Contributed
Winston Blake of Merritone Disco.

Chester Francis-Jackson, Contributor

My dears, it's that time of the year again - when the fabulous simply pack kit and caboodle, board out their pets and pack into SUVs and other luxury imports and hit the roads, for their villas and cottages from Negril to Morant Point.

Well, sweet-things, as the fab will be partying the weekend away on the north coast, while others unable to make the trip will stay at home, shutters drawn, while the only illumination will be security perimeter lighting. They will dare not venture out into the yard or gardens for the fear of revealing the ugly truth that they did not make it out of town.

Doves, with at least two leading north coast hotels in the Runaway Bay area closed for refurbishing, there are fewer rooms available now for those who traditionally flock there for a little rest and relaxation. And with the glamour gone out of flying these days, for the near-to-do, who always thought of Miami as the optimum in chic, they too are out of sorts, as Miami has become nothing more than a trading stop for the hawkers and peddlers, and so no longer the 'in' thing to do.

Anyway my dears, the chic on Heroes weekend head for the north coast, where living is easy, and the year-round summer clime always oblige the sun-worshipping body-beautiful crowd that head for the beaches and fine resorts. And pumpkins, there will be hell to pay this weekend as the holiday madness started from last weekend with the annual staging of Miss Black Nude USA in Negril, to followed by Mr. Hedonism, made the SuperClubs resort the hottest destination, and then some.

Now, if sizzling heat was not your thing, then the place to be was Couples Swept Away and Couples Negril, as these fine resorts were in the height of their eighth anniversary celebrations, and here the emphasis was on haute-style, high-glam, and pure sophistication.

Parties and Happenings

Now honeychiles, fast-forward to this weekend, with the onset of the heroes weekend bringing with it its own set of parties and happenings, and y'all know we are talking another fabulous weekend here, and nothing but!

My dears, the always hot Evita's, that fine Italian restaurant in Ocho Rios, is reopening its doors after months of being closed for refurbishing, and the always sensationally buzzing do by John and Jenny Greaves, being hosted at Braco this weekend; not to mention the hustle and bustle of events unfolding at the mecca of fabulousness, Hedonism III - hosting its annual JerkFest, and the Merritone Reunion Weekend and a roster of parties running from tonight into Sunday, y'all know there will be hell to pay. So we say - let the partying begin!

And speaking of fine partying and getaways, my dears, the always charming Frances Allison, formerly of Linstead, and now of Long Island, New York, and Laguna Beach, California, is over the moon, and then some, having just returned from her annual European holiday. This time it was spent in north London, at the family estate of the Windles, as guest of her daughter, the fabulous Cherise Francis-Windle and her hubby, Dr. John Windle who jetted into London, fresh from their New York visit to present their daughter Victoria Olivia Windle to their New York friends and relatives, and the buzz is, it was all that!

Well, this was one of those - a dedication and then some, as young Victoria Olivia Windle, 'the Windles' pride and joy', arrived for her New York grand dedication and celebrations held at the Elmont, Long Island residence of her besotted parents, John and Cherise Windle. The ceremony was held on the eve of the seventh anniversary of the "still in love with you" couple, John and Cherise 9/16/06.

The evening began with Abashani (son of Junior Gabu Wedderburn, master drummer of Broadway's 'The Lion King' and Bashuna on drums, chanting up all the African and Indian ancestral spirits of 'the star's' mom, Cherise. The chanting led into beautiful dancing reminiscent of Jamaica's pocomania style rhythmic writhing, and all that! Clearly mesmerising the young Victoria Windle.

As is customary, baby Victoria was passed around the circle of women, who in turn held her and spoke a blessing into her future.

This, however, proved more than a little too much for young Victoria, as she bellowed with each new hand clasping her and passing her around the circle of doting women!

Next, the men in the audience held her to bless her. The male energy in the room was equally embracing and empowering. And here is where the European ancestral spirits of the doting father took over and permeated the gathering. A gathering made more special by the presence of local spiritualist, Fleurette Harris, who led the audience into the informal order of the rites of dedication. She announced long-time friend, personal confidante and guide to Victoria's mom, Ms. Devan Oates, as godmother number one; Marcia Elliot, quiet, solid and supportive, was named godmother number two.

Special blessings were offered up on behalf of Victoria's grandmother, Frances Allison, (Francella to family, relatives and friends). Ms. Jacquie Charlton then broke out into a solo dance, brukkins style, to the drumbeat and in the process whipped up a dancing energy that had everyone in a near frenzy, as her son Ronaldo Charlton looked on with happy eyes.

Uncles Gregory and Paul Jackson, were there, as were: Dr. Hamilton, Afrocentric and regal educator and private school owner; Moya Ashman and her beautiful girls; she 'baked' a beautiful cake for the occasion. Angela Holgate with her dazzling and ever- ready smile; Rose Green, unofficial third godmother, and her beau Carl; Opal McNeil and her two girls; Angela Wallace, her husband and their three children; Noreen and Erin; Blossom Denoceta Barton and her friend Avril - representing the old school. Blossom was a riot! She brought Victoria right up to speed with the noise factor! Also present were Marvelyn Williams and Audrey Campbell, holistic centre owner and chief executive officer.

And then there was the fare: a serving of all-time favourites, curried goat, rice and peas, brown-stew chicken, escovietched fish made with love by Francella. Devan Oates made her special fruit punch. Marcia Elliott brought a lovely fruit cake for the occasion. And with the blessings delivered, and an invigorating stroll down memory lane, stories of days back in Jamaica were told and retold. They reminisced on school in St. Catherine and the University of the West Indies. Father Calvin McIntyre ended the ceremony with the official blessings of Victoria Olivia Windle, who continued on her journey next day to the U.K., along with parent John and Cherise Windle, and grandmom, Frances Allison.

Librans Celebrate

And the Librans continue to celebrate my dears, as come this Monday, October 16, the lovely Monica Robinson will celebrate her birthday; as will Texan multi-millionaire Dennis Joslin, who will be throwing a 'little' shindig at his ranch over there in Athens, Texas, and honeys, we are talking one sprawling spread of a property here, so y'all know this one is going to be a Texan style do, and then some.

Then come Wednesday, Sandals Whitehouse Hotel Manager, the rather affable Brian Sang, will be blowing out the candles on his birthday cake as he marks another year of fine living. On Friday, however, Robert Haughton, man-about-town and high priest of leisure, will be having a bi-coastal celebration that will begin in Kingston, and climax on the north coast at everyone's favourite fun resort.

Luvs, more to come as it promises to be one flawlessly hot weekend.