PEOPLE, PLACES AND THINGS PDF Print E-mail
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Thursday, 21 June 2012 11:08
DOUG OUT, 5 - 9 p.m. Friday at Fish Market.
KELLEY O’NEAL w/KO BAND, 9:30  p.m ., Saturday, at Ona’s Music Room.  (tuscaloosahorns.com)
GROVER SHEFFIELD, Saturday, on the 29th Street Stageat the Pepper Place Market.
  COREY HOLCOMB , this weekend, at the StarDome Comedy Club.

Gwen DeRu                                                                                               
 
IT’S MY BIRTHDAY ‘MONTH’.  Celebrate with me at Steel tonight, right after work!  Then, see you all around town somewhere, soon!  AND, HAPPY BLACK MUSIC MONTH!!   ENJOY!!

Put on ‘your’ Party Hat!!  It’s time to celebrate ‘my’ Birthday Month!!  There are many people celebrating birthdays, too.  

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL CELEBRATING... that means ME AND YOU, MAYOR WILLIAM BELL, COUNCILOR JAY ROBERSON, CALVIN SEXTON,KATRINA WILLIAMS, CANDACE BELINDA HOWARD, BRENDAN JAYLIN ROBINSON and FABRYEANNE ROBINSON!!!!  It’s your time to shine!! Wishing ‘YOU’ the Best!!  ENJOY!!

It’s MY BIRTHDAY MONTH - JUNE!  I will see you out and about all month long.  Let’s Celebrate!!

While Celebrating...... Check out the good spots all around the southeast.  (See you around town).

    NOW......, Enjoy some of this......, SOULFUL TRAVEL THROUGHOUT THE SOUTHEAST..... JAZZ, BLUES AND FOOD and more .... throughout the southeast!!

IN THE SOUTHEAST......Check out all the places for.......
    JAZZ and BLUES - ROBERTS JAZZ PROJECT, 8 - 11 p.m at Marty’s on Birmingham’s southside.  Call (205) 939-0045 for more.

    FOOD - GABRELLA’s, downtown Birmingham, on 17th Street, with the best food in town.

    FUNNY - COREY HOLCOMB, this weekend at the StarDome Comedy Club in Birmingham.

‘MY’ favorite picks, This weekend...,  
MY FAVORITE, ……, TODAY....,  Williams Legal Services INVITES YOU to:  YP NIGHT  - a networking event for legal professionals at  SKOOL DAZE and STEEL on 1st with music provided by Jazz Underground 5 Points, 7 p.m. with door prizes and drink specials all night long!

    Friday..., FOLKS WITH JOKES, 6 p.m. at Legends Sports Lounge.  Call (205) 529-5587 for more.

    Saturday....., KELLEY O’NEAL w. KO BAND, 9:30 p.m. at Ona’s Music Room.

    Sunday..., MEN OF FAITH, 10 a.m. with Dr. Craig Witherspoon, Superintendent, Birmingham City Schools and 11 a.m. with Dr. George T. French. President, Miles College at One Zion United AME Zion Church, 100 Red Lane Road.  A day of worship ‘The Tie That Binds Brother Helping Brother’ with Dr. Erskine Faush, Pastor.

For the children and the young at heart..... Enjoy the weather, eat healthy and get outdoors for walks and plenty of exercise!

Now...here’s the rest of the story........ for something to do!  You know that I love to laugh.  Don’t miss your laughter, this weekend, at the StarDome Comedy Club.  
 
TODAY....
**The WILLIAMS LEGAL SERVICES invites you to: SKOOL DAZE presents YP PROFESSIONALS NETWORKING EVENT, 4-7 p.m. at Steel  2300 First Avenue North - 35203 with Happy Hours Specials, FREE food catered by Alease’s Edibles and $2 Cocktails with music provided by Jazz Underground 5 Points.  “Happy Hour” with Civilocity from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.  Everyone is free until 7 o’clock & LADIES are free until 11 p.m.  DOOR PRIZES AND DRINK SPECIALS ALL NIGHT LONG!   Call (205) 304-1482 for more.  SKOOL DAZE AT STEEL is the OFFICIAL SPONSOR of THURSDAYS!  Come early! Stay late!  To register for free door prizes every week... “LIKE” us on Facebook at SkoolDazeSteel and/or “Follow” us on Twitter @SkoolDazeSteel.  Call 205.304.1482 for VIP Reservations.
**FUND-RAISING RECEPTION  in Honor of the Board of Commissioners, DeKalb County, Georgia, the Honorable Sharon Barnes Sutton and the Honorable Lee May, 5 -7 p.m. at the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame. Call (205) 791-1237 for more.
**SPLENDID LAUGHTER, 7:30 p.m. at the YMCA featuring comedian Dale Jones.
**STEVEN McCULLOUGH, 8:30 p.m. at Ona’s Music Room.
**JAZZ with  Birmingham’s finest, 6-11 p.m., at the Jazz Underground in 5 Points South with music by SHUAN PEZANT, MIKE HAM and NORRIS JONES.  Call (205) 202-3640 for more.  Tell them Gwen sent you.
**Line Dancing, every Thursday at Wellington’s Bistro.  Call (205) 223-4432 for more.
**Caffeine Happy Hour with DOUG OUT, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. at Coffee Shoppee.  Call (205) 222-6954 for more.
**COREY HOLCOMB at the StarDome Comedy Club.  Call (205) 444-0008 for more.  Tell Bruce Gwen sent you.
**GOOD FELLAS at Sweet Bones Alabama.  Call (205) 970-3058 for more.
 
FRIDAY ....,
It’s Friday.... some say the weekend starts here.... today.... not tomorrow... today.....
**Check you out, tonight, at the Jazz Underground Five Points.
**DOUG FORD, 5 - 9 p.m. at Fish Market on southside.
**WARHOL & CARS - AMERICAN ICONS, 6 - 9 p.m. at the Birmingham Museum of Art.
**IT’S FRIDAY NIGHT, living for the weekend, 9 p.m. at Martinis.
**COREY HOLCOMB at the StarDome Comedy Club. Call (205) 444-0008.
**THE HORN DOGS, 9:30 p.m. at Ona’s Music Room.

SATURDAY...,
**EPISCOPAL PLACE GUMBO, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Sloss FUrnaces.  Enjoy gumbo and compete for 10 gumbo awards.  Call (205) 324-1911 for more.
**COREY HOLCOMB at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**KELLEY O’NEAL w/KO BAND, 9:30 p.m. at Ona’s Music Room. Check out Ona’s Music Room for your good music.  Call (205) 320-7006 for more.  

SUNDAY.....,
This is a day to relax, enjoy your family after going to your favorite place to worship, go to the movies, check out the museum, go to a concert or watch a little sports, it is the season!!
**Pray and share time with the family!!  Support your favorite cause and others!  Give your time if not your money and do it often!!
**THE ARRIVAL, 7:30 p.m. at the Carver Theatre, Alabama Jazz Halll of Fame, directed by Van J Will.  Call (205) 478-7627 for more.
**DA UNDERGROUND ALLSTARS® COMEDY SERIES 6  @ CLUB CIELO.  “THIS IS WHERE THE FUNNY AT”. Call (205) 585.7273 for more.www.MacManEntertainment.com.
**COREY HOLCOMB at the StarDome Comedy Club.

            MONDAY.....
**Monday 360.....(Turning Mondays all the way around).  Nothing to do on Monday, think again -- Want to relax in an adult setting?  Visit The J. Simpkins Gallery for Classic movies, and classic board games every Monday after work, and enjoy a complimentary dinner as well. We have a nice variety going on every Monday, Dart competitions, a secluded Cigar Enthusiasts area, and the best of all, the live music DVDs all evening, 4:30 - 9:30 p.m. J. Simpkins Gallery, 1608 Floyd Bradford Road, Trussville, AL 35173.  Call 205.572.1295 for more.
**OPEN MIC NIGHT at Wellington’s Bistro.  Call (205) 223-4432.

    NEXT TUESDAY.......
**3000 TUESDAY hosted by CHRIS SHEPPARD at 3000 Bar on southside. Call (205) 933-3222 for more.
**OTM DEMOCRATS MEETING &SOCIAL at the Moonlight on the Mountain in Bluff Park. Bring your food and drink, plenty of tables and chairs.
**JAZZ with  Birmingham’s finest, 5 - 7:30 p.m., at the Jazz Underground in 5 Points South.  Join the Black Date Processing Association for their monthly mixer, with music by SHUAN PEZANT, MIKE HAMM and NORRIS JONES at 7:30 p.m.  Call (205) 202-3640 for more.  Tell them Gwen sent you.

    NEXT WEDNESDAY......
**TAKE 3, 8:30 p.m. at Ona’s Music Room.

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SUPPORT BIRMINGHAM’S OWN for the 2012 London Olympics Medical Team - Alabama is represented at the 2012 Summer Olympic Games by Jamila Kindall, graduate of John Carroll High School, Georgia State University, University of Tennessee and the Birmingham School of Massage.  Out of 250,000 applicants, Jamila was given an opportunity of a lifetime to be part of history on the Olympic Games Medical Team 2012.  Support Jamila Kindall and learn more by contacting her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or mail your contribution to P. O. Box 1766, Pinson, Ala. 35126.

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HAYES HIGH SCHOOL CLASS REUNION - 62 GOLDEN REUNION ANNOUNCEMENT
Hayes High Class of ‘62 Golden Reunion Classmates, The golden reunion date has been set for August 24.  Join in on the planning. Contact John Martin for details at (205) 836-5570.

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FOR BOOK LOVERS.......
**SOLE PURPOSE - Shoes of Hope from the Feet of a Samaritan, by Manny Ohonme with Kyle Whelliston.The author will be in town periodically during the year and next year during the celeberation of the 2013 Civil Rights 50th Anniversary.
**FUNCTION AT THE JUNCTION by Carol Ealons.  (Call me, I will give you  more).

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FOR FILM/MOVIE LOVERS......IN 2012....
**First Thursday’s at the Birmingham Museum of Art FREE Films from Sidewalk at Steiner Auditorium, 7 p.m.
**RACING STRIPES, 6:30 p.m. at the Helena AMphitheater Park, Old Town Section, Helena.  Sundown Cinema.

+++++FOR FARMER’S MARKET...
**PEPPER PLACE MARKET, 7 a.m. - Noon,every Saturday through October, on Second Avenue at Pepper Place and surrounding area with Chef Angela Schmidt, Fiddlin’ in the Parlor on the Front Porch Stage and Grover Sheffied on the 29th Street Stage.
**NORWOOD MARKET at the Trolley Stop, every Saturday, June 2 - September 29, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.  Shop with vendors and other businesses selling fruits, vegetables, baked goods, clothing, arts and crafts, live music, poetry, food demonstrations and more.   Call (205) 322-7361 for more.

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FOR OUTDOOR LOVERS.......
    Check out all the things happening in Birmingham outdoors, this weekend.  See you around town!
**SATURDAY, 8a.m. - Annual Southeastern Outings Tube Float - Cahaba River in Centreville (About an hour from Hoover) Details: Join friendly folks on a relaxing, lazy summer day tube float.  Everyone is cordially invited on this real fun event.  The float will be on the Big Cahaba River in Centreville.  GFoat on the river for about two hours, then picnic and play in the river for as long as you like and/or just lie out and relax at the end.  Please bring picnic lunch, drink, sunscreen, $12 per person tubing fee and friends if you wish.  Wear old shorts or a swim suit and substantial, snug fitting footwear you don’t mind getting wet and dirty.  Old sneakers usually work well.  Bare feet, flip-flops, slip-ons and thin-soled “beach shoes” are not acceptable!  Well-behaved, properly supervised children age 7seven and older able to handle themselves in a tube for two hours on moving water are welcome and encouraged to come.  Parents are advised of risks of wading and swimming in sometimes deep water, and parents are responsible for all risks to their children.  All participants are required to rent tubes from the outfitter for the tube float itself, no exceptions. Depart promptly at 8 a.m. from McDonald’s Galleria.  If you are not at the meeting place at the designated time, you will be on your own at the tube float.  Please be on time ready to go at the meeting place!  Eat breakfast before you arrive at the meeting place, and come with a full tank of gas if you intend to drive.  Info: Dan Frederick, 205/631-4680 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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FOR GOLFERS......
**FRIENDS & FAMILY GOLF CRUISE HAWAII 2012, August 11 - 18.  For more go to African American Golfer’s Digest.  Call (717) 732-5813 for more.

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FOR LAUGHTER.....,  COREY HOLCOMB, this weekend..... COREY HOLCOMB, at the StarDome Comedy Club. Often billing himself as the “ghetto Dr. Phil”,[1] most of Holcomb’s standup material revolves around relationships, particularly relationships gone wrong.[2] In addition to touring the country, he has appeared as a regular on the stand-up/improv-based television shows Comic View, Def Comedy Jam, Last Comic Standing, and Nick Cannon Presents Wild ‘n Out. He has appeared in two comedy specials of his own, Corey Holcomb: The Problem Is You and Comedy Central Presents: Corey Holcomb.  Tell Bruce, Gwen sent you.  Call (205) 444-0008 for more.

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FOR HEALTH.....,
**Walgreens and National Urban League Free Health Tests to Urban and Minority Communities with ‘Way to Well Health Tour’ for Prevention and Early Detection of Today’s Leading Diseases. Visit the Walgreens Way to Well Health Tour with NUL, which will provide free tests, assessments, education and consulting services.  To learn when the Way to Well Health Tour is serving a neighborhood near you, visit www.walgreens.com/waytowell.

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            FOR EMERGENCIES IN 2012... The first step to being Red Cross ready is to get a disaster preparedness kit.  At a minimum, have the basic supplies listed below. Keep supplies in an easy-to-carry emergency preparedness kit that you can use at home or take with you in case you must evacuate.
    •    Water-one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
    •    Food-non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
    •    Flashlight
    •    Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAAWeather Radio, if possible)
    •    Extra batteries
    •    First aid kit
    •    Medications (7-day supply) and medical items
    •    Multipurpose tool
    •    Sanitation and personal hygiene items
    •    Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
    •    Cell phone with chargers
    •    Family and emergency contact information
    •    Extra cash
    •    Emergency blanket
    •    Map(s) of the area
Consider the needs of all family members and add those supplies to your kit.

    Be RED CROSS Ready - Get a Kit - include water, food, batteries, a flashlight, first aid kit and other essentials.  Make a Plan - have a plan established in the event of a fire, tornado or other emergency.  Be Informed - have a weather radio and listen to all weather advisories given by officials.  Resolve to Be Prepared for Emergencies in 2012 - You can make a difference to others and help keep your family safe by resolving to get your household prepared, to “Be Red Cross Ready” when emergencies happen.
 
    Families need to plan how to deal with disasters. They need to know what emergencies are most likely to happen where they live, learn, work and play. You can make a difference in your community by knowing what to do when disaster strikes. You can:
            1.  Get a kit. If you’ve ever fumbled to find a flashlight during a blackout, you know what it feels like to be unprepared. Use a downloadable checklist to make things even easier when assembling your emergency preparedness kit.
            2.  Make a plan. Talk with family and household members about what you would do during emergencies that are most likely to happen in your area.
            3.  Be informed. Know the risks where you live, work, learn and play.
            4.  Learn first aid and CPR/AED so that you have the skills to respond in an emergency before help arrives, especially during a disaster when emergency responders may not be as available. Contact your local chapter to get trained.
Take time to get prepared. Visit RedCross.org for more information on how to prepare for all types of emergencies.

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            FOR ART LOVERS...  
**ART CRITIQUE, 7 - 9 p.m. at Space One Eleven, the last Wednesday of every month.  Local artists are invited to bring a piece of their artwork and be critiqued by their peers.  Donations suggested.

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            FOR CHILDREN..., Take the children to the library, zoo, park, ....get outdoors as much as you can.  They need the exercise.  AND, take them to the movies, this is the season with plenty of new movies hitting the theatres for the young and young at heart.

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            FOR JOB SEEKERS....., Services for job seekers, every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Birmingham Urban League.  Workshops are presented by HR professionals.  Tuesday - How to write a resume, proper interview attire, and interviewing skills, How to leverage your network, and Effective ways to  job search.  Wednesday - Building your resume and Thursday one on one coaching.  Employers will be there and will post jobs at the Birmingham Urban League.  There is access to computers and the internet.  Call (205) 326-0162 for more.  (Share with the job seekers in your life.  Tell them Gwen sent you).
 
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 NOW.... For those of you that might be interested..... Here is one of ‘my’ special places ....In Birmingham, ....Check out what’s happening at The Old Car Heaven.  Call (205) 324-4545 for more and tell them Gwen sent you.  
 
On to the rest of the happenings around town..., Here are the HAPPENINGS EVERY WEEK...... but, first, Birmingham...... Get your laugh on at the StarDome Comedy Club every weekend.  There is always laughter going on there. Coming soon...., MICKEY DEAN, SINBAD, SEBASTIAN MANISCALCO, RODNEY CARRINGTON, and BRUCE BRUCE.  Call (205) 444-0008 for more. Tell Bruce that Gwen sent you.
 
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            AROUND AND ABOUT TOWN....If you are grown, sexy, love music, play cards, head to Charlotte’s place – Wellington’s Bistro, the place to be these days for your best blues and jazz specials on Monday nights.  There is always Marty’s on the Southside.  There is Tasty Tuesday and Old School Friday at Platinum of Birmingham.  Now, there is Merienda on the Southside.  Tell them Gwen sent you.  (Hey, send all your live music/entertainment calendars to Gwen DeRu at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ).

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    THIS SUMMER, here are some PLACES YOU CAN COUNT ON...EVERY TIME!  IT’S THE GOOD, THE SAME and THE BEST ..............
    EVERY TUESDAY...., **3000 TUESDAY hosted by CHRIS SHEPPARD at 3000 Bar on southside. Call (205) 933-3222 for more.  **SHUAN PEZANT, NORRIS JONES and MIKE HAM at Jazz Underground.
            EVERY WEDNESDAY...,**Check out Old Car Heaven, Happy Hour, 4-6 p.m.  
            EVERY THURSDAY...,**ONYX near Birmingham-Southern College and across from the Fire Station on Eighth Avenue. **DOUG OUT at the Coffee Shoppee for ‘Caffeine’ Happy Hour, 7 p.m. in the Five Points West area.  Call (205) 222-6954 for more.  **JEFF LOPEZ AND KEN TALLEY at Michael’s Steak and Seafood, today and tomorrow.  **OLD SCHOOL PARTY at Steel, right after work.  
    EVERY FIRST THURSDAY..... **JAZZ ON THE PORCH at Rucker Place, 5-8 p.m.
    EVERY SECOND AND FOURTH THURSDAY...., FOLKS WITH JOKES, 7:30 p.m. at Legends.  Call (205) 529-5587 for more.
            EVERY FRIDAY...,**Pure Fridays at Martinis.  Ladies FREE before 10 p.m. **FAB FRIDAYS, 5 - 9 p.m. Happy Hour at The Onyx, with complimentary food.  Ladies FREE until 11 p.m. and Bottle Service and VIP seating After Hours at 11 p.m.  Check it out at 615 8th Avenue West, near Birmingham-Southern College and across from the Fire Station on Eighth Avenue.   
            EVERY SUNDAY...,**Jazz Brunch at Billy’s on Overton Road.  Call (205) 956-2323.  **Live Music Brunch at Crestwood Coffee Company.  Call (205) 595-0300.
 
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AT MARTY’S on Southside......**Piano Bar with Errick Smith and Scott McCullough (later), today.
**Representative Slice Chock & Dry Reds and Bibb City Ramblers (later), Friday.
**Marion McKay & Her Mood Swings and Stuart McNair & the Contraband (later), Saturday.
**Roberts Jazz Project, Sunday.

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Hey...the Birmingham Zoo always has something for the children. There are a few new exhibitions.  Take the kids out!!  Call (205) 879-0409 for more.
 
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TOP EVENTS.....in Alabama.....,IN JUNE.....
IN TUSCUMBIA - June 21-24, Helen Keller Festival. Call (800)344-0783.
IN BIRMINGHAM - June 22-24, Alabama Sports Festival.  Call (334) 280-0065.
IN CLANTON - June 26-30, Chilton County Peach Festival. Call (205) 755-2400.
IN ATHENS - June 30, Delmore Days Music Festival.  Call (256) 232-5411.

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COMING SOON..... (or still going on).......AROUND THE STATE....around the country and around the world.....
**NICK COLIONNE, June 30th, 7 p.m. at the Carver Theatre.
**THUNDER ON THE MOUNTAIN, July 4th, 9 p.m. at the Vulcan
**URBAN HANGOVER VEGAS GETAWAY 2012, July 27-29.  They say what happens in Vegas, didn’t happen.  For more call 1-800-718-7952 or go to www.urbanhangover.com.
**ELITE WEEKEND D.C. Edition with the Presidential Swag Labor Day Weekend 2012, August 31 - September 3rd.  Enjoy entertaining and relaxing activities all while flexing your presidential swag around the nation’s capital.
**IN AUBURN – Now through December 2, Culinary Boot Camp.  Call (334) 321-3179.
**World Peace Card Meditations, 7:30 p.m. (based on local time in your time zone).  Future Dates are: Wednesday - July 11, August 8 and September 19 at 7:30 p.m.  You are invited to take part in the next World Peace Card Meditations. Please mark your calendar and share with all your friends.

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            TIPS FOR YOU!!  
Each week, I would like to give you useful tips. (If you should have any, please, pass them on to me. Thanks). TIPS ON ‘ANY AND EVERYTHING’.... (and some are not for everyone).  Produce can be expensive, so buy items that are in season or on sale to help save money.  STRAWBERRIES - To freeze extra berries, remove the stems and rinse in cool water.  Let dry, then arrange in a single layer and freeze. Transfer to freezer bags and store for up to one year. (Taken from Taste of Home - Healthy Cooking magazine).

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            RECIPE/FOOD...... ‘Tis the season for simple weeknight dinners or desserts -  STRAWBERRY BANANA BLAST - What’s for breakfast?  In a blender, combine 1 cup orange juice, 2 cups frozen unsweetened strawberries, 1 sliced frozen medium banana and 3/4 cup strawberry-banana yogurt.  Cover and process until blended.  Pour into chilled glasses.  Serve immediately.   Takes 10 minutes. Serving: 4. (Taken from Taste of Home - Healthy Cooking magazine)  ENJOY!!!

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY to all celebrating..., ME AND YOU..... MAYOR WILLIAM BELL, COUNCILOR JAY ROBERSON, CALVIN SEXTON, KATRINA WILLIAMS, CANDACE BELINDA HOWARD, BRENDAN JAYLIN ROBINSON and FABRYEANNE ROBINSON!!!  Many, many more Happy Birthdays!!  Here’s wishing ‘you’ all the best!!

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Well, that’s it....don’t forget to listen to 900 GOLD WATV, Bringing Back the Memories and the Good Times, Birmingham’s Only Old School Station, where you can hear People, Places and Things with Gwen DeRu on Thursday and Friday at 10:20 a.m. and 6:50 p.m.  This will keep you up on the latest happenings in and around town.  Check it out.  And, don’t forget to inform and invite me to your latest.
 
Until next time.....We at The Birmingham Times are very excited to bring you People, Places and Things by Gwen DeRu.  Look for more next time.....until then......People, Places and Things by Gwen DeRu will run weekly.  Charitable events, parties, restaurants and clubs make news that your friends, neighbors in Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama and the southeast want to read.  Future, just completed social events, and happenings should be emailed to: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or mail to Gwen DeRu, P.O. Box 39355, Birmingham, AL  35202-0503.


 

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