Posts Tagged ‘Delaware’
Wilmington High School Class of ’74 White Party
Last Saturday night, hubby and I attended the Wilmington High School Class of ‘74 White Party held at the Chase Center on the Riverfront. My husband actually graduated in 1975, but it was a 1974 Scholarship Fundraiser attended by many of the graduates including those from the classes of 1974 and beyond.
Needless to say, we had a great time and because it was an all white party I was able to purchase a new dress, which most of you would have seen if you follow me on Instagram. Hubby and I had gone shopping a few weeks prior where I found this cute dress at Boscov’s .
The shoes are closet staples but the purse was also a recent purchase from Steinmart, a store that I hadn’t shopped before. However, it won’t be the last time I shop there, because I also purchased a white lace dress for another #whiteparty which we will be attending in August.
Hubby custom designed his white suit from the World of Alfa, which is an online designer of men’s clothing created by the actor Boris Kudjoe.
The World of Alfa offers high styles at low cost and I must admit that we looked GOOD!
Not only did we look good but everyone in attendance was also looking good and feeling fabulous especially out there on the dance floor where we jammed to “blasts from the past”. The songs were spun by DJ Touch Tone and hyped by Lady B of Old School 100.3.
Please check out my Facebook page to see a few short videos.
We had a great time and had almost made it to the bewitching hour of 2:00 am which was the time the party was to end, but we left around 1:00 am, which was still a late night for us both.
There was a cash bar and finger foods, also a few vendors and photo booths but I found the “charging station” to be an added bonus so that I could keep my phone’s battery from dying and losing out on some great pics.
Driving home hubby and I talked and laughed about the good time we had and we are looking forward to next month’s event in Townsend, Delaware which is being sponsored by hubby’s fraternity, Omega Psi Phi.
So how was your weekend?
University of Delaware Convocation 2016
On Friday, May 27, 2016, our son, Tayair Ishmael Blake participated in a Convocation held at the University of Delaware where he received a Certificate of Successful Completion of Career and Life Studies (CLSC).
He along with his fellow classmates were part of the ceremony which also included hundreds of graduating students receiving an undergraduate and graduate degree from the College of Education and Human Development. Oh by the way, there was a gentleman who received his degree at the age of 64 which was also awesome!
If you remember from previous posts, due to Tayair’s early medical history he is classified as Intellectually Disabled, but you also know from his recent presentation at a staff meeting at the Delaware Health and Social Services his motto “Being Disabled Does Not Mean We Are Not Able”. The events of the day is only further proof that anything can be done when you decide not to give up.
Needless to say, his father and I were super excited as was his brother and even the misspelling of his name on the certificate couldn’t put a damper on the day.
There are also more pictures on my Facebook and Instgram pages.
I could write more about the event, however, for this post I am just going to let the pictures and video speak louder than my words!
This sums up the day!
For more information on the CLSC Program check out their website
http://www.udel.edu/udaily/2012/jan/career-life-studies-010612.html
The CLSC program offers specialized coursework in career studies and life skills, as well as other inclusive learning opportunities on campus, including participation in UD undergraduate classes, clubs and activities. An individualized plan is created with each student that includes peer mentoring, staff coaching and support as identified through person-centered planning.
CLSC is coordinated through the College of Education and Human Development, School of Education, Center for Disabilities Studies and the Division of Professional and Continuing Studies.
Summer Sangria Slush
Disclosure: I was provided a sample of the Luis The Marinero Sangria to facilitate this review, however, all opinions are 100% my own. Drink Responsibly. #luisthemarinero #sangriasummer #ad
Hello Summer!!!
Family fun in the sun with backyard pool parties and lots of food on the grill are great ways to kick off this year’s summer season. So why not make the days even sweeter with a Summer Sangria Slush and enter for a chance to win an authentic Sangria pitcher from Spain.
Luis The Marinero Sangria wine was recently introduced exclusively in Delaware, New York and New Jersey and when my friends over at Regal Wine asked if I’d like to toast in the summer with a sample, you know me…I had to say, “sí”
I checked online and found several Sangria Slush recipes but decided to make a simple three ingredient slush using the Red Sangria, Ice and Watermelon.
Ingredients:
1 Cup Red Sangria
1 Cup Ice
1/3 Cup of Watermelon
Combine Sangria Red wine, ice cubes, and watermelon in a blender; process until smooth. Serve immediately or freeze. This quick and naturally sweet (sans sugar) summer slush got me in and out of the kitchen in a jiffy.
Enjoy a Sangria Summer
This authentic Spanish sangria is the perfect beverage for a sunny afternoon. Infused with citrus and cinnamon, Luis the Marinero is light on alcohol and refreshing in taste. Try it in red, white, and rosé.
Sangria Summer Promotion
Win a Sangria Pitcher from Spain! Simply upload a photo of yourself enjoying a sangria summer to www.regalwine.com/sangriasummer for a chance to win.
Regal Wine will select one winning photograph each week, from June through August, and post winners on Facebook and Instagram.
About the Wine:
White Sangria
Alcohol level 6%
Infused with citrus and tropical aromas, this crisp white wine offers a clean, fruity taste and a refreshing finish.
Red Sangria
Alcohol level 6%
Ruby red wine mingles with blueberries, cherries, and a hint of citrus and cinnamon. This rich sangria has a sweet and satisfying aftertaste.
Rose Sangria
Alcohol level 6%
A fresh pink wine blends with strawberry, raspberry, and citrus flavors. Sparkling and sweet, the rose sangria has an effervescent finish.
About the Winery:
Regal Wine is the exclusive American importer of Luis The Marinero. Bottled by the Spanish winery Bodegas Valdepablo, this authentic sangria celebrates wine-based drinks passed down from generation to generation since 1928. Luis The Marinero sangria pays tribute to the winery’s history, summer, and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea.
Which flavor would you like to try?
Empowering Our Sisters : Our Journey to Wellness
Saturday I attended the 3rd Annual Health, Wellness and Empowerment Summit presented by the Wilmington Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
The Empowering Our Sisters: Our Journey to Wellness event was held at the John H. Ammon Medical Education Center at the Christiana Hospital.
I was invited to attend and to provide social media coverage by my “Sistah in Greekdom” Porsha Hargrove of Porsha Hargrove Consulting.
Arriving early Saturday morning, I followed the directional signs to the designated parking area, which was quite far from the actual venue. However, there was a shuttle bus waiting to transport us to the front door of the Education Center.
The lobby quickly began filling up with over 100 women of all ages and races. The registration tables were set up front and each attendee was greeted graciously and presented with a name badge and a reusable bag.
Inside the bag there were a few chatskis as well as a program folder which contained the full Summit Schedule, a Health Guide, Health Score Card, and Emergency Prepare a Kit, lined paper for notes and an Evaluation Form.
Also in the lobby were Exhibitor tables with health and wellness information including FREE Health Screenings and an opportunity to get additional raffle tickets for the various prize drawings throughout the day.
Long tables held Continental Breakfast goodies such as bagels, Belvita Biscuits and fruit, as well as WaWa Coffee which I made my way over to because you know me, my favorite flavor of WaWa coffee is Hazelnut.
The program began with a Welcome and Acknowledgements from Karen Bostick, Chapter President and Linda Thomas, President, followed by an Invocation by the Reverend Natalie Alford from Trinity AME Church in Middletown, DE.
Sarah Harrison, Health Summit Chair presented the purpose, objectives and an introduction of the moderator then the young ladies ages 11-17 relocated to another room outside of the auditorium.
Their Empowerment Workshop Sessions was being presented by One Village Alliance, “Girls Can Do Anything”, and for those of us older than 18, we stayed in the main auditorium.
There were many wonderful speakers who spoke on various important health issues including the Top Cancers in Delaware and the Interconnectivity of Spiritual, Emotional/Mental and Physical Health and Wellness.
Microphones were set up on the floor giving attendees an opportunity to ask questions or respond to questions posed by the moderators.
Love Congo, a Triple Negative Breast Cancer Survivor spoke of her journey and her inspirational message touched us all.
A mini break gave us an opportunity to visit the exhibitors, network, participate in the FREE health screenings or just grab another cup of coffee, water, juice or run to the restroom.
The “Prize Patrol” was on duty during the breaks and there were some really wonderful giveaways – unfortunately, I didn’t win any of them!
Lunch was provided by Zoup.com and it was a well prepared and delicious box lunch containing a variety of soups, sandwiches and salads.
The Keynote Speaker, Rita Choula, Senior Advisor, AARP spoke on “Empowering the Caregiver” which is a hot button topic in today’s society and Delaware is leading the charge on working with caregivers of cancer patients.
The highlight of the day was the Fashion Show, which was moderated by Cheris Lockett and Donametria Stallings, Miss DSU.
The fashion show models were physicians, health care providers, survivors and young sisters all of which did their thing on the Runway, it was beautiful!
I would like to thank the lovely ladies of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Wilmington Chapter for hosting this Health, Wellness and Empowerment Summit and look forward to next year’s event.
Please use the hashtag #DeltaWellness2016 to see even more pictures posted to my Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.
A special thank you to my fellow Social Media Diva, Lorena and of course my “Sistah in Greekdom”, Porsha Hargrove for inviting me!
Millennials in Motion
Millennials in Motion
Last Friday I had the pleasure of attending an Impromptu Art Show at Cherné Altovise Studio. I was invited by my “adopted son” Terrance Vann who you may recall was the moderator of the “Out of the Box” Panel for National Entrepreneur Week.
As a mother of two sons, I am very supportive of the millennial generation because with all the bad news being printed about them, more good news should be shared about them.
Whenever I find good news about what’s happening in the state of Delaware, I’ll use my blog as a platform in which to share it with others.
Seeing these millennial artists in motion was awesome but what made it even better was the fact that the owner of the studio is also a millennial! #doingbigthings
In 2000, at the age of ten, designer Cherné Altovise started designing, making and selling jewelry to family and friends. By 2008, her word of mouth business took off, first by starting collections which were debuted through runway shows. These shows expanded her customer lists to over a hundred. Now, Cherné Altovise Jewelry has become a brand sold online, in-house boutiques, and in her own store.
Cherné Altovise is a brand that strives to bring fashion, creativity, and functionality to the everyday fashion icon at an affordable price.
Impromptu Art Show
For the March art loop Cherné Altovise paired up with Terrance Vann and Alim Smith, also known as the color brothers, alongside of Isabel Jean-Louis to paint on the spot around the centralized theme of of their interpretation of “black magic”.
She also featured artist, Melondy whose art was also themed around this topic. The idea behind the show was to do something more than the usual display meet and greet or live painting.
They in turn incorporated everything around the chosen theme from the music to the displays to create a unified atmosphere and it was an awesome show.
Arriving early at the studio which is located at 316 North Market Street there were already several people mixing and interacting with the artists.
I didn’t stay as long as I would have liked, after all, I am the “over 50 crowd” however, I did stay long enough to take the following pictures and have Terrance sign a copy of the Out and About Magazine which features his work on the cover.
Head over to my YouTube Channel to actually see these millennials in motion!
National Entrepreneur Week Delaware
Last week I had the pleasure of being part of the “Out of the Box Business Panel” hosted by the Delaware Financial Literacy Institute (DFLI) in celebration of National Entrepreneur Week.
These two free workshops were held at the Wilmington and Dover libraries which were great venues for attendees who came seeing information on either starting or expanding a current business.
Ronni Cohen, Executive Director of DFLI and Keyanna Mozie, Program Director kicked off each evening with a brief introduction of the program and that of it’s moderator, Terrance Vann.
Terrance Vann is not only a great moderator, he is also a very talented artist who’s work can be seen on his website www.TerranceVann.com and on his Instagram page.
Tuesday evening’s workshop was held in Wilmington, and I, representing A.Blake Enterprises and Blogging with Blake, was joined by fellow panelist Chris Fullman, Department of Labor, Jaimie Hayman, Hayman Creative Promotional Products Agency, Inc., and Queon Jackson, Summer J. Artisan Ice Pops, LLC.
On Thursday the workshop was held at the Dover Library, and Daneya Jacobs from Candy Connections joined Jaimie, Queon and myself.
We began with a brief introduction of ourselves and of our business, then the moderated questioning began. I can honestly say that not only did the attendees receive great take-away information, I think each of us on the panel did as well – at least I know I did.
National Entrepreneur Week was designed to celebrate American entrepreneurs and the lifelong learning educational opportunities that prepare the NEW business leaders of the future.
The Week is in response to the U S House of Representatives Resolution #699, supporting an annual National Entrepreneurship Week and encouraging the celebration of it annually at the local, state, and national levels.
Despite the cold temps and drenching rain those in attendance who had braved the elements came armed with insightful comments and questions. Questions ranged from how to take the ideas in their head and write a business plan to what are some of the licensing and insurance requirements for starting a business in Delaware.
Conducting these workshops in the libraries was great because public libraries contain numerous resources to help those searching for employment, starting or expanding a business and even studying course work online.
Please visit Delawarelibraries.org/ls for more information.
Over the past 13 years, DFLI has also become “A Community of Learners, A School Without Walls,” providing a host of services to adults, women, youth and families. DFLI’s signature program, The Money School, provides hundreds of students throughout the state with more than 600 free financial education classes.
Thousands of students have learned how to manage their money and save with DFLI’s award winning program, Bank At School. Programming such as From Purses to Portfolios, Money Clubs, and Passport to Prosperity offer women a wealth of resources, special programs and events, all to help participants take charge of their money.
DFLI’s newest program, The Center for Business Growth, provides small businesses with the critical entrepreneurial and financial skills necessary for business success and it was an honor being part of these fantastic workshops.
How did your state celebrate National Entrepreneurship Week?
Black History Delaware > Louis L. Redding
Reposted from http://www.aaregistry.org/
Louis L. Redding, prominent African American lawyer and civil rights pioneer, was born in 1901.
Born in Alexandria, VA, Louis Lorenzo Redding grew up in Wilmington, DE, and graduated from Howard High School in 1919. Lawyer Redding, as he was affectionately called, continued his education and graduated from Brown University in 1923 and from Harvard Law School in 1928. In 1929, Redding became the first Black lawyer in Delaware. He was a respected civil rights pioneer for Delaware and America. prominent lawyer and civil rights advocate from Wilmington, Delaware. Redding, the first African American to be admitted to the Delaware bar, was part of the NAACP legal team that challenged school segregation in the Brown v. Board of Education case in front of the U.S. Supreme Court.
In 1950, Redding compiled a case against the University of Delaware, which barred black students. But the university’s chancellor, wanting to avoid a trial, decided to desegregate, becoming the first federally-funded institution to do so.
He also presented legal arguments that provided for the desegregation of schools in Claymont and Hockessin in 1952. In 1954, Mr. Redding assisted Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, legal counsel for the NAACP, in the Brown vs. Education case, which struck down the “separate but equal” system of public school segregation across the country. These are but a small portion of the many great deeds that Lawyer Redding accomplished in his lifetime.
He fought to open schools and housing for minorities. A school The Louis L. Redding Intermediate School in Middletown, DE, was renamed for him.
“What we were doing was not addressed to the purpose of singularly changing lives,” wrote Redding. “We were trying to change the status and experience of a minority of Americans who happened to be Black. We were not trying to change our lives; we were trying to change the opportunities of American citizens.”
Louis L. Redding died on September 28, 1998. In 2000, the University of Delaware established the Louis L. Redding Chair in their School of Education.
Road Trips to Retirement – The Ponds at Bayberry
Road Trips to Retirement with The Blake’s
Our life long dream…work for about 30 years, pay off the mortgage, get the kids through college then retire and start enjoying life traveling around the world.
Not once were the words “you have cancer” part of that dream. Oh, it’s a phrase and a harsh reality that I’ve heard too many times from too many family members, however, I never thought I would be hearing it about my own spouse.
Approximately 2 months after hubby signed his retirement papers, he was diagnosed with small intestinal cancer, the surgery and recovery came and went before his official retirement date of July 1.
Now with a new reality mixed in with that dream, we are on a mission to downsize our home, and move into a no-shoveling or lawn/pool maintenance 55+ community so let the ride begin!
You are cordially invited to tag along, so hop in, buckle up and let’s get started on these Road Trips to Retirement…you never know, we just might become neighbors!
As a Boomer who Blogs with a Millennial Mind, it only seemed natural to not only blog about but to also vlog about our adventures in finding a new home in a 55+ community. We want to begin this journey in the state of Delaware for several reasons. First of all, I am not 55, so my retirement date is still a few years off and secondly our oldest son, who is intellectually disabled may be living with us for several more years. He loves his school, job and the benefits he receives in Delaware which are probably much better than those in other states.
Our youngest, currently a sophomore at Bowie State University is loving school and doing well, but I can see him returning home after graduation just long enough to save up enough to have a good financial foundation before he starts on his life’s journey.
Last Saturday hubby and I drove to New York to attend a graduation party for my best friend’s daughter. Prior to returning the rental car, we decided to take a Sunday cruise and check out the new 55+ community by Blenheim Homes, The Ponds at Bayberry, so this is where our adventure begins.
We toured several of the homes, 3 were fully staged and 2 were Quick Delivery models. This particular model, The Loren had an awesome layout, unfortunately it was also a two story and we are avoiding steps all all costs, however, Tayair would love it #Eagle’s Territory!
Now I want you to take a quick video tour of The Cooper, The Loren and The Tracey models then leave me a comment below as to which one you liked the best.
Wait until you see which one I chose…I could actually see myself sipping Sangrias in the Sunroom!
The Ponds at Bayberry is a 55 and Better Active Adult Community centrally located for travel and shopping in an exclusive country setting, offering 389 single family detached ranch homes with a variety of social and community amenities. Tree line streets, walking trails and shortened neighborhood blocks. We are looking forward to coming back for a visit once the Resort like amenities are built.
Okay, which model was your favorite and why?
From Purses to Portfolios – The Money School of Delaware
Two years ago I attended my first From Purses to Portfolios Conference at the Chase Center on the Riverfront sponsored by The Money School of Delaware. I was so totally impressed with this free event that when I got home I immediately sat down and wrote a blog post (click here). Ronni Cohen, Executive Director of DFLI, read that post and contacted me asking if I would consider blogging other events for The Money School.
That post also lead to me teaching blogging classes at local libraries and then last Saturday not only did I attend the 10th Anniversary From Purses to Portfolios conference, but I also presented “From Passion to Profit with a Personal Blog” and was the recipient of the “2014 Sandra A. Varano Golden Purse Award’. God is good and I am truly thankful for being afforded these wonderful opportunities.
Purses to Portfolios is Delaware’s premier money conference and this year’s sessions included “Zero Debt” presented by award winning author and The Money Coach, Lynnette Khalfani-Cox; “Handling College Costs”, presented by CCCS of MD & DE, where I sat front row center because you know that I need all the information I can get with two sons in college.
The other sessions included: “Never Too Early; Never Too Late”, “Carpe Diem-Brewing Up Your Business”, “Passport to Prosperity”, “A Man is Not a Financial Plan”, “Kiss Your Landlord Goodbye”, “Not Your Grandmother’s Library”, “Credit Crackdown” and my session “From Passion to Profit”.
The doors opened at 8:30 a.m. and at registration everyone received a free personalized tote bag, pen and a large glossy program. A light breakfast was available and there were exhibitor displays throughout the Riverfront Ballroom. In addition to the speaker sessions there were also breakout areas for the Delaware Library and a Credit Clinic, sponsored by TD Bank. The program was emceed by Tina Betz and both U.S. Senator Chris Coons and Governor Jack Markell spoke briefly welcoming us all to the 10th Anniversary of Purses to Portfolios.
A mid-day break gave participants an opportunity to grab a free bag lunch, gather information or make purchases from the exhibibtors, visit the Money Club House and meet the WIFE.ORG founders, Candice Bahr and Ginita Wall.
The day ended with a closing session, award presentations and fantastic Door Prizes which were donated by several sponsors including Barnes and Noble, Men’s Wearhouse, Target and Wawa.
For me this was by far the most exciting and well attended Purses to Portfolios Conference and next year look for a name change: Passport to Prosperity: Design you own financial journey, I hope to see you there!
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS EVENT AND OTHER FREE FINANCIAL CLASSES OFFERED BY THE MONEY SCHOOL, PLEASE VISIT THEM @www.dfli.org
A Green Tie Event is the fundraiser that precedes the From Purses to Portfolios conference, it too was held at the Chase Center on the 16th. Hubby and I both attended and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
The Welcome Greetings were presented by Ronni and Cher Przeomski, DFLI Board member; a testimonial by Tyreese Green, GTech Commercial & Construction Cleaning Services and awards were the highlights of the evening. A light dinner, a Silent Auction and entertainment provided by Atiba Music made for a very relaxing evening.
Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!