Ms. Jefferson County 2017

Held at the Gardendale Civic Center, Ms. Jefferson County Pageant 2017 included three competitors, Mary Turner, Deborah Williams, and Doris Ann Shipp. The ladies were all from various senior centers around the area.

The pageant is sponsored by Jefferson County Human-Community Services and Economic Development: Senior Services Division where  Janice Williams is Coordinator. Contestants must be 60 years of age and above.

I have attended two previous pageants and all of the ladies conduct themselves with dignity and poise. Defying vulnerability, these ladies, make their promenade through the audience to the stage, leisurely walking back and forth as the emcee introduces us to each contestant giving their background information. Contestants also perform a talent  and in the last segment present themselves in an evening gown and give their philosophy on life.

Between costume changes we were  treated with performances by soloist, Crystal Waddy,

a line dance by  Fairfield Swinging Senior Line Dancers,  as well as a word from some of those who helped sponsor the event.

Before the coronation of Ms. Jefferson County 2017, Tena Wilson, 2016’s Ms. Jefferson County made her final walk then sung, “My Funny Valentine.”

A panel of three comprised the judges.

Deborah Williams and Doris Ann Shipp received trophies for congeniality and two other categories.


 This year’s Ms. Jefferson County winner was Mary L. Turner.  She will go on to compete in the state  event.

A reception followed  immediately after the pageant.

Ebony and Ivory Sassy Hatters

Red Hat Society (RHS) members strutted their favorite Red Hat Costumes and Regalia at Queen Bridget’s, Ebony and Ivory Sassy Hatters (EISH), meet and greet luncheon.  This was also an event to sign new chapter members and give insight into what the RHS is about.  Scheduled were talent, dancing, dining and most of all meeting other ladies who were there to have fun.

Hatters are known for tea and tea parties. At each place setting was a box containing, a tea cake, two candies, a tea bag and a honey stick. 

There were hooped skirts, pirate costumes, pajamas, poodle skirts and general Red Hat regalia.

Cash prizes were awarded to 1^st and 2^nd place costume winners.

 EISH members dressed in 1950’s poodle skirts, fitted sweater tops, hair scarves and head bands, bobby socks, tennis and I even saw a pair of red, high-heeled sneakers.

One member of the Flamboyant Prima Donnas sang  Help Me Make It Through the Night. Members of Fellowship of Friends did a coordinated dance routine.  Members from the Red Hot Mamas had us all laughing and participating in their exercise routine done to Tooty ta

Lunch included savory, skinless, baked chicken breasts, spring greens salad with fruit and cheese, seasoned baked vegetable medley, rolls and iced tea. For dessert, red velvet cake (which is the RHS signature dessert) along with a dollop of lemon mousse inside a chocolate candy shell.  

    

Of course every RHS event has the 50/50 cash drawing. Attendees purchase tickets for a set price. The money goes into a pot. If a person’s number is called she wins half of what is in the pot with the other half going to the hosting chapter. Since RHS is a non-profit, this money is used toward sponsorship of future events. Other funding efforts include auctions, and ticketed gift basket drawings. Of course members pay a fee to attend the various events.

Dancing, entertainment, door prizes, food and innocent mayhem is definitely a part of the fun at all of the events I have attended. We were all surprised at being gifted a selfie stick from EISH as we left the event.

That's it ***

Jumping and Jiving with Jazz

It happened April 20-22, 2017,  the Student Jazz Festival, Held at the historic Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame.

Students from elementary, middle and high schools from around the state get to participate in this annual event. Also, on board are college, junior and 4 year. They always put on a great show and it's all FREE!.

This year I listened to only one set (that's jazz talk)  

Gadsden State Community College did a fine job with their four numbers. 

Matt Leder, director of Gadsden State Show Band

This is my first attempt at video. It may be flipped but at least you can hear it.

They had a mean keyboardist and singer who had to be channeling some of the greats.

After the performance Dr. Leah Tucker, Director of the Jazz Hall of Fame, awarded a trophy*    to band director Mr. Matt Leder for a job well done.

   
* All bands were given trophies.

That's it.

Coffee and Soda Fountain

(This also took place April 22,2017)

After leaving the record store I popped next door to Crestwood Coffee for a java.  This was one of the first coffee shops I went to before coffee became all the rage. They were there before Starbuck's hit Birmingham and Dunkin' Donuts. I hadn't been there in years, but they're still thriving.  They will still allow you to bring your own cup.  I just wonder if I'd still have to pay $4 for a cup of coffee or would I get a discount for having my own cup.? I ordered an expresso with caramel.  I wanted a jolt. The purists won't like it but I do. 

I took a seat and selected one of the many books they have for customers to read.  I chose a musty hardback and settled in. I don't remember the title but the story line captured my interest. Unfortunately, I didn't write down the title or author.





You see the usual coffee house clientele. Mostly people interfacing with some form of technology, phone, PC, i-pad , the usual. To think coffee shops were once places where you could commune with people, face-to-face.

Crestwood Pharmacy & Soda Fountain.  Within this same shopping strip at the corner. They too were announcing their planned opening this summer. There will be a pharmacist and a soda fountain on the premise. (Think Mayberry drugstore) 
They were having open house and telling everyone their plans for this space. Refreshments and samples of ice cream floats were available. They haven't furnished it yet but they do plan to use a lot of local fare in their soda fountain area.

Printed on the pharmacy door,
"  In centuries past, townspeople recognized  a show globe as the landmark for healing. It's glow welcomes all to this place of medicine, the local pharmacy."

Next stop  TODAY Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame for some live music. Woot! Woot!  (separate post)


That's it***