Sunday, May 24, 2015

Delray Richardson returns to Annapolis to launch album locally



 Delray Richardson at the West End Grill in Annapolis,  Md.

Songwriter, music producer and singer, Delray Richardson returned to his hometown of Annapolis,  Md. on May 23, 2015, to launch "Mahogany Masterpiece: The Return of Hip Hop." Richardson pleased the crowd while performing songs from his album. He thanked supporters and friends for coming to celebrate his musical creation, after he traveled from Ca. Each attendee left the celebration with a CD of "Mahogany Masterpiece: The Return of Hip Hop" and a signed poster. 

Richardson is a talented artist who chose to remain independent. However, his authentic street corner hip-hop delivers quality music that is laced with local landmarks, reflections, current events and sounds that make you want to dance.
Visit http://www.delfunkboy-music-sports-management.com/ for more information about "Mahogany Masterpiece: The Return of Hip Hop" or purchase it via
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/mahogany-masterpiece-return/id957578281.




Tuesday, February 17, 2015

2015 Arts in Education and County Arts Program grant applications are now available in Prince George's County, MD.

Grants for artists and educators

Source: http://pgahc.org/

Do you have a creative or educational idea that you would like to implement in Prince George's County? If you could use a little financial help getting off of the ground, please consider connecting with the Prince George's Arts and Humanities Council (PGAHC). The organization recently posted grant information for this fiscal year. If you like to apply for a County Arts Program grant, or an Arts In Education Program grant, 2015 applications are now available. Visit the website to read guidelines and detailed descriptions of what is being offered.

County Arts Program grants will be distributed in five categories: Artist Fellowship
Programs, County Arts Projects, Cultural Anchor Projects, Emerging Arts Programs, Public
Art Building Communities and Cultural Bridge Projects.

Additionally, Arts In Education Program grants "support artists, arts educators and
organizations that provide high-quality arts and cultural activities to youth in public
educational settings from early childhood through high school."

 The deadline to return complete grant applications is March 6, 2015 at 5:00 p.m. Visit http://pgahc.org/ to obtain more information and download an application and guide.

About PGAHC

Established in 1981, PGAHC is an independent non-profit
organization designated by the Prince George’s County government to coordinate financial
support and advocacy for the arts.

Thursday, May 1, 2014

A Tale of Two Schools. Croquet, wine & hilarity. 2014 photos from the croquet match between Johnnies & Midshipmen.


There is no detailed recap needed for the fight to win the 32nd Annual Annapolis Cup. Pictures will tell most of the story. The Midshipmen won the croquet match against the Johnnies, on the St. John’s campus. The event was held Saturday, April 12 at 1 p.m. Croquet spectators were more interesting than I ever anticipated. No outside alcohol was permitted, but plenty of it was for sale, and it was openly consumed. I couldn't see too much of the croquet game. It was a loud, crowded, hot, social event. Although families were invited, I felt that the event would be embraced mostly by those seeking to reconnect with old friends, spectators who wanted to take a study break with fellow students, or people wanting to spend family time with a group connected to either school. Although I attended St. John's Graduate Institute, I never attended this before. I was impressed by the manner in which two educational institutions built a bond in the same town. If you have a sense of humor, and you're looking for a lighthearted laugh or two in a historic town, save the date for the next round.












Free family fun at FedExField. The Redskin's Draft Day party is May 10.


Who doesn't like a free party? The featured event of the morning is appropriate for moms, dads, children and football buffs who root for Burgundy & Gold.

If you are a Washington Redskin fan, the team's annual Draft Day Party is at FedExField on Saturday, May 10. Lots of family friendly fun is scheduled. Click the link below for a full description.

http://www.redskins.com/news-and-events/article-1/Redskins-To-Host-Annual-Draft-Day-Party-At-FedExField/29dad3d4-bcab-4e07-a6aa-9c09e4ca12f7

If you would like to attend, click here to register!





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                                        Grove Street


Monday, April 21, 2014

PG County events & news at glance. Harlem Renaissance Festival, Marvin Sapp, & urgent hearings about the African American Museum and Cultural Center. 

Thank you for stopping by. Today, we would like to share local news about Prince George's County.


Did you know about this?

I had no idea that Prince George’s African American Museum and Cultural Center existed. Anyway, there are two upcoming budget related hearings on April 29 and May 5. The request of funding is reportedly to complete the museum building in the Gateway Arts District. Will the request of $4 million be favorably answered? If history is important to you, you may click the link above for hearing times, and to learn more.

Will the YMCA in Bowie be moving? Here's why the issue arose.

Do you know a musical Prince George's County resident between 13 and 22? The Give Drugs A Bad Rap Contest is underway. There are nice prizes and performance opportunities for winners. Entrants must submit a video by May 16th, 2014.

http://kysdc.upickem.net/engine/Welcome.aspx?contestid=126497



The Harlem Renaissance Festival 2014 will be held May 3rd in Landover.

This year's theme is 'We The People… Issues, Movement and Change.'

"We hope to engage our community to learn about the contributions of young African-Americans in the area of social change from the 1920’s to current," Council Member Andrea C. Harrison, Chairperson of the Harlem Renaissance Festival 2014 stated.

http://pghrf.org/festival/

Here is the link to the program book:

http://pghrf.org/festival/2013-program-book/

I've read elsewhere that Midnight Star will be performing.



June 21, Marvin Sapp will be coming to Six Flags.
https://www.sixflags.com/america/special-events/concert/praise-park


More news will be forthcoming. Have a great day.

--Velocity DMV




We recently partnered with Alex Haley's official website. You're invited to Grove Street. Scroll to the bottom to see our magazine issues full of interviews with industry leaders, celebs, and recaps of some of the best events in town. On other website sections, you can also read things about Alex Haley that you probably won't find any place else. 

http://alexhaley.com/grove_street.htm

 
Recently published!
Darren Desepoli's interview is a must read for 'Roots' fans.

Saturday, April 19, 2014

Ressurection Weekend Celebration At Landover Based Jericho City of Praise Marks A New Beginning


 Resurrection Weekend Celebration At Jericho City of Praise Marks A New Beginning






Leading up to Easter Sunday, the Jericho City of Praise church family has been busy preparing for Dr. Jasmin "Jazz" Sculark's inaugural service, to be held at 8501 Jericho City & Bishop Peebles Dr., on April 20, 2014. The new Senior Pastor-Select, Dr. Jasmin Sculark, is reportedly a native of the Island of Trinidad and Tobago. Earlier today in Landover, Maryland, family and friends were invited to fellowship during a youth-oriented Easter egg hunt. Neighboring community members, and Prince George's County residents, met the minister. They also interacted with church members who handed out prizes, and facilitated well planned activities.

Despite difficulties with the direction of the church, after the death of Apostle Betty Peebles, youth were undoubtedly the focus of today's festivities. Face painting, hula hoop games, contests and animal rides inspired children to participate in the weekend celebration. Biblical lessons were also integrated into the fun-filled day. Lunch was  served to young guests, according to age. A young praise dancer's fluid movements commanded attention as gospel music played in the background. Volunteers pitched in with willing hands and hearts, eager to make the day special for attendees who enjoyed warm weather on a sunny day.


                                                 



Jericho has been duly credited for community outreach, filling in when residents need emergency services, or offering church space for community forums. This afternoon provided a platform for Dr. Sculark to connect with new and old faces while maintaining critical community ties.

Tomorrow, Easter Sunday service begins at 9:30 AM. However, the service will also be streaming live at www.jerichocop.org. VaShawn Mitchell is scheduled to be tomorrow's special guest artist. Jericho City of Praise is strongly intertwined in the local culture of Prince George's County. Moving forward, we embrace the possibility that better times will be forthcoming under new leadership.

--Velocity DMV
"We keep you informed about the DMV on the go!"








                         www.issuu.com/bloggertime







Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Wegmans was recently rated the No. 1 supermarket in the country. 10 reasons why a vegetarian foodie fell in love. A review.




Wegmans is my favorite store in Prince George's County. These pictures were taken with permission. 

Did you know that Consumer Reports ranked Wegmans as the No. 1 supermarket chain in the country?

"Thank you for rating us the number 1 supermarket and pharmacy in America, " a large sign informed.

On my way into Wegmans, I dug deeper to find out what the happy message was all about. In the latest Consumer Report survey, over 27,000 readers reportedly helped to rank the nation's major grocery stores. Cleanliness, service, quality of perishables, and prices were among categories that were apart of the survey. Wegmans came out on top.

As you may know, I quietly pop in and out of venues noticing who does what the best. Although I wasn't one of the consumers who were surveyed, I too raise my hand to rate Wegmans as No. 1. I'm a regular shopper at their Woodmore location in Maryland. I can honestly tell you that I've used Wegmans as my portable office, then embarked on a vegetarian shopping spree. Not only does Wegmans offer Wifi, but the sections are spacious, kid, and community friendly.


In The Beginning

After I moved from  another county,  I often found myself jetting down the road to grocery shop because I couldn't find a selection of desirable, quality foods. I felt disrespected by sparse options and lackluster customer service. Plus, I was happier with customer service in my hometown. A date introduced Wegmans to me in another location. My eyes glazed over after he assured that I would find something to eat there. I fell in love with Wegmans. And yes, he earned a few bonus points for being forward thinking enough to take me there.

A few years later, Wegmans at Woodmore opened in Prince George's County. Shopping there is like being in a relationship. Anytime I cheat and shop heavily anywhere else, I always regret it. The food bar is nice in a pinch, but I'm a foodie most excited by what I can make from scratch, on a budget.


10 reasons I fell in love with Wegmans

I alternate between a vegetarian and pescatarian diet, and this wasn't completely my choice. My doctor also advised me to avoid all sugar, eat organic food, and avoid any hormone-filled foods. On top of that, I avoid parabens and soy as much as possible. The first few months of living this way nearly left me in tears. It's so hard to find food that isn't on my list to avoid. I cook the majority of my food. It saves money and allows to me monitor what I'm eating.


If you're on a special diet, or you simply want to eat healthier, here are 10  reasons why I fell in love with Wegmans. You may opt to keep these shopping tips in mind.


1. Wegmans has a well stocked gluten free aisle. I've discovered new brands, and experimented with unfamiliar ingredients, because of this option. Specialty foods can be more expensive. However, my Dad always told me that you'll either have a food or doctor bill. I regard my body as a temple. Since I don't spend money on fast food, I invest in buying healthier foods as much as my budget allows.

2. Wegmans offers a number of sprouted ingredients. 
Sprouted green lentils, rice and mung beans mix well with their extensive choices of fresh fruits and vegetables. I like the taste of sprouted food better. It's also generally easier for me to digest.

3. If you're trying to avoid dairy products, consider options like non-dairy oat milk. I use oat milk to sweeten my organic split pea soup, which has been voted as a favorite meal by my toddler and brother. Again, I can't consume soy or sweetened options. I stick with plain oat milk and jazz it up myself.

4. Wegmans offers a range of ethnic food, and I don't just mean canned or prepared.  At the Woodmore location, there's an isle of Mexican, European, Asian, Indian kosher, and South African options. I'm happy to shop at a store that has mostly everything I need. I know that some people think that vegetarians mostly eat salad. That menu choice got old for me within a week. I was determined to expand my horizons, international seasonings included.

For example, the dried chick peas that I buy are $4.79 per bag. If I opt to make my own burgers with them, I can squeeze lots of meals out of it for my family. The added benefit is making fresh burgers sans preservatives.

5. I save money by making my own muffins and snacks.  Eating organic food isn't cheap. In under 30 minutes, I can use flaxseed, oats and fruit as a base to make my version of something palatable. I bake for the week. When I'm extremely busy, I add spinach, other veggies and maybe organic sweet potatoes to make a meal replacement version that I can take on the go.

6. I don't drink soda. I've invented a number of blended recipes, since I only use honey or natural sweetners. The organic tea selection is larger than most. I also appreciate brands that use unbleached tea bags. I'n very conscious of toxins.

7. If I cheat and eat fish, farm raised isn't an option. Wegmans sells wild caught fish, which can be a nice treat. Not all grocery stores offer the option to buy it.

8. The Wegmans organic brand is growing. I often use their black, dark red kidney beans, or great northern beans, to make stir fry dishes or soup. Protein consumption is extremely important to me for obvious reasons.

9. The majority of my diet consists of perishable items. Although organic fruit and vegetables may spoil faster, I try to plan what to buy first, based on my meal planning. My local Wegmans has been very good about keeping me satisfied, whenever I have challenges in this area.

10. Wegmans supports locally owned businesses, so we can, too. The Wegmans in my area even carries handmade soaps. I feel it's very important to let Wegmans know that we appreciate variety, by supporting brands with our dollars. If I like something, I try to buy it there. Shelf space is competitive anywhere. I understand that Wegmans can't stock all of my favorites. If the majority matters, I want my sales to be tallied.

My Rating

If you're not impressed by food quality solutions, you can buy books, a patio garden, dishes, and more at Wegmans. A band may drop by. You may be able to crash a chess game. Wegmans is a marketing hodgepodge that works. The big picture is that Wegmans offers options, and makes an effort to accommodate a range of customers.


Special note: Before you leave home, don't forget to tuck your club card in your wallet. As a member, I take advantage of using my weekly coupon that allows me to save $5.00 off per $25.00 that I spend. In a month's time, that can lead to a decent savings.


Velocity DMV rating: A


If you would like to experience Wegmans for yourself, visit Wegmans.com to view a list of locations.





About Me
When it comes to customer service, I'm a tough critic. I've worked part-time as a brand ambassador. My job relies on monitoring how customers feel about brands, advertising, and  running sampling events with a smile. 

I blog, write, market and network with a toddler on my hip. Have you read issue 16? Get your entertainment news at http://issuu.com/bloggertime.