Florida Sentinel Bulletin

FIRST ANNUAL WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT SUMMIT HELD

            On Saturday, August 29^th, the First Annual Women’s Empowerment Summit was held at First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens. The theme for the summit was, “Love Yourself To Life.” The summit was designed to increase awareness, motivate, educate, and empower women. The event was sponsored by Elder Dominic and Mrs. Paula Watkins, and was presented free for teenagers and women of the community. More than two hundred were on hand to listen to guest speakers, giveaways, entertainment, and food. Among those on hand for the event were from left to right: Minister Erica Herrington, Tampa Bay Tammy, Netrice Wingfield, Dr. Katurah Jenkins-Hall, Paula Stephens-Watkins, Katie Brinson, Inetta Stephens, and Layesha Walton. (Photography by FREDERICK HARRIS).

POLICE CHIEF ATTENDS FIRST

‘BACK TO SCHOOL BONANZA’

            Tampa Police Chief Eric Ward was the special guest at the first “Back To School Bonanza,” sponsored by the Woodland Terrace Neighborhood Watch organization and held at the park. Chief Ward was accompanied by several members of the police department who interacted with neighborhood watch members, parents, and children. The children received book bags and school supplies during the festivities that included food, and country line dancing. Chief Ward and his staff also had an opportunity to meet Tia Black President of the newly formed Junior Neighborhood Watch. Mrs. Ruth Fleming is president of the Woodland Terrace Neighborhood Watch and Dr. Aaron Smith is Vice President. Shown from left to right are: Tia Black, Anglin Black, Coach Alex Warren, Mother Rosanna McCullough, Advisor, Herman Monroe, Ruth Fleming, Regina Meeks, Chief Eric Ward, and Janell McGregor, Public Information Officer for the Tampa Police Department. (Photography by SYLVESTER HARRIS).

WOMEN HOST CAREGIVERS FORUM

            On August 22^nd, The Black Women’s Agenda/AARP hosted a Caregivers Forum at the Tampa Park Plaza Community Room. The theme for the event was “Taking Care of Yourself While Taking Care of Others.” Ruth Duncan Bell and Heddie Sumpter were Co-Chairpersons of the forum. The purpose of the forum was to provide useful and pertinent tools for caregivers. Some of those who attended the forum shown from left to right are: Chloe Coney, District Director for the Congresswoman Kathy Castor, Rhonda Flowers, MA, Strategic Communications & Leadership Center Manager Town N’ Country Senior Center, Ruth Duncan Bell, Co-Chairperson, State Senator Arthenia Joyner, Sharon P. Andrews, MD, MSPH Staff Psychiatrist, James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, Paulette C. Walker, Ed. D., National President, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Gladys Gary Vaughn, Ph.D., member of the Board of Directors, The Black Women’s Agenda, Inc., and former National President of The Links, Inc., Heddie Sumpter, Co-Chairperson of the forum, Dora B. Mays, Ph.D., Director, Consultant, Counselor, Educator, Airman & Family Readiness Center, and Dionne Polite, Manager of State Operations, AARP Florida. (Photography by BRUNSON).

DANCERS PERFORM IN RECITAL

            Recently, a group of young dancers participated in “A Marvelous Experience In The Arts,” which was held on Sunday, August 23rd. A Greater Mount Carmel Development Corporation Production, the recital took place at the University Area CDC. In a tribute to Katherine Dunham, the talented dancers performed African, Mime, Jazz, Hip Hop, Ballet and Tap. The dancers shown in this photograph on the first row are: Erica Howell, Yazmine Harris, Ja’Zaria Saffore, Dominique Brown, and Chyna Romero. Shown on the second row are: Janea Dampier, Kila Ryker, Ja’Daya Walker Saffore, Jor’Dayn Walker Larry, Joe Dampier, Edlaya Holmes, Chanelia Jenkins, Wykeshia Cannady, and Elexis Thomas. Shown on the third row are: JayDunn Walker Larry, and Xavier Harris. (Photography by FREDERICK HARRIS, SR.).

‘Ladies Room Live’ Celebrates First Year Anniversary

            On Thursday, August 20^th, at AJA Channelside, Ladies Room Live founder, Chanel Kissa, presented her first year anniversary with an array of entertainment and a history of her company and the success she’s achieved. Panelists for the event were Vanessa Abuchaibe, Weather Anchor; Chanel Kissa, Founder/CEO of Ladies Room Live; Jasmin Brown, Comic Actress; Lura Lee, Entrepreneur Strategist; Tuki Daily, Ladies Room Live Correspondent, and Jorge, Ladies Room Live Cocktail Hour Host. Above (from left to right) are: Geneva Maccarone, Chanel Kissa, Bre Cotten, Adrian Purnell, and Jhlechia Queshi.(Photography by BRUNSON).

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).