News and Messages 2010

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS
Nov 2, 2010

Funeral services for Henry M. Collins (Shorty) will be held on Tuesday November 9th, 2010, 11:30 a.m. at the Inglewood Park Cemetery Mortuary, 3801 W. Manchester Blvd, Inglewood, CA 90305. Viewing Nov. 8th from 3 p.m. - 8 p.m.

SAD NEWS
Oct 23, 2010

Henry M. Collins, son of Gertrude Johnson and stepson of Theodore Johnson Jr, passed away early this morning. As of now, there's no word on funeral arrangements. Further information will be posted here as soon as we receive it.

MARY THIGPEN UPDATE
Sept 9, 2010

Bobby Johnson will appear on worldwide radio station KURS  1040AM dial on Friday, September 10, 2010 PST at 9am. The Radio Host is a friend of mine in the Circle of Friends International Family and Friendship Network. Her name is Janice Groves-Todd.

Bobby will talk about his non-profits and the status of New Orleans following Katrina after five long years !

I will be doing a Stand Up Comedy Act on Friday, September 10th 9:30-1:30pm. During this time, I will be called to speak for 15 minutes to "take down the house."  The facility is the Joan Croc Center of San Diego (Famous McDonald's Restaurant Chain Owner). Will be honoring elderly folks on  National Grandparents Day. It is called the Annual Grandparents Appreciation Luncheon and it is sponsored by The Rose House organization, a 5013-c non-profit administered by my friend, Addie Hankins and her husband Van.

Another friend, Irma Waggoner and her husband John Waggoner helped their daughter, Sharon to start a Creole Restaurant in Temecula, California. It is a GOLDMINE !!!

They have live music on Friday and Saturday evenings. Their son, John Jr. is the only American approved by the Mexican Government to grow and process Agave to make Tequila in the United States. He owns a large mountain ranch in Temecula and markets a brand called "Temequila" in BEV MO Stores, Costco, Sams Club and other Beer-Liquor-Wine Outlets. This family has origins in Opelousas, Louisiana. Their Gumbo and other Creole dishes are OUTSTANDING !!!   They even have "alligator" on the menu.

Any Southern California Johnson relatives can visit there..."Sharon's Creole Cafe" on Jefferson (immediately off the Interstate 15 Exit at Jefferson). Tell the staff that you are related to Mary Thigpen and you will get the "royal treatment"  as a member of the Circle of Friends.

I am still marketing the film "SKIN-the Movie" to select audiences in select cities. I am also busy with my long-term volunteer consulting and Fund-Raising for the Water for Children Africa. There is an Africa Trade and Business Conference coming to town on November 13, 2010 8:30am-4:00 pm at San Diego City College. All relatives are encouraged to come to San Diego to attend this educational conference and to meet the many African Business Folk who speak and attend. Anyone with a business can place an advertisement in the promotional booklet. The prices are the same as last year's...very reasonable !

Monifa has completed the hardest part of her Music Studio Work. Now, she and Gabe are putting on the final touches for the many songs they developed this summer. Wish them well with their CD Release in 2011.

I was a Radio Guest on August 20th to market the Movie SKIN and to promote the Water for Children Africa.  If any relative needs radio time, I can be a sponsor to make the costs reasonable and get them a 15 to 30 minute time slot on KURS...They just need to contact me at 619 448-6326.

Auntie Inell is getting ready to "Kick up her heels" at the wedding celebration of her grandson Michael Johnson Jr. He is the son of my brother Michael Anthony Johnson. Mike Jr and his wife Kim were married on July 27th at the Ocho Rios Sandals Resort. The Johnson Family will celebrate in style at the Columbus Georgia Wyndham Garden Hotel.  Family Members who want to attend this fun-filled gathering need to make their reservations early as the $ 79 per night rates are going fast. The Party is set for 7pm in the White Ballroom on Saturday, October 9, 2010. We will all show up in "White clothing" for this special event.

In closing, my grandson Noah Angelo Giamanco turns "4" on September 16, 2010. He is so excited to have his cake and ice cream that day !  Sending you Josef's Baby Photos. He is now a "Basketball Star" for a local league of teens. He is a sophomore and he turned 16 and is ready to start taking his driving lessons...WOW...they grow so fast ! OHHH did I say he was over 6Ft 2 inches tall ?

DONATIONS
Aug 16, 2010

We would like to acknowledge and say thank you to Lydia Matlock and Jeanise Frazier for their donations towards the upkeep and maintenance of the family website.

CONGRATULATIONS KEN JOHNSON
Aug 13, 2010

Ken Johnson would like to share with the family that he received his MASTERS Degree this spring from the University of Tennessee.

HOWARD COMES THROUGH IN TENNESSEE STATE FINALS
Aug 11, 2010

Family member Howard Johnson is on his way to the NATIONAL SENIOR OLYMPICS to be held in Houston, Texas during the summer of 2011. Quite an accomplishment. We can and should be proud of his performance (it's all in the Johnson genes). Click thumbnail to view full size.

HOWARD CRUISES TO SENIOR OLYMPICS STATE FINALS
May 10, 2010

Howard Johnson easily qualified for the 2010 Tennessee State Finals Senior Olympics track and field.

Howard will be competing in two (2) tough events:  The 100 and 200 meter dashes. Click on the image for a full size picture and details. "Go gettum brother."

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS
March 6, 2010

Kendrick Marcell Cooper, son of Carla Cager-Hughes and grandson of Delcenia Johnson has received one of the highest honors in the Louisiana school system. Kendrick was nominated to represent his school, the Baton Rouge Community and the State of Louisiana as a National Scholar in Washington D.C. He will be attending the Congressional Youth Leaders Conference from March 23-28. As a National Scholar, he will be distinguished as one of the most promising young leaders of tomorrow and will join many of his peers from across the nation for this unique learning experience. The Conference nominates exceptional students from around the country to attend this experiential educational program. Kendrick was also nominated to attend the National Youth Leadership Forum on National Security which is also held in Washington D.C. But it doesn’t stop there. Kendrick just recently won 1st Place honors in the Design the Future of Scotlandville Competition given by Southern University’s School of Architecture. And to put the icing on the cake, when he gets back from Washington D.C. his publisher will be waiting to discuss the release date of his 1st book of poetic art. His poems are very powerful. He has a website coming soon.

PLEASE ATTEND IF YOU CAN!!
March 2, 2010

104th Birthday Celebration Honoring Elidee "DD" Johnson Lewis.
To be held March 27, 2010 @ 4:00 pm at the Mount Beulah Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 149 Calhoun Crossing, Ferriday, LA 71334. I am also going to leave my cell# if you would like to call and leave a birthday message.  I will play them that day of the party!!!! My number is 318-347-1378. My address is 8725 Pinehave Drive, Keithville, LA 71047 for anyone that would like to send cards. Thanks Again.

Love,
Mac (Aunt DD's Granddaughter)

NEWSFLASH
January 13, 2010

Jan 30, 2010 Brother Paul Leneir Johnson will marry Inez Hinton in a marriage ceremony performed by Paul's childhood friend, now the Reverend Victor Alexander. Location, Crowne Plaza Hotel in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Inell Johnson's children will be in attendance along with a host of relatives.

January Birthdays: Sonna Aminata Thigpen Jan 26, Mary Cecelia Johnson-Thigpen, Jan 27, Gabriel Charles Giamanco, Jan 28th

Newsflash: Monifa Thigpen-Giamanco and her husband, Gabriel have just completed their first children's CD Set consisting of numerous "cool" tunes for young children. Monifa is initiating her marketing campaign starting in February, 2010. Family members who are interested in purchasing the CD or being involved in future music phases should contact her directly. She has recruited talented teens and college students as well as Senior Citizens to help her with this project. One particular song will soon be on the airwaves !!!

Love and Friendship Always,
Cousin Mary Johnson-Thigpen