North Jersey Jack and Jill 60th Anniversary Tea

Eastern Region Protocol Chair Karen Chaplin of the Stamford, Ct. Chapter and Eastern Region Teen Advisor Tammy King of the Bergen-Passaic NJ Chapter.
Going over the final details are committee member Margaret Marshall , Ethelyn Bowers past president (3times), Denise Gray-Felder committee co-chair, and current president Brenda Scotland
Young alumnae at the registration table: seated l to r : Erin Marshall, Tufts '11, Kristina Felder U. of Mich. '12; standing l to r: Alayjah Watson, USC '12, Paige Franklin, Dartmouth '12, Justine Kay, Quinnipiac U. '12
Andrea Fant-Hobbs describes "The Ritual of Tea"
Past and present North Jersey presidents gather for photo
Current member Robyn Dawson Bryant and charter member Daisy Douglas
Secretary of State Nina Mitchell Wells, Esq. poses with Associate members Beverly Cotton and past president Connie McAllister
Past president Gayle Thigpen-Allen and guest Frazeal Harris
Young North Jersey alumnae Justine Kay, Quinnipiac '12, Paige Franklin Dartmouth '12, and Maya Smith, Kent Place School '10

The Orange Lawn Tennis Club in South Orange, NJ never looked move lovely than on Sunday, June 28th at the 60th Anniversary Jack and Jill Luncheon and Tea. Nearly 100 hat and glove wearing guests from the current chapter, alumnae, and associate members gathered for a festive lunch that included mescalin salad, tea sandwiches, grilled chicken and salmon, and onion and tomato foccacia. The day was a salute to a chapter that has been in existence(1949) almost as long as the national organization (1938). NJ Secretary of State and former associate (former) club member Nina Mitchell Wells, Esq. was honored along with charter member Daisy Douglas who is the only living founding member of the chapter. Committee co-chair Andrea Fant-Hobbs instructed guests on "The Ritual of Tea" as members sipped various flavors of herbal tea and munched on short bread cookies and chocolate covered strawberries. The chapter celebrated in true North Jersey style with mimosas, lots of laughter, hugs and memories of raising children in a chapter with a very rich history.

The End of an Era

There really is not much left to say about the passing of Michael Jackson. We are all heartbroken in a way. It's the end of an era, and certainly the end of those fun, moon walking, childhood days for most of us under the age of 50.

So Black Glitterati's tribute to him is in those photos from those happy childhood days made up of the Jackson 5, especially dear Michael.

THE JACKIE ROBINSON FOUNDATION 'S ANNUAL AWARDS DINNER

The Jackie Robinson Foundation held its 2009 Annual Awards dinner at the Waldorf-Astoria in Manhattan on March 16th. This year's honorees included Robin Roberts, Dr. Benjamin Carson, Sr.,
and Robert Redford.

This organization serves as an advocate for youth through the granting of four-year scholarships for higher education.

Pictured to the right: The Gonsalves Family surround Mrs. Rachel Robinson, Founder of The Jackie Robinson Foundation. Gregg Gonsalves is a member of the JRF Board of Directors. Photo courtesy of newyorksocialdiary.com

BERGEN COUNTY JACK AND JILL'S 55TH ANNIVERSARY GALA

The women of the Bergen-Passaic Chapter of Jack and Jill hosted an elegant gala on February 28th to celebrate their 55th Anniversary. Guests enjoyed an opulent cocktail hour which featured a pasta station, asian station, carving station, and seafood station. An Open Bar and dinner followed with baby field greens with asparagus tips and hearts of palm, tournedo of prime filet mignon and chicken marsala, mashed potatoes infused with garlic and chives, and chef composed vegetables( my guess was broccoli rabe). The desserts were incredible-molten chocolate lava cake with fresh berries and apple tart with almond ice cream.

Valerie Adams and The Dimension Band had the place rockin' and a great silent auction included wonderful packages from local businesses and artisans. A great time was had by all! Thanks to our hosts Murshell and Sam Bland. Murshell was the president of this chapter for two terms and continues to be an active member. I have posted a few pictures. Enjoy.

Exciting News from The Historical Alpha Lodge

Thanks to an avid BG follower, I have news about a family legacy within the Alpha Lodge No. 116 (Free and Accepted Masons, Grand Lodge of NJ) as well as its upcoming installation of officers.

Dr. Ralph Rogers, a world-reknowned sports and musculoskeletal physician was raised at Alpha Lodge No. 116 in the early 80's in East Orange. Readers from the Montclair community may remember his father who was also a member and past master as well as a Medical Doctor and primary figure in historic town of Montclair. For many years, the Rogers family was active in both the .Prince Hall lodges of Jepthah and Eureka in Montclair and Alpha Lodge No. 116 in East Orange. Ralph Rogers has worked for three separate police forces in the United Kingdom and the Ministry of Defense. Currently he has his own practice in London. Despite his very busy lecture tour and medical practice, Dr. Rogers will attend the upcoming installation of officers at Alpha Lodge in December. Their incoming Master will take the oath on the George Washington Inaugural Bible. For more information about Alpha Lodge, check out www.alphalodgeno116.blogspot.com .

Change

Those who know me well know that I always, always believed that God had his hand on Barack Obama and would lead him to ultimately become the President of our country. But even with the conviction in my heart and soul, it is still incredible. I have never been so elated in all of my days. The people that I see on the street, in the grocery store, and in restaurants are all chattering with excitement and hope like I have never seen before.

It is this hope and excitement that I also see in my son. This is a win for him personally, and it validates him in ways that have not manifested yet. However, in the short term, he can skate as the only African-American on his hockey team a little faster, he can throw his lacrosse ball a little farther, and most importantly he can stand firm in his belief that he is smart, well-spoken, and striving to be a straight A student. My son is a young man who comes from a loving home with two parents, a sister, and a large extended family. However, the validation that will now come from the fact that we have our first African-American President has already helped him to see himself as a stronger more respected human being in the United States of America.

Thank you President Elect Obama and congratulations to you and your family.

THE BIBLIOPHILES 20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

This weekend, The Bibliophiles, the oldest continuously operating incorporated Black Book club in America will celebrate their 20th anniversary. This powerful and committed group of African-American women will celebrate at an invitation-only event at the NJ Historical Society in Newark surrounded by past and present members, local dignitaries, and the who's who of Essex County, NJ. Expected at this exclusive fete are Bibliophiles Joyce Harley, Essex County Business Administrator and a member of the Essex County Links,Inc., Doris Boyer, immediate past-president of The North Jersey Chapter of Jack and Jill, Inc. and many others.

To learn more about The Bibliophiles and their history, log onto www.thebiliophiles.org .

The 2nd Annual "Back in the Day" Party

Join the many graduates and supporters of Montclair High School for a fundraiser that's still being talked about a year later. November 1st is the date and The Commonwealth Club in Montclair is the venue for this event that will benefit a deserving scholar from Montclair High School.

Whether you live in Montclair or graduated from MHS in 1950 or 2000, this is the ticket to buy. Just click on the save-the-date which will take you to brownpapertickets.com to process your payment.

See you there!