Some called it one night of magic at Chef Orchid, with echoes of mid-summer  parties back in the day, as the Alumni Association hosted its annual jam last Saturday, June 20. 

Outside the atmosphere was nippy and moist, inside the joint was steaming. For a moment ‘climate change’ in NY was not such a bad idea and, as the summer solstice beckoned, alumni forgot their troubles and danced. 

Concerns about the ongoing recession receded into the background as uproarious celebrants lost themselves in the music at what was reckoned the best Summer Bash so far. The guffawing, applauding, reminiscing and catching up held sway as old bonds were re-established and new ones forged.

Alumni such as Fay Hutchinson, lured by the prospect of meeting up with old acquaintances, jetted in from far and wide for the 40th anniversary reunion. Fay, who had come in from her home in Paris, France, was thrilled to meet long lost friends.  Others such as Carole Ismay-Blake & Karieva Warburton travelled from Florida to join the festivities. And they were not disappointed as nothing could dampen their spirits.

                                       (L-R) Angela McKenzie, Carole Ismay-Blake and Rosemarie Hutchinson

                                                 soak in the vibes at Summer Bash 2009

So while rain beat against the window pane and water reigned outside, a pulsating party reigned inside Chef Orchid with music courtesy of Vybes International and DJs Andre and Shorty in charge of essaying a delicate mix of current hits and vintage musical selections.

Afterwards, alumni sang their praises as the receptive DJs set the tone and catered to the tastes of the partygoers. Revellers barely left the dance floor all night in appreciation of the deft selections played by the DJs,  who kept the party rocking until 6:00 am Sunday.

Summer Bash now in the bag, attention now turns to the 40th anniversary Dinner Dance and Awards function Saturday, October 10, 2009 at the Ramada Plaza at JFK airport.