Florida Sentinel Bulletin

More than 100 people attended the Tampa Housing Authority groundbreaking of the second apartment complex in the Encore Project, the 141-unit Trio at Encore. Ground will be broken on the third unit (The Reed), a second building for seniors, on December 18, 2012. On Wednesday, December 12, 2012, the ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held for The Ella, a 160-unit senior apartment building on Ray Charles Blvd.

Officials who placed shovels in sand for the groundbreaking were: from left to right, M. G. “Manny” Alvarez, Tampa Housing Authority Commissioner; James Cloar, THA Commissioner; Pastor Jeffrey Singletary, pastor, Exciting Central Tampa Baptist Church; Karen Jackson-Sims, Deputy Regional Manager, HUD; Frank Reddick, Tampa City Council Member; Leroy Moore, THA, Senior Vice President/Chief Operating Officer; Eileen Pope, Bank of America Senior Vice President; Atty. David Smith, Gray Robinson; Ann Shaler, Bank of America Marketing; Jerome Ryans, THA President/Chief Executive Officer; Dr. Hazel Harvey, THA Commissioner/Chair; Rubin Padgett, THA Commissioner; Chloe Coney, representing Congresswoman Kathy Castor; Mike Suarez, City Councilman; David Del Soto, Architect, Baker Barrios; Brent Elliott, CORE Construction; Yvonne Yolie Capin, City Councilwoman; Billi J. Griffin, THA Commissioner; and Davie Iloanya, Director, THA Real Estate Development.  (Photograph by Lomax McIntyre, Jr.)

The Pastor’s Welcome Committee at Allen Temple African Methodist Episcopal Church hosted a Welcome Service for their pastor, Revered Dr. David W. Green, Sr. and his family. The Reverend Dr. Marvin C. Zanders, Jr., Senior Pastor of St. Paul AME Church, Jacksonville, brought the message. He was accompanied by his church family. Words of greeting were brought by City of Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn and several other elected officials. Rev. Dr. Green, left, is shown with his wife, Kimberly C. Green, First Lady; his son, David Green, Jr. and two of the committee members, Gloria A. Andrews and Wilbert Malphus. Bishop A. J. Richardson, Jr. is the Resident Bishop. (Photograph by Lomax McIntyre, Jr.)

The Tampa Bay Tech All-Class Reunion (1970s-1980s) was held October 26-28, 2012 at the Westin Hotel on Harbour Island. Classmates came from afar and near to be a part of this growing reunion event. Those in attendance enjoyed a Slumber Party, Splash Party, Health Fair, Red And White with a Splash of Blue Ball, Worship Service and a Picnic at Lowry Park. Those who had the task of pulling all the events together were: Carol Williams (Class of ’82), Ricardo Kinsey (’80), Kim Wiggins (’80), Marlise Tolbert (’82), Don Lee (’77), Tonia Perkins (’80), Benjamine Dallas (’79), Kathy McClain (’81) and Deidre Reese (’83). Committee member not shown, Bobby Patterson (’81). (PHOTO BY FREDERICK HARRIS)

Donatello Restaurant hosted its 26th Annual Thanksgiving Dinner for more than 900 children on Thanksgiving Day. Each year, the Tiozzo family closes the restaurant to the public and serves a traditional Thanksgiving dinner to more than 900 children from throughout the community. The children range in age from infants to 18-year-olds. This year, representatives came from Sulphur Springs Neighborhood Service Center, Hispanic Services Council, Boys and Gils Club, Department of Children’s Services, Haven Poe Runaway, Azzie’s Angels, Miracle Outreach, Hillsborough Kids, La Luz del Mundo, Tampa Housing Authority and other youth related agencies. Those in attendance included, from left: Gino Tiozzo, Bobby Bowden, Alessandra Tiozzo, Guido Tiozzo and Greg Roberts. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

The cast of “Oh My God! I Can’t…Breathe” performed before an enthusiastic audience on two evening at the Word of Grace and Truth Church. The play, written by Shavon Graham was based on Mark 4 that talks about the 4 soils – way side, stony ground, thorns and good ground. Arthur McKay was the producer. Cast members who performed were: seated, Brenda Buster, Jaygina Robinson, Evony Williams, Francina Dozier, Paula Jordan, Kaylen Range and Aisha Afre. Standing, Arthur McKay, Kenneth James, Gerald Nixon, Chianti Starks, Rashad Jackson, Trevor Thomas, James Walker, Lawrence Range, Reginald Williams, Amani Brown and Shavon Graham. (Photo by Enrico Chow of Chow and Scott Keepsakes)

The Gadson sisters believe that it’s better to give than to receive. That’s what touched their heart to do something for the Young At Heart. They hosted their First Annual Pre-Thanksgiving Luncheon on Wednesday, November 14, 2012 at Temple Crest Civic Center. The five sisters cooked and prepared a home-cooked Thanksgiving meal with all the trimmings and dessert for the invited older guests. From left to right are: Betty Gadson Broadway, Minnie Gadson White, Yvonne Gadson Douglas, Henrietta Gadson Walton and Johnnie Gadson Harris. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

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.