This well attended event held at the Lake Merritt Hotel was very successful in every way. 148 people attended. Supervisor Keith Carson was among the attendees which included Chet Hewitt, Director of Alameda county Social Services agency, Mark Friedman, Director of Every Child Counts, and Harold Jones, Deputy Executive Director of External Affairs, Port of Oakland.

Attendees felt the venue could not have been more perfect. The food and service were magnificent. Marlena Shaw and her band were very enjoyable. Queen Thurston and Ellen Wyrick Parkinson were honored as Community Persons of the Year for years of service to the West Oakland community. Frances Dunham Catlett was honored as artist of the year.

Mayor Ron Dellums issued a proclamation naming April 26, 2007 as Washington Burns M.D. day. Supervisor Keith Carson presented a proclamation naming April 26, 2007 as Prescott-Joseph Center Day. Harold Jones of the Port of Oakland presented Executive Director, Washington Burns, a Certificate of Recognition for Outstanding Contributions To the Health and Well Being of West Oakland Children.

Frances Dunham Catlett

Frances Dunham Catlett, 98 year old painter still actively painting, was featured in the Prescott-Joseph Center’s All Women’s Show for 2007. She was recently honored as artist of the year by Prescott-Joseph Center.

One of the front parlor rooms at the Prescott-Joseph Center will be named The Frances Dunham Catlett Art Room. The Claude Clark Memorial Art Room honors the late famous African American artist Claude Clark who lived in Oakland.

The dedication ceremonies for Frances Catlett will take place Saturday, June 9, 2007 at 4:30pm.