Family,
"Absence makes the heart grow fonder" so I hope you missed me last week and was looking forward to receiving this week's e-Newsletter! I was off on a much needed real vacation -- sans computer, blackberry and other gadgets that can be soooo distracting, and I felt liberated! I wish I could say that I missed you, but truth be told, I did not even THINK about you until Sunday when I sent a virtual Happy Mother's Day thought to all who qualify. The older I get, the more I appreciate taking time off from everything and just basking in free time without worrying about schedules and other folks' needs. If you work hard, you definitely need to take a vacation soon, because YOU deserve it!
While I was away, I observed many families, couples, singles, seniors, friends, mothers and daughters, and various ethnic groups enjoying fun in the sun. It was so cool to watch others really taking time out to appreciate being together -- with their "families" and strangers who crossed their paths. Everyone was in high "spirits" and folks were soooo nice. There was no color, language or status barriers and it was just beautiful to be a part of that phenom. I was especially glad to be having my first real vacation with my mother. Unfortunately my most fond memories of her involve her working and taking care of other people, especially her children and husband. To see her drop everything and embrace her vacation was a real treat to me. At times, I caught myself watching her while my eyes welled with tears at the unadulterated fun she was having. Oh, I love Mommy and see so much of me in her! Even though Mother's Day is gone, I hope that you took time out (and are taking time out every day) to appreciate your mother, and the mother(s) of your child(ren). Happy belated Mother's Day to you!
On another note, my mother (and maybe your mother too) is at an age where she is officially labeled a senior, but there is nothing "senior" about her. She is young at heart, takes care of herself, looks great, and attracts many young people wherever she goes. I know that I am a chip off the "old block" so I plan to age gracefully just like her. My father, on the other hand, is one of those seniors who are dealing with the very noticeable wears and tears of getting older. It breaks my heart sometimes when I remember how strong and agile he once was, but I also recognize that aging and all that comes with it is inevitable unless you plan to die young. Isn't it funny how the roles start reversing as everyone gets older? The parents become the children and vice versa...To ensure that YOU age gracefully and with less "drama," start taking care of yourself TODAY so you too can age strong and live long!
As we continue to celebrate Older Americans Month in May, I hope you will find it in you to be extra kind to the seniors who cross your path. Protect, love and serve our seniors who have paved the way for us and future generations.
Happy birthday to Cheryll March, Hector Clarke, Ronald Johnson, and everyone else celebrating.
Have a great week,
Rosie "Peppy" Parke Creative Director Peppy Entertainment & Promotions |
Celebrate the Couple with the Longest Marriage in the WORLD!
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Herbert and Zelmyra Fisher from North Carolina are featured in the June issue of Ebony magazine. I was skimming through the magazine and literally stumbled upon this couple who will celebrate 85 years of marriage on May 13. The Fishers hold the record as the world's longest wed couple. Herbert is 104 and his lovely wife is 101. When folks talk about wanting to grow old together, this is what it really means. Just beautiful! |
Prayers and Positive Vibrations for Oneil Edwards of "Voicemail"
| Voicemail member, Oneil Edwards who celebrated his birthday on Saturday, May 8, is now admitted in the Kingston Public Hospital (KPH) suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.Edwards was reportedly shot several times early Monday morning outside
his house in Duhaney Park. He was taken to the Kingston Public hospital
where he underwent critical surgery.
Jamaica's Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Olivia Grange, while condemning
the shooting of Oneil Edwards, also noted that she was saddened by the news.
"I am extremely saddened by the attack on Oneil Edwards of Voicemail
and I sincerely hope that he will recover from his wounds. This young
man and his colleagues have thrilled us with melodious harmonies and
have gained a wide fan base," a release from the Jamaica Information
Service (JIS) quoted the minister as saying. On a personal note, I had the opportunity to spend some quality time with Oneil and members of Voicemail on a visit to Jamaica last year. Oneil seems very grounded with his "business" head squarely on his shoulders, and it was a pleasure being in his presence. We here at Peppy Entertainment & Promotions are praying for Oneil and wish him a speedy recovery!
Thanks to TBone for sharing this story!
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Haiti, We Still Love and Remember You
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Even though it seems as if the smoke has cleared and Haiti is not in the news as much these days, many of us are still praying, working and hoping for Haiti.
This week I am proud to report that CEO of Movementunes.com, Heru Ofori-Atta who was a co-producer of our "HOPE FOR HAITI" Project held in February, is in Haiti working on a documentary and assisting with relief efforts. We are getting the news in pieces but we know that Heru has been to Port-Au-Prince and Cap Haitien, loaded medical supplies on a truck, and will be filming a newly built sustainable earth school as part of his documentary. More strength to Heru and the other soldiers of love who are on the ground in Haiti doing their part.
On Friday, May 21, the Caribbean Professional Network in collaboration with the Young Haitian Professionals will host "Spring Dance Party" -- a fundraiser for Haiti, at Zanzibar on the Waterfront. Proceeds from this event will go towards Haitian Relief Alliance (HRA) and National Organization for the Advancement of Haitians (NOAH). For more information, click HERE. See flier below in Events Section.
On Sunday, May 23, Johann Richard of Kay Nou and Bertha Cross of Fitness Heights International will host "LAPS FOR HAITI." This event will be held at Cardozo High School in Washington DC, and will start at 7:30am. You do not have to actually run at this event -- you can walk, donate, sponsor or volunteer. Your participation and contribution will help support Fondwa -- a
university town in Haiti, to rebuild schools and jump-start education
in Haiti following the January earthquake. For more information, click HERE or email [email protected] today!
Laps for Haiti is sponsored in part by Peppy Entertainment & Promotions.
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YOUR AD OR LOGO COULD BE HERE... AND OVER 10,000 PEOPLE WOULD BE CHECKING YOU OUT.
| Ad space for sale. Rates as low as $30 per week. Email [email protected] for more information. Also, if you would like to sponsor one of our fundraisers, email us and we will be sure to sort you out.
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RACQUEL BROWN GASTON: Author on the Rise | (Below Racquel with her son, Shiloh)
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Racquel Brown Gaston was born in Falmouth, Trelawny on the island of
Jamaica. She migrated to Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, New York at age
14. Shook by the drastic change in socio-economic status, culture and
the introduction of life on the streets of Bed-Stuy, Racquel escaped to
her studies and her imaginary world that emerged. It was then, as a
hobby, that she began to put her gift of storytelling and imagery
personification on paper. It was also then that she was most at ease.
Racquel won a scholarship to Boston University, and from there she
attended the University of Miami School of Law. Returning to New York,
she worked as an advisor to the School of Business at Medgar Evers
College of the City University of New York, and later became the
College's Affirmative Action Officer, the coordinator of the Department
of Public Administration's law program and an Assistant Professor. She
simultaneoulsy maintained her law practice, specializing in Business
and Real Estate law. Despite her professorial and legal
accomplishments, Racquel still felt unfulfilled as her truest passion -
that of writing, still tormented her.
Responding to the constant nudging of her high school sweetheart,
best friend and now husband, she dropped everything and followed her
true passion. With faith as her means of transportation, she walked
away from her secured income and lifestyle and with her husband, began
her career as an author. On December 15th, 2009, she released her debut
novel "Deadly Instincts" - a thriller, with Bedford Stuyvesant as the
setting. Readers have described the book as an adrenaline rush, heart
throbbing, mesmerizing and "a movie." Racquel has been hosted by the Embassy of Jamaica in New York and many other groups. She was recently a part of a new authors exposition in New York, and will be featured at the National Black Book Festival in Houston and honored at the Trelawny Reunion in NY this month. She will also be featured at the Harlem Book Fair in July in NY and is currently accepting speaking engagements. Visit RACQUEL BROWN GASTON today and check out DEADLY INSTINCTS.
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Membership has its perks!
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REMEMBERING THE KING OF REGGAE
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HONORABLE ROBERT NESTA MARLEY
February 6, 1945 to May 11, 1981
Bob Marley was a hero figure, in the classic mythological sense. His
departure from this planet came at a point when his vision of One
World, One Love -- inspired by his belief in Rastafari -- was beginning
to be heard and felt. The last Bob Marley and the Wailers tour in 1980
attracted the largest audiences at that time for any musical act in
Europe.
The tiny Third World country of Jamaica has produced an artist who has
transcended all categories, classes, and creeds through a combination
of innate modesty and profound wisdom. Bob Marley, the Natural Mystic,
may yet prove to be the most significant musical artist of the
twentieth century.
Because of Bob Marley, the world is addicted to reggae music!
READ MORE ON THE LEGENDARY BOB MARLEY HERE
"Life is one big road with lots of signs. So when you
riding through the ruts, don't complicate your mind. Flee from hate,
mischief and jealousy. Don't bury your thoughts, put your vision to
reality . Wake Up and Live!"
Bob Marley
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