#GivingTuesday2017

I know I haven't posted in a bit but this post is certainly important as today is #GivingTueday2017. 

What is #GivingTuesday?

Celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving (in the U.S.) and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving. Since its inaugural year in 2012, #GivingTuesday has become a movement that celebrates and supports giving and philanthropy with events throughout the year and a growing catalog of resources. (https://www.givingtuesday.org/about) 

As a single person with no kids (yet…maybe) and no property (yet), I am always looking for tax-deductions. That’s why I am happy that today is #GivingTuesday2017.

If you’re looking for organizations to donate to, check out a few of my favorites (in no particular order):

• Howard University. There are so many ways that you can support Howard, contributions to the general fund, scholarship funds or you can have a more intentional impact by giving to some of my favorite campus auxiliaries including (but not limited to):

o   Howard Swimming and Diving Team. Did you know that Howard is the ONLY HBCU with a Division I swim team? Click Here to Donate to HU Swimming and Diving

o   The Hilltop. The campus newspaper has been through some serious challenges but still carries on to be the voice of the students. Click Here to donate to The Hilltop. Use the designation box to indicate you want your gift to support The Hilltop

o   The Cathy Hughes School of Communications. As a proud School of Communications graduate (back when it was just the School of C), I think it’s important, now more than ever, that we continue to support OUR future journalists, story tellers and truth seekers. To donate to the School of Communications in any capacity, Click Here to Support the School of Communications

o   Howard University Alumni Association Click Here to Support HUAA

• AIDS Project of the East Bay (APEB). I am Secretary of the Board of Directors for this amazing organization doing great work, offering crucial services in Alameda County.  APEB would REALLY benefit from your donation today. Click Here to Donate to APEB Through Facebook
•  Imani Community Church. Faith to change the world, that’s our motto. We affect change in our communities with our social justice programs as well as our connections with other churches and organizations who are about the action. Scripture says that “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:14-17) and Imani (which means Faith) is about the action. We are raising funds to my our worship and community space accessible to everyone. Click Here to Donate to Imani Community Church.
• Alameda County Community Food Bank (ACCFB). The work that ACCFB does throughout Alameda County (and beyond) is so necessary. Eliminating Food Insecurity is something that I am very passionate about and this Food Bank works tirelessly to close that gap. Click Here to Donate to ACCFB
• Community Education and Employment Development (CEED). This is my mobile non-profit that I have started this year. CEED aims to provide mobile college and career prep to Black and Brown students within Oakland Unified School District. CEED is not a 501 (c)3 organization yet so donations are not yet tax-deducible. If you are interested in donating to CEED, please email – ceedoakland@gmail.com
• Mills College. Mills is having a tough time while trying to make higher education affordable. Recently, Mills reduced tuition by 36% while going through a Financial Stabilization Plan. I don’t know of any school, especially not one in California reducing tuition by 36%. Mills needs your help to keep moving in the right direction. Click Here to Donate to Mills College

One of the important things about #GivingTuesday is that donations are usually doubled today, so your money goes even further. If you have the capacity to give to any or all of these organizations, please do so today. Happy #GivingTuesday2017

Now Reviewing: Halftime Sports Bar

Hey hey hey!!!

Cocktails with Cammy made its next stop at Halftime Sports Bar in Oakland. Initially, I was going to another venue, but I decided that since it was the beginning of the NFL Season, it would be good to go to a sports bar. Let me say that I am boycotting the NFL this season, NOT ONLY because of Colin Kaepernick but for a plethora of reasons. (Anyone interested in having a conversation around it is happy to email or tweet me @cocktailswcammy.) I wanted to observe a sports bar and sports fans because there are folks who have an appreciation for that type of environment. I'll be honest and say that while I was at the bar, it was hard to ignore the game. Luckily the US Open Semi-Finals were on - Venus Williams vs. Sloane Stephens, so I was able to keep my cognitive dissonance to a minimum.

I had been to Halftime before under a different name. One of the things that I forgot (but quickly remembered) is that it gets HOT in this place. As I walked in, there was a diverse crowd of folks there, Millennials, Gen X'ers, Baby Boomers, Black, White, Hispanic, folks rooting for New England (how you're doing that and living in The Town, I don't know), folks rooting for Kansas City (again, living in the Town, I don't understand how you're doing that either) and just some folks happy about football.

I was able to snag a seat at the bar as a gentleman was holding a seat for his friend. I ordered a Jack and Ginger, which took a little while to get as there were only two bartenders behind the bar. Halftime offered some drink specials as well as some bar food. I didn't get a chance to order any food, because there were some challenges with the service and it was just too hot in the venue. In an attempt to engage in one of the patrons there who seemed to be more into the tennis match versus the football game, I accidentally offended him (awkward moment of the night). I was going to buy him a drink but he was having no parts of me (sorry buddy).

I later moved to a stool near a table top to observe folks. Because I'm short with long(ish) legs and it was wooden, it wasn't the most comfortable seat. I didn't stay much longer after that, just because I couldn't get next to football being on. My recommendations; if you're looking for a relaxed sports bar to catch a game, Halftime could fit that need. Just get there early and dress lightly, or try and get a good spot by the door.

As always, check us out on IG, the Twitter and/or Facebook.

Until next time....cheers!

Now Reviewing: Fort Green

Hey hey hey!! Cocktails with Cammy made its next stop at Fort Green in Downtown Oakland. And there were some special guests in attendance. Cocktails with Cammy was visited by some wonderful ladies from Mills College. It was a wonderful time and place for fellowship. BUT... because I didn't plan well, the only evidence you'll have is my word. My phone died super early. I had to take notes (with a pen and paper). Note to self: charger and travel bank stay in the purse, AT.ALL.TIMES.


Speaking of places, Fort Green was a nice time out. Formally the Go Sports Bar, Fort Green still has that sports bar feel to it. It'll be interesting to see what type of energy Fort Green gives off during sporting events.I reached out to Fort Green prior to showing up and was told that a space would be held, however, when I got there, there wasn't a reserved space. Not a huge deal, the venue wasn't super packed and we were able to grab a nice, high table for five. There was a nice playlist playing in the background, which is always an A in my book. And Fort Green has nice, spacious, CLEAN bathrooms.


Fort Green has a full bar and offers different specials during their Happy Hour. Everyone in the group got something different to drink. The Old Fashion was "strong", but the lemon drop was "under filled". The Irish mule could have used "a little more kick" while the margarita was "under whelming". I ordered something margarita like that had some locally made syrup. One thing to note, Fort Green uses fresh and freeze dried fruit as garnishes.


In addition to our drinks, we ordered some bar bites including; the fried chicken sandwich (a little dry but had some good slaw), the chessy croquettes (these were a table fave), pickled mushrooms (not a table fave), crispy citrus chili wings (also a table fave). Side note: we were comped a second order of the wings as well as an order of fries. One ding regarding the bar bites, staff didn't clear our table after we were done eating. No one likes sitting around with plates at their table after their done eating. A dedicated server would have been beneficial.


All in all, Fort Green was a cool spot for some drinks and bar bites. It could even be a good event venue. Good times were had by all. Thanks Fort Green, you'll be seeing you again.


As always, check out our IG/Twitter and FB.


Until next time....cheers.

Now Reviewing: Ale Industries

Hey hey hey!!! I'm back! I know it's been a while since I've been Happy Hour hopping but I'm back. I put out a hooty hoo to folks for some happy hour recommendations (and I'm still looking), but didn't get much response. Tis okay. I did a little research and settled on an establishment close to home, Ale Industries. I recently had some positive experiences with cider and hoped that the positive experiences would continue.


I had previously been to AI for the going away party for a classmate in early May. I figured I would give it another chance during the summer. AI is steps away from the Fruitvale BART station, which makes getting to it convenient, but can also make parking a challenge. In theory I could have walked there, but with today's humidity, walking wasn't it.


When you walk into AI, you see barrels and the pool table. There are barstools, a long table and leather chairs for people to use. Today when I walked in there were a couple of dogs, which was a red flag. I'm not much of a dog person and I certainly feel that there is a time and place for dogs. The bar and the coffee shop are not those places. According to their website, they had a bottle sale tonight. Happy Hour for AI is on Mondays.


I found a high table towards the middle of the room, that gave me good access to the bar. After reviewing the menu, I tasted the Crooked City Cider, which was underwhelming to me. I later settled on Mosc-Ale Mule and a La Nina Fresa, with some (unlimited) pretzels to snack on. The bartender rubbed me the wrong way. She felt the need to "correct" me when ordering my Mule, another red flag. (I said I'll try the drink and she said that I would have to order it because they don't give samples...okay. No, she wasn't wrong, but yes there was) The Mule was quite tasty and the pretzels complemented it well. The La Nina on the other hand didn't tickle my fancy. The two drinks and the pretzels cost $13 which isn't too bad of a price point.


But, I couldn't really enjoy my experience at AI. The dogs were just too much of a distraction for me. They started barking and it just wasn't the experience I was looking for. The venue itself wasn't super packed, nor did it have a good vibe. Just because it wasn't a good for me, doesn't mean that it's not a good place. It's probably better suited for groups of folks who enjoy beer.


Until next time....cheers!

It's Been a While

When I started this blog, I had so many great ideas for it. But then life threw me a major curve. One of my challenges is overcommitting myself to too many different things. Add that to the fact that I struggle with asking for help and you have a few unfinished projects surrounding you. It was ambitious to try and blog, while working 75 miles from home (and you commute to your office everyday) and attending graduate school full time. When work was no longer a factor, I decided to throw myself into school so that I could finish sooner rather than later. I graduated this past May, completing a joint Masters degree program in 2.5 years. After taking a much needed post-graduation nap (or series of naps, sandwiched in between Netflix binges), I've decided to get back into the blogging.

The good news is that my blog has been on my mind. Even though it wasn't happening in the blogosphere, I've been scoping out venues and meeting new owners.

I'm excited for what's next and I am looking forward to sharing my Happy Hour thoughts with you all.

Cheers!