Florida Sentinel Bulletin

BY GWEN HAYES

Sentinel Editor

Eight students from the Patel Conservatory will have an opportunity to join the Dance Theatre of Harlem on stage Sunday, April 21, 2013, 4 p. m. at the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts in the Carol Morsani Hall. The group makes a return visit to Tampa for the first time since 2001.

The students, ages 12-14, who have been selected are: Kennedy Falyn Cassada, Kiyo Miyazato, Courtney Gunsteens, Taylor Barrett, Camila Daniel, Amy Wilson, Catherine Johnson and Tessa Hartmann. Seven of the students will be on stage and one will serve as an alternate.

The students will dance in a 26 minute ballet entitled “Gloria,” choreographed by the Dance Theatre of Harlem’s resident choreographer, Robert Garland. It is set to the music of Francis Poulenc.

The Dance Theatre of Harlem, celebrating 44 years, was founded in the basement of a church in 1969 by Arthur Mitchell and the late Karel Shook. The 2 were inspired to bring new opportunity to the lives of the young people in the Harlem neighborhood.

Dance Theatre of Harlem is now under the leadership of a second generation of artists inspired by Mitchell’s vision. Artistic Director Virginia Johnson, a founding member of the company and a former prima ballerina, and Executive Director Lacewen Naidu, former school director and a choreographer, are following through on a 21st century goal to build community, inspire and uplift through the power of art.

Performances will also include “Return” by Garland set to music of James Brown and Aretha Franklin, “Black Swan” from Swan Lake and “Agon” the ground-breaking 1957 collaboration between two monumental 20th century artists.

Free Master Class Saturday

On Saturday, April 20th, Dance Theatre of Harlem will host a free master class from 3:30-5 p. m. The class is open to students in grades 7-college with a minimum of 5 years of recent ballet training. Must have 2 years of training on pointe.

A fire early Tuesday morning in Sulphur Springs has cost the lives of a young man and three dogs.

A neighbor of Terrance McGriff called 9-1-1 to report seeing smoke coming from the roof of his house in the 8400 block of North 16^th Street.

When firefighters arrived and entered the house, they found McGriff, 30, on the floor near the front door.

Tampa Fire Rescue personnel performed CPR on McGriff, and he was transported to a local hospital in critical condition. On Wednesday evening, he was pronounced dead.

His mother, Anita McGriff, said Terrance was brain dead, and it had come down to the family deciding to take him off life support.

“As far as the fire is concerned, he constantly called his landlord to complain about a problem with his stove, but he never came to fix it.”

According to Tampa Fire Rescue, the cause of the fire was a pot left on the stove.

Mrs. McGriff said she has three other children, and they are all very depressed about losing their brother.

Terrance McGriff grew up in Elmira, New York, and moved to Tampa in 1998 after living in Clearwater for a while. He wasn’t married, and was a chronic diabetic.

“His diabetes was a big problem, and he spent a lot of time in and out of the hospital,” said Mrs. McGriff.

“He moved into his house two years ago, and we’d all go by to check on him. He was supposed to be moving in with his brother the morning of the fire. He had only come back to the house to gather his belongings, and his brother was supposed to pick him up Tuesday morning.

“Terrance was a beautiful person, and although he experienced problems where he was living, he managed to keep himself out of trouble and was always respectful.”

McGriff’s father, Aaron McGriff, said the entire family is outraged, and he’s spoken to the city’s Code Enforcement about the faulty stove in his son’s house.

“He constantly called the landlord telling him the stove needed to be replaced, but he never came. Terrance lost his Section 8 because he couldn’t afford his high electric bills. It was because the stove would stay on all the time.

“I actually went over to Terrance’s house and did a lot of work so he could have a safe place to live.”

Mr. McGriff said officials with Code Enforcement have told them they will investigate the incident, and have a report ready for the family in a few days.

“This tragedy could have been worse if there had been more people living in the house. This should really have never happened, and it wouldn’t have if the landlord had taken the time to replace the stove.”

The McGriff family is asking for help with funeral arrangements for Terrance as he was not insured at the time of his death.

BY IRIS B. HOLTON

Sentinel City Editor

On Wednesday, a 27-year-old Tampa man entered guilty pleas before two separate federal judges for income tax fraud. He is facing a combined maximum sentence of 38 years in federal prison.

Maurice “Thirst” Larry entered pleas before Judges Thomas Wilson and Elizabeth Jenkins. He pleaded guilty to four counts. Larry is a co-defendant with Marterrence “Quat” Holloway on a 38-count indictment. He is a co-defendant with Ms. Rashia Wilson on a 54-count indictment.

A request listed in the plea agreement is that the judges do not oppose the sentences running concurrent. However, judges have two weeks to “officially” accept the plea. If granted, the federal government agrees to drop more than 40 other charges that Larry is facing.

He has also agreed to forfeit at least five vehicles, two of which were customized, several laptop computers, jewelry, and other items.

He will also be court-ordered to pay restitution and serve a period of supervision after his release. His attorney, Grady Irvin, Jr., declined comment.

His girlfriend, Ms. Rashia Wilson boasted on Facebook about her activities and vowed she would never be caught. The self-proclaimed “First Lady” of tax fraud was arrested on a 57-count indictment. She was charged in two separate federal cases.

She pleaded guilty to two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm in December 2012.

Ms. Wilson, who entered a guilty plea to three counts of the indictment on April 3, will be sentenced on April 24, 2013.

Marterrence “Quat” Holloway was indicted along with Larry. His trial is pending. The date has not yet been set.

BY IRIS B. HOLTON

Sentinel City Editor

Recently, an East Tampa computer training organization learned they had been chosen as grant recipients. The grant will allow them to train youngsters during a 4-week summer program.

Ralph Smith, founder and CEO of The Computer Mentors Group, Inc., said the program will train teenagers between the ages of 14 and 17 in the program. The youngsters will meet for 4 hours, 4 days per week at the Computer Mentors office on E. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Blvd.

“In addition to earning the Microsoft User Certification, the youngsters will learn by doing. We are inviting non-profit organizations to submit their technology projects to us.

“We are accepting websites, videos, e-marketing, and we are going to set up at least 1 phone app. All churches, especially those in East Tampa, are invited to submit their projects,” Smith said.

He further stated that those participating in the program will be eligible for various prizes during the program.

Smith said a total of 15 youngsters will be chosen to participate in the program which begins on June 17^th. The students must be enrolled in high school to participate. The students must also reside in the 33605 or 33610 zip codes, and should have an interest in learning computer technology as a trade. The program is free for the students.

Smith said the grant will allow the organization to hire a Coordinator for the program. The Coordinator will select the 15 students who will participate in the program. Anyone wishing to learn more about the program can call (813) 241-4200, or submit an application to  RSmith@computermentors.org.

BY IRIS B. HOLTON

Sentinel City Editor

Earlier this month, members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Pi Iota Chapter, held their 76^th District Meeting in Tampa.

The event drew more than 1,200 members to the Tampa Bay area to participate in a wide variety of activities. James Green is the President of the Pi Iota Chapter. Rev. Alec Hall served as the District Marshal, responsible for coordinating the 4 days of events. His Co-District Marshals were Sam Jones and Clemmon Aswad Hodges.

The meeting began on Thursday, April 4^th, with the Pi Iota Golf Tournament. Members also joined Metropolitan Ministries with the distribution of more than 400 food baskets to needy families.

On Friday, the organization presented a $10,000 donation to Ernest E. Just Elementary School for clothing, shoes, and other supplies. Ernest Just, whose name the school bears, was a founding member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

The organization also provided more than $25,000 in scholarships to undergraduate members for academic excellence, Green said.

During the day, the organization conducted business meetings. Their social activities included a party, the Founder’s Banquet, and their Black-Out Party.

Two members of Epsilon Mu Chapter, MacDill Air Force Base were presented awards during the Founder’s Banquet. Michael Mayes was presented the District Superior Service Award, and Derrick Crowley was presented the District Col. Charles Young Military Leadership Award.

“This was the first time in more than 15 years that Tampa was chosen as the host city. It was a great weekend with all of the events being well-attended,” Green stated.

The Tampa Police Department has issued a warrant for a man who has scammed elderly women. According to police, he has been identified as 52-year-old Rebrant Dwayne Bryant.

Bryant is facing charges of falsely impersonating a police officer, exploitation of the elderly and grand theft. Bryant is alleged to have gone to the homes of the East Tampa women and portrayed himself as a detective. He then urged the victims to cooperate with his investigation by giving him money.

The first incident was reported to police on February 19^th. An 86-year-old East Tampa resident told police that the suspect posed as a police detective when he approached her. He also told her that he was investigating a fraud case and needed her cooperation. The victim did not give the suspect any money.

The second crime was reported February 22^nd, and the victim was a 91-year-old female. The elderly woman gave the suspect $1,300.

The most recent crime was reported to police on April 3^rd. The man reportedly approached a 70-year-old woman that he was investigating possible counterfeit case and needed to determine if her money was counterfeit.

The victim gave him $380 and after he “inspected” the money, he allegedly told her it was “fake.”

The suspect then talked the woman to ride with him to her banks so that he could further inspect the rest of her money. He drove the victim to two banks. However, she refused to make withdrawals.

Police said Bryant has been arrested in Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, South Carolina, Maryland, and Wisconsin on similar scams and drug charges. Police also believe the suspect may have victimized other individuals as well.

Anyone who has had contact with Bryant is asked to contact the Tampa Police Department at (8130 231-6130.

On Friday night, Tampa Police arrested a 29-year-old man after he allegedly sexually battered a 12-year-old boy.

Police said Dacquiri Jermaine Crawford has been charged with sexual battery on a child between 12 and 18 years old, lewd and lascivious batter on a child under 16, and trespassing on school property.

Police said on Thursday, the victim took his usual route along the Hillsborough River as he walked home from Howard W. Blake High School.

Police said on his way, the 12-year-old spotted a group of men standing by a car parked under the North Boulevard Bridge. He spoke to the adults and kept walking to meet his friends.

With his 9 p. m. curfew drawing close, police said the boy decided it was time to go home. Underneath the bridge was the same red car, but this time police said there was just one man.

According to the victim, Crawford grabbed him when he got close, ad dragged him toward a clump of bushes near the river. There, the boy was allegedly sexually assaulted.

The victim ran home and told his mother who called police.

Almost 24 hours later, Crawford was arrested at North Boulevard and Laurel Street. The victim had told police his attacker walked with a limp, and had promised to return.

Crawford is being held without bond on the charges.

School district officials said Crawford had been driving school buses for almost 8 years. Officials said they have never had any problems with Crawford, and he will be sent a letter telling him not to report to work pending the outcome of the investigation.

Crawford lived at the Tampa Park Apartments with his mother, who reportedly has been hospitalized for a month with cancer. Although he is listed on her lease, she is the primary renter.

Due to the nature of the arrest, the Resident Captains, who meet weekly, will discuss precautionary measures at its meeting o Thursday. The Captains have already decided that the will alert each resident about the arrest, especially those with young children, and ask that they talk with their children about strangers ad inappropriate touching.

Crawford’s mother will also be alerted that a trespassing warning has been issued by the complex against her son.

The Tampa Police Department has issued a warrant for a man who has scammed elderly women. According to police, he has been identified as 52-year-old Rebrant Dwayne Bryant.

Bryant is facing charges of falsely impersonating a police officer, exploitation of the elderly and grand theft. Bryant is alleged to have gone to the homes of the East Tampa women and portrayed himself as a detective. He then urged the victims to cooperate with his investigation by giving him money.

He has been arrested in eleven states for similar scams and drug charges. Anyone who has had contact with Bryant is asked to contact the Tampa Police Department at (8130 231-6130.

See Tuesday’s edition for the full story.

The third week of April is National Minority Cancer Awareness Week also known as NMCAW. NMCAW was created because although cancer affects men and women of every age, race, and economic class, this disease has a more severe impact on minorities and the economically disadvantaged.

Now is an important time to get screened for cancer. Colorectal cancer is one the most preventable, detectable, and beatable cancers.

In an effort to increase colorectal cancer screening in the Black community, researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center are encouraging individuals to join the Increasing Access to Colorectal Cancer Testing for Blacks (I-ACT) research study. Two current participants in the research study volunteered to share their experiences to help encourage others to join.

Haygan Bethel, originally from the Caribbean, and Essie Harrison (pictured), an active community volunteer, have been participants in the research study for about a year and want to inspire others to take charge of their health the way they have.

Both participants learned of the I-ACT study while attending community health fairs in the spring of 2012. Since then, both have completed their participation in the study and are now advocates for encouraging their fellow community members to join.

Among other benefits, both expressed their peace of mind after taking control of their colon health with regular screenings.

Ms. Harrison and Haygan were both attracted to the study because it offers a way for men and women, ages 50 to 75, who may not have health insurance, to take charge of their health and be screened for colon cancer.

Ms. Harrison joined the study because she saw it as an opportunity to keep up with a very necessary preventative health screening, as well as a way to help benefit others through important research.

“We in the Black community don’t get our check-ups like we should. This study is a good chance for us to do that,” Ms. Harrison says.

Bethel, who had never been screened, wanted to participate for similar reasons.  “I participated because I was concerned about my health and it was free!” he says.

Participation in the study does not take much time and is easy to do. The study team will even come to you if you have limited transportation. Most importantly, if you qualify, you will receive a free colon cancer screening test kit to be completed in the comfort of your own home.

The team says, do your part – ACT now! Screening saves lives. Call the team today at (813) 745-6502 or (813) 745-6244 to see if you qualify! Don’t wait another day, month, or year to do what is necessary for your health!