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January 2012
This N That by Betty Banks
Potpourri... Some things
that may not be worth knowing…Friday the 13th occurred only once in
2011, but in 2012, three months have this scary date in them, January,
April and July. Keep your fingers crossed to have good luck…2012 is
also leap year so check it out on February 29…April 6 of this year
will mark the 100th anniversary of the maiden voyage of the RMS
Titanic. To mark this event, the movie "Titanic", will be rereleased
on this date in 3-D…Also, on April 19th, The Simpsons family turns
25…It's that time again for Summer Olympics which kick off on July 27
in London. This is the third time the Brits have hosted and London is
the first city in history to do so…Get your vote on, on November 6th
which marks the date of our Presidential election. Has it really been
4 years for the Obamas?
Know Your Rights... And speaking of voting, be sure to
read our front page Voter ID piece. You need an ID to cast your vote
and no matter what problems this new initiative causes, your vote
needs to be counted!
Weapons of Peace... Kudos to Club TNT as they have
entered their 15th season. This innovative television show encourages
young people to make good choices today and not wait until tomorrow
through creative messaging. Additionally, this crew is seen at many
events in the community with interviews and historic documentation of
life in Madison. Animation and the showcasing of youth, local and
national history all come to life on Saturday mornings from 11am-12:00
on TVW14. Locally produced, this is the number 1 locally produced show
in Madison. Go Gaddi, Bill, Jeanne and Betty. Keep up the great work!
We Remember Lucille... For the past several years, a
group of dedicated volunteers have made sure that many youth in our
community receive shoeboxes of items. It was Pastor Lucille Badger who
wanted to do something special for youngsters, so she created a way
for local organizations to be able to spread good cheer and fun with
interesting and needed gifts. W.I.N.R.S. for Christ Ministry Shoebox
for Kids once again had their 2011 distribution that put smiles on the
faces of many. We salute New Beginnings Church and Shoebox Coordinator
Roxanne for carrying on the tradition of giving that was highly
important to Pastor Lucille Badger.
Forward... Madison Prep supporters say they will regroup
and press on with plans to open a school. They remain committed to
closing the academic achievement gap that plagues children of color
and plan to ride the momentum created by Urban League of Greater
Madison who kept this topic in front of our community.
Stay tuned…
A Vegetable a Day... Be sure to check out the Southside
Farmers Market that has moved inside for the Winter. You will meet and
greet vendors every Sunday from noon until five at the Growing Space,
2520 Rimrock Road which is right next to the Citgo station. This
market opened December 18th and will continue right up to the summer.
Coordinator Robert Pierce, says it is time for this winter market. He
is adamant about the need for a sustainable food system for South
Madison. So, get up on these winter Sundays and purchase local healthy
fruits, vegetables and meats. What a great way to build community!
This is how we do it... The Madison Network of Black
Professionals got together for a holiday party at the Urban League of
Greater Madison, on December 15. There was food, fun and networking
that included drawings for prizes and an all around good time. Melly
Mel's Catering provided a soul food family dinner for attendees. If
you missed it, be sure to watch for other events so you can join in
the fun!
Work Well Done... Each year AARP Magazine pays tribute to
outstanding individuals who are using their energy and passion to make
the world a better place. Our congrats to Andy Czerkas for receiving
the AARP Foundation Hunger Hero Award. Having worked through their
church, organizing dinners, he and wife Jennie decided to do something
a little bit bigger which resulted in The River food pantry. This
pantry is not like any other. Shoppers wander up and down aisles like
they would in a grocery store, additionally, they can choose clothing
and every Friday night eat a hot meal served with flowers on the table
and place settings that include silverware and tablecloths. Kudos to
the Czerkas.
Family Thang... Several family members from the
Mitchell/Hargrove Clan. were home for the holidays. Devin Hargrove
flew in from North Carolina where he is pursuing graduate studies and
teaching at Duke University. Coming to Madison meant warm holidays
with Mother, Carolyn, twin brother, Darel, sister, Deirdre,
brother-in-law Eric and niece, Carly. Jay Mitchell took time off from
his work as CEO of his company to share the holidays with his parents
and sister, Shauna, who was glad to get some rest and party with
family after being on an eight month world tour with pop star, Rihanna,
as a member of the dance troupe.
Local Star... That was Carly Krieghof you may have seen
dancing in "The Nutcracker". This budding ballerina loves dance and
from what we hear, she can play a great game of basketball also. Watch
for her name to be in the headlines…
Red is the New Black... On Friday, Feb. 10 from 1-6pm go
to the Urban League of Greater Madison and give blood in support of
"red is the new black" sickle cell blood drive. This drive is
co-chaired by Ron Dayne and Latyna Darden whose son, Isaiah has the
disease. Appointments are preferred. For more info, go to
redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-Red Cross, sponsor code: Madison
sickle cell.
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