Florida Sentinel Bulletin

SORORITY MEMBERS GATHER TO SAY ‘HAPPY NEW YEAR’

            The ladies of Beta Kappa Sigma Tampa Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. gathered to say, “Happy New Year.” They were captured at the Tampa Convention Center. Seated from left to right are: Gail St. Leary, Stevonia Dixon, President; Alfreda Ruffin, Robin Philyor, Dominique Boyer, and Alma Purify. Standing, from left: Donna Young, Deanna Butler, Shani Job, Paige Hicks, Aquaria Harrell, and Meghann Barnes. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

FRIENDS COME TOGETHER TO CELEBRATE THEIR 35-YEAR FRIENDSHIP

            Friends ofHillsborough, Gaither and Plant City High Schools came together last week to celebrate their friendship of 35 years. The group gathered at Tampa Heights Community Center. Their goal is to meet at least 3 times during the year. They’re hoping to include their friends of the 1980s and 1990s classes of King High School, Tampa Bay Tech High School, and other Hillsborough County Schools. The men had a great time reminiscing, playing card games and dominoes and catching up. Thos who attended were: Jerry Brunson, John Green, Victor Piltcher, Antwan McCullum, Darrien Aldrich, Alonzo Ashwood, Jeff Henderson, Kurt Young, Vernon Piltcher, Albert Jenkins, Tony Smith, Owen Young, Kareem Young, Eric Bowman, Keith Jones, Wayne Shaw, and Randy Henderson. For additional information on other gatherings, contact Owen or Kurt Young. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

NATIONAL SORORITY OF PHI DELTA KAPPA, INC. HOSTS ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP LUNCHEON

            The Alpha Omicron Chapter of the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc., held its 37^thAnnual Mary E. McCullough Scholarship Breakfast and Fashion Showon Saturday, December 15^th. The event was held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Tampa Airport Westshore. The scholarship breakfast’s theme was “Fulfilling Dreams, Changing Lives.”  Fashions from Ann’s Favorite Boutique were modeled during the luncheon.  Dr. Ann Favorite, owner and fashion show coordinator, served as the narrator. Members of the sorority shown here are: Pearl C. Coffee, seated in front; from left, Angelin Brown Mosley, Elmira Curry, Varneese Tramel, President; Mae Johnson, Phyllis Gilliam, Nadine Johnson, and Erika Curry Jester. (Photograph by Frederick Harris)

TAMPA-HILLSBOROUGH ACTION PLAN HOSTS RECEPTION FOR NEWLY APPOINTED CEO

            The Tampa-Hillsborough Action Plan (THAP) hosted a dinner reception on December 6, 2018, to announce the appointment of its new Chief Executive Officer, Derrick Blue. The event was held at THAP’s 5508 Co-Working & Collaboration Exchange,5508 N. 50th Street, Suite 24. Blue, who joined THAP 10 years ago, was unanimously named CEO by THAP’s Board. Joining him at the reception were members of his family. From left are: Derrick Blue, II, Derrick Blue (new CEO), Daylin Blue (in front), Melanie Blue, Melania Blue, Melia Blue and Darian Blue. (Photograph by Frederick Harris)

HOWARD W. BLAKE CREATIVE WRITING PROGRAM HAS FALL READING

            The Howard W. Blake High School Creative Writing Program held its Fall Reading last month. Entitled “The Art Of Existence,” the program highlights the youth voice with original poetry and spoken word. Members of the Student Planning Committee are shown at their reception in the Don Thompson Theatre with the Director of the program. They are: Liliana Berumen, Sierra Orr, Destiny Pierce, Director of the Program, author Casey Curry, Amanda Shea and Ariana Montando. (Photograph by Frederick Harris)

DENTAL OFFICE HOSTS 2^nd ANNUAL HOLIDAY SMILES

                        Tomlinson Dental held its 2^ndAnnual Holiday Smiles community event on Thursday, December 6, 2018. Held in partnership with New Life Tabernacle, 30 residents of the Tampa Bay area were provided complimentary dental services, which included:  teeth cleanings, limited exams and extractions. With community service being an integral part of Dr. Angella Tomlinson’s life and career,Tomlinson Dental has been serving the residents of Tampa Bay for 28 years. Shown with Dr. Angella Tomlinson, seated, are: Amanda Dormer Stanina, Lana Robain, Dr. Gail McDonald-Chang, Dr. Lorraine C. Tomlinson, Patricia Palmore, Millie Joseph, Scotiesha A. Dillard, Elvira Jorge, Sandra Wilson, Richard Stewart, Crystal Y. Cornish, Bonnie White, Sita Seepaulsingh and Jennifer Sakedo-Garcia. (Photograph by Frederick Harris)

WOMEN’S PLANNING COUNCIL MINISTRY HOLDS ANNUAL HOLIDAY FELLOWSHIP

The Women’s Planning Council Ministry of First Baptist Church of College Hill held its annual holiday fellowship, “The Day Love Was Born,” on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018, at The Centre Club – Westshore.   The Council is recognized for its signature events, the Women’s Health Forum focusing on African American women health issues,   and Abe Brown Legacy Walk. Each year 100% of the 5K walk proceeds are awarded during a check presentation at the church to support the Abe Brown Ministries Community Outreach.  The church is under the leadership of Senior Pastor Dr. S. Evan Burrows.  Shown from left to right are: Immediate Past President of Gamma Theta Omega Chapter and Cluster II Coordinator, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., South Atlantic Region, Donna Douglas, who was the keynote speaker; Teresa Morning,  Mistress of Ceremonies and 1st Vice President; along with Committee Members Sonja Wilson, 2nd Vice President; Evonne Green, Event Chairman; and Carol Graham, Council President.  

DONATELLO RESTAURANT HOST 32^nd ANNUAL THANKSGIVING DINNER FOR 1,000

                        As has been its tradition, Donatello Restaurant closes its business to the public on Thanksgiving Day. The restaurant is closed to serve a traditional Thanksgiving Dinner and present gifts to foster children and at-risk families. This year, the restaurant served over 1,000 children and families. Holiday music was provided by Kitty Daniels and Majid Shabazz. It was 32 years ago that Guido Tiozzo and his family decided to have Thanksgiving Day at Donatello’s along with some foster children and their family. The event has grown larger each year, with many of the volunteers serving since the event began. Volunteers who assist with the event are many of the customers, some former Buccaneers players, actors and community leaders. Shown from left to right are: Rev. Willie G. Dixon, Council Rudolph, Brian Tymes, Greg Roberts, Gino Tiozzo, restaurant family member; Jerry Bell, James Harrell, and Bobby Bowden. Marvin Knight is kneeling.  (Photograph by BRUNSON)

MEMBERS OF THE HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY CITIZEN OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE INTRODUCED

Recently, during the regular meeting of the Hillsborough County School Board, members of the newly formed Citizen Oversight Committee were introduced to board members. The Citizen Oversight Committee is charged with overseeing funds received from the one-half Education Referendum tax to repair existing problems at schools in Hillsborough County. Voters approved the tax in November. Members of the Citizen Oversight Committee are shown from left to right: Principal David Brown, Strawberry Crest High School; Jose Valiente, CPA; the Honorable Edwin Narain, Esq.; the Honorable Betty Castor, Chairperson; Bonnie Carr, CPA; and Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister. Dr. Earl Lennard, retired Hillsborough County School Superintendent, is not shown. (Photograph courtesy Hillsborough County School District).