HOMECOMING NEWS

Just A Reminder!

Our room block at the Crowne Plaza for homecoming this year is filling up fast, so if you want to roll, you can book a room online using our secret code which was sent to you in an email blast two months ago. The rate is $159 per night and includes breakfast. The dates are: Oct. 21-23, 2011. Be there!

CLASS NEWS

Now here's a trip I wish I could take! As previously mentioned, Bill Young has organized a fundraising trip to Atlantic City, NJ, leaving April 30 at 2 p.m. from a parking lot directly across from the Bowie Town Center Mall in Bowie, MD. The bus, which has been graciously donated by Marcia Fields Milton, will make a quick pit stop in Baltimore and then arrive in AC at 6 p.m. and leave at 11 p.m.

The price is $35 and there will be a $15 rebate. There are 25 tickets left and Bill says he needs to pin down commitments. To do so call Bill Young at 301-335-2052 or Cindy Woods at 202-251-9424.

Condolences

Our deepest sympathies to classmates Kenny Malloy and Charlene Alexander-Taylor. Kenny lost his grandmother two weeks ago and Charlene lost her aunt earlier in the month.

Run, Mary, Run

Our best wishes to Mary Radden Hicks and her son PJ, who are participating in a 10k run in Richmond this weekend. I'll be thinking of you both while I'm chilling by the pool in Palm Springs!

Birthdays

Rhonda Rhea Byrd, April 3
Bruno Lee, April 13
Kimberly Perkins Holloway, April 15
Ronald Johnson, April 17
Bert Allen, April 19
Maurice Chapman II, April 20
David Stith, April 25

Tia Johnson, May 5
Cheryl Dunn Badger, May 10
Brenda Barnett Torrence, May 13
Vanessa Brown Jones, May 15
Lorri Young West, May 18
Myra Smith, May 22
Kenny Vereen, May 23
Welton B. Doby, May 23
Bill Young, May 28
Steve Blair, May 30

HOMECOMING NEWS

As was previously announced, we have secured a 30-room block at the Crowne Plaza for Homecoming 2011. The negotiated rate of $159 includes free breakfast for Saturday and Sunday. Homecoming is Oct. 21-23 and the Pirates will be hosting the North Carolina Central Eagles.

There is an online code to book reservations. If you did not get it let me know and I'll send it back out to you.

We are also working on securing space for the Saturday Night Jam, but more on that later.

CLASS NEWS

Miki and Doreen Get Veep Positions

Miki Turner and Doreen Mills have been named vice presidents for the Far West region of the NHAA. Our national convention will be held in L.A. in 2012 and we'd like to see Ubiquity well represented. Doreen has amazing ideas and I have a wine cellar. So, that should be enough incentive for you to hop a flight!

Get On The Bus!

Bill Young and the D.C. crew will be sponsoring a bus trip to Atlantic City on Saturday, April 30. The cost of the trip will be $35 and the bus, donated by our own Marcia Fields, will leave from the parking lot across from the Bowie Mall. Cindy Woods will be responsible for collecting your check. You can send it to:

4737 Queens Chapel Ter., N.E.

Washington, DC 20017

Sounds like a good time and a great way to raise money for our class!

Birthdays


March

Linda Dent Datcher, March 4

Dyanne Boone Baldwin, March 11

Toni Thornhill-Harris, March 12

Elveeda Howell Dixon, March 1

Billy Taylor, March 14

Renita Gayle Simril, March 15

Barbara McWilliams Rhem, March 17

Russell Easter, March 19

Anthony Avery, March 31

April

Rhonda Rhea Byrd, April 3

Bruno Lee, April 13

Kimberly Perkins Holloway, April 15

Ronald Johnson, April 17

Bert Allen, April 19

Maurice S. Chapman II, April 20

David Stith, April 25

no. 116

CLASS NEWS

Here We Go 2011!

Hi All, This will be the final newsletter of 2010 and there really isn't much news to report! Let us just be thankful, however, that we made it this far because as you know, some of us didn't. In reflection, let us remember the good times we had at our 30th reunion in May and at Homecoming 2010 this past fall. Let us share our good memories of all of our classmates who have gone home and most important, let's just celebrate our spirit. It's been said many times that there's no love like Ubiquity love and I'm so proud of the way we stay connected and reach out to those in need--whether it be an expression of sympathy, a virtual Hampton Hug or bus fare! :-) We do what we do and we do it well. As we come into the new year the reunion committee will be looking at new ways to raise funds and we've already secured a place for next year's old school jam in an effort to avoid the last-minute scuffle that took place this year. And, as always, we'd appreciate your collective feedback and suggestions. This is an Obama-like administration and we need and appreciate you all. Thanks for all that you do to support our team. So, here's hoping that you've had a blessed holiday season and will have a happy and prosperous new year. Cheers, mik

Birthdays

Tom “TJ” Jones, Jan. 2

Debbie Patterson Ashton, Jan. 2

Miki Turner, Jan. 3

Doreen Mills, Jan. 5

Michelle Hurd, Jan. 10

Evadney “Peaches” Rogers Key, Jan. 14

Kent White, Jan. 15

Paula Stewart Dickerson, Jan. 15

Al Green, Jan. 16

Rodney Dawson, Jan. 19

Marilyn Cain Gordon, Jan. 22

February

Bonita Layson, Feb. 1

Trudy Perry, Feb. 2

Janice Phillips, Feb. 2

Jan Johnson-Johnson, Feb. 6

Michael Byrd, Feb. 8

Tony Perry, Feb. 12

Sharon Ford-Bell, Feb. 13

Dennie Lathan, Feb. 17

Hamlet Herring, Feb. 18

Sandra Mugomba, Feb. 20

Dot Lee-Murray, Feb. 25

END NOTES

And lastly, here's a little something you can take into the New Year with you courtesy of Cindy Woods Pearson. Enjoy!

http://thedailystride.wordpress.com/2010/11/11/why-i-love-my-home-by-the-sea/

You might enjoy this, too! Deja vu baby!

http://www.myjet247.com/JETInsider/Perspective/Content.aspx?topic=Remembering_Lady_T

Check out the next JET!

HOMECOMING REPORT

We Represented--Again!

Here's hoping that everyone has arrived home safely after a horrifically cold but fabulously good time at Our Home By the River (let's just call it what it is, OK? LOL)

Anyway, it was a good weekend. Among those who fellowshipped and partied were: Miki Turner, Andre DeBose, Les Arthur, Charlene Alexander-Taylor, Billy Taylor, Carl Coleman, Lauren Jones, Marilyn Cain, Cheryl Dunn Badger, Baron McKeithan, Tony Chetham, Bert Allen, Micheal Robinson, Krista Carter Skinnner, Rhonda Carter, Marcia Fields Milton, Michael Byrd, Chuck Dortch, Vincent Bayyan, Rhonda Rhea Byrd, Cindy Woods Pearson, Mary Radden Hicks, Wiletta Monroe Sawyer, Altamarie Burroughs, Gail Chapman, Brett Pulley, Sylvia Hazel Hunter, Ricky Harris, Rodney Dawson, Ron Simmons, Russell Minus, Dyanne Boone Baldwin, Eddie Keller, Carolyn Harris Brown, Christa Hill, Darryl Jones, Bubby Johnson, Wynton Ivey Norvel-Dillard, Bill Young, Leah Crocker, Daphne Henderson and some other folks I may have missed.

We all got together Friday night in the shared 80-81 hospitality suite. On Saturday a few of us braved the chilly temperatures to watch Wynton participate in the parade with 14 other past Miss Hamptons; as well as Bert on the NHAA float. Then there was the game. The Pirates were underdogs going in but fought the good fight before falling to Bethune-Cookman. After the game and the tailgating and the impromptu step shows and serenading, most folks went back to the hotel and chilled before hitting the party at the Crowne Plaza or hanging in the Board Room Suite to sample some of Andre's "specials."

There were a few last minute wrinkles with the Old School Jam but cooler heads prevailed and it was a success. We took a moment at 11 p.m. to remember Debbie Maxie Cowling and REO's son. Thanks again to Wynton for providing us all with the purple ribbons (pancreatic cancer awareness) and I encourage everyone who hasn't donated their $5 or more to the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation in Debbie's name, please do so ASAP. It's so simple. All you do is go to the site, www.pancreaticcancerfoundation.com, click donate, fill out the payment option page and then when you get to the final page, click the link that says "special instructions" and type "In Memory of Deborah Maxie Cowling," your name and HU Class of 80.

Who Dey? Some Peeps You Might Know!

We had a good 'ol time!

No. 115

HOMECOMING

There will certainly be plenty to do this weekend as some of us return to our Home by the Sea for good times and fellowship. Friday night's hospitality suite will be co-hosted by the classes of '80 and '81, there will be a step show on campus for all of you old heads wanting to relive your former glory and the Kappas (Spring '80 line) will also be celebrating their 30th anniversary with a Friday night party.

Saturday, there will be a host of tailgate parties, the game against top-ranked Bethune-Cookman and our annual Saturday Night Jam at the Crowne Plaza's Dockside room.

Marcia Fields Milton and Bert Allen will also be manning a table on Saturday outside of Armstrong Field for their alumni giving campaign that we should all support.

Cheryl Dunn Badger will also have photos from our 30th reunion in May for sale. Please see her for details.

If anyone is still looking for a room let me know and we'll see what we can do. Travel safe and I look forward to seeing you this weekend!

Room Available!

Lauren Jones has a king room with refrigerator and microwave available at the LaQuinta Inn for the AARP discounted rate of $61 a night. Hit her up at lawn819@yahoo.com if you are interested.

Tia Johnson also has a room available at the Crowne Plaza. If interested, please contact her at:
tia.johnson@us.army.mil


CLASS NEWS

Thanks to Paula Stewart Hawkins for sharing some details of the homegoing service for the son of Rhonda Owen Smith and her husband Zed.

Zachary Smith's funeral was held on Saturday, Oct. 30 in Pikesville, MD and this is what Paula had to say:

Class of Ubiquity:

Saturday was an incredible experience, A group of us attended the homegoing services of Zachary, the 19 year old son of Rhonda Owens Smith and her husband Zed. The services were a wonderful expression of the love, joy, and the pain of losing a beloved child. I was reminded of the great benefit it is to belong to the Body of Christ. How wonderful it was to share and support the Smith Family. It was also a special honor to sit with fellow Ubiquity classmates and represent our class. We blessed Rhonda and her family yesterday and in doing so, we were blessed, I won't be at Homecoming next week, but yesterday is among the special moments I will remember, as a Hampton Joy.

Among the Ubiquity classmates in attendance were: Donna and Todd Givens, Patricia Hundley Williams, Cindy Woods, Ron Johnson, Tony Cheatham, Lori Young West, Dyanne Boone Baldwin, Joyce Wilson, Larry Butler, Rhonda Byrd and Kym Wilson.

Birthdays

Carleton Badger, Nov. 1

Phyllis Ingram Luciano, Nov. 2

Angela Goode, Nov. 2

Chauncey Douglas, No.v 10

Adriana “Peaches” Bethel-Hibbler, Nov. 18

T’Leen Moody Campbell, Nov. 18

Anita Lester, Nov. 18

Joyce Cole, Nov. 20

Alphonso Holloman, Nov. 23

Andre DeBose, Nov. 26

Julie Loftin McKay, Nov. 27

Carl Coleman, Nov. 28

Darlene Fuller Parham, Nov. 28

Leah Crocker, Nov. 29

December

Debora Durant Meador, Dec. 1

Kenny Malloy, Dec. 2

Jan Christopher, Dec. 3

Lenora DeLyons-Williams, Dec. 3

Tony Cheatham, Dec. 4

Darcea Scott West, Dec. 7

Mary Radden Hicks, Dec. 11

Deborah Maxie Cowling, Dec. 12

Rhonda Owen Smith, Dec. 17

Chico Sullivan, Dec. 18

Daphne Lockett Henderson, Dec. 19

Wynton Ivey Norvel-Dillard, Dec. 22

Stephanie Allen Gowin, Dec. 26

Patricia Hundley Williams, Dec. 26

Carlos Turner, Dec. 27

Peggy Witt James, Dec. 30

no. 114

HOMECOMING

Volunteers Needed

The rooms are all booked, the menu is set and the party is waiting to happen. All we need now is folks to volunteer to watch the door at the American Legion in one-hour shifts. This time you won't have to collect any money, just tickets.

As I have mentioned in previous emails, the collective class leadership have devised a system of pre-selling admission tickets and drink vouchers in accordance with the no-cash exchange policy of the venue. It's not an ideal situation, but neither is this recession. You just do what you have to do.

Tickets will be sold Friday at the hospitality suite, at the class of '81 tailgate spot on Saturday and various other locations (just look for the signs). Also, someone from the class of '81 will be at a specified location on Saturday night until 10 p.m.

CLASS NOTES

Michael Byrd Gets New Gig!

ATLANTA--Effective September 12, 2010, Michael Andrew Byrd has joined the Southeast Regional Office as Regional Comptroller. He serves as the principal financial advisor for all parks, programs, and offices administered by the Region, which stretches from the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico to Kentucky and North Carolina. Michael develops, coordinates, and maintains an integrated system of financial services, including budgeting, accounting, auditing, and general fiscal management, with a goal of efficient use of both appropriated and non-appropriated sources.

Congrats Michael!

Lauren's New Editon!

Lauren Jones has announced the launch of the third edition of Reasonable Joy, now with a new look and feel -- and at lower prices! The book is now $17, and the e-book is now $6!

Please click this link -- www.lulu.com/reasonablejoy -- to take a look at the new edition. If you decide to purchase a copy, please do so from Lauren's storefront!

WRITING UPDATES:

After The Interruption, A Novel Aftermath to Reasonable Joy: content is more than half complete! Stay tuned for updates soon.

Defying the Mortal Coil: this novel is actually Book One of the Cyper Chronicles. It is a look at life through the eyes of a woman who was born in 1831, and who lives life as a 40-year-old with her husband, who was born in 1746. In this first book of the series, Victoria Brewer explains her life as an eternal, and reveals her secret skill: the ability to hunt and "disarm" murderers. Stay tuned for excerpts very soon!

Arrangements for Marilyn Cain Gordon's Grandmother

Funeral services for Marilyn Gordon's grandmother is Tuesday, Oct. 12. Viewing is 11 a.m., service starts at 12 noon at the Maguire Funeral Home. The address is: 7400 Georgia Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20012.

If you wish to send condolences, they can go to: Marion C. Hayden, 2901 S. Leisure World Boulevard, Apt. 332, Silver Springs, MD 20906 or Marilyn Cain Gordon, 515 E. Indian Spring, Silver Spring, MD 20901.

Wedded Bliss

Congratulations to Dr. Mary Morrow who became the wife of Fred Sutton on Saturday, Oct. 9, and to Phyllis Ingram Ford, who married Glenn Ford last month. Let's toast to all the newlyweds!

New North Atlantic Region Officers

Kudos to Dyanne Boone-Baldwin for being elected president of the North Atlantic Chapter of the NHAA! Way to go! She will serve from 2010-12. And to Janice Tyson, who will serve as corresponding secretary!

Birthdays

Donna Thomas Keating, Oct. 13

Karen Collins Avery, Oct. 20

Carleton Badger, Nov. 1

Phyllis Ingram Ford, Nov. 2

Angela Goode, Nov. 2

Chauncey Douglas, No.v 10

Adriana “Peaches” Bethel-Hibbler, Nov. 18

T’Leen Moody Campbell, Nov. 18

Joyce Cole, Nov. 20

Alphonso Holloman, Nov. 23

Andre DeBose, Nov. 26

Julie Loftin McKay, Nov. 27

Carl Coleman, Nov. 28

Darlene Fuller Parham, Nov. 28

no. 113

HOMECOMING NEWS

Crowne Plaza Fully Booked

As of Sept. 8, our room block at the Crowne Plaza Hotel has been fully booked. There is a glitch, however. Some of the rooms have been booked by folks who are not in our class. The class leadership is currently working with the CP management to alleviate this issue. It has been decided that in the future we will use an additional private code to eliminate this problem. I'm told that other classes already have this strategy in place.

That said, if anyone who has reserved multiple rooms isn't going to use them all, please let me know as we do have a small waiting list of people who would like to book them. Right now we have seven rooms that have been booked by outsiders. If we are not able to resolve this issue before homecoming, there are still rooms at the Holiday Inn Coliseum, starting at $76 per night.

Marcia Fields Milton is looking for an additional room at the Crowne Plaza in case anyone is relinquishing one now.

Party Update

Right now Ed Estes is updating our flyer and by next week we should have ironed out all of the details concerning the Saturday night jam at the American Legion Hall in Phoebus. Altamarie Burroughs suggested that we might be able to work around the no cash exchange on the premises issue by using a credit card machine. I think that there's even an AP for that on my iPhone! At any rate, if any classmates have access to a portable credit card reader, please let me know ASAP. If not, Ed had another viable suggestion about using tokens to purchase drinks. These tokens, however, would still have to be pre-paid.

If given a choice between pre-paying for the party by credit card (pay-pal), check or purchasing on campus Friday or Saturday, which option would you prefer?

CLASS NEWS

Leah Crocker, who is in better shape than most 20-year-olds, is once again participating in the Walk to Cure Lupus on Oct. 23 in Atlanta. Please click on: http://walk.lupusresearch.org/site/TR?pg=personal&fr_id=2550&px=1013215 to make a tax-deductible donation on her behalf, and include her ID number: GAA-520045.

Leah's good friend and soror Lauren Jones will also be walking with Leah and is seeking contributions on her home page: http://walk.lupusresearch.org/site/TR?px=1993419&pg=personal&fr_id=2550&et=3lzYdZXqeJ9-8o_6StKp7A..&s_tafId=24091

Please support them both!

Johnson Family Champ

Kelvin and Pam Jones Johnson are the proud parents of a champion! Check out Kelvin Jr.'s story below!
http://www.phillytrib.com/tribune/sports/96-lockerroom/13896-champ-last-year-johnson-looks-to-new-season.html