Forty-eight hours without power does something to you.

Last weekend thousands in the surrounding areas suffered a power outage due to the snowstorm. When I went to bed on Friday night everything was fine. Early Saturday morning was a different story. I woke up early because I was so cold. A stop by the grocery store prepared me for the storm but I was not prepared for a weekend without power.

Now that I have an electric stove I wouldn’t be able to prepare any of the goodies I had purchased to get me through the weekend. No hot chocolate, no French bread pizza, no tomato soup and grilled cheese.

You’ve probablyheard the saying, “You are what you eat.” If this is true, you should eat healthy, right? In reality, most people struggle with their taste buds and their conscience on doing what’s right.

Most people know they should eat healthy. However, too many believe that healthy food can’t taste great and be filling. These are common misconceptions that lead to poor food decisions. It is absolutely possible to serve wholesome dishes that have great taste and are filling, too. It all starts with choosing foods with the right ingredients.

The buzz about the Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Pittsburgh Chapter hat luncheon had reached all the way to Eons on Ellsworth Street.

The ladies who attended the 65th Anniversary Hat Luncheon Jan. 30, at the Omni William Penn Hotel wore beautiful hats. Many had been purchased at Eons and had a vintage flair.

LOVING THESE HATS— Melissa Pickett, Denise Hayes, Pamela Young and Marsha Thomas.

More than 100 members of Jack and Jill and friends gathered in The Bob and Delores Hope Room for an afternoon filled with great auction items, sweet music and a tasty lunch. A portion of the luncheon proceeds went to the Afro-American Music Institute and the Jack and Jill Foundation. James Johnson, Ph.D., AAMI executive director, remarked that “we” are a musical people and a wide variety of students attend AAMI for many reasons. Johnson appreciated the fact that the historic organization was investing in “our future.” Johnson said that students come to AAMI for many reasons. Several students have attended for voice lessons so they can propose to their spouse in a unique way.

An all day Singers Symposium was held at The Church In The Round in Aliquippa of classroom and workshops, with a finale concert in the evening, Feb. 10. Minister of music, Curtis Lewis Sr., Ph.D., led the choir in a few selections including two original musical arrangements he composed.

The classes or actually the topic of each workshop were as follows; “My instrument or the song” presenter was Rev. Keith Moncrief. “So you want to be a M.O.M. (Minister Of Music) presenter—Nikki Thorpe. Pastor, musician/friend or foe, presenter was Pastor Andre Monterio. “From God to Classroom” presenter—Attorney Wayne Cobb II. “Doing it together”—presenter—Brian Sanders. “Wrap up” from—Pastor Laneer Fisher—Miracle COGIC—Aliquippa.

COMBINED WORKSHOP CHOIR

The evening concluded with a combined workshop choir led by Dr. Lewis and assisted by R.J. Jackson. Reverend Moncrief briefly spoke about how the musicians and choir members are the motivational tools used by the Pastor, Praise teams, and psalmist to bring the congregation into the spirit for receiving a blessing.