The Cosmopolitan Review.

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Author: Mitchell, Yvonne Delaney1

Spring is in the air. Just ask Gwynne Wilcox, who is hosting the closing reception of the 1199SEIU Carnival Art Exhibit on March 17th, sponsored by the 1199SEIU Social Cultural Committee at the 1199 Gallery, located at 310 West 43rd Street.

You can also ask Shirley Scott, who hosted the 88th birthday party for attorney Thorton Meacham at Showman's Lounge. Meacham, who was the first Black man to graduate from Fordham Law School, in 1942, was toasted by a bevy of friends and well wishers which included Ed Myers, who called him a "class act," Councilwoman Inez Dickens, Dr. Ben, Don Eaton of the 369th Infantry, Peggy Doyle, formerly of the Peggy Doyle restaurant, located in lower Manhattan in the court district, where the lawyers lunch and the after-work crowd meets.

Also on board was Shirley Cuevas, Billie Holiday Hayes, retired dean from Fordham Law School John Frederick, attorney Glenn Finley, real estate broker Earl Washington, attorney Thomas Monaghan, and Mary Louise "Jap" Williams, just to name a few. Music was by Ray Shinnery, accompanied by the trombonist Mr. Michael, Shirley, who has been Meacham's companion for many years, really outdid herself with this one. We're looking forward to her doing it again next year or any time in between.

Welcome home from the hospital to Dorothea Merchant, who had her knee replaced and is now ready to do the cha-cha slide. Get well wishes to Pat Morissey. Taking it easy but only for a minute is Billy Palmer, who is recuperating from foot surgery. Condolences to the family of Norma Leach, from Sag Harbour, who passed, and to the brother of Emmalina North, who died in Florida. Seems as though he awoke in the middle of the night, jumped in his pool for a swim and had a heart attack. Fare thee well to Connie Brown, who is relocating to a California nursing home.

Congratulations to Jacqueline Lea, who received the Mary McCloud Bethune Award, and all of those who received the New York State English Educators of Excellence Award. The award is given each year to those visionaries who look to the future and see the possibilities in every student in every classroom in every school. To quote Emily Dickinson, "Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul and sings in tune without the words and never stops at all."

Happy St. Patrick's Day, and to all of those who are looking for a little corned beef and cabbage, the Social Bar and Lounge, located on 8th Avenue between 48th and 49th Street, is serving plates along with other food and drink specials, bag pipes and giveaways. Doors open at 11a.m. After all, we all have a bit of the Irish luck within us, or so they say.

Seems as though Earl "the Pearl" Monroe has thrown his last jump shot and is pulling out of the Riverbank State Park restaurant and taking his name with him. Meanwhile a new seafood restaurant is about to open next door to the Alhambra Ballroom. Look for the grand opening soon. Luay Broadnax, co-owner of Ida Mae's, is offering karaoke on Tuesday nights, as is the Platinum Bar and Lounge on 7th Avenue. For all of you wannabes looking for your 15 minutes of fame, pick out your favorite tune, best performer's outfit and hit the stage.

Julia Mitchell is now 6 months old, holding her own bottle and raising #&*! Beware of the ides of March and all of those whose only aim in life is to betray those who love them most.

Until next week……kisses.

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By Yvonne Delaney Mitchell, Special to the AmNews