John Lee (centre) had the time of his life at his 70th birthday party, and his friends, (from left) Desmond Leaky, Dell Hewling, Verol Linton, Brian Kennedy, Robert 'Ducksie' Russell and Roy Delisser, made the difference tohis days of celebration. - Janet Silvera

Janet Silvera, Senior Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

It took two days for retired Montego Bay businessman John Lee and his friend Maurice Whittingham to celebrate their birthdays' and vintage reggae artiste Freddie McGregor's presence at Groovy Grouper to get Brian Jardim on a plane from Miami, Florida.

Last Saturday and Sunday, while the rest of the country were up to their waistline in carnival activities, Montegonians and their adopted Latin friends were having the time of their life in the upscale Coral Gardens community and on the white sands at Doctor's Cave Beach.

John Lee ushered in all his children from all parts of the United States and combined them with his vodka, scotch, white rum and brandy-loving friend who had played the role of watering-hole partner over the years. He feted them for two days and two nights.

This was the party where Montego Bay's most noted gastronomic connoisseur donned her apron and went to work in the kitchen. Lee's wife, Rose - maker of the best wedding cakes in the second city and caterer of the finest parties went up town with an impressive Chinese menu of mutton 'n lime leaf, pork and mucking, oriental chicken and Jamaican treats such as escoveitch fish, curried goat and roti, plantain, rice and peas, pasta and garden salad, while Robert 'Ducksie' Russell roasted a whole cow on a fiery spit.

Russell, a friend in need, provided the vintage music that took guests two days down memory lane.

Over on the Hip Strip, Jardim, and his chief operations officer and the man known for his hug, Andre Dixon, batted for the Kiwanis Club of Providence charities.

The two took time out to host those who had turned out for fish, crab and shrimp by the ladies of the service club, while sipping on Strawberry Margaritas and jamming to Freddie McGregor.

It was dubbed "Full Moon Frolic', there was hardly a moon in sight, but there was a lot of frolicking on the beach.

And the worthycause raised enough money to offset some of the costs associated with 'Young Children Priority One', the many projects that deal with the disabled and shut-ins, the St. James Infirmary and public education geared at sensitising the communities on the importance of caring.

There are two new handsome men in town - Preston Jennings (left), of MBJ Airports Limited,and Philipp Hofer (right),.managing director of Iberostar Rose Hall Beach Hotel. And who better to welcome them to the Second City than Brian Jardim (centre), who, having discarded his glasses, looks younger and far more attractive. Jardim and his crew were on hand, on Saturday night, to host all the party lovers at Groovy Grouper's Full Moon Frolic.

John Lee (centre) and his wife, Rose, cut the birthday cake marking his 70th birthday. He is surrounded by (from left, back row) children, Danielle, Janielle, Cecile, Annalisia and Andrew; grandchildren, Crystal and Warren, and daughter, Karen; and (front row) grandchildren - Lori, Alaysia, Demi, Jonathan and Mia.

Ceri Moe (left), Gail Moe and Tricia Todd share a little wine and something at Groovy Grouper's Full Moon Frolic, on Saturday night, at Doctor's Cave Beach. - photos by Janet Silvera