Did you hear the one about the young man who took his iPod to school? I guess he was supposed to give up the iPod to the school security guard but decided he didn’t want to do that.

Wow, I wish a few security guards would roll on some people that I know who work with iPod buds in their ears and also wear them while driving. One of my favorite co-workers has buds in her ears all day. It drives me crazy. When ever you want to talk to her you feel like you’re interrupting her from her music. If you tap her on the shoulder she jumps out of her skin and then says she likes to be scared.

I don’t get it. I like to hear what is going on around me, especially when I’m driving. I would never wear them when I’m walking, who knows who could roll up on me and take me by surprise.

With a tell it like it is approach and his love for the Lord, it is no surprise that Rev. Dr. Samuel W. Williams Jr. of New Zion Missionary Baptist Church on the North Side has withstood the test of time. In April, Rev. Williams, his family and church celebrated his 44th pastoral anniversary.

CLEO AND REV. SAMUEL W. WILLIAMS

“We’ve had some good times and some hard times, but one thing I can say is that with New Zion, I have never been under the pressures that some pastors go through. They take care of me,” said Rev. Williams.

The celebration included a youth dinner and concert, a weeklong worship service with various guests and an anniversary banquet at Trinity AMEZ Church in Sharenton. The theme was “44 Years of Vision, Obedience, Faithfulness & Dedication.”

In this world of “what can you do for me?” Bon Ami Temple #49 I.B.P.O.E. of W. (Improved, Benevolent, Protective Order of Elks of the World) took on the theme of “Is there anything I can do to help?”

In an effort to give flowers while you still smell them, on March 27 at the Olympia Banquet Hall in East Pittsburgh, three community leaders were honored. The 2010 entrepreneur award went to Dorian Harris, (franchise owner of Coverall Cleaning Concepts).

THE LOVELY LADIES OF BON AMI TEMPLE #49

The former president of the Hill House Association, Evan Frazier was recognized for Civic Service. Frazier is now senior vice president of Community Affairs for Highmark. For continued support to community service, Eleanor Anthony was presented the community service award.

Mother’s Day dinner

MAY 7—The ChurchLife Ministry and the Women’s Ministry of Petra International Ministries, 235 Eastgate Dr., East Hills, will host the M.O.M.: Made of Miracles Mother’s Day Dinner Dance Gala from 6-10 p.m. at the Rivers Club, 301 Grant St., Downtown. There will be music by the Kevin Howard Band and a Soul Food Buffet. Tickets are $55. For more information, call Theresa or Kathy at 412-243-7225.