Florida Sentinel Bulletin

Last week, Attorney Donald Odom celebrated his retirement from Hillsborough County after 28 years of dedicated service. His retirement was celebrated with a going away party attended by his family, friends, and co-workers. The party was held at the Fred B. Karl County Center on Election Day. Family members on hand for the celebration are shown from left to right: Steven Moody, Sherie Moody, Myiah Moody, Donita Moody, Attorney Donald Odom, the honoree, Barbara Odom, and Donald Odom, Jr. Attorney Odom said he will relax for about a year before pursuing other interests. (Photography BRUNSON Keepsakes).

Gamma Theta Omega, Inc., in partnership with Gamma Theta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. held its fundraiser, “AKA After Dark…Black, White and Pearls” on October 26, 2012. The event was held at the Tampa Museum of Art. Some of those who assisted with details of the event were: Ronja Smith, Lauren Barnes, Akilah Bell, Belinda Lawson, Lisa Pointer-Holmes, Chairman of the event; Joselynne Forde, Keysha Davis, Co-Chairman; Blanche Turner, Sherell Wilson, and Deborah Barnes. Donna Douglas is President of the Gamma Theta Omega Chapter. (Photograph by Rico Chow of Chow and Scott Keepsakes)

Election Night found voters gathered around televisions sets trying to keep track of how others around the country voted. The long wait came to a conclusion around 2 a. m. Wednesday when President Barack Obama gave his acceptance speech. Although the media had declared President Obama the winner shortly after 11 p. m., those tuned into their TV sets wanted to hear the acceptance speech. The President graciously and humbly accepted the presidency in Chicago before thousands as millions more watched on TV. The final count has not been tallied in Florida as of press time.

The Middleton High School Class of 1965 turned 65 years old this year and celebrated with a luncheon commemorating their graduation year and age. The event was held on October 27, 2012 at a popular restaurant. Members present: front row, Mable Hamilton, Marina Pilcher, Carol Dorsey, Margaret Butler, Yvonne Wright, Peggy Peel, Jackie Walker, Phan Boston, Alnnora Allen, Catherine Coley, Jackie Howard, Rose Williams, Mary Harris, and Eddie Oliver. On the second row are: Johnny Chapman, Leroy Tillman, Sandra Lovelace, Bonita Darby, Vera Luckey, Melvin Nelson, Margaret Brookins, John Jackson, Cassandra Tucker, Ernest Williams, Ceola Batts, Lillie Robertson, Shelah Watkins and Billy Christmas. Not shown: Jewell Christmas, Lillie Haley and Mary Marshall. (Photograph by Sylvester Harris of Treasured Moments)

Hillsborough County Public School Head Start hosted a program at Lockhart Elementary School featuring a group of men and women. The men discussed troubling statistics and the effects when men are not present in children’s lives. The women, B. L. O. S. S. O. M. S. (Beautiful Ladies of Strength Seeking Opportunities to Move and Shake) discussed ways to be self-sufficient, how to move forward and the importance of voting. The ladies in attendance were: front row: Marina Alemar, Lymary Alvarez, Linda Mosley-Dunbar, Lorraine Aponte, and Margaret Jimenez. Second row: Deana Lunch, Jennifer Herbert, Joycelyn Tims, Cynthia Spann-Booth, LaShawn Huff, Sylvia Sirmons, Brenda Mount, Tamika Mathis, Yvonne Long, and Johnie Williams. (Photograph by Toy Scott of Chow and Scott Keepsakes)

Several organizations and businesses came together to offer the 6th Annual Day of Pampering during a Women’s Health Forum. The free event for women was held on Saturday, October 20, 2012 at the University Area Community Center. There were workshops, free test screenings, referrals and more. Among those in attendance were: Acquelyn Kindred, Tiffanie Gray, Heather Evans, Wanda Wormack, Tenesha Smith and Barbara Wormack Mann. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

A crowd estimated to be at 8,500, welcomed President Barack Obama Thursday morning at Ybor City’s Centennial Park. Those in attendance were wide awake when the President took to the podium to share information about his record over the past 4 years and urged them to get to the polls and vote. On his way to Centennial Park, President Obama stopped at Krispy Kreme on W. Kennedy Blvd. and Tampa Fire Rescue Station No. 14 on Church St. As usual, after his speech, the President mingled with the crowd, shaking hands and sharing small talk. The President and Air Force One left Tampa shortly after 10 a. m. (Photograph by Julia Jackson)

Members of the East Tampa Community Revitalization Partnership, Aesthetics and Beautification Sub-Committee held a meeting last week to discuss the Annual East Tampa Tree Lighting Celebration. The meeting took place at Cyrus Greene Community Center last Thursday. This marks the 5^th year the Tree Lighting Celebration will take place. The official ceremony will take place on Friday, December 14^th, at 5:30 p.m. Shown from left to right:  Darlene B. Green, Denese Meteye James, Susan Horan, and Lisa Heredia. Shown standing are: Alexandra Craveito, Deborah Thompson, Shamona L. Byrd, Sylvia Knight Brow, James Vann, Sharon Phillips, Heather Shindelbower, Julie Meyers, and Tina Lock. (Photography by BRUNSON Keepsakes).

Members of Zeta Upsilon Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., recently hosted “The Mrs. Right Seminar,” at the University of South Florida, Oval Theater. They selected Domestic Violence as the topic since October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. College Chapters of AKA nationwide also participated or hosted events to bring awareness about Domestic Violence to the forefront. Tony Gaskins, Jr., author, motivational speaker, consultant, and screenwriter delivered the keynote address. He shared his stories as an abuser and victim of Domestic Violence. Sorority members shown with the keynote speaker on the front row from left to right: Denise, Samara, Lisa, Tony Gaskins, Jr., Kristyna, Dannica, and Stefante’. Shown on the second row: Ashley, Tracy, Joshondra, Amber, Sophia, Amber, Miya, Lucile, Candace, Racquel, and Briana. (Photography by Toby Scott of Chow and Scott Keepsakes).