March '08 Entertainment—Pete Allman Column

Expressions in Art: Courage through Cancer

Recently, I met a very special person. She is Jacqueline Tschernia, and she has a mission to exhibit art created by cancer survivors, their family members, and those who have died from cancer. She is the executive director of the Cancer and Chronic Illness Center Foundation, which works in conjunction with the Lilly Oncology on Canvas touring exhibit.

The art expresses the journey of those with cancer and what they deal with in their fight for survival. It also honors those who have passed on.

“Educating people to work with all chronic illnesses and to help people who are in treatment, is what this is all about,” stated Tschernia.

I met her at a fundraiser exhibit held in the Great Hall outside Saks Fifth Avenue in the Fashion Show Mall.

Community activist Patricia Martinelli, Beryl Warren of the Southern Nevada Coalition of Concerned Women, and oncologist, Dr. Heather Allen attended.

Dr. Allen’s comments on the exhibit were straight to the point.

“The exhibit offers beautiful art and a story which goes right to the heart of the matter,” she said, adding, “It is also very therapeutic to look at these works of art.”

The touring exhibit was founded by Eli Lilly & Co. in 2004. For more information, call (702) 596-3663.

Jim Beam Heir Enlightens Dinner Goers

Frederick “Fred” Booker Noe III, master distiller and the great grandson of Jim Beam, was the featured speaker recently at the Twin Peaks Restaurant in the Silverton Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, where he spoke about the art and science of producing bourbon. It was a truly interesting presentation by Noe, and the other speaker, Master Chef Michael Abba, spoke about his food creations incorporating the distinct beverage and the art of presentation. Master Chef Abba explained his recipes and the use of various Jim Beam bourbons.

According to Noe, bourbon is America’s drink as declared by President Lyndon B. Johnson. As early as 1874, the Manhattan, a bourbon cocktail, was enjoyed by Winston Churchill. Today, Jim Beam Distillers, thanks to technology and artisanship, produces quality bourbon a consistent basis. Noe explained that it is because of their stainless steel tanks, accurate measurement of the ingredients, and then placing the mixture into barrels made of white oak. This is a more sanitary process and more cost effective, he added. Noe wove anecdotes about his family, their experiences and facts about the business into his talk.

The meal was a three-course sample tasting. The first course, the Terrene of Hudson Valley Foi Gras with Baker’s Bourbon, did not set me on fire. What I mean, is that it was not my favorite dish by any means—even if it had the Poached Prunes and Machie Salad.

However, the Ciuten Souls Vide, Snake River Farms Beef Short Ribs with Goat Cheese, in a Yellow Polenta “Pave,” with a side of Pork Belly Crutor, was delicious. This dish came with the outstanding Knob Creek Bourbon Sauce, which, by the way, is the No. 1 bourbon in the world. Red Ribbon Sorreo was served to accompany the entrée.

The dessert selection, Basil Hayden Bourbon Bread Pudding, was also delicious, with Bourbon Anglaise in a bourbon reduction served with a vanilla gelato.

The Jim Beam drinks served were created by Master Mixologist John DuPont.

Living Legends Honored:

Sheryl Lee Ralph, Angela Bassett and Della Reese

“Living Legends,” an annual, community event to honor four African-American entertainers, was held at the El Segundo branch of the Los Angeles Public Library System during Black History Month. The women honored were leading actors Sheryl Lee Ralph, Angela Bassett, Della Reese, and Alfre Woodard, who was not in attendance.

Event coordinator, Yvonne Burke, Los Angeles Library System Second District’s supervisor, introduced the honorees. Among the guests were local notables, elected officials and other celebrities.

Before the ceremony, I spoke with Rev. Della Reese, who pastors a church in Los Angeles, about her famous inspirational television role and future plans.

“‘Touched By An Angel’ is in reruns, and we are expecting some interesting developments from that,” she said, adding that she is currently in negotiations to return to perform at one of the major hotels in Las Vegas.

Pete Allman (left) greets “Living Legend” honoree actor Sheryl Lee Ralph and her husband Sen. Vincent Hughes from Philadelphia, Pa.

Reese commented: “You know, for a long time, we had to walk alone. It’s wonderful to see young and old here at this ceremony. It makes my whole body feel wonderful. It turns me on. And today, you turned me on,” she said with a smile as she received her award.

Sheryl Lee Ralph attended with her husband, Sen. Vincent Hughes from Philadelphia, Pa., and talked with me about her faith. “From day one, I was brought to the convent. I was passed through the small space, through the little hole, to the nuns. That was my foundation. Focus on yourself and God, not others, and share the Gospel. The Holy Spirit is the driving force in transforming people,” she said.

When receiving her award, Ralph told a part of her story, which was a full-circle moment for her, regarding Yvonne Burke.

Ralph acknowledged that it was seeing Yvonne Brathwaite Burke, who was the first African-American woman elected to the U.S. Congress from California, on an Ebony magazine cover that spurred her on as young girl at time when Black, contemporary, female role models were not as prevalent.

Pete Allman and singer-actor, now pastor, Della Reese at “Living Legends” awards.

“Daddy, she’s beautiful,” she recalled, and added, “I started dreaming about California.”

Ralph said that she was greatly honored to be receiving the award from Burke, who is recognized for her many political, civic and humanitarian accomplishments.

After the ceremony, I spoke with Angela Bassett, a truly talented, warm and giving person.

“God surprisingly empowered my conscience that points me in a …decent direction, every step of the way. God gives us our own free will. It’s up to us to be passionate about learning through His words. He knows our complete potential… man will be disruptive. It is the ‘I Am’ that gives us the power.”

Bassett paid homage to the library system and the power of books in her life “…I was able to travel, daydream and imagine,” she told the audience. “I know we have the Internet, but I’m a tactile person. I like to touch and hold a book.”

With a solemn pause, she added, “Being in the library also taught me how to sit down somewhere and be quiet.”

Photos for event by Bill Jones

Pete Allman with actor Angela Basset, a “Living Legend” honoree.

My book of poetry entitled "Messages" was inspired by my dear friends C.J. Cansler along with Victoria Boone and Beryl Warren.

The group of poems along with some beautiful photographs are to inspire the reader.