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

No. 113

REUNION UPDATE

Hello classmates. It's been a while since the last UNews so let me try and catch you up with what's been going on in regard to Homecoming 2010.

First, as you know, we have secured a block of rooms at the Crowne Plaza. At present, 38 of our 50 room nights have been filled. It is not imperative that we book all the nights to guarantee a free hospitality suite since we will be sharing one with the Class of '81, but it sure would be nice to see you all. The room rates are $149 per night. Light fare will be available in the suite on Friday night.

Also, we will be co-hosting the Saturday night party again. As you know, our beloved Strawberry Banks is no longer available, but thanks in part to the efforts of Sylvia Hazel Hunter and Christa Hill, we'll be creating new memories at the American Legion Hall in Phoebus. The cost of the party will be $25. Admission tickets, as well as drink vouchers must be pre-paid because we are not allowed to have any cash sales on the premises. The committee is still discussing payment options with the other class leadership. As soon as a decision has been made, we will let you know.

Lastly, I would like to announce that Bonita Layson will serve as co-class leader for the 2015 Reunion. She is currently our point person for the hotel and has done a fabulous job negotiating with the CP management. Also, Alphonso Holloman has graciously accepted the position of business affairs chair. He'll be responsible for negotiating contracts and has been tremendously helpful in that capacity already.

CLASS NEWS

Here Come The Brides

Congratulations to Mary Morrow, who will marry her fiancee Fred on Oct. 9 in Atlanta, GA. Several of our classmates will be in the wedding including maid of honor Altamarie Burroughs and bridesmaids Donna Wilds and Phyllis Ingram-Luciano. Phyllis, by the way, recently became engaged to Glenn Ford.

California Dreaming

I recently enjoyed a visit from the Wests of South Orange. Darcea Scott West and her family vacationed in Las Vegas and Los Angeles and we were able to hang out and do dinner, lunch and the beach with some side trips to Sprinkles Cupcakes and The Tonight Show. It was great having them here.

Also in the mix this month is Kim Williams Bullock and her family. I didn't get the chance to see Kim, she was too busy shopping on Rodeo, but we did get a chance to chat briefly. The Bullock clan was out in full force escorting Kim's son Kelly to college. He'll be a freshman communications major at Chapman University behind the Orange Curtain.

Reunion Goodies

For those of you who didn't make the 30th in May, there are still a few polo shirts left. Dyanne Boone Baldwin has five medium, one XL and four XXL. They're hot!

Grandma Lauren Hits The ATL

In honor of new granny Lauren Jones' visit to Atlanta, the ATL crew hosted a brunch for her at Pappadeaux's recently. Joining Lauren were: Michael Byrd, Wanda James, Leah Crocker and Steve Blair. It looks like a good time was had by all!

Birthdays

Valerie Millsap Harrison, Sept. 2

Kelvin “Stone” Johnson, Sept. 17

Altamarie Burroughs, Sept. 18

Mary Morrow, Sept. 18

Andre Rush, Sept. 22

Danita Locks Smith, Sept. 23

Gayle Burnett Heyer, Sept. 25

Karla Morris Holmes, Sept. 26

Renee Allen, Sept. 27

Vincent Bayyan, Sept. 27

Rosalind Murray-Port, Sept. 29

October

Donna Thomas Keating, Oct. 13

A Plea For Our Magazines

As most of you know I work for JET magazine, a publication that has been part of our collective formative years. JET and Ebony, like a plethora of other publications, have really been suffering through this recession. Ad revenue is way down. Essence is faring a little better, but Black Enterprise is struggling, too. Please help us help us by subscribing to these magazines, or simply buying them off the stands before it's too late. A JET subscription is only $25 per year or $35 for two years. That's what some people--present company included-- spend on lunch!

Homecoming Updates

Hello All.

On Sunday night our events committee, local liasons, Bonita Layson and myself had a conference call with Eminence class leader Ron Hayden and a member of his committee to finalize the location of the 2010 homecoming old school jam party.

It was unanimously agreed that we should go with the American Legion Hall in Phoebus, a location that had been scouted by Christa Hill and Sylvia Hazel Hunter. The Hall is not far from the Crowne Plaza, has ample parking and will allow us to party until 1 a.m., an hour longer than they normally do.

First, thanks to Christa and Sylvia for a bang-on job. We had been searching for a venue to replace our beloved Strawberry Banks for just over a month. We will have to pay more for it but Christa and Sylvia have assured me that the Hall is a "really nice" spot, so we hope to establish a long relationship with the ownership.

Also, thanks to Baron McKeithan for securing a backup spot, McGrew Towers. While it was less expensive, some committee members and various classmates communicated to me that they weren't feeling it. And, thanks to Rhonda Rhea Byrd for her suggestions as well. Trust me when I say that we looked high and low, far and wide for the perfect venue to meet our needs and nothing came close to the Hall.

We're happy and we know you will be, too, when you return to Hampton to get your groove on.

Now, here's the catch. The American Legion Hall will not allow us to collect money on the property so we are currently working with the classes of '81 and '79 to devise a system where admission and drink tickets would be sold prior to the event. As soon as we come to a mutual agreement, I will share that news with you.

That's it for now. We'll be in contact with the other class leadership in the coming weeks and hopefully will resolve all of our collective issues in the next few weeks.

Also, please be on the lookout for another survey from Lauren Jones tomorrow regarding some issues regarding the Friday night hospitality suite. Please, please, please fill this out ASAP as this is something pressing that we need to resolve yesterday.

Thank you for your time, patience and prayers.

Onward. Upward.

Here's To You Mrs. Robinson

Our condolences to Mike Robinson who lost his mother recently. Mrs. Robinson had been living with her son since her retirement in 1992 and Mike described her as his "dawg"--someone he could talk to about anything.

Please continue to keep Mike and his family in your prayers.

Next Stop South Beach

If anyone is going to be in the Miami Beach area this week please holla. I'll be heading down to cover the American Black Film Festival and Bonita Layson has graciously offered to come help me out. So, if you're going to be around please hit us up!

Birthdays

Remainder of June

Terri Lawrence, June 25
Larry Butler, June 26
Willeta Monroe Sawyer, June 27
Brett Pulley, June 28
Sheila McNeill-Lee, June 30


July

Donna Wilds, July 2
Marcia Fields Milton, July 6
Donna Yancy Blanks, July 6
Joyce Wilson, July 6
Valerie Whittlessey, July 8
Chan Phillips, July 10
Charlene Alexander-Taylor, July 10
Margaret Colden-Stanfield, July 10
Rhonda Bush, July 10
Wanda James, July 16
Chuck Dortch, July 18
Kenny Boone, July 24

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY