party Service Award received at the 9th Annual Democratic Party Unity Dinner. Elected officials and community leaders throughout Baltimore County attended the event. I was the guest of Delegate Shelly Hettleman. Other elected officials in attendance were Speaker Pro-tem Adrienne Jones, Senator Shirley Pulliam, County Executive Kevin Kamenetz, Delegate Vicky Almond, Chris Van Hollen and Senator Ben Cardin. Guests enjoying the keynote speaker, the Honorable Julian Castro, were Dr. Russell Kelly, Pat Crisp, Barry Williams, Patty Burr, Graham Butch Henry, Nia Duggins, Risa Alberts, Claire Landers, Terri Fishler, Aaron Max, Yolanda Phillips, Rev. Jerome Stephens, Yolanda Winkler, and Mildred Owens.
“Joy is not the result of getting what you want; it is the way to get what you want. In the deepest sense, joy is what you want.” –Alan Cohen
What a celebration for Spencer Dobson’s 60th birthday hosted by his wife Ida at the lovely home of his sister Denise McDonald; the music set the scene as guests danced way into “the wee small hours of the morning.” The menu catered by Wanda Noble included an assortment of homemade desserts that were “simply the best.” “Back down memory lane” Spencer’s sister Ida baked a chocolate layer cake that was just plain good. “Come Sunday” I wished I had forgotten my manners and took a piece home. Only two people could bake a chocolate cake that good; my mother who baked it every year for my birthday and Covington’s on Lauren Street.
I don’t believe in frettin’ or grievin’ why mess around with strife’ I never was cut out to step and strut out; give me the simple life.”-Ella Fitzgerald
Happy birthday to Berice Bogan, Marcellus “Bassman” Shepard, Stafford Sutton, Stephanie Covington, Paul Taylor, Matthews Wright, Eugene Smalley, Barbara Pettit, Marci Flournoy, Blanche Beckham, Flora Johnson, Leah Goldsborough Hasty, Michele Rigby, Michael Polston, AJ Miles, Christopher Evans, Marlene Jones and special birthday wishes to Dick Gregory on his 83rd birthday and baseball legend Jim Palmer on his 70th.
“May the works I’ve done speak for me. May the works I’ve done speak for me. When I’m resting in my grave, there’s nothing more to be said; may the works I’ve done speak for me… The works I’ve done, sometimes it seems so small, it seems like I’ve done nothing at all. May the works I’ve done speak for me. ” -The Consolers
The city of Baltimore said good-bye to two of its outstanding citizens, master barber, Johnny Clinton the Mayor of Park Heights and Romaine Taylor, former Sandtown-Winchester beautician, resident and community organizer who at the age of 92 was still active is her community who greeted every President that visited Sandtown. They loved their city and gave to the end. We send condolences to Martena Clinton, Johnny’s wife and to Romaine Taylor‘s cousins Myra Queen and Carolyn Lumpkins on their deaths.
Have you had your mammogram? I did and it saved my life!
“I’ll be seeing you” Valerie & the Friday Night Bunch