I write from the heart, whether it is about topical issues, my many treks all over the world, or just lighthearted fluff. I simply enjoy sharing my thoughts and experiences and getting valuable and interesting feedback.
Showing posts with label Marcia Griffith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Marcia Griffith. Show all posts
As they say, better late than never and I totally agree.
Hispanic Heritage Month was celebrated in October in most cities in Broward, with one important feature everywhere being the music festivals.
But in tiny N. Lauderdale (population less than 45,000), their festival was apparently postponed twice and only held on the 1st November.
With my posse 😊.
I have never been to anything in N. Lauderdale before but as a Jamaican, felt an instant connection to that city. For their Mayor hails from Ghana, from which most of our ancestors were transported. Also they have a commissioner named Bustamate.
That's a famous but uncommon name in Jamaica despite our years of Spanish colonial occupation.
Only a popular former prime minister and National Hero Sir Alexander Bustamate, bore that Hispanic name, as far I can recall.
Entertainment started with a mariachi band
These two dancers were very professional.
The "Puerta de Oro de Colombia" expertly showcased Colombian music, dance and modelled traditional costumes.
A section of the audience
This was the star performance backed by drummers. She was so good that Alfredo (below) never left the dance floor once she started to perform 😊
The Mayor apologized for not holding the festival in the official Hispanic Heritage Month, but in my book, it made no difference as it was a well-planned, and executed event which had everyone enjoying themselves immensely👍.
The two female MC's were excellent too, teaching attendees to do dances from maccarema to our own Marcia Griffith's electric boogie.
It sure was a great celebration to honor Mrs. Violet Edwards (fondly known as Miss Vie or Aunt Vie) on her 100th birthday.
She does not look a day over 75 and the function celebrating the milestone with a splash, was held in Parkland, Florida on Saturday night.
Channel 10 was there and aired this excellent report.
The you tube link is at:
https://youtu.be/DcS95kqOOkE?si=cgPMlIHQVADN7IE4.
I had a great time and took a ton of pictures as usual.😁
You know what was particularly inspiring? The fact that Miss. Vie got all the well deserved accolades while she was alive. As normally people have to die before you are told of their good works.
And Miss. Vie herself shared some of her secrets to long life and happiness. Laugh a lot, don't worry, maintain a positive outlook on life, be kind and sociable.
She is by far my most impressive role model and am so happy I was invited to share this milestone.
Great memories.
Famous songbird Marcia Griffith, former backup singer to Bob Marley, pays tribute.
Son-in-law attorney Everett, pays tribute.
Daughter Dr. Christine Edwards with husband Everett
Jamaica's Consul General Oliver Mair hails Miss Vie.
In-law Dr. Hope Smith admires the cake with Miss. Vie.
In laws Colin (also leader/founder of Tallawah Mento Band) and wife Anette Smith pose with Miss Vie.
Jamaica's celebrated tenor Steve Higgins serenades Miss Vie.
Consul General Mair
Wayne Armond, (left) former leader of Chalice dance band now plays with Tallawah Mento Band led by Colin Smith.
Tariq Smith, Tallawah's drummer.
There was lots of entertainment throughout including music by Tallawah Mentor Band and a Mentalist/ magician?
The "mentalist" used Shadrach for one of his schemes😊
The dance floor was well used all night.
Drop foot, (Shake a leg) yes Miss. Vie👏👏🎂
Marcia Griffiths in action, members of Tallawah Mentor Band behind.
Carol and Shadrach. The huge venue in the background.
Tenor Steve Higgins with Carol
With my designated driver/friend, Carol.
(Photos by Carol.)
Marcia in action
Happy my grandson came
The guest of honor enjoyed every moment.
When Miss Vie got her Batchelors degree at age 96, (4 years ago: https://joan-myviews.blogspot.com/2022/06/reflections-on-aging.html?m=1,) she set up a scholarship fund to help needy Jamaicans in her homeland attend the University of the West Indies. For her 100th celebration, Miss Vie requested that invitees contribute to that scholarship fund instead of bringing her gifts.👏👍
Incidentally, we Jamaicans celebrate Senior Citizens Week Sept 24 to 1 October, so Miss Vie outstanding celebration was well timed!
It sure was a great night all round!😊
The food and general catering service was top of the line, the decorations superb, the entertainment appropriate and enjoyable, and the valet service went like clockwork.
