Carmen Patterson's birthday surprise
Published:Sunday | May 29, 2011 | 12:00 AM
Barbara Ellington, Lifestyle Editor
Upon arrival guests enjoyed cocktails and nibbles as Renaissance Disco entertained with background mood music. There was much speculation as to the magnitude of the surprise when Carmen Patterson, the guest of honour, arrived. Would she pass out? Did someone spill the beans? All wanted a vantage point to see her face as she entered the El Dorado room at the posh Terra Nova All Suite Hotel on Saturday, May 21.
Master of ceremonies and brother of the celebrant kept everyone abreast of the progress of her journey and, as the door opened at 7:05, there was a collective shout of, "SURPRISE!". And indeed, she was!
Great surprise
The ruse by Christine Bell had worked like a charm. Carmen thought she was simply going to dinner with her friend and business partner. And all were left wondering how she missed several weeks of planning and scheming right under her nose.
The next 15 minutes were taken up with everyone grasping the opportunity to hug, kiss and greet Carmen, and all joined in singing Stevie Wonder's version of the happy birthday song. Don Patterson smoothly guided the evening's formalities that began with prayer by Reverend Sam McCook. During the meal, guests watched a slide presentation of photographs depicting the faces of Carmen through the years.
Several toasts from family and friends followed by tributes in song and dance and a message live from Carmen's other brother in Geoje Island, South Korea. The birthday girl was assisted by her nieces and nephews in cutting her cake.
Carmen basked in all the accolades, and in reply she said, "I don't know where time went; one minute I was 21 and the next I am turning 60. I thank God for my relatives and friends, for health that I hope he blesses me with for a long time. Thanks to everyone for this party that has the stamp of Innovative Ideas all over it."
Among the 90 guests from Jamaica and overseas were the Savanna-la-Mar posse: Drs Karl and Norma Blythe, Trevor Blythe, Trevor and Daphne Campbell; from Montego Bay, Lloyd B. Smith and Pauline 'Precious' Campbell and from Mandeville, Trevor and Claudine Heaven and Levi and Iris Salmon. The Kingston and St Andrew posse comprised Don Patterson and sons Dayne and David; Kirk Nicholas, Everton and Merle Patterson and family; Peter Watson and wife Heather Little-White Watson; Lennie Little-White and Cheryl Ryman, Jean Lowrie-Chin, Glynis Salmon, Clyde McKenzie, Michelle and Lola Williams.
The Jamaica Pegasus tea party posse were also out and included Leslene Davis, Norma Cohen, Norma Clarke, and John Hutton; and in from overseas were Grace Blythe Edwards, Radcliffe Ricketts, Jackie Abrahams, Pat Bennett, among many more.