Many thanks to Dr. Nathan Cook (Lincoln University – Jefferson City) and Thelma Cook (Chairwoman, Board of Regents – Harris-Stowe State University) for sharing the exciting details of their recent travels to four African countries: South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia. The two-week tour was the trip of a lifetime. The couple traveled on an organized Florida-based tour along with St. Louisans Elinor Hancock, M.D. and Clarence Williams.
Highlights of the VIP tour included exploration of South Africa’s oldest city (Cape Town) where they learned of its rich African history along with the influence of the European countries that later controlled the area. Thelma said they also explored the Castle of Good Hope. The group rode a cable car to the top of Table Mountain (one of the great seven wonders of the natural world). To enjoy the exhilarating panoramic view of the city of Cape Town and its beautiful bay.
The group headed next to Cape Town’s Waterfront district, a shopper’s delight filled with chic stores, great restaurants and grand malls. The journey continued as they drove down the southern coast of Africa stopping at Hout Bay Harbor for more shopping. They described breathtaking views as they passed along the coastline. They stopped for lunch at Cape Point’s 2 Ocean’s Restaurant where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans cross. The group also explored the South African wine country.
They took a boat ride to Robbin Island to see where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. Once in Johannesburg the group stopped at the Lessedi Cultural Village. There they learned about all of the native tribes with South African origins. They braved the wild on a land safari to see wild animals in their natural habitat. They marveled at buffalo, zebra, giraffes and gazelles. There were many more exciting memories for our St. Louisans on this trip. When you see them, definitely take the time to discuss.
The Honorable Joan K. Miller hosted a Chili Party last weekend to honor sister Jane Miller Brown, Esq.’s visit to her home town. Jane’s old friends and family flocked to the lovely CWE home to welcome Janie and visit with old friends. Joan’s scrumptious menu included an open bar, four-alarm vegetarian and beef chili, chili con queso, spicy secret recipe salsa, chocolates, trifle and Miss Hulling’s original cakes.
A few of the guests enjoying the company and holiday music selections were Denise Dugas, Nina and Dave Chasnoff, Liz Costello, Jeff and Vivi Costello Wolf, Sheila Triplett, Beverly and Ron Riddick, Don Thomas, Cheryl Whalen, Holiday décor design consultant Gregory B. Smith (Chicago, IL.), Mike White, D.D.S. (Baltimore, MD), Randy Randolph, M.D., Billy and Kathy Kuper Foster (The Big O Liqueur company founders) and Earnestine Benford (Los Angeles, CA.).
Bill and Kathy Foster are enjoying the success of their popular ginger liqueur, The Big O. Earnestine Benford is excited about the upcoming release of her book !Text Hugs! Daily Digital Inspiration for children, teens and young adults. For a glimpse of Earnestine’s vision on how to effectively communicate with the young people in your life, check out www.textahugtoday.com.
Mike Claiborne, Marnita Spight and Kymberly Smith Jackson, Esq. hosted their 8th Annual Happy New Year and Holiday Soiree at the Ritz-Carlton Lobby Bar and Lounge in Clayton a couple of weeks ago. A good time was had by all, especially St. Louisans home for the holidays.
A few of the mingling guests included Rita Kirkland (SLPL), Honorable Joan Miller, Audrey Miller M.D. (Columbia, SC.), Dave Calloway, Esq., Pam Jackson D.D.S., Dr. Charles Quigless, Paul Randolph, Esq., Bernard C. Randolph Jr., M.D., Kathy Smith , Judi Coleman, Keith Williamson,Esq. (Centene), Richard Banks, Esq. and Larrisa Steel, Sheila Banks, Morgan McKenzie (Washington, DC.), Honorable Don McCullin, Eric Banks, Esq., Jerry Hunter,Esq., Gabriel Gore, Esq., Ollie Dowell, Janet Jackson Williams, Nancy Thompson, Susan and Wayman Smith,Esq., Gina Cheatham, Stacy Givens, Vern Fuller, Hilliard Hicks, Aaron Fields, Vanita Davidson, Les Bond Jr., Don Calloway, Esq., John Shivers, Anisha Morrell and Kelley Powell.
Don’t miss “The Meeting,” the story of an imagined meeting of Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at The Black Rep, being performed at the Emerson Performance Center at Harris Stowe State University through January 26. Please call the box office for your tickets at 314-534-3810.
Dana Grace: dgrandolph@live.com.
