Home Going Service for Edward Roberson

THE FUNERAL WILL BE FRIDAY 12/11/2009 AT NEW RISING STAR MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH AT 12 NOON 7400 LONDON AVE SOUTH BIRMINGHAM AL. 35206.
SMITH & GASTON FUNERAL HOME 102-6TH AVE. S.W. BIRMINGHAM,AL. 35211.HAS MR. EDWARD ROBERSON'S BODY.
- Henry Booker

Hello family,

Well it's been a few months since we've sent one of these announcements. Cousin Booker just sent me this news (see attached). Please lift up our Birmingham/McCall cousins in prayer. Ed is resting in glory now.

Some of you may remember their recently returning to the recent reunion in Montgomery in 2003. Jackie and Ed and all that clan came. Then, when we were in Birmingham a few years ago, Sharon worked really hard with the host committee. This year in Birmingham, Ed was not well and in the hospital; Jackie (ailing herself) came with Sharon and Serena... Anyhow, just that history so you'll be able to remember them.

As we pray for one we pray for us all.

We'll keep you posted on funeral arrangements. And, as usual, please call relatives who do not have emails.

AMEN

===============
UBUNTU,
claire

Playwright Patricia Estelle McCall introduces "Love...Or The Singularity of Gary"

On November 22, 2009 I had the pleasure of seeing a reading of "Love....Or The Singularity of Gary" by Patricia Estelle McCall (a.k.a. "Trish"), who is the daughter of Omar McCall Sr. This full length reading which took place at the Paris Health Club on West End Avenue in New York City had three characters, "Trish" as the survivor at age 45, Chandra Thomas as the survivor at 25 and Brian Schneider as the infamous Gary. Here we have an affluent Caucasian religious fanatic who pictures himself as a "Bishop" who has managed to imprison several young African-American females. He commits unspeakable acts on them, in some cases even murder. One of his victims has a relentless desire to stay alive and she uses every trick in her arsenal to do so.
I will not divulge any more information about the play because I want you to see it for yourself. You could hear a pin drop during this performance and thunderous applause from a full house at its completion. Everyone was surprised to find that this was based on a TRUE story. This was the second of three works by Patricia Estelle McCall, I wasn't able to see the first one "A Funeral" but if it was anything
like "Love...Or The Singularity of Gary" then it must have been a gem too.

A Tribute to Lisa

I had the pleasure of meeting Bertha McKinney at a family reunion several years ago. She really impressed me as a warm and knowledgeable person, and to make things even better.....she's a relative. At the time she also told me about the passing of her daughter Lisa. She was trying to get the Lisa Nicole McKinney Foundation up and running. Being a music person I was amazed at Lisa's accomplishments in the field of music.....and even more excited about the future she would have had, had she lived.
Lisa was one of so many talented young women to leave us far before her time. I
think of people like Minnie Riperton, Laura Nyro, Syreeta Wright and a host of others, even my own mother Bettye McCall left this earth at the age of 42. This thing called life is the most precious of all gifts God has given us, which puts a great emphasis on the true significance of family reunions. Had I not been at that
particular family reunion I would have never known about Lisa McKinney.
One day while crossing Easton Avenue in New Brunswick I happened to notice one of the buildings of Rutgers University was renamed McKinney Hall. Of course I knew it wasn't named after Lisa, but it started me thinking about her again. I never knew this extraordinarily talented and beautiful young lady also who attended Rutgers University at around the same time that my daughter Joy was there. It is such a pity that they didn't know each other since Joy was just a few years younger. This just shows the importance of knowing your family members. We are fortunate in that we have people like Claire, Gwen and Ishmael (and others) who are historians of the Foster-Mcall family who do pain-staking family research just like Bobbie did when she was alive.
It is my hope that we as a family keep the memory of Lisa Nicole Mckinney alive by
contributing to the foundation which will give money to outstanding young students at The Wayne State University School of Music. Bertha and I will elaborate further
on this topic at the 2010 reunion in Somerset, New Jersey. See you there!
Peace Claude

Confirmations

1. Evan Milligan 11/27/09
2. Ryane 11/27/09
3. Kendall Wilson 11/28/09
4. Dominic Wilson 11/28/09
5. James Wilson 11/28/09
6. Jeanine Wilson 11/28/09
7. Al Hamilton 11/28/09
8. Fran Hamilton 11/28/09
9. Henry Booker 11/28/09
10.Daryl Booker 11/28/09
11.LaShawn Booker 11/28/09
12.Valencia Marbury 11/28/09
13.Justin Woods 11/28/09
14.Asia Marbury 11/28/09
15.Tanisha Woods 11/28/09
16.Vivian Booker 11/28/09
17.Lori McCall 11/29/09
18.Bertha McKinney 11/29/09
19.Gwen Patton 11/29/09
20.Ramona Foster-Lang 11/30/09
21.Alicia Cox 11/30/09
22.Mia Cox 11/30/09
23.Marcus Lang 11/30/09
24.Earline Lang 11/30/09
25.Michael McCall 12/5/09
26.Linda McCall 12/5/09
27.Toni McCall 12/5/09
28.Claude Chaney 12/5/09
29.Evette Chaney 12/5/09
30.Jessica Pitts 12/5/09
31.Ruby Pitts 12/5/09
32.Keith Kennedy 12/5/09
33.Charles Lockhart Sr. 12/6/09
34.Brenda Lockhart 12/6/09
35.Jarrod Lockhart 12/6/09
36.Charles Lockhart Jr. 12/6/09
37.Monica Lockhart 12/6/09
38.Colin Lockhart 12/6/09
39.Randall Mccrary Jr. 12/10/09
40.Tanisha McCrary 12/10/09
41.Morgan McCrary 12/10/09
42.Emmett "Albert" Smith 12/10/09
43.Linda Smith 12/10/09
44.Paul Graves 5/4/10
45.Sandy Graves 5/4/10
46.Al Hamilton Sr. 5/23/10
47.Fran Hamilton 5/23/10

Confirmation Date (1) - December 10, 2009 (IMPORTANT)

Dear Family,
The time has come for me to have exact numbers to give to the hotels and other businesses involved with our 2010 reunion. That is why I need the names of every family member who intends to go to this reunion to send me an e-mail of confirmation. If you have children I need to have their names too. This is extremely important. If you have previously told me verbally that DOESN'T count.
I need something in writing that states your intention to attend. I would also appreciate if those family members with internet access would inform those without. Please send me an e-mail of their names as confirmation of their intention to attend.(Cch092775@aol.com)

Peace, Claude

Reunion Family Photo 2009 Available

Greetings Family!

The Family Reunion Photo that was taken on Sunday after service is great and is available for purchase for $5.00. Photos will be sent to you in a photo mailer. Money should be sent to:
Brenda Lockhart
1705 99th Street North
Birmingham, Alabama 35217
I will send your photo within one week.
If you know anyone who does not have an email address, please pass this information on to them.

Thanks,
Brenda Lockhart

What's New..........?

Today I took a trip to New York City to get information about the 3 hour boat ride abround Manhattan. The prices are shown above. You can also see the 42nd Street Pier and two City Line boats.

SAVE THE DATES

July 24, July 25 Foster-McCall Family Reunion, Somerset, New Jersey

What's New?

This morning I received two phone calls from Marriot Courtyard and Hyatt. I probably will be speaking with them some time tomorrow. The Hampton Inn is still
the best so far because of the extraordinary low price for the services provided
($79.00 per night). The Hyatt Regency charges $99.00 per night for extraordinary
services, but the price for their banquet room is somewhat high $45.00 per person.
Tomorrow I will see if they are willing to lower that price.

SAVE SAVE SAVE SAVE SAVE SAVE SAVE
July 24, 2010 will be here before you know it!

The Hampton Inn Pool

Banquet Room, Hampton Inn

The Hampton Inn, Dining Area

A Double, Hampton Inn, Somerset

What's new???

This morning I had the chance to see The Hampton Inn Somerset up close and personnel. The really good news is that the manager said that he could give us a special deal for only $79 dollars per night. After leaving the Hampton Inn I went
to several other hotels in the area some of which said that they "might" be able to
match Hampton Inn's offer but could not do it with certainty at this time. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. This is what I saw.

What's New.......?

It was a pleasant surprise to return home from Arizona and Nevada and find five more members of the family have joined the Foster-McCall 2010 site bringing the grand total to nine. I know it's still early but the quicker YOU join the better it will be for all us. Thank you Alfred, Fran, James, Janine, Bedazzled, Jessica and Keith.
I have been trying to find another relative Fannie Gordon who may be in Somerset or Somerville, New Jersey. The phone number I was given was either changed or maybe I could have copied it incorrectly but if anyone knows please let me know. I had so many things to do today I wasn't able to make it to the hotels but I'm sure I will be there tomorrow, a special thanks to those of you who responded to previously given information. I will stay in touch and I hope you'll do the same.
(Pictured above a bridge under construction in the mountains near the Hoover Dam
in Arizona)

The Life of Juanita Goodwin is celebrated in Philadelphia

The homecoming celebration of the life of Juanita Goodwin took place at the Freedom Christian Bible Fellowship in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on August 5, 2009. The service was officiated by Pastor Rashiid Coleman. The opening hymn and solo were performed by Tamika Lewis. Remarks from the family were made by Henry Booker and Ramona Lang read the obituary.
Juanita is predeceased by her parents, her brothers, a sister and a grandson.
She is survived by; her nine children, Anita and Alfreda (twins), Dolores, Judy,
Anthony, Deborah, Elizabeth, Edward and Michael; 14 grandchildren, Ralph, Thomas, Randolph, Marcia, Ronda, Felicia, James (Fanon), Tynita, Michael, Terrance, Hannah,
James, Kaya and Statoya; 10 great-greanchildren, Rachaun (Amber), Charles, Tanayah, shakim, Beverly, makayla, najai, Indy, Luke and Samara; one great-great grandchild, Marketih; a devoted sister, Evelyn; two sisters-in-law, Jane and Barbara; one brother-in-law, Jack; one son-in-law, Ralph; towo daughters-in-law, Stella and Lois; and a host of nieces, including her namesake, Juanita, nephews and cousins.

Juanita Goodwin ( 1924 - 2009 )

Juanita Goodwin was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was the fourth of five children. Her father, Theodore and mother, Anabelle were like many blacks,
part of the southern migration that moved north. They settled in West Philadelphia.
She was raised in a family that loved the Lord, valued the rights of women and
stressed education and hard work.
Juanita was a quiet and gentle child. She developed an early interest in reading which became a life long pleasure. Dancing was another one of her pleasures and she
was recognized in her local community for her talent on the dance floor. Juanita enjoyed her studies at the West Philadelphia High School, especially history, bookkeeping, poetry and current social topics. Juanita married her childhood friend, Alfred Goodwin (deceased). They both enjoyed discussing current events with their family and friends.
Juanita raised her children in a loving and caring atmosphere, always encouraging independent thinking. She accepted each child's individuality. As her family grew, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren added new life to her life. They adored their sometimes comical, always gentle, generous quiet grandmother.
Mama passed away peacefully and gently. We will always cherish our precious memories
-Ramona Foster Lang

Claude and Evette Chaney

Another Option (The Hyatt Regency)

If more than half of members of the family that voted in Birmingham contact me and state that they prefer the Hyatt Regency, then it will be the Hyatt Regency, if not then we will go with the original choice...The Hampton Inn. What I need to know as soon as possible is how you intend to travel to Somerset. If you chose Amtrak, the Hyatt Regency is the best choice because of it's proximity to the New Brunswick train station. If you plan to drive or take a plane to Newark Airport I need to know that too. We see pictures of the Banquet area and a bedroom for two ($99 per night)

Another Option (The Hyatt Regency)

The Exercise Room

The Hyatt Regency has a large swimming pool.

Another Option (The Hyatt Regency)

This is what a room for two with a king sized bed looks like at the at the Hyatt Regency.

Another Option

Of course The Hampton Inn of Somerset has been chosen for the 2010 Reunion, but I happened to pass by the Hyatt Regency Hotel, which I assumed would be too expensive. I just happened to walk in a couple of days ago and found that there really isn't that much difference in price between The Hampton Inn and The Hyatt Regency. The Hyatt Regency is $99.00 per night while the Hampton Inn ranges between $79.00 and $99.00 per night. The big advantage the Hyatt Regency has is that it is walking distance from the train station, while the Hampton Inn is about 2 miles away. I took a tour of the Hyatt Regency and I found that it is a much bigger hotel that has just had a two million dollar renovation.

Soros Justice Fellowship Applications Available

Greeting! Please circulate to folks in your network who may be interested in applying for a Soros Justice Fellowship. Any questions on the application process please contact Adam Culbreath (info below). Thanks!



I am writing to enlist your help in spreading the word about the Soros Justice Fellowships, a program that funds outstanding individuals to implement innovative projects that advance the Open Society Institute’s criminal justice reform priorities in the Unites States. This year, fellowship applications are due on Wednesday, October 14. Whether you forward this information to particular individuals whom you think would be promising candidates or circulate it more generally, we trust that there are advocates, activists, journalists, researchers, and others with distinctive and important voices within your networks who would benefit from this opportunity.



Fellows receive funding through the following two categories:



Advocacy

Soros Justice Advocacy Fellowships fund outstanding individuals—including lawyers, advocates, grassroots organizers, activist academics, and others with important perspectives—to initiate innovative policy advocacy projects at the local, state, and national levels that will have a measurable impact on one or more of OSI’s U.S. criminal justice priorities. Advocacy Fellowships, which have application tracks for both emerging leaders as well as for those with more established records of achievement, are 18 months in duration and come with a stipend ranging from $75,000 - $105,000.



Media

Soros Justice Media Fellowships support writers, print and broadcast journalists, bloggers, filmmakers, and other individuals with distinctive voices proposing to complete media projects for local, regional, and national markets that will engage the public and provoke policy responses to one or more of OSI’s U.S. criminal justice priorities. Media Fellowships are 12 months in duration and come with a stipend of $45,000.



As noted above, the application deadline for both fellowship categories is October 14, 2009. Further information and a link to our guidelines and online application can be found at: http://www.soros.org/initiatives/usprograms/focus/justice/programs/justice_fellows.



Adam Culbreath, Program Officer

Soros Justice Fellowships

Open Society Institute

aculbreath@sorosny.org

(212) 548-0170

Survey Result: Circle Line Cruise Around Manhattan is THE WINNER.

The Foster-McCall family has chosen The Circle Line cruise around Manhattan as the group activity for the 2010 Family Reunion. The Circle Line cruise had 8 first choice votes, 5 second choice votes and 10 third place votes. The Statue of Liberty was second with 7 first place votes, 4 second place votes and 2 third place votes. The African-American Walking Tour/Elizabeth Shopping was third with 4 first choice votes, 8 second choice votes and 5 third place votes. The Shomburg Museum was fourth with 4 first choice votes, 6 second choice votes and 3 third choice votes. There were 2 votes for seeing a Broadway play. More information will be posted in the near future.

The Statue of Liberty (as seen from Governor's Island, NY)

The Heldrich Hotel, New Brunswick, NJ

The Fosters and McCalls Choose The Hampton Inn of Somerset (NJ) for the 2010 Reunion

The Hampton Inn of Somerset, New Jersey has been chosen by the Foster-McCall family as the site of the 2010 family reunion. It was the overwhelming favorite with 14 first place votes, 5 second place votes and 0 third place votes. The Holiday Inn of Somerset finished second with 6 first place votes, 6 second place votes and 6 third place votes. The Heldrich of New Brunswick finished third with 5 first place votes, 3 second place votes and 2 third place votes. Information about all three frontrunners will be posted shortly. Actual surveys will be kept on file for future reference.

Evan Milligan

Claire Patrese Sams Milligan

Henry Booker and Charles Lockhart Sr.

Foster McCall families celebrate 80th consecutive family reunion

This past July 24th, 25th and 26th the Fosters and the McCalls celebrated their 80th CONSECUTIVE family reunion in Birmingham, Alabama. Well over 50 family members attended keeping alive a tradition that began in 1929.