Florida Sentinel Bulletin

ANNUAL BACK TO SCHOOL EVENT

            On Sunday, hundreds of parents and students assembled at the Ragan Park Community Center for the Annual Back To School Giveaway. The event began 16 years ago as a way to give back to the community and to help parents, grandparents, and guardians who are raising underprivileged children. In addition to receiving the school supplies, those in attendance enjoyed an afternoon of activities in a safe environment. In addition to displays from city and county government, there was entertainment, food, and other activities. Members of Jewels Of Distinction, #561, volunteered their time to make sure the event was a successful. The Jewels Of Distinction shown seated from left right are: Tara Roberts, Cheryl Jackson, Annie Nichols, and Jessica Weston. Shown standing are: Ruth Jackson, Hope Montgomery, Tammy Montgomery, Tonia Lemons, De’Andria Scales, and Leatha McDuffie. (Photography by BRUNSON).

SIZZLING SENIORS CELEBRATE BIRTHDAYS AT RAGAN PARK

            On Friday, August 14^th, approximately 50 seniors born in the months of July and August came together at the Ragan Park Community Center to celebrate their birthdays. The ladies participate in activities at the Center sponsored by the City of Tampa Parks and Recreation Department throughout the year. The program was started in 2013. Some of the birthday celebrants shown in this photograph are seated: Ms. Shirley Anderson, Ms. Recy Cochran, and Ms. Ruby Epps. Shown standing from left to right are: Ms. Cynthia Few, Ms. Betty J. Bell, President of the Jazzy Seniors, and Ms. Paulette Andrews. (Photography by SYLVESTER HARRIS).

NFL YET CENTER CELEBRATES 10^TH ANNUAL BOOK BAG GIVEAWAY

            On Saturday, more than 600 children converged on the NFL YET Center, corner of N. 34^th Street and E. Lake Avenue for the 10^th Annual Book Bag Giveaway. The children and their parents or guardians enjoyed a day of planned activities and entertainment. They also received free back-to-school physicals, free food and free drinks. At the end of the day, each received a book bag stuffed with supplies for the upcoming school year. The event was sponsored by the             NFL Advisory Committee, in conjunction with the City of Tampa Parks & Recreation Department. Among those in attendance at the annual event included from left to right: Tampa Police Chief Eric Ward, Ms. LaDina Mouling, Major Rocky Ratliff, Mrs. Cherylene Levy, and Tampa Police Officer Carlos Oqendo. (Photography by FRED HARRIS).

RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY FOR SAUNDERS LIBRARY HELD

            On Wednesday, members of the community gathered at 1505 N. Nebraska Avenue for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of the Robert W. Saunders, Sr., Public Library. The event highlighted the return of the facility located just north of downtown Tampa. The library features a Hall of History, the Ada T. Payne Community Room, Joe Stines Children’s Library, Walter Smith Reading Room, and numerous other features unique to this facility. Andrew Breidenbaugh, Director of Library Services, Brenda Station, Vice Char, Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library Board, Mary James, President of Ada T. Payne Friends of the Urban Libraries, and Fred Hearns, President of the Robert W. Saunders, Sr., Public Library Foundation all made remarks. Christina Jackson Belin, granddaughter of Robert Saunders, represented his family. Shown in this photograph from left to right are: James Tokley, Christina Jackson Belin, County Commissioner Les Miller, Jr., County Commission Chairman Ken Hagan, Dr. Walter Smith, and Mary James. (Photography by BRUNSON).

CHURCHES FEED THE HOMELESS

            Recently, members of the Greater Tampa District Church Of God In Christ Mission Department joined forces and volunteered to provide a nourishing meal for homeless citizens in the Tampa Bay Area. The event was held at the downtown Salvation Army Center, where church members prepared the food to be served. This is the first time the churches have joined forces to serve in this capacity. More than twenty members, representing the seven churches, took part in the activity. Shown in this photograph are seated: Superintendent Charles Davis, Senior Pastor, College Hill Church Of God In Christ, and Mrs. Kay F. Glenn. Shown standing from left to right are: Freddie Ware, Gloria Head, Keshia Robinson, Mother Sheila Shaw-Lillie, Mission Department President; Twilin Saunders, Ivey Houston, Terry Bolden, and Theodore Middleton. (PHOTOGRAPHY BY SYLVESTER HARRIS).

RETIRED EDUCATOR CELEBRATES 100^TH BIRTHDAY WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS

            On Monday, August 3^rd, Mrs. Sarah Stroud Wynn celebrated her 100^th birthday at the Horizon Bay Facility, in Lutz. A longtime Tampa resident, Mrs. Wynn served as a member of the Hillsborough County School District for many years. During her career, she became the first Librarian at N. B. Young Junior High School. Mrs. Wynn retired as an educator after 39 years of impacting the lives of young people. Among those in attendance at the celebration were her daughters, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and other well wishers. Shown in this photograph from left to right are: Minister Lillian Zakay, of Mount Sinai AME Zion Church, Sharon Poitier, daughter, Evora Pimento; Angelique Fullwood, Thomas Johnson, daughter, Doretha Edgecomb; the honoree, Mrs. Sarah Stroud Wynn; Derrick Fullwood, Marcel Armstrong, Angela Fullwood, Leslie Rankins, Lesley Bates, James Bates, Allison Edgecomb, and Gwen Bates. Daughter, Flora Poitier, is not shown in the photograph. (PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRUNSON).

Hillsborough County ACT-SO Group

Excels At National Competition

            Members of the Hillsborough County Branch NAACP ACT-SO (Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics) participated in the 37^th Annual Competition and Awards Ceremony. The event is the prelude to the 106^th National NAACP Convention that took place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 13^th through July 17^th. The ACT-SO Program is a youth educational component of the Hillsborough County Branch NAACP. ACT-SO members and their chaperones who attended the conference shown kneeling are: Pierre Alsint and Shenell Spencer. Shown standing from left to right are: LaShon Lofgren, Ted Cannedy, Ayanna McDonald, Kaylea Ruiz, Kalimah Ujaama, Naomi Mendez, Gold Medal Winner, Karlea Boswell-Edwards, Charity Sojourner Franks, Bronze Medal Winner, Maurice Jackson, ACT-SO Chairman, and Cassandra Anthony.

TAMPA NATIVE DEPARTS TO COMPLETE RESIDENCY

Recently, a Tampa native celebrated a milestone in her career in becoming a physician. Dr. JaMia Washington recently spent time with her family and friends before departing to begin her Residency at Case Western University Hospital. The hospital is located in Cleveland, Ohio. Those attending the festive occasion included family members, friends, and Hillsborough County School District teachers. Dr. Washington (center) is shown holding a piggy bank that was presented to her at the celebration. Among those on hand to wish her well on her journey were from left to right: her grandmother, Mrs. Hattie Byrd White, and parents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry (Cheryl) Washington. (Photography by LOMAX McINTYRE).

RETIRED EDUCATOR ENJOYS PARTY CELEBRATING 100^TH BIRTHDAY

On Saturday, June 27^th, family members and friends gathered at the Tampa Airport Hilton to help Mrs. Dora Reeder celebrate her 100^th birthday. A lifelong Tampa resident and longtime advocate of education, Mrs. Reeder impacted the lives of hundreds of students. She retired as the Principal of Dunbar Elementary School. Mrs. Reeder is shown seated. Among those on hand to help Mrs. Reeder celebrate the joyous occasion, were from left to right:  Henry Carrington, James Ransom, Gregory Griffin, Charles McDonald, her son, Robert Reeder, George Toran, Anthony Mack, and Marvin L. Martin, Jr. (Photography by LOMAX McINTYRE).