| The Family Affair Hansie Solomon Family News - July, 2005 |
Thanks to Jordonna Collins for contributions and for providing the
Inspiration to begin this newsletter, and thanks to the following
contributors:
GET WELL
GRADUATIONS & EDUCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT
Dia Collins - graduated from Basic Refrigeration and will be completing
High Pressure Boiler Operator at the end of August. Her goal is to
become a 1st steam chief engineer. Dia was previously invited to go
Germany as an exchange student. Because of her academic success
graduated a year early. During her senior year she took college
classes at Henry Ford Community College in Information Computer
Systems and Business Technology earning honor roll grades.
At only eight years of age, Wayne Collins Jr. completed his 5th bible
reading on the Theocratic Ministry School of Jehovah's Witnesses.
Wayne gave his first bible reading assignment at age six. OH, almost
forgot, Wayne is also an Honor Roll student!
Alexandria Freeman - Congratulations to Alexandria “Alex” Danielle
Freeman, a 2004 graduate of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Academic
Magnet School for Health Sciences and Engineering. The school is
located in Nashville, Tennessee. Alex graduated with top honors, was
a semifinalist in the National Achievement Scholarship Program,
member of the Beta Club, member of the National Honor Society, and a
member of the Distinguished Scholars Program for maintaining a
cumulative grade average of 93-100 for seven semesters. Alex is more
than just academic. In July, 2003 she was acknowledged for her
bowling skills (a 300 game!), which she made no big deal of.
Alexandria is the daughter of Danny and Mazo Freeman. For more
about “Alex” go to www.henryfordswebsite.com, link on “VISIONS” and
check out the Jan-Feb, 2005 issue.
Chaz Mitchell – Son of Lita Mitchell, graduated from St. Thomas
Aquinas, and will be attending high school at Villa Angela, St. Joseph
Academy. Chaz is a member of the choir Men of Tomorrow, and don’t
plan of teasing him about singing, because he recently earned his
Black Belt in the martial art of Tae-Kwon-Do.
Congratulations to Carl Taylor Jr. on his graduation from Pershing
High School in Detroit
In June 2005 Dorothy Taylor had the privilege of attending the Full-
time ministry Pioneer School of Jehovah's Witnesses for the second
time. She has been in the full-time ministry over 25 years.
Congratulations to Julian Taylor III who earned his journeyman's
degree as an electrician. He distinguished himself by remaining on the
Dean's List the entire time.
Latasha Temple from Macon, Georgia area – Will be attending the
University of Georgia
Brandi Thomas-Beasley received her Bachelors degree in Health
Service Administration
James Ernest Vinson Jr.(Ernie), son of James Vinson Sr. (Man)
and grandson of the late Mattie Vinson, graduated from Winston
Salem State University in May of 2005. Ernie earned a BS in Political
Science.
WEDDINGS & ENGAGEMENTS
Congratulations to Andrea Hawkins & Emmett Ford who were
married Sunday afternoon, May 29th at the Palace Theatre at
Playhouse Square in downtown Cleveland. Emmett is the son of Mattie
Kidd of Cleveland.
Congratulations to the Newlyweds Brandi and Karon Beasley, who
were married May 21, 2005
Congratulations to Keith and Janet Littman. On July 16, 2005 Keith
(Son of Margaret Littman, Grandson of the late Mattie Vinson) was
united to Janet Derr-Cline in a double Ring ceremony in Gastonia, NC.
Congratulations to Nikita Thomas on her engagement to Lance
Panton. They will have a wedding at sea on November 14 in St.
Thomas.
NEW ARRIVALS
Latara and Mann Coleman had a baby boy, Tarque Kenyon
Coleman on June 7th.
Daron Mason had a baby boy, Daren Latrell Mason on June 23rd,
and that made Shelia Mason a . . . grandmother again!
Camille Pratt – Daughter of Bonita “Bonnie” Pratt and
granddaughter of proud grandparents JoAnn Ford & Rasool
Jackson.
FAITH, LOVE, COMMITMENT
Generation I
Julian & Dorothy Taylor - 44 Years - 10/28
Carl & Debra Taylor - 10/13
Irilla & Louis Duhart - 9 Years - 12/20
Sheila & Leroy Mason - 7/29
William "Jimmy" & Marilyn Taylor -
Kenny & Janice Taylor -
Generation II
Harold & Teresa King - 7/10
Jordonna & Wayne Collins - 20 Years - 8/25
Clarence & LaTanya King - 6/4
Generation III
Latara & Arlnor Coleman - 8/2
REMEMBER WHEN?
August, 1985 - Dianne & Henry Ford were married in the Greater
Gardens of Cleveland, and then immediately headed to the 1st
Reunion outside the United States – Hosted by Detroit Chapter at
Wheels Inn, in Chatam, Ontario, Canada. During that reunion, Dianne
& Henry hosted their reception (1st Wedding Reception at a Family
Reunion – to our knowledge!) in their hospitality suite.
NEW HOMES
Congratulations to Tyrone Thomas and Clarence King on the
purchase of their new homes.
CONGRATULATIONS - ANOTHER HOME! - Would you believe that
Jordonna Collins built her SECOND home last year?
The BIG MOVE! – Rasool Jackson & JoAnn Ford don’t mess
around when they decide it’s time to move. Anyone who has ever
visited their home in Orange Village, Ohio might find it hard to imagine
that they would ever want to leave. Not content with moving across
town or just “Moving on Up,” they decided to make a real change.
Below are a few lines from a letter we received from them in July:
“In the next couple of months, we will live somewhere between Orange
Village and Sarasota (Florida). As most of you know, Rasool and I
bought a home in Sarasota last summer. We fell in love with the area
about 20 years ago while visiting relatives there. Sarasota is a small
community of about 36,000 people and lots of gorgeous beaches and
spectacular sunsets! Oh, and tons of good seafood. The saying there
is “it’s heaven on earth” except during a hurricane season – June thru
November. I guess you can’t have it all.”
JoAnn and Rasool would like for you to call or visit when you are in the
area, but we don't want to publish their contact information on the web.
If you would like to contact them, PRESS HERE and we will forward their
contact information to you.
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS
Henry Stewart of Cleveland, Ohio celebrated his 80th Birthday earlier
this year and his biggest surprise was someone on the guest list that
“happened by.” Henry’s wife Carrie carefully kept the news from
everyone that daughter Myra from Charlotte, North Carolina (some 500
miles away) would be a surprise guest.
Party over where? Anthony Taylor (youngest son of Parthenia Taylor)
will celebrate his birthday on August 24th.
PROMOTIONS & BUSINESS
Wayne Collins is in his third year as owner of Doc Collins Construction
Company.
Congratulations to Kennedy Center Award Winner Margaret Ford-
Taylor as she and the staff at CAT (Cleveland Art Theatre) continue to
expand and thrill audiences around Northern Ohio.
In July, Peggy Martin was promoted to principal of Cooper Middle
School in Austell, GA.
TRAVELS
Henry & Dianne Ford went on a 22-day tour of New Zealand and
Australia in November. While in Sydney, Henry addressed a meeting of
the Australian Shareholders Association and a delegation of investors
from China.
See photos at: http://www.henryfordswebsite.com/photos.html
Julian & Dorothy Taylor, and Irilla & Louis Duhart did not miss
Henry & Dianne at all (didn't know they were gone), because they were
on a two week South Caribbean cruise during most of that time.
As this newsletter is being prepared, Minister Donald & Peggy
Singleton are in Russia on a multi-cultural mission trip. Their travels
are related to missionary work in conjunction with St. Paul Missionary
Baptist Church in Oregon. Their plans include participating in ministry
opportunities that include Evangelistic meetings; visits to homes,
schools, hospitals, orphanages, universities and much more.
To use up airline credits earned for accepting a bump on the way to
last year’s reunion, Henry & Dianne Ford took an impromptu trip to
Montreal, Canada in July.
See photos at: http://www.henryfordswebsite.com/photos.html
Chavon Brown recently attended the Congressional Student
Leadership Conference in Washington, DC. The granddaughter of
reunion founder Synnia Solomon was selected for the Lead America
Forum based on academic achievement, community service and good
citizenship. A student at Warren G. Harding High School in Ohio,
Chavon’s past achievements include; Student council representative,
nominated and participated in ACSI Leadership conference, nominated
for People to People Ambassador program for 2 years, received 2
Presidents awards, one for Girl Scouts, one for academics, received
2003-2004 basketball award for most Christian character. She is
currently a registered member of the National Honor Roll, active
member of Girl Scout troop 97, enrolled in Pre-International
Baccalaureate program at Harding High School, member of S.T.A.R.S.
(Students taking a responsible stand), member of Harding High School
freshman choir and Jr. Team Leader of Youth Group at her Church.
Her community involvement includes volunteer at local nursing home,
participating in Make a Difference Day and Warren Youth Summit.
Chavon is the daughter of proud parents Larry and Carla Brown. For
more about Chavon, check out the family web site at:
www.hansiesolomon.org/news.html.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Monique Jackson to run in Chicago AIDS Marathon
Monique Jackson, daughter of Kevin & Arlene Jackson will run in the
Chicago AIDS Marathon to raise funds for AIDS research. We received
this information too late to put in the hard copy of the newsletter, but
you can help and encourage Monique in this very worthwhile effort:
project.
RETIREMENT
After years of toiling for the North Carolina Department of Vocational
Rehabilitation, Ruth Mitchell retired and is now free to win at Bingo as
much as she likes.
Julian Taylor Jr. (Oldest son of Parthenia Taylor) has survived
corporate America. He is retiring from General Motors after 43 years of
service as a skilled trade pipe fitter.
JEERS
Don't Be So Cruel is the message for McCoy Smith. In a move
designed to torture Jean Ford by awakening her taste buds to
memories of the past, we have reliable information that McCoy e-mailed
Jean Ford a photo of someone's Macaroni-n-Cheese. Nice going
McCoy, now all of us are hungry!
IF WE MISSED YOU . . .
It’s because it is HARD to get family news if YOU don’t “reach out and
touch someone.” We can keep in touch with those who have (and use)
an e-mail address, because we have NO BUDGET!
Please send your e-mail address to admin@hansiesolomon.org.
THANKS DETROIT!
Each year since 1974, when Cleveland’s Ford-Bryson Chapter
sponsored the first reunion, someone, somewhere, somehow, has
decided that maintaining and strengthening family ties is an important
part of our lives. It hasn’t always been easy, but it has always been fun
and rewarding. This year, we owe thanks to the collective effort of our
“Detroit Area Family” that, as they have so often done before, stepped
up to the plate to “hit a home run” and keep the family “in the game.”
Our family, separated by geography, by generations, and by
aspirations, is nevertheless united by love and respect. As we go
forward from this time and place, many challenges lie ahead. Today we
live in a world that too often values profit, power and greed above
integrity, common courtesies, and often above concern for human life.
Our yearly expressions of both word and deed are in contrast to this
decline of moral and spiritual values.
It is our hope and prayer, that this reunion will become a stepping stone
and foundation for a yet brighter tomorrow. Within this family is the
talent and tenacity to build character, achieve personal and
professional greatness, create relationships and raise families that our
parents and grandparents would be proud of. In memory and honor of
those who have come before us, may we resolve to continue to
communicate with, to love, to respect, to teach, and to learn from one
another; so the sacrifice and teachings of those who came before us
will not have been in vain. As I often share with audiences I speak to;
“You are each artistically appealing, beautifully bred, completely
capable, divinely destined, extraordinarily endowed, fairly fascinating
and generously gifted.” If we are all of that by ourselves (with God’s
blessing), think of what we are and can become as a part of the family.
Henry & Dianne Ford
Inspiration to begin this newsletter, and thanks to the following
contributors:
- Dia Collins
- Jean Ford
- Mattie Kidd
- Ruth Mitchell
- Danna Smith
- Homer & Elaine Solomon
- Nikita Thomas
GET WELL
- Shelia Taylor-Mason is successfully recovering from her illness.
- Dorothy Taylor is recuperating great after having her second
knee replacement
GRADUATIONS & EDUCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT
Dia Collins - graduated from Basic Refrigeration and will be completing
High Pressure Boiler Operator at the end of August. Her goal is to
become a 1st steam chief engineer. Dia was previously invited to go
Germany as an exchange student. Because of her academic success
graduated a year early. During her senior year she took college
classes at Henry Ford Community College in Information Computer
Systems and Business Technology earning honor roll grades.
At only eight years of age, Wayne Collins Jr. completed his 5th bible
reading on the Theocratic Ministry School of Jehovah's Witnesses.
Wayne gave his first bible reading assignment at age six. OH, almost
forgot, Wayne is also an Honor Roll student!
Alexandria Freeman - Congratulations to Alexandria “Alex” Danielle
Freeman, a 2004 graduate of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Academic
Magnet School for Health Sciences and Engineering. The school is
located in Nashville, Tennessee. Alex graduated with top honors, was
a semifinalist in the National Achievement Scholarship Program,
member of the Beta Club, member of the National Honor Society, and a
member of the Distinguished Scholars Program for maintaining a
cumulative grade average of 93-100 for seven semesters. Alex is more
than just academic. In July, 2003 she was acknowledged for her
bowling skills (a 300 game!), which she made no big deal of.
Alexandria is the daughter of Danny and Mazo Freeman. For more
about “Alex” go to www.henryfordswebsite.com, link on “VISIONS” and
check out the Jan-Feb, 2005 issue.
Chaz Mitchell – Son of Lita Mitchell, graduated from St. Thomas
Aquinas, and will be attending high school at Villa Angela, St. Joseph
Academy. Chaz is a member of the choir Men of Tomorrow, and don’t
plan of teasing him about singing, because he recently earned his
Black Belt in the martial art of Tae-Kwon-Do.
Congratulations to Carl Taylor Jr. on his graduation from Pershing
High School in Detroit
In June 2005 Dorothy Taylor had the privilege of attending the Full-
time ministry Pioneer School of Jehovah's Witnesses for the second
time. She has been in the full-time ministry over 25 years.
Congratulations to Julian Taylor III who earned his journeyman's
degree as an electrician. He distinguished himself by remaining on the
Dean's List the entire time.
Latasha Temple from Macon, Georgia area – Will be attending the
University of Georgia
Brandi Thomas-Beasley received her Bachelors degree in Health
Service Administration
James Ernest Vinson Jr.(Ernie), son of James Vinson Sr. (Man)
and grandson of the late Mattie Vinson, graduated from Winston
Salem State University in May of 2005. Ernie earned a BS in Political
Science.
WEDDINGS & ENGAGEMENTS
Congratulations to Andrea Hawkins & Emmett Ford who were
married Sunday afternoon, May 29th at the Palace Theatre at
Playhouse Square in downtown Cleveland. Emmett is the son of Mattie
Kidd of Cleveland.
Congratulations to the Newlyweds Brandi and Karon Beasley, who
were married May 21, 2005
Congratulations to Keith and Janet Littman. On July 16, 2005 Keith
(Son of Margaret Littman, Grandson of the late Mattie Vinson) was
united to Janet Derr-Cline in a double Ring ceremony in Gastonia, NC.
Congratulations to Nikita Thomas on her engagement to Lance
Panton. They will have a wedding at sea on November 14 in St.
Thomas.
NEW ARRIVALS
Latara and Mann Coleman had a baby boy, Tarque Kenyon
Coleman on June 7th.
Daron Mason had a baby boy, Daren Latrell Mason on June 23rd,
and that made Shelia Mason a . . . grandmother again!
Camille Pratt – Daughter of Bonita “Bonnie” Pratt and
granddaughter of proud grandparents JoAnn Ford & Rasool
Jackson.
FAITH, LOVE, COMMITMENT
Generation I
Julian & Dorothy Taylor - 44 Years - 10/28
Carl & Debra Taylor - 10/13
Irilla & Louis Duhart - 9 Years - 12/20
Sheila & Leroy Mason - 7/29
William "Jimmy" & Marilyn Taylor -
Kenny & Janice Taylor -
Generation II
Harold & Teresa King - 7/10
Jordonna & Wayne Collins - 20 Years - 8/25
Clarence & LaTanya King - 6/4
Generation III
Latara & Arlnor Coleman - 8/2
REMEMBER WHEN?
August, 1985 - Dianne & Henry Ford were married in the Greater
Gardens of Cleveland, and then immediately headed to the 1st
Reunion outside the United States – Hosted by Detroit Chapter at
Wheels Inn, in Chatam, Ontario, Canada. During that reunion, Dianne
& Henry hosted their reception (1st Wedding Reception at a Family
Reunion – to our knowledge!) in their hospitality suite.
NEW HOMES
Congratulations to Tyrone Thomas and Clarence King on the
purchase of their new homes.
CONGRATULATIONS - ANOTHER HOME! - Would you believe that
Jordonna Collins built her SECOND home last year?
The BIG MOVE! – Rasool Jackson & JoAnn Ford don’t mess
around when they decide it’s time to move. Anyone who has ever
visited their home in Orange Village, Ohio might find it hard to imagine
that they would ever want to leave. Not content with moving across
town or just “Moving on Up,” they decided to make a real change.
Below are a few lines from a letter we received from them in July:
“In the next couple of months, we will live somewhere between Orange
Village and Sarasota (Florida). As most of you know, Rasool and I
bought a home in Sarasota last summer. We fell in love with the area
about 20 years ago while visiting relatives there. Sarasota is a small
community of about 36,000 people and lots of gorgeous beaches and
spectacular sunsets! Oh, and tons of good seafood. The saying there
is “it’s heaven on earth” except during a hurricane season – June thru
November. I guess you can’t have it all.”
JoAnn and Rasool would like for you to call or visit when you are in the
area, but we don't want to publish their contact information on the web.
If you would like to contact them, PRESS HERE and we will forward their
contact information to you.
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS
Henry Stewart of Cleveland, Ohio celebrated his 80th Birthday earlier
this year and his biggest surprise was someone on the guest list that
“happened by.” Henry’s wife Carrie carefully kept the news from
everyone that daughter Myra from Charlotte, North Carolina (some 500
miles away) would be a surprise guest.
Party over where? Anthony Taylor (youngest son of Parthenia Taylor)
will celebrate his birthday on August 24th.
PROMOTIONS & BUSINESS
Wayne Collins is in his third year as owner of Doc Collins Construction
Company.
Congratulations to Kennedy Center Award Winner Margaret Ford-
Taylor as she and the staff at CAT (Cleveland Art Theatre) continue to
expand and thrill audiences around Northern Ohio.
In July, Peggy Martin was promoted to principal of Cooper Middle
School in Austell, GA.
TRAVELS
Henry & Dianne Ford went on a 22-day tour of New Zealand and
Australia in November. While in Sydney, Henry addressed a meeting of
the Australian Shareholders Association and a delegation of investors
from China.
See photos at: http://www.henryfordswebsite.com/photos.html
Julian & Dorothy Taylor, and Irilla & Louis Duhart did not miss
Henry & Dianne at all (didn't know they were gone), because they were
on a two week South Caribbean cruise during most of that time.
As this newsletter is being prepared, Minister Donald & Peggy
Singleton are in Russia on a multi-cultural mission trip. Their travels
are related to missionary work in conjunction with St. Paul Missionary
Baptist Church in Oregon. Their plans include participating in ministry
opportunities that include Evangelistic meetings; visits to homes,
schools, hospitals, orphanages, universities and much more.
To use up airline credits earned for accepting a bump on the way to
last year’s reunion, Henry & Dianne Ford took an impromptu trip to
Montreal, Canada in July.
See photos at: http://www.henryfordswebsite.com/photos.html
Chavon Brown recently attended the Congressional Student
Leadership Conference in Washington, DC. The granddaughter of
reunion founder Synnia Solomon was selected for the Lead America
Forum based on academic achievement, community service and good
citizenship. A student at Warren G. Harding High School in Ohio,
Chavon’s past achievements include; Student council representative,
nominated and participated in ACSI Leadership conference, nominated
for People to People Ambassador program for 2 years, received 2
Presidents awards, one for Girl Scouts, one for academics, received
2003-2004 basketball award for most Christian character. She is
currently a registered member of the National Honor Roll, active
member of Girl Scout troop 97, enrolled in Pre-International
Baccalaureate program at Harding High School, member of S.T.A.R.S.
(Students taking a responsible stand), member of Harding High School
freshman choir and Jr. Team Leader of Youth Group at her Church.
Her community involvement includes volunteer at local nursing home,
participating in Make a Difference Day and Warren Youth Summit.
Chavon is the daughter of proud parents Larry and Carla Brown. For
more about Chavon, check out the family web site at:
www.hansiesolomon.org/news.html.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Monique Jackson to run in Chicago AIDS Marathon
Monique Jackson, daughter of Kevin & Arlene Jackson will run in the
Chicago AIDS Marathon to raise funds for AIDS research. We received
this information too late to put in the hard copy of the newsletter, but
you can help and encourage Monique in this very worthwhile effort:
- Link to: http://www.aidsmarathon.com/sponsor.asp?citycode=CH
- Under “Search by Participant or Team Number”, enter “1054” and then
Press “GO”
project.
RETIREMENT
After years of toiling for the North Carolina Department of Vocational
Rehabilitation, Ruth Mitchell retired and is now free to win at Bingo as
much as she likes.
Julian Taylor Jr. (Oldest son of Parthenia Taylor) has survived
corporate America. He is retiring from General Motors after 43 years of
service as a skilled trade pipe fitter.
JEERS
Don't Be So Cruel is the message for McCoy Smith. In a move
designed to torture Jean Ford by awakening her taste buds to
memories of the past, we have reliable information that McCoy e-mailed
Jean Ford a photo of someone's Macaroni-n-Cheese. Nice going
McCoy, now all of us are hungry!
IF WE MISSED YOU . . .
It’s because it is HARD to get family news if YOU don’t “reach out and
touch someone.” We can keep in touch with those who have (and use)
an e-mail address, because we have NO BUDGET!
Please send your e-mail address to admin@hansiesolomon.org.
THANKS DETROIT!
Each year since 1974, when Cleveland’s Ford-Bryson Chapter
sponsored the first reunion, someone, somewhere, somehow, has
decided that maintaining and strengthening family ties is an important
part of our lives. It hasn’t always been easy, but it has always been fun
and rewarding. This year, we owe thanks to the collective effort of our
“Detroit Area Family” that, as they have so often done before, stepped
up to the plate to “hit a home run” and keep the family “in the game.”
Our family, separated by geography, by generations, and by
aspirations, is nevertheless united by love and respect. As we go
forward from this time and place, many challenges lie ahead. Today we
live in a world that too often values profit, power and greed above
integrity, common courtesies, and often above concern for human life.
Our yearly expressions of both word and deed are in contrast to this
decline of moral and spiritual values.
It is our hope and prayer, that this reunion will become a stepping stone
and foundation for a yet brighter tomorrow. Within this family is the
talent and tenacity to build character, achieve personal and
professional greatness, create relationships and raise families that our
parents and grandparents would be proud of. In memory and honor of
those who have come before us, may we resolve to continue to
communicate with, to love, to respect, to teach, and to learn from one
another; so the sacrifice and teachings of those who came before us
will not have been in vain. As I often share with audiences I speak to;
“You are each artistically appealing, beautifully bred, completely
capable, divinely destined, extraordinarily endowed, fairly fascinating
and generously gifted.” If we are all of that by ourselves (with God’s
blessing), think of what we are and can become as a part of the family.
Henry & Dianne Ford
| Dia Collins |
| Wayne Collins, Jr. |
| Alexandria Freeman |
| Brandi Thomas-Beasley |
| Brandi and Karon Beasley |
| Jan and Keith Littman |
| Camille Pratt |
| Rasool & JoAnn's Home in Florida |
| Chavon Brown |
| Monique Jackson Runner #1054 For more information PRESS HERE! - Then enter "1054" in Participant or Team Number |