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BIRTHDAY GIRL: Rhonda Sewell turns 40, but she doesn't look a day over 20.
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The Blade/Molly Corfman

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The buzz around town is that Diva Restaurant rocked Sept. 30 like an upscale party one might see in New York. The decor, the music, the food. It was all fabulous, and it was all about Rhonda Sewell's 40th birthday celebration (although she doesn't look a day over 20). The diva, who says "40 is the new 20," strolled about hugging and air-kissing everyone as they greeted her with birthday wishes.

African master drummers JP Dynasty pulsed as guests entered past Tiki torches and red rose petals into a multifaceted evening with the spirit of Rhonda in the air - fun, outgoing, and very Afro-centric. Guests signed a giant framed invitation for Ms. Sewell, but no presents please, although some just couldn't resist. But if ever there was a party that calls for personal thank-you notes, this is one of them.

The jazzy techno sound downstairs was that of Soul System band of Wisconsin, which caused guests to jive to the beat, or relax at a table or the bar over a martini from the list of Ms. Sewell's favorites.

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Checking out the dance floor were Susan Gibney, Maria Jadwisiak, Susan Polte, and Lisa Schmidt.

Touches of an African diva were everywhere. Mud-cloth covered tables with earthy candles and confetti were centered with wooden diva statuettes, and chairs had the flowing skirts of ball gowns. A beer bar featured Red Stripe Lager, which is brewed in Jamaica.

Glitter and rose petals beckoned guests up the stairs with D.J. MPress, who spun tunes from way back. The staircase was filled with pictures of Ms. Sewell throughout the years.

Sports fanatics - and those who needed a break from the frenetic beat - had "the basement experience." Watching the games on television, Jim Jackson high-fived other fans when Ohio State beat Iowa.

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Delectable edibles were here and there. Of course, Ms. Sewell barely ate. As everyone knows, a diva doesn't overdo while in public: She feasts before she gets there. So Ms. Sewell dined with a few select friends at Real Seafood before arriving fashionably late in a limousine to her own party, where she made a grand entrance.

The diva, who arrived in a powder blue dress, changed into a stunning black gown just in time for her cake and a round of "Happy Birthday," Stevie Wonder style. A sexy, red satin pant ensemble was great for dancing, and the final act was black leather and sparkles.

Meanwhile, dear friends Linda Garner and Terri Parker, who planned the party with Ms. Sewell, tended to details.

The name-dropper group of more than 250 classy ladies and gents in some mighty fine threads was an exclusive guest list, so if you didn't get an invite, maybe your invitation was lost in the mail.

Of course, there is always someone who can bluff their way in, but we won't tell who it is. I guess it was that air of confidence.

Enjoying the evening were Ms. Sewell's parents, Billie and Hank Johnson of Ann Arbor, and Richard and Iris Sewell of Chicago. Her twin daughters Savannah and Sarah were there but left for bedtime. Also there was long-time family friend Bobby Shepherd of Cleveland.

Several former Toledoans stopped by as well, including Lamont Womack of Dallas, William and Melissa Garner of Columbus, Derrick Clay of Columbus, and Darrel Ellis of Detroit.

On the local front, there were fellow reporters and friends from her previous job as fashion writer at The Blade and all of her cohorts at the Toledo Lucas County Public Library, where she is the new media coordinator.

And a lot of familiar faces from businessmen to attorneys to physicians were there too, including Fire Chief Mike Bell; businessman Johnetta McCollough; Peacock Lounge owner Bobby Gabriel; Debbie Barnett of Huntington Bank; attorneys, including Richard Mitchell, Neema Bell, and Keith Mitchell; Pat and Ron Hogue, gospel recording artist; Richard and Yolanda Jackson, Jennifer Bembry, Alexis Means, news anchor; Larry Anderson, police officer; Efrem Graham, media man, Charlie Mack, Faye Fenwick, Sandra Davis, Bob Moore, Charlie Mack, radio man, and Bruce Simms of the KGB band, who is an employee of The Blade.

Oh, the memories will linger for the diva and the guests who were part of the experience.

First Published October 9, 2006, 10:16 a.m.

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BIRTHDAY GIRL: Rhonda Sewell turns 40, but she doesn't look a day over 20.  (The Blade/Molly Corfman)  Buy Image
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