Baby news Alana for Darwin!

Welcome to the world Darwin Rodney McJimpsey II. Darwin II was born on April 22, 2012 at 2:52 p.m. He weighed in at 6 lbs. 11ozs. Darwin II is the son of Darwin McJimsey and native St. Louisan Alana Peterson McJimpsey of Alexandria, VA. The proud grandparents are Drs. Alan and Marshalita Peterson (Atlanta, GA) and Rodney and Pamela McJimpsey (Alexandria, VA). Darwin and Alana plan to visit St. Louis this summer. They are looking forward to introducing their new addition to family and friends. Congratulations, Alana and Darwin!

Cinqo de Mayo Soirée. Jeralyn James, Janet Williams and Susan Smith hosted a great prelude to summer Cinqo de Mayo soirée on May 5, 2012 at Wayman and Susan Smith’s lovely CWE home. An annual ladies party, guests enjoyed a buffet of Mexican delights, old school music and the hostesses special Marguerites. It was a fun evening; old school guests donned their sombreros and maracas and caught up with friends new and old.

A few senoritas at the celebration included Nancy Thompson, Shelia Williams, Lisl Watkins, Tracie Goffe, Dana Marie Harris, Cathy Amos, April Amos, Susan Buford, Larissa Steele, Gail Holmes, Tanya Jones, Jackie Hamilton, Angele Burns, Jeanne Johnson, Stephanie Roberts, Sharon Younge, Michelle Paige Moore, Charmaine Manse Simpson, Dianne Powell, Terrelle Mann (Kansas City), Tracy Huntley (Dallas) and Sherry Heard (Chicago). Mirada adelante a las señoras del próximo año, bien hecho.

The film Beasts of the Southern Wild surpassed its buzz level in Cannes last week when it picked up the the highly coveted FIPRESCI prize awarded by an international jury of film critics. Directed by Benh Zeitlin, the film also held its own at Sundance earlier this year.  Rocky Arceneaux (Alliance Sports) is just back from the festival with friend and client Dwight Henry (New Orleans). Henry, who stars in the film, is very excited about the international community’s response. He also says working with child star Quvenzhané Wallis was inspiring. I am looking forward to the June 27 release. 

Happy belated birthday to Eunice Lane (May 21)!

William Dula (Crossroads High) is excited about his 2012 Eagle Scout project. Will, a vibraphone player for the popular St. Louis Big Band, will perform with that group at the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park on June 2, 2012 at 3PM.  Will’s goal is to raise food for the St. Louis Area Foodbank. When Will asked the Missouri History Museum for use of their facilities for his project he didn’t know their yearlong project for 2012 was addressing hunger in the community. 

Please help William and the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park provide food for the St Louis Area Foodbank while the St. Louis Big Band entertains you. Bring a lawn chair and food item and enjoy! Here is the link for the virtual food drive. http://vad.aidmatrix.org/vadxml.cfm?driveid=6385

Pastor Cynthia Ringo of the Christian Deliverance Ministry (CDM) implemented the CDM Mind and Body Fitness Challenge held on May 19, 2012 at Cardinal Ritter College Prep. The event featuring Briant Mitchell and Shawn Stevenson was a huge success. So much so that Missouri State Rep Jamilah Nasheed sponsored a resolution from the House of Representatives noting Pastor Ringo’s commitment to get St. Louis residents healthier.

Have a great weekend. Blessings!

Dana Grace: dgrandolph@live.com.