January 12, 2013 - January 18, 2013, The Afro-American B1 The largest attended pre-New Year’s Gala in Baltimore continues to be the Continental Societies Christmas Gala. The festive spirit, scrumptious cuisine, exciting black-tie attire, dancing and collegiality was the atmosphere at Martin’s West which was attended by hundreds of enthusiastic party goers. Each year the annual event recognizes a member or members in the community who have provided significant contributions to promoting, fostering, and developing the welfare of disadvantaged and underprivileged youth. The crowded dance floor was evidence of the enjoyment of guests who mastered the line dances and kept the Charles Arnette band busy for most of the night. The Baltimore Chapter of the Continentals presented the Memorial Award to Dr. Anne O. Emery, director, Bluford Drew Jemison STEM Academy. Every scholar at the Academy is encouraged to strive toward excellence in academics, character, athletics, Robotics, STEM and competition in every arena. Joi Dabney is president of the Baltimore Continentals; Cecelia King, chair of awards; Lynda Brown, vice president. Barbara Lee, Owen Lee, Barbara Blount Armstrong Charter members Margaret Turner and Frances Branch Corey Hill, Stephanie Hill, Doris Cole, Harry Peaker Daughter-father, Cassandra Roper, Herbert Roper Dena Wane, Jacqueline Golden, Rosalee Roper Doris Smith and daughter Carla Weaver Florence Blount, national president, Brenda Johnson, ER director Gwendolyn Lindsay, Ellen Dolvey Howard, Jill Johnson, Lynda Brown, Sheila Stevens, Stephanie Lee, Gladys Rice, Lorna Rice Byers Helen McDonald, Adolph McDonald, William Walker, Rose Wiggins Ivy Gates-Smith, Danard Smith enjoy the Wobble line dance Madeline Campbell leads the Continentals in the singing of their National Song Marco Merrick and Theresa McNeal Norma Ross, Laverne Crawford Johnson, Ruth Ross Roland Merritt, Dr. Thomas De Laine Roland Merritt, Janet Merritt, Delores Cook, Ralph Cooke Standing, Leroy Jackson, Brenda Baker, E. Gaines Lansey, LaVerne Naesea, Erthman Naesea. Seated, Jacqueline Robinson, Deborah Taylor Photos by A. Lois De Laine, Ed.D. Photos by A. Lois De Laine, Ed.D. The Baltimore Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority celebrated its rockin’ New Year’s Eve gala at the BWI Marshall Hilton Hotel in elegance and style. The festivities began in the afternoon with small chatter and moved to the scrumptious pre- dinner hors d’oeuvres offering. During dinner and prior to the New Year celebration count- down, one could feel the festive and partying momentum building. At the stroke of midnight, as the Impresarios Band played, hundreds of noise makers, horns and whistles were tooted by the crowd of party- goers as they sipped sparkling champagne and kissed their partners. Believe it or not, a second meal was offered after midnight to guests that felt the need for tradition, including black eyed peas, collard greens, rice, cornbread, fried chicken and many desserts. The event, according to guests, was “top- notched” and provided the atmosphere that left an indelible positive impression for making year 2013 a great one. Al Adams and Bernadette Adams Anastatia Benton, James Benton, Deleanor Harris-Boone Delores and Bill Jessup Dr. Russell Kelley Matthew Bridgers and Elesha Bridgers Jon Petitt and Mieya Duvall-Petitt Kathy Cain, Shirley Stokes, Minnye King Landa McLaurin, Robert DeShazo Larry and Rhonda Alexander Laura Phillips Byrd and Dr. Eugene Byrd sealed 2013 New Year with a kiss. Maurice and Shirley Robinson Quianna Cooke, Eleanor P. Matthews, president, Baltimore Alumnae, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Gasson Bradford Randolph and Diane Thompson Randy Long and Barbara Banks Robert and Gladys Rice Senator Verna Jones Rodwell and Dr. Gary Rodwell Shirley Swafford and Wesley Stubbs Zane and Donna Cypress Veronica and Michael Tubman