Florida Sentinel Bulletin

CHILDREN WITH A VISION, INC. AND PARTNERS HOST BACK-TO-SCHOOL EVENT

    Last Sunday, August 6, 2017, Ms. Tonya Lewis and her non-profit organization, Children With A Vision, Inc., and several community partners hosted a Back-To-School Giveaway, Fun Day and Health Fair. The 17^th annual event was held at Ragan Park. A large crowd came out to take advantage of what was being offered. Some of those who participated and assisted with the event were: Cindy Nuzzo, Anthony Knight, Nikeo Miguel, Pierre Alsint, Corey Clegg, Dayshun Sutton, Christian Lawrence, Ross Anderson, Khori Smith, Jr., Mezarson Cesar, Tofoya Williams, Tonya Lewis, Nikki Taylor, Ruby Thomas, Sonya Messer, Judy Gray, Belinda Smith, Dawson Gomez, Aaron Webb, Lawaysha Thomas and Neq Rocks. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

LADIES OF PURPLE PASSION HOSTS ‘DENIM AND DIAMONDS’ DANCE

    The Ladies Of Purple Passion were excited a few weeks ago when they came together for their first fundraiser of the year. It was their “Denim and Diamonds” Dance, held on July 21^st at the Kennedy Blvd. American Legion Post. The group of ladies raises funds to support community events throughout the year. Ms. Vaular Dene Rouse, seated, is the President.  Other ladies who joined her are: Robin Young, Michelle Watkins, Alberta Harris, Latricia Cobb, Yvonne Walden, Calvios Alford, Valerie McGill, Frances Williams, Jennie Mickens, Facundia Arenas, Frances McCord, Sylvia Johnson,  Gigi Styles, Cheryl Washington, Harriett, Doster, Patricia Nellon, Carla Humphrey, Rhonda Blocker, Elizabeth Futch, Jeanette Rose and Betty Harris. (Photograph by Julia Jackson)

‘HIGH HEELS IN HIGH PLACES’ WAS THEME OF CONFERENCE

    ‘High Heels In High Places’ was the theme of a conference held last weekend. The conference was held July 29^th at Champion’s International Church in Ruskin. Pastor Kelli D. Douglas was the event organizer. Among those who participated are from left to right: Zhenya McDonald, author of “Walking Thru Hell in High Heels;” Tarnisha Cliatt, Kelli D. Douglas, Apostle Mark T. Jones, a presenter; and Pastor Deondrick Douglas, Senior Pastor. (Photograph by Toby Scott)

FUN IN THE PARK AFTER WEEK OF VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

    The 29^th Street Church of Christ, Brother Perry Johnson, Minister, held its week of Vacation Bible School last month. Each evening a different topic was discussed. Following a week of studying “Trailblazers For The Faith,” a Family Vacation Bible School Picnic was held at Al Lopez Park. Among those who enjoyed the fun during a nice, sun-shiny day were: Keyona Griffin, Janet Paul, Brittaney Harris, Adrianna Paul and Preston Paul. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

MASONIC TEMPLE PRESENTS SCHOLARSHIPS TO STUDENTS

    The Harram Temple No. 23, Inc., held its Watts Sanderson, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Program recently. The awards ceremony was held at the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County.  The guest speaker was Dr. John J. Scrivens, Ph.D. The students graduated in May and are headed to institutions of higher learning. From left to right are: Marc Brewington, Committee Chair and Temple Director of Education and Scholarship; Ciara Brown, Plant City High graduate, who will be attending FAMU; Jalen Chambers, graduate of Hillsborough High, to enroll in the University of Central Florida; Gaither High graduate, Korey Douglas, Hillsborough Community College; Ngan Nguyen, Robinson High School grad, who will be attending the University of South Florida; and Illustrious Potentate Lesley “Les” Miller, Jr. A scholarship was also presented to Brianne de la Torres, a Robinson High School graduate, not shown. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

COALITION OF 100 BLACK WOMEN HOSTS 25^th GOURMET GENTS FANFARE

    The 25^th Edition of “Gourmet Gents A Culinary Fanfare” was hosted by the National Coalition of 100 Black Women Tampa Bay Chapter on Sunday, June 25, 2017.  The Silver Anniversary Edition was held at the St. Lawrence Parish Catholic Church – Higgins Hall. The 2017 event honored Joseph Bunts and Marvin Knight. More than 300 patrons attended to feast on some popular main courses and mouth-watering desserts. Among the ‘Gents’ who pulled out their special recipes were some members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.: Robert Irvin, Edwin (Ed) Narain, Rev. Dr. Jeffery Johnson, Rev. R. J. Stevenson and Cedric McCray. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

13^TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT HONORS JAMES TOKLEY

    The Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court of Hillsborough County held a special ‘Celebration of Freedom’ ceremony to honor James E. Tokley, Sr., Tampa and Hillsborough County’s Poet Laureate. In 2004, Tokley wrote a poem, ‘A Modern Manifesto’ for the grand opening of the George Edgecomb Courthouse. The poem was engraved on a plaque and placed on the sidewalk in December, 2010. The plaque was damaged beyond repair in 2012. The ‘Celebration of Freedom’ ceremony honored Mr. Tokley and his poem. Shown from left to right: former State Attorney, E. J. Salcine, Public Defender, Julianne Holt, Mr. Tokley and Chief Judge, Ronald Ficarrotta. (Photograph by Frederick Harris)

Last Thursday City Councilman Frank Reddick and members of the Tampa City Council paid a special tribute to the CDC of Tampa, Inc., (Corporation to Develop Communities, of Tampa, Inc.). The organization celebrated its 25^th Anniversary in the spring of this year. The organization was founded by Mrs. Chloe Coney to improve the quality of life for residents of East Tampa. Since its inception, it has led the way for first time homeownership, business development opportunities, vocational training, and classes to teach pertinent skills to those seeking employment. Among those on hand for the recognition shown on the front row are: Ellen Stoffer, City Councilman Frank Reddick, and Ernest Coney, Jr., President and CEO of the CDC of Tampa, Inc. Shown on the second row are: Virgil Perry, Noelia Betances, and CDC of Tampa Inc., Board Members Denese Meteye-James, and  Evangeline Best. Shown on the back row are former City Councilwoman Lisa Montelione, Frank Cornier, and Georgeanne Gillett. (Photo courtesy of the City of Tampa).

HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATING CLASS HAS 55^th  REUNION

    The George S. Middleton High School Class Of 1962 held its 55^th Reunion recently at the Marriott Hotel. Coleman Bell chaired the committee that put together a fantastic event. Classmates in attendance were: seated left to right, Inez Foxworth Fordoms, Evora Wynn Pimento, Patricia O’Neal Williams. Alfreda J. Grady, Marion Fryson Cole, Mattie James Ford, Leola Williams Cole, Delores Boone Smith, Joretha McCall Capers, Jewel Byrd Warren and Flora Wynn Poitier. Those standing included: from left, Bobby Washington, Henry Streeter, Paul Creal, Charles E. Thornton, Maurice Tucker, Rudolph Gibson, Edward Moragne, Nathaniel Blackmon, Andre White, Coleman Bell, President; Jacqueline LaQue Ennis, Leroy Myrick, Manuel Mitchell, Isaac Young, Wilson Robertson, Daniel J. Colleton, Eugene Alfonso, John Scrivens, Walter Fuller, Claude Rhanes, Margaret White, Helen Bozeman Thompson, Alvin Pimento and James Clem. (Photograph by Lomax McIntyre)