Daytona Times, August 9, 2012, #32

Daytona Popular restaurant owner Mae Sheppard laid to rest SEE PAGE 8

PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit #189 Daytona Beach, FL

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GEORGE E. CURRY: Anti-poverty programs have been successful PAGE 4

WILDCATS PREPPING FOR 2012 FOOTBALL SEASON SEE PAGE 6

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www.daytonatimes.com

AUGUST 9 - AUGUST 15, 2012

YEAR 37 NO. 32

Will Black voters decide this election?

PEOPLE SPEAK

None of the candidates can afford to overlook potential impact of African-American vote, professor says

BY JAMES HARPER DAYTONA TIMES harperjames59@yahoo.com

Volusia County’s registered voters have been going to the polls to early vote since Aug. 4. They have until Saturday, Aug. 11 to vote during regular early voting hours from

8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

On the primary ballot, residents are voting for candidates for United States senator; U.S. representative in Congress, District 6; state attorney, county judge, groups 4 and 8; school board, districts 2 and 4; supervisor of elections; and county council chair.

In some of the primary races, there are only two candidates so there will be no need for a run-off election during the general election on Nov. 6.

Black vote counts Considering a low turnout so far at early voting sites across Volusia County based on the number of registered voters, Black voters could have the final word on who is elected in some key races. That’s if

they all vote for same candidate.

“The Black community has become more independent. They vote on issues. They (Blacks) don’t block-vote anymore,” said Bethune-Cookman University Political Science Professor Randy Jacobs.

Jacobs said considering the makeup of the population (35 percent Black) of Daytona Beach and the number of registered Black voters citywide and county-

wide, candidates – Black or White – should not write off the Black vote.

“Although they (Whites) think they don’t need our (Black) vote, they should reach out. They don’t know our issues; many are not in touch with our community,” Jacobs noted.

Low turnout According to the elections office, in Daytona Beach as of Aug. 7, there were a total of 36,063 reg-

istered voters. Of that total, 12,136 are Black; 20,830 White.

At the City Island Library, where voting booths are set up in Daytona Beach for early voting until Saturday, only 1,418 residents had voted by the Daytona Times’ Wednesday press deadline.

Countywide, 4,963 including Daytona Beach voters, had voted. In Volusia County, there are 27,131 Please see VOTERS, Page 5

PHOTOS BY ANDREAS BUTLER/DAYTONA TIMES

Gwen Azama-Edwards, left, and Edith Shelley, center, are the two female candidates for mayor of Daytona Beach. They will face Fred Hoffman and Derrick Henry, who is shown in the photo on the right with Volusia County Councilman Josh Wagner, who is seeking to keep his District 2 seat.

Daytona Beach mayoral candidates share why they should be elected

BY JAMES HARPER DAYTONA TIMES harperjames59@yahoo.com

D

aytona Beach residents could know on Aug. 14 who will be their next mayor.

The contest could be narrowed down to the top two vote getters unless one of the four candidates vying for the seat being vacated by Mayor Glenn Ritchey receives 50 percent plus one of the votes cast during this primary.

If no one gets a majority of the votes, the top two face each other in the Nov. 6 general election.

The candidates are current Zone 2

Commissioner Edith Shelley; Gwen Azama-Edwards, a former city commissioner and city clerk; Derrick Henry, educator and a former commissioner; and Fred Hoffman, Realtor and hotel owner.

Three candidates answered questions provided to them by the Daytona Times.

Prior to the questions being sent out, Hoffman Fred presented information Hoffman via his website. A profile on Hoffman appeared in the July 19 issue of the Daytona Times.

GWEN AZAMA-EDWARDS If elected, Azama-Edwards would be the second Black female mayor of Daytona Beach, following Yvonne Scarlett Golden, who was elected in 2003. She died of cancer in 2006.

Azama-Edwards is quick to boast about her prior experience as city clerk/assistant to city manager for 15 years with the City of Daytona Beach.

She also mentions her two-year term as a city commissioner and having chaired and held leadership positions on more than 40 boards/committees in the city, county, state and at national levels.

“I am running for this office because there is still a disconnect between what the people of the city want and what they receive,” AzamaEdwards said.

“Elected officials don’t seem to understand that there are people hurting in our city. They (residents) have unmet needs that grow as hope dwindles yearly.

‘Promises made, promises kept’ Azama-Edwards said increasing spending and fees is something she is not planning.

There is a need for more recreational activities for youth, families and seniors, she said. She also wants

Daytona Times political recommendations

BY THE DAYTONA TIMES STAFF

Since the year 2000 campaign year, the Daytona Times, the Florida Courier and WPUL-AM 1590 have maintained a consistent editorial policy of not recommending candidates – whether national, state or local and regardless of race – who chose not to promote their candidacies through our media when they have media budgets available.

We find it ironic that candidates, their consultants and ad agencies can get in contact with us via e-mail, “snail mail” or telephone, or even stop by unannounced at our Daytona MLK Blvd. offices when

it comes to covering campaign events as news stories or appearing on WPUL’s talk shows. But when it comes to paid advertising, we hear, “We can’t get in contact with you,” or “We will use our campaign budget to reach Black Volusians a more cost-effective way,” we were told by the Derrick Henry campaign.

It’s also strange to occasionally hear from some candidates’ representatives that “We didn’t know you existed.” What does that say about someone’s ability to learn about and represent a sizable Black constituency if they or their support staff don’t even know that East Central Florida is one of the few communities

in America that has had its own Blackowned newspaper for almost 35 years and its own Black-owned radio station for almost 25 years?

No recommendations We make NO RECOMMENDATIONS with regard to Democratic or Republican Party committee candidates that appear on the August 14 primary ballot.

We make NO RECOMMENDATIONS with regard to Democratic or Republican Party primary races for the U.S. House and Senate and the Florida Legislature because none of the candidates, regard-

to increase staff for such programs.

“We need someone responsive to the needs of existing residents and businesses and neighborhood concerns,” she explained.

“People have found me to be trustworthy, a person who follows through and keeps my word, promises made, promises kept,” she continued.

As mayor, Azama-Edwards says her priorities would be bringing better paying jobs to the city; improving relationships between the city and existing businesses; cleaning up and protecting neighborhoods; and improving the city’s image internally and externally.

“Campaigning time will not be the only time residents and businesses see me in their neighborhoods. I will form committees made up of residents and businesses who live with the problems, giving them a voice and opportunity to help us take action to solve those problems,” said Azama-Edwards.

Azama-Edwards says she plans to host three summits during her first term – one for youth, the second for businesses and the third involving residents.

Please see MAYOR, Page 3

less of party, have attempted to reach out to Black voters.

We do note, however, that longtime U.S. Rep. John Mica is in a primary race that has drawn national attention. It’s unfortunate that he has not reached out to the relative handful of registered Black Republicans in Volusia County who could be the difference in a close race.

We make NO RECOMMENDATIONS with regard to the local races for County Council chair and most of the seats; Democratic or Republican Party primary races for the U.S. House and Senate; and the Florida Legislature. Virtually none of the candidates, regardless of party, have attempted to reach out to Black voters.

To maintain consistency with our poPlease see RECOMMENDATIONS, Page 2

FOCUS

2

PEOPLE SPEAK

The Aug. 14 primary election is upon us and numerous offices are up for grabs.

Some key local COMPILED BY elections include ANDREAS BUTLER Daytona Beach Mayor, Volusia County Council 2, Volusia County Supervisor of Elections and Volusia County Clerk of Court.

Some races will be decided while others will be decided during the general election on Nov. 6.

The Daytona Times asked the readers: Which races are you most interested in and why?

I am looking at the County Council Seat 2 race. There has been a lot of name bashing between Ken Ali and Josh Wagner on the radio. … I believe in Wagner. I’ve known him and his family for a while.

– Kenneth Dowdell, Daytona Beach

AUGUST 9 - AUGUST 15, 2012 I am looking at several, including the mayor, county chair, supervisor of elections and school board.

(Glenn) Ritchey did a good job as mayor and filling his shoes will be tough. Frank Bruno is a wonderful guy.

He did well as county chair and filling his shoes will be also be tough. (Supervisor of Elections Ann) McFall has held her office for a long time and the people on the school board have been there since I was in middle school. The question is if the county is happy with what we have there or ready for a change.

– Deana Dutting, 35, Daytona Beach

RECOMMENDATIONS from Page 1 litical advertising policy espoused on the front page, we will, however, provide information on candidates and races that we believe are of particular interest or importance to East Volusia’s Black community and make recommendations as necessary.

Information was gathered from candidates’ websites and in some cases responses to questionnaires or previous news stories.

MAYOR OF DAYTONA BEACH Four people vie for the seat including, Edith Shelly, Gwen Azama-Edwards, Derrick Henry and Fred Hoffman.

In the city’s “weak mayor” form of government, the mayor is essentially just another vote. But the mayor does have the ability to set the tone and establish a theme for the city’s future, as the late Mayor Yvonne ScarlettGolden used her “It’s All About Respect” campaign instead of zero-tolerance policing to tone down the raucous Black College Reunions.

One issue every mayor must grapple with is decades of deferred maintenance and crumbling infrastructure that disproportionately exists in Black communities spread across three city zones.

The reason: previous city commissions took tax money from Black homeowners to build the rest of the city.

The candidates Shelley is currently the city’s Zone 1 commissioner and has been in public servant for 18 years. She wants to encourage economic opportunities, provide safer streets, improve infrastructure, make government more accessible and improve customer service. She was awarded the local NAACP chapter’s Trailblazer Award last year.

Azama-Edwards is a former Zone 5 city commissioner and is a former city

clerk. She is also a radio talk show host and runs a small consulting firm. She wants to bring in higherpaying jobs, clean up the city, reduce crime, balance the city’s redevelopment and growth, provide activities for youth, and preserve historic buildings and heritage sites.

Henry is a former educator and basketball coach.

He wants to create good paying jobs, improve infrastructure, provide safer streets, make government more accessible and efficient, and improve the quality of life.

Hoffman is self-employed. He wants to run the city like a business, bring jobs, make the city green, donate red-light camera profits to nonprofit organizations and bring back tourism and special events.

Had her chance After decades of neglect, chickens have come home to roost in the longterm slum and blight that Daytona Beach refused to fix before the 2008 recession hit and city revenues crashed. And of the four mayoral candidates, only one – Azama-Edwards – had the opportunity to move the city in a different direction when she served as the crucial fourth vote in 2003-’05, the only time in history to date that Daytona Beach had a majority-Black commission: Azama-Edwards, the late Charles W. Cherry, Sr., the late Yvonne Scarlett-Golden, and Dwayne Taylor.

Individual commissioners must look out for the needs of his or her respective zone within the context of the larger needs of the city. Azama-Edwards refused to do so, ostensibly because she represented a predominately White district that she won by only one vote. She could never be counted on to vote to begin to fix what had been ‘broken’ in Black Daytona for years, even though focusing resources on slum and blight has always been in the entire city’s best interest.

Azama-Edwards then

placed her own ambition ahead of what was best for the city when she forced 78-year old Scarlett-Golden to needlessly expend energy during the 2005 mayoral campaign primary by running against her.

She refused to drop out, telling anyone within earshot that “God told me I would run and win.”

God evidently had other plans. Azama-Edwards lost badly. Scarlett-Golden eventually won a punishing runoff – and was dead 13 months later of bile duct cancer. The majority Black commission is now a historical blip, with no lasting signature accomplishments.

In the years after the loss, Azama-Edwards – who ironically had been the city clerk, one of Daytona’s highest-ranked Black staff – bided her time, became a radio talk show host, and plotted another mayoral run. She silently watched as Daytona Beach’s top managers, including highly qualified Black managers recruited by ScarlettGolden and Cherry, Sr., were slowly purged from City Hall. Given her lack of historical judgment and understanding and her unwillingness to fight for right, she has not earned your vote.

Hoffman, the only candidate without commission experience and who did not respond to a Daytona Times questionnaire, has details on his website that involve city operations. His ideas deserve further consideration.

Our concerns Henry and Shelley are glib local politicians with well-deserved reputations as ‘shoe-leather’ campaigners who are willing to aggressively campaign door-to-door and event to event.

Shelley, a Republican, is backed by the usual downtown/beachside power structure whose historical mess is still being cleaned up. Though Henry easily won two Zone 5 elections before quitting his seat as a consequence of trumpedup criminal chares, we have received complaints from Zone 5 constituents about no-shows at community events and poor constituent service. He

I am interested in the presidential election. The president is the most powerful man in the world and leader of the world’s most powerful nation. He makes decisions that affect many, especially us here in this country in terms of health care, war and etc.

You want to be on top of who that person becomes. Also, the mayor’s race because that person is in charge of our city and affects our lives daily and directly.

– Chaundra Browning, 34, Daytona Beach

Since I live in unincorporated South Daytona, I have to look at the county level, especially the County Chair and County Council Seat 2. I’m looking at both Ted Doran and Joshua Wagner for those seats. They have the best answers. I haven’t seen the others. I’ve met and spoken with both. I’ve lived here all my life and so has my family.

I am looking for changes in the county. We pay so many taxes for hospitals, schools, the Ocean Center and our mileage rate is one of the highest. We also have one of the highest gas tax rates.

I’m tired of us citizens paying for other people’s vacation. I hope that these guys can help make the changes.

– John Capers, 31, South Daytona

has also refused to pay at least one local vendor for services rendered to his campaign.

NO RECOMMENDATION.

VOLUSIA COUNTY CLERK OF COURT Incumbent Diane Matousek faces challengers Steve deLaroche and Christine Sanders.

Matousek has held the office since 1992 and has been working in it since 1973. This is the first time she is running opposed.

She is running on her experience and her strides for making the office one of the most technologyfriendly in the state.

DeLaroche, a Republican, is a former prosecutor and judge. He wants to make the system more digital, in line with the Florida Supreme Court’s mandate that courts be completely paperless. He says he supports saving money by using less postage, making the office available by phone to all court workers, making the office accessible by computer to the public, and keeping more jobs.

The question is whether the public wants a new face or is pleased with the clerk they already have.

NO RECOMMENDATION.

VOLUSIA COUNTY SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS Incumbent Ann McFall faces challengers Teresa Apgar, Beaulah Blanks and Andy Kelly.

McFall, a Republican, opposed Republican Gov. Rick Scott’s voting purge law, which would have taken voters off the registration list. She also pointed out irregularities in absentee ballots that in one case eventually led to former commissioner Derrick Henry’s resignation from office after wrongly taking a public position, as an elections official involved in the case, against Henry.

Blanks is a Black female who is a former attorney and educator. She oppos-

es McFall’s handling of the office and accuses her of sitting on the sidelines while discriminatory voter registration laws were passed. She also wants to provide cost-effective technology to keep voters informed.

Apgar, a former account executive for the Daytona Beach News-Journal, has worked with several organizations and served on several community boards. Apgar wants to donate part of her annual salary, modernize the office, continue paper ballots with receipts, remove felons and deceased from voter rolls in a timely matter and continue consolidating polling stations to save money.

Kelly, a former accountant, has served on the Volusia County Council and as water and conservation supervisor. He wants to enhance voter education, make the office more open and accessible, and treat all requests equally.

NO RECOMMENDATION.

VOLUSIA COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD DISTRICT 2 Incumbent Dr. Al Williams faces challenger Ida Duncan-Wright.

Williams has been the lone Black voice on the board for years, and has served as board chairman.

He wants to build on what he believes are past successes, help children learn and gain appreciation for education, and address challenges to the school system.

Wright is an instructor at Bethune-Cookman University and serves on the Midtown Redevelopment Area Board. She wants to fight for adequate funding and doesn’t want politics to hamper children’s educational growth.

Despite Williams’ longtime tenure, no notable achievements come to mind, and he has been silent with respect to how to improve the generally lackluster academic performance of Black stu-

I am directly interested in the mayoral race.

My former high school assistant principal Derrick Henry is running and I am assisting with his campaign. I think the next mayor should be someone willing to change the city for the better and dedicated to listening to the residents and cares. I think that Henry is that man. The other candidates are alright, but I think he is the man for the job.

– Douglas Moore, 21, Daytona Beach

dents in Volusia County.

NO RECOMMENDATION.

VOLUSIA COUNTY COUNCIL DISTRICT 2 The incumbent Joshua Wagner squares off with businessman Ken Ali and former Ponce Inlet Mayor Nancy Epps.

Wagner, a young attorney, did well during his first term fighting to lower taxes, bring in jobs and on matters of equality.

He wants another term to continue his efforts.

Ali owns an aviation business and is a former county employee who is also a minister. He wants to lower the tax rate, provide better service, create trade and cultural relations between the county and Caribbean nations, control spending, re-boost tourism and bring jobs.

Epps has served as Ponce Inlet’s mayor for several terms. She lost the same race to Wagner by 77 votes four years ago. Epps wants to lower taxes, resolve storm water problems, acquire preservation land, restore parks, and create jobs.

Wagner has served the county well, and he deserves the opportunity to continue to serve. Ali’s negative campaigning reflects poorly on him and on his ministry.

RECOMMENDATION: WAGNER

VOLUSIA COUNTY JUDGE, GROUP 8 Michael McDermott wants to unseat incumbent Judge Bryan Feigenbaum.

Gov. Charlie Christ appointed Feigenbaum after Feigenbaum served in the State Attorney’s Office for 20 years. McDermott has been an attorney for 26 years. There’s no evidence that Feigenbaum should forfeit the privilege of continuing on the bench, especially given his relatively short tenure on the court.

RECOMMENDATION: FEIGENBAUM

AUGUST 9 - AUGUST 15, 2012

MAYOR from Page 1 She says the city needs more grant writers who know how and where to look for funds. She supports increased code enforcement and hiring more law enforcement.

“All top-level and wellpaid staff should be required to live in the city as in the ordinance we passed when I was on the commission. I also like the commission’s requirement of new businesses to hire 50 percent of local residents,” said Azama-Edwards.

More funds wanted for 32114 zip code She also questioned the current commission’s decision to install red-light cameras in the city. “Another idea – with not great results,” she remarked.

“We should not have set a budget with expected income from something unproven. Now that we have them (red-light cameras), we can keep a few at key intersections where traffic accidents had been a major issue before the redlight cameras were added,” Azama-Edwards noted.

“They, however, need to be reduced and redistributed from the poorer areas of the city because there appears to be an inordinate number of redlight cameras surrounding the poorer parts of the city. We do not need more of them due to the inherent costs associated with them and still questionable accident reductions, neither of which appear to justify having them.

She concluded, “The 32114 zip code area is the most disadvantaged section of Daytona Beach and needs some serious dedicated funds and services. I will work with social service agencies and others to increase the quality of life for individuals living in this area and the city overall.’’

Azama-Edwards is married to the Rev. Larry Edwards of St. John Missionary Baptist Church and they have raised two sons.

ELECTION 2012

DERRICK HENRY Derrick Henry cited being re-elected twice to the Daytona Beach City Commission with over 65 percent of the vote as one reason he should be elected mayor.

He noted that he also served as chairman of the Daytona Beach Visions Infrastructure committee.

Henry was removed from his Zone 5 commission seat by Gov. Charlie Crist after he was charged with conspiracy to commit voter fraud and illegally obtaining absentee ballots.

After paying fines and completing other orders by a judge, the charges against Henry were dropped last year. Henry has said in interviews he never intended to break the law and was working with his campaign manager only to increase voter turnout.

After reaching a plea deal, Henry officially resigned as a city commissioner and his job with Volusia County Schools after having been reassigned from his assistant principal position at Mainland High School.

Henry focusing on future, not past Henry moved on with his life, got a new job and is married to Dr. Stephanie Henry.

He has a 25-year-old son, Michael, and recently celebrated the birth of his second child, Derrick Jr. Patrick Henry, Derrick’s older brother, was elected to fill the city commission seat representing Zone 5 which he had resigned.

In spite of the legal issue, Henry said with his broad appeal, he is the best candidate to “unite the community from the beachside to the mainland, from the younger generation to the more seasoned members of our community.”

Henry explained that he has a history of focusing on issues that confront the least-served areas of the community as well as a record of strong and decisive decision-making that is not given to placating the traditional power brokers in the community but focused on the needs of the

3

No love for Obama. Urging voters to help stop the president, supporters of the Republican Party of Volusia County provide a list of conservative candidates for potential voters at the Daytona Beach Regional Library City Island.

ASHLEY THOMAS/ DAYTONA TIMES

residents and the small business community.

‘One City, One Vision’ During his first term in office, Henry said he hopes to create a plan for a more comprehensive residency requirement for city staff; create a more effective local preference ordinance giving greater preference to businesses that are located in the city of Daytona Beach as it relates to city contracts; and do a complete review and overhaul of the budgeting process focused on finding costsaving measures in each department.

Henry also wants to find a resolution to the impasse between the firefighters and the city; locate and identify funds for the restoration of Orange Avenue; and inspire residents to take ownership of the Yvonne Scarlett Golden Center and the Midtown Community Center with true community-based programs that are encouraged and supported by the city.

Henry has disagreed with a number of votes of the current commission.

“They have consistently voted with an apparent hostility toward business interest and failed to protect the core of the city,” Henry said.

He also noted the current commission and city

staff are “consistently using legal rhetoric to justify their failure to protect Midtown.”

Henry said his top priority if elected will the restoration of the core areas of the city (Midtown and the Ridgewood corridor) with a focus on infrastructure improvements as a means of attracting new business to all redevelopment areas of the city.

The theme of his campaign has been “One City, One Vision,” which he says is the core of his platform to ensure a fair distribution of the city’s resources to all segments of the city and to make certain that everyone is included in the vision of a better Daytona Beach.

“My entire life of public service has been focused on helping what the Bible refers to as “the least of these. I am not a Johnny come lately as it relates to the interest of the Black community,” Henry noted.

Henry was born and raised in Daytona Beach.

He has served as a coordinator of the College ReachOut Program at Daytona State College; directed the Sisters and Brothers Learning Experience (SABLE) and worked as head basketball coach at Mainland High School.

Henry touts accomplishments Henry boasts that as a city commissioner, he voted to reduce taxes; pushed for the resurfacing of Derbyshire Road and Brentwood Road as well as sidewalks for Brentwood; supported over $8 million worth of infrastructure improvements – most in the blighted core of the city; supported the extension of Dunn Avenue; and helped create the Daytona Beach School of government for high school students; hosted forums for high school students and adult residents to share their concerns; and helped triple the attendance of the Westside Neighborhood Watch Group.

“As a teacher, coach, administrator, child advocate and local business owner, I have served thousands of residents in Daytona Beach, helping them to pursue their dreams and find solutions to the problems that confront them,” Henry added.

“I love Daytona Beach and want to rescue it from the hands of a small plutocracy of business elites and politicians who have been unable or unwilling to eliminate the city’s enormous blight; reduce its increasing poverty; curb its declining population; save its schools and post office, resolve the homeless and unemployment crisis. The mayor’s job will be a difficult one, but one that I am well prepared for.’’

EDITH SHELLEY Edith Shelley is currently a city commissioner representing Zone 1. She was elected to office in 2010 and resigned this year to run for mayor.

Shelley says she has the determination, drive, knowledge and experience to move the city forward.

Before being elected, she served on the city’s Planning Board for almost 20 years, working as chairman for half of that time.

Shelley says she is the

only candidate with the depth of understanding of the city’s comprehensive plan and land development code needed to move Daytona Beach forward.

She also was chairmanship of the city’s Vision Committee.

Shelley believes she has a broad communitywide perspective and is a genuine people person with the understanding of the importance of crafting policy that works toward solutions for people.

‘Out in the community’ “The value of my years of service on the Planning Board is that I understand the complex issues facing our city. I have the historical knowledge and the proven ability to craft solutions for our community’s problems,” Shelley said.

“My record as chairman of the Daytona Beach Vision Committee demonstrates my ability to bring all segments of the city together to reach a common goal,” she continued.

As an elected official, Shelley prides herself for being “out in the community.”

“I will continue to be out in the community as your mayor. This is my home.

My business is here. My children were born and raised here. I listen to citizens in the barbershop. I listen to residents on their front porches. I ride my bike through the neighborhoods to have a personal contact with residents of our city. I am accessible and will continue to be accessible. You will not find a mayor who will work harder for this city than I will,” Shelley elaborated.

Shelley says Daytona Beach needs a leader who is able to make the hard decisions that will continue to move it forward during these difficult times.

She plans on being a positive and proactive leader.

Shelley: Orange Avenue repair a priority If elected mayor, Shelley said she would adopt and implement the new land development code.

“This is a major tool to encourage both business and residential development. It will eliminate inconsistencies that discourage urban infill redevelopment and investment. This is vital to the implementation of the Midtown Redevelopment Area Master Plan,” Shelley said.

Shelley said the reconstruction of Orange Avenue will remain a top priority.

“A major part of that Midtown Redevelopment Master Plan is the repair and upgrade of Orange Avenue. The economic development and residential vitality of the core of our city is dependent on the Orange Avenue project. This commission has made Orange Avenue a top priority and I will continue to press for forward to accomplish this project. Not only to accomplish but to implement the complete street design envisioned in the Midtown Redevelopment Area Master Plan,” she continued.

Shelley praised the work she and her fellow commissioners have accomplished.

“This commission has worked well together try-

ing to address the many issues that affect our city storm water projects to address flooding in the core have been at the forefront,” she noted.

Under her term as commissioner so far, Shelley said the city completed the $1.6 million South Street storm water project; the North Street Pond and Park has now become a recreational opportunity for the neighborhood with a paved multiuse trail around the perimeter; and the North and Mark Street Flood Control Park has been completed.

The current commission also has approved additional storm water and flood control measures.

Shelley named NAACP trailblazer Shelley also mentioned the construction of new Midtown Cultural and Educational Center and the new Daytona International Speedway Corporation Building, which were completed under her watch.

“The new land development code encourages incentives for green buildings. I will continue to support the implementation of these standards and incentives,” Shelley said.

“Several exciting projects will be moving forward during the next four years. These projects are the result of the foundation being laid now. Investors are looking at Daytona Beach in a new way. This commission is putting policies in place now that will be beneficial to assuring that projects will move forward in 2013 and 2014 to benefit the citizens of Daytona Beach. As your mayor, I will be positive and proactive in moving forward,” Shelley concluded.

Shelley has also served on the Downtown Ballough Road Redevelopment Area Advisory Board, BethuneCookman University Performing Arts Center Advisory Board, Mayor’s Community Advisory Board, Daytona Regional Chamber Local Government Committee and Volusia County Schools Impact Fee Committee.

Last year she received the Volusia County/Daytona Beach NAACP Trailblazer Award 2011.

Shelley and her husband, Denis, both natives of San Antonio, Texas, work in a law firm, Legacy Estate Planners, where she serves as government relations specialist. They moved to the area 33 years ago.

What candidates raised Shelley has raised the most money in her election campaign so far. She has amassed $60,973, having spent $27,703.

Azama-Edwards is in second place with contributions of $26,829, spending $20,160. Azama-Edwards said it is her goal to get the votes necessary to win outright. If she ends up in a runoff against Shelley, she would have to refill her campaign coffer, whereas Shelley still has almost half of her contributions.

Henry comes in third place raising $12,331 spending $10,386.

Hoffman brings up the rear in contributions with $2,024. He had spent it all as of July 20.

EDITORIAL

4

AUGUST 9 - AUGUST 15, 2012

Anti-poverty programs have been successful Conservatives continue to assert that anti-poverty programs have failed when, in fact, they have saved millions of people from plunging into poverty.

On July 23, 2012, Mary Katherine, in an appearance on Fox News’ “The O’Reilly Factor,” said, “(W)e’ve spent $17 trillion on the war on poverty since it began.

Originally the plan was to be able to lift people out of poverty. It does not feel to people like we’re getting there, and [Obama’s] out there doing other things and making the pitch that that is what’s going to solve the problem...We’re on track to spend over a trillion dollars per year on welfare programs...and it’s not helping.”

The same day, Monica Crowley, appearing on “Your World with Neil Cavuto,” said, “...Since the mid-1960s when Lyndon Johnson launched the Great Society program, and started this massive spending spree…What we now know is that none of those social welfare programs...have worked.

None of it has alleviated poverty.

In fact the poverty state has gotten worse instead of better.”

Both wrong Media Matters, the media watchdog group, looked at a half-dozen reports that debunk the popular – though inaccurate – right-wing talking point.

“In fact,” Media Matters stated, “federal government programs such as food stamps, Social Security, and other measures created or boosted by the stimulus bill have kept millions out of poverty and

GEORGE E. CURRY NNPA COLUMNIST

lowered the poverty rate.”

Poverty is defined by the federal government as a family of two parents and two children earning $22,113 annually or one parent and two children receiving $17,568 a year. According to the Census Bureau, 15.1 percent of Americans, or 46.2 million people, live below the poverty line. That’s the highest rate since 1993, but 7.3 percent lower than 1959 when figures were first kept.

According to the National Poverty Center at the University of Michigan, the poverty rate was 22.4 percent in the late 1950s, declined throughout the 1960s – when the Great Society anti-poverty programs were created – and reached a low of 11.1 percent in 1973 before inching back up to its current level of 15.1 percent.

Would be doubled The non-partisan Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) analyzed Census Bureau figures and found that without federal programs, the poverty rate would have doubled. They also found that: r 4PDJBM 4FDVSJUZ LFQU OFBSMZ million Americans out of poverty; r 4UJNVMVT QSPHSBNT LFQU OFBSly 7 million Americans out of poverty;

r 5IF &BSOFE *ODPNF 5BY $SFEit and Child Tax Credit lifted more than 8 million people, including 5 million children, out of poverty in 2010; r 6OFNQMPZNFOU JOTVSBODF benefits kept more than 3 million people out of poverty in 2010; r 'PPE TUBNQT LFQU NJMMJPO people, including 2 million children, out of poverty in 2010 and The Making Work Pay tax credit kept 1.5 million people out of poverty in 2010.

On April 9, the U.S. Department of Agriculture released a study that showed because of SNAP, otherwise known as food stamps, between 2000 and 2009 there was “an average decline of 4.4 percent in the prevalence of poverty due to SNAP benefits.”

The study also found that SNAP’s antipoverty effect was strongest in 2009 when benefits were increased under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (the stimulus package). That year, SNAP befits reduced the poverty rate by nearly 8 percent and child poverty by 20.9 percent.

Conservatives can continue to repeat the same old lie over and over, but that won’t make it true. Anti-poverty programs have worked and many of us are living proof.

George E. Curry, former editor-in-chief of Emerge magazine, is editor-in-chief of the National Newspaper Publishers Association News Service. Click on this story at www.daytonatimes. com to write your own response.

Does upward mobility exist anymore?

A new poll reveals that many Americans are questioning their prospects for “upward mobility.”

The high level of pessimism is reflected among respondents in a recent poll conducted by The Hill newspaper that found half (47 percent) of likely voters believe it’s impossible for them to become wealthy during the course of their lifetime.

The survey, conducted as the heated political presidential campaign becomes more acrimonious over the interests of the haves and the have-nots, found that fewer than 2 in 5 likely voters (37 percent) think they can ever become rich. The Hill newspaper’s survey findings suggest pessimism about the possibility of upward mobility as economic growth remains weak and jobs scarce. The national debate over wealth is intensifying as it creates economic divisions across the country’s population segments.

Wider gap Between 2005 and 2010 the median net worth of Americans under 35 fell 37 percent, and the wealth gap between the young and the old in America is wider than it’s ever been. The percentage of the workforce under age 25 has dropped 13.2 percent since 2008, and the U.S. unemployment rate is 12 percent for those age 18 to 29 because this age group’s

WILLIAM REED BUSINESS EXCHANGE

more of economic haves and havenots. Since the 2007 recession, the share of total wealth owned by the nation’s wealthiest one percent grew to 37.1 percent and that owned by the top 20 percent grew to 87.7 percent. The 2007 recession, and aftermath, also increased the wealth gap between the 1 percent and the 99 percent.

According to a CBS News/New York Times poll, a majority of registered voters believe that Mitt Romney’s policies favor the rich. Fiftythree percent say Romney’s policies favor the wealthy. Eleven percent says his policies favor the middle class, while 2 percent say they favor the poor. Thirty percent say Romney’s policies treat all groups equally.

Of the social segments that favor President Barack Obama’s policies, 21 percent say his policies favor the rich, while 22 percent say they favor the middle class and 24 percent say they favor the poor. Twenty-five percent say Obama’s policies treat all groups equally.

Are Black voters in a totally different place than the mainstream of Americans?

parents aren’t retiring.

The wealth – more specifically, the median net worth – of households in the United States is varied in relation to race, education, geographic location and gender.

Wealth in the U.S. is unevenly distributed, with the wealthiest 25 percent of U.S. households owning 87 percent of the total wealth.

The median wealth of White households is 20 times that of Black households. For Black Americans, the annual median household income in 2010 was $29,328. It was $35,856 among all races. While Blacks make 62 cents of every dollar of income that Whites make, they only have 10 cents for every dollar of wealth that Whites have.

In The Hill poll, almost 40 percent of people said that the threshold to being wealthy was a $500,000 annual income. Twenty percent put the bar above $1 million. Thirty-one percent of people William Reed is publisher of said a family earning $250,000 a “Who’s Who in Black Corporate year is wealthy. And 9 percent said America” and is available for $100,000 was the threshold. speaking/seminar projects via BaileyGroup.org. Click on this Two Americas story at www.daytonatimes.com Each day, America is comprised to write your own response.

Mitt Romney’s Salt Lake pork You can’t follow the politics of our nation without hearing a reference to “pork-barrel politics” – slang used when politicians undertake projects to benefit a group of friends in exchange for campaign donations.

If we go back to the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah, we’re told Mitt Romney became well known for saving the Winter Olympics from corruption surrounding the International Olympic Committee.

Personal ambition Coming off his defeat by Sen. Edward Kennedy for Senate, and with apparent thoughts of running for president, Romney needed a network to support his political aspirations. The Winter Olympics seemed like the perfect place to begin. The fact that he could have the project funded by taxpayers was icing on the cake!

Bob Hohler of the Boston Globe said Romney’s determination to present himself as a white knight came at a cost. Some say he magnified the extent of the committee’s fiscal distress, risked possible conflicts of interest among board members, and shunted aside others whose work had been instrumental in promoting the Games.

DR. E. FAYE WILLIAMS, ESQ. TRICE EDNEY WIRE

Lisa Roche wrote in the Desert News, “Mitt didn’t save the games.

It was a publicity ploy from the beginning to build his platform in politics.”

Sydney Fonnesbeck, a member of the Salt Lake City Council, said, “He just came in and gathered the money already (pledged)...

He didn’t want to give anyone else any credit. We became nobodies.

A lot of us were hurt and angry. It didn’t surprise...us when he ran home and ran for governor.”

Billions gone In a Dec. 2001 Sports Illustrated article, Donald Bartlett and James Steele wrote that “...while attention was on the Great Olympic Bribery Scandal…private and public interests siphoned about $1.5 billion out of the U.S. Treasury, the amount of taxpayer money spent, considering inflation, was more than spending for all seven games in the U.S. since 1904 – combined.”

Private enterprise derived significant long-term benefits from the congressional giveaways, draining funds from an unprecedented number of federal agencies. The largest amount of taxpayer money per athlete was spent – about $625,000, far more than Atlanta or Los Angeles.

Romney spent far more tax dollars to enhance the long-term worth of for-profit businesses than any of our former host states. Public records show cronyism when Kem Gardner, Romney’s friend, was given a contract to build the Olympic Legacy Park in his shopping mall with millions of tax reimbursements available. There was no competition for the bid. The park was built on private land with no thought of using public land.

Romney received over $1.5 million in campaign funds from people with ties to the Olympics; those he helped benefited greatly, too.

Does it surprise you they donated to his campaign for governor soon after and many joined fundraisers for his presidential campaign?

Dr. E. Faye Williams is national chair of the National Congress of Black Women, Inc. Click on this story at www.daytonatimes.com to write your own response.

VISUAL VIEWPOINT: WISCONSIN SIKH TEMPLE SHOOTING

ADAM ZYGLIS, THE BUFFALO NEWS

Blacks more likely to use payday loans Most payday borrowers use the small-dollar loans to cover ordinary living expenses instead of occasional or unexpected emergencies, according to a new research report by Pew Charitable Trusts.

“Who Borrows, Where They Borrow and Why,” the first in a series of payday lending reports

by Pew, also found that 81 percent of those who have used a storefront payday loan would cut back on expenses if the highcost loans were not available.

Payday alternatives preferred by consumers included credit unions (44 percent), credit cards (37 percent) or an employer loan (17 percent). Among firsttime borrowers, 69 percent used a payday loan for recurring expenses such as utilities, credit cards, housing or food.

Although most payday borrowers are White, female and aged 25-44, African-Americans and four other groups are the most frequent payday borrowers: renters, consumers earning less than $40,000 annually and those who are either separated or divorced.

Additional Pew findings showed: r 5XFMWF NJMMJPO "NFSJDBOT used a storefront or online payday loan in 2010, the most recent year for which substantial data is available; r 5IF BWFSBHF CPSSPXFS JT JOdebted about five months of the year; and r 0O BWFSBHF B CPSSPXFS UBLFT out eight loans and spends $520 on interest.

Earlier payday research by the Center for Responsible Lending found that communities of color are frequently areas where payday stores are clustered. Further, states with the highest number of payday stores per 10,000 residents also had significant African-American populations.

Those states are Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, South Carolina and Tennessee.

A 2011 report by the Center for Responsible Lending found that payday loan customers remain indebted double the time that the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation recommends.

“Payday Loans, Inc.: Short on Credit, Long on Debt “verified how the typical two-week smalldollar loan becomes a deepening pit of debt lasting on average 212 days in the first year of borrowing and growing to 372

CHARLENE CROWELL NNPA COLUMNIST

days in the succeeding year. Yet according to FDIC guidance, no payday borrower should be indebted for more than 90 days in any 12-month period.

According to CRL, much of the problem with fully retiring payday debt is because of the industry requirement that borrowers pay the entire loan within the next paycheck. For most borrowers, this specific loan term denies them the ability to financially manage the rest of their lives.

In response to these and other payday findings, Rev. DeForest Soaries, Jr., author of “Debt Free: Breaking Free from Financial Slavery,” said, “Reputable businesses build their loyal clientele by offering value-priced products and services. Customers choose to return to these businesses. But payday lenders build their repeat business by trapping borrowers into a cycle of crippling debt with triple digit interest rates and fees.”

Soaries recently launched a Web-based community, www. billiondollarpaydown.com, where participants will learn how to set debt reduction goals and get ahead financially.

The campaign goal is to assist 150,000 individuals and 1,000 organizations to pay down $1 billion of consumer debt by registering at least 150,000 consumers and 1,000 organizations.

The curriculum includes a workbook, trainers’ guide, activities and evaluation tools to help participants become financially self-sufficient. As a financial safeguard, the Challenge Web site does not ask for any account information, nor does it accept payments on its site.

For more information, contact Rev. Soaries at dbsoaries@ mydfree.org.

Charlene Crowell is the Communications Manager for State Policy & Outreach with the Center for Responsible Lending. Click on this story at www.daytonatimes.com to write your own response.

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ELECTION 2012

5

AUGUST 9 - AUGUST 15,

2012

Early voting kicks off at City Island Voters and candidates in the mix

Supporters for various candidates greet voters and Farmer’s Market patrons as they pull into the parking lot at Daytona Beach Regional Library City Island on Aug. 4.

Derrick Henry and Ida Duncan-Wright turn their attention to a potential voter during the first day of early voting in Daytona Beach. Henry has his hopes on Daytona Beach’s mayoral position while Duncan-Wright is bidding for a seat on the Volusia County School Board.

A young supporter of Bryan Feigenbaum, candidate for county judge, waves at passers-by on Aug. 4.

PHOTOS

BY ASHLEY THOMAS/ DAYTONA TIMES

A supporter for Dustin Havens, candidate for County Judge Group 4, sets up information for potential voters.

As early voting kicked off Aug. 4, voters, supporters, volunteers and candidates filled the parking lot of the Daytona Beach Regional Library City Island.

By Monday evening, there were 474 ballots cast at the Daytona Beach location and 1,215 ballots cast across Volusia County at locations in Daytona, DeLand, Deltona, New Smyrna Beach and Ormond Beach. That figure, a mere .38 percent of the 318,386 total registered voters in Volusia County, pales in comparison to those who utilized “vote-by-mail� ballots (formerly known as absentee ballots). More than 18,000 “vote-by-mail’ ballots had been cast by the Daytona Times’ press deadline Wednesday night.

Early voting runs from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. each day through Aug. 11.

The primary election is Aug. 14 with hours from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. All vote-bymail ballots must be in the office of the Supervisor of Elections office by 7 p.m.

Aug. 14.

Lynne Fishe, a volunteer with the Volusia County Democratic Party, passes out party recommendations to voters who stop by the Daytona Beach Regional Library, City Island location on the first day of early voting in Daytona Beach.

VOTERS from Page 1 registered Black voters, according to the elections office. That’s out of a total of 320,212 registered voters as of Aug. 6.

Within Volusia County Council District 2, (where most of Daytona Beach is located), there are 63,366 registered voters; 10,055 are Black registered voters.

For the congressional District 6 race, which includes Daytona Beach, there are 21,283 registered voters. That out of a total of 236,381.

For the Volusia County School Board District 2, 61,559 residents are registered to vote. Of that number, 11,166 are Black.

For the Volusia County School Board District 4, which has a small percentage of Daytonans, there are 63,942 registered voters; 4,449 are Black.

Mayoral run A Black candidate is represented in most of the key races in the county and the city.

In Daytona Beach, former commissioners Gwen Azama-Edwards and Derrick Henry are running for mayor. Also on this ballot mayor are current city commissioner Edith Shelley and Realtor Fred Hoffman.

There are two Black candidates, Paula Reed and Cathy Washington, competing for the Zone 6 com-

mission seat. This race will be on the November general election ballot.

In county races, incumbent Volusia County School Board District 2 representative Al Williams is facing another Black candidate – Ida Duncan.

County races Dr. Walter Fordham, a local educator, is the only Black in the race for the District 4 School Board seat, which includes Linda Costello, Judy Conte and Charles King.

Black attorney Beaulah Blanks is going up against Volusia County Supervisor of Elections Ann McFall. In addition, County Councilman Andy Kelly and community activist Teresa Apgar are in the race.

Seminole Sheriff Deputy Wendell Bradford, who is Black and lives in Deltona, wants to make history as Volusia County’s first Black Sheriff, He faces an uphill battle against threeterm incumbent Sheriff Ben Johnson.

No automatic vote Professor Jacobs says the Black vote can make a difference in many of these key races.

Jacob says the people he encounter, especially students, aren’t aware of the price Black people paid to have the right to vote. “They (students) are so far removed from civil rights, slavery – these concepts are not tangible. I remind them of the struggle – the price paid for your right

Beaulah Blanks

Walter Fordham

Paula Reed

Cathy Washington

Al Williams

Ida DuncanWright

to vote – a cost was paid,�

Jacobs said.

Jacobs said there shouldn’t be an assumption Black candidates have the interest of other Blacks on their agenda.

He also said Black candidates should not assume because they are Black they will get the Black vote. “There was a time (in the ’50s and ’60s) Black candidates supported the issues of Black community. That is not necessarily the case today,� Jacob explained.

SPORTS & COMMUNITY NEWS

6

AUGUST 9 - AUGUST 15, 2012

Midtown Master Plan meeting set for Aug. 16

BY JAMES HARPER DAYTONA TIMES harperjames59@yahoo.com

The creator of the new Midtown Redevelopment Master Plan will be available to answer residents’ questions on Aug. 16 at the new Midtown Cultural and Education Center.

The community meeting will start at 4 p.m. and will give residents an opportunity to ask Florida A&M University Professor Craig Huffman questions

about the plan that members of the Midtown Redevelopment Area Board hope will help revitalize what is considered by some the core of the city.

The plan calls for the construction of hotels, parks, shops and other businesses that will increase the area’s tax bases as well as provide jobs.

The Midtown Master Plan centers on BethuneCookman University and runs north/south along Martin Luther King Jr.

BRIEFS ANDREAS BUTLER/DAYTONA TIMES

The Larry Handfield Athletic Training Center is set to open in September. One of the features of the center will be a hydrotherapy treatment for injured athletes.

Wildcats prepping for 2012 football season

BY ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES butleramj@yahoo.com

With their practice field undergoing upgrades, the Bethune-Cookman University Wildcats have found an alternative place to conduct football practice.

The Wildcats opened the 2012 season by practicing at New Smyrna Beach Sports Complex.

Inclement weather delayed renovations a week before practices started so the athletic department came up with an alternative. The renovations will include new grass and track and field accessibilities.

“We exercised the option of relocating the first two weeks of practice. “We’re honored that the City of New Smyrna Beach has extended its facilities to us.

New Smyrna has a firstrate athletic complex with ample green space, shower and locker facilities and a stadium that more than suits our scrimmage needs.

This is like a retreat-like, NFL training camp experience for our student-athletes,” commented Lynn Thompson, B-CU’s athletics director.

‘Red- carpet treatment’ With two-a-day practices 15 miles from campus, there were some logistical challenges.

“This move involves the coordination of the training, equipment, transportation, food service and the administration to work in conjunction with the needs of our student-athletes and coaches. The New Smyrna community has extended their hospitality to us, which is a huge bonus as we try to civic engagement mission,” said Thompson.

Added Matt Musgrove, New Smyrna’s Sports Complex manager, said, “We’re very excited to have Bethune-Cookman football call our park home for two weeks. This represents a new direction for us in the service that we want to provide and we intend to give Bethune-Cookman the

red-carpet treatment and provide them with a great training camp heading into what promises to be a great season.

Practices were closed to the public and media during the first week but open practices and scrimmages are being considered.

The team is expected to get back to its regular field on campus during the week beginning Aug. 20.

B-CU opens the season on Sunday, Sept. 2 in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge against Alabama State University at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando. The game will be televised live on ESPN.

Media Day and Fan Fest B-CU will have its media and photo day on Sunday, Aug. 12 at Municipal Stadium in Daytona Beach.

Coaches and players will be available to the media for photos and interviews pertaining to the upcoming season.

Fan Fest is set for Sunday, Aug. 19, at 6 p.m. on the practice field on campus.

That day fans are welcome to come out and meet the team for fun and games.

Giving back to community The Wildcats also are giving back to the local community.

“Anytime that we can get out and work with the youth and leaders of our community we do it. We are committed to helping this community just as this community is to helping us,” said Brian Jenkins, B-CU’s head football coach.

Players helped give away backpacks at the Mayors “Back Pack Give-Away’’ at Derbyshire Park on Aug. 4.

“It was a good experience. I was in the same position as these kids when I was younger. It’s great to show that B-CU cares about Daytona Beach,” stated linebacker Jarkevis Fields.

Later that day, they visited Halifax Hospital Pediatric Unit and the Volusia House.

“In our position people are watching us. We want to reach out to kids. We were once small too. If we were in the hospital at that

GOSPEL HALLELUJAH WORLD WIDE RADIO MINISTRIES

age and got a surprise visit from a local college team, that’s a great moment. We want to give them that,” commented wide receiver Eddie Poole.

Offensive lineman Terrance Hackney added, “It was really good to bring light to someone else’s situation. I think we really connected with this little 5-year-old boy named Riley. It touched our hearts that he found joy in our visit.”

The Wildcats still had their fourth day of practice that day.

Volleyball: Maroon and Gold game The Lady Wildcats are set to begin their season Aug. 24-25 at the East Carolina Classic in Greenville, N.C. Before they hit the hardwood against the competition, they will face off with each other in their Maroon and Gold Game on Sunday, Aug. 19 at Moore Gymnasium at 1:30 p.m.

B-CU has high hopes for the 2012-13 campaign as second year Coach Isaac Raphael still has recordbreakers Krysta Gardner and Janeen Davis with some newcomers who will add height to the squad.

The Volusia County Council will look back on eight years of progress during the “Volusia County Retrospect: 2005 2012” event at noon Monday, Aug. 27, at the Ocean Center, 101 N. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach.

A presentation prepared by county staff will highlight milestones, including the expansion of the Ocean Center and Deltona Regional Library, development of the new Emergency Operations and Sheriff’s Communications Center, groundbreaking for SunRail’s DeBary station, expansion of the county’s trails system, the ongoing beach safety initiative, consolidation of countywide 9-1-1 dispatch services, and the addition of EVAC ambulance to the county’s services.

Volusia County Chair Frank Bruno Jr. will present the county’s annual community leadership award to Hyatt and Cici Brown, honoring them for decades of civic leadership and volunteerism.

The event is open to the public and doors will open at 11:30 a.m. Lunch will

EOE/AA A Drug Free – Smoke Free Work Place

Volusia County’s Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program will host an informational meeting for landlords who are renting or interested in renting to Section 8 participants.

The meeting will be from 10 a.m. to noon Aug. 30 in the Volusia County Council chambers of the Thomas C. Kelly Administration Center, 123 W. Indiana Ave., DeLand.

Staff from the county’s Community Assistance Division will explain the program’s rules and regulations.

Reservations are required and must be made by Aug. 16. To RSVP, call 386-7365955.

ADVERTISE For all local sales for The Daytona Times & WPUL AM 1590 News Progressive Talk, Sports & Inspiration call Deborah E. Ford at 386-492-2908 Ext. 12

Joel Redhead competed in the year’s summer Olympics in London.

Redhead who finished his career with B-CU in 2009 ran the 200m dash for his native Grenada. He placed eight in his heat in the first round with a time of 21.22 seconds.

In 2009 as a Wildcat, he finished eighth in the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships.

Be There!

New Student Enrollment Day Daytona Beach Campus 1200 W. International Speedway Blvd.

Wetherell Center (Bldg. 100), Atrium Saturday, August 18, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Complete your fall registration and have a chance to win a scholarship.

Call (386) 506-4471 or email Admissions@DaytonaState.edu to reserve your space.

LISTEN TO WPUL 1590 Saturdays 10 am -noon Sundays 5am- 7am & 1pm-3pm

Come let the Holy Ghost Get Ya!

Landlords invited to Section 8 meeting Aug. 30

Former Wildcat in Olympics

Hosted by: Bro. Harold Ford and Prophetess Deborah Ford

Listen online at: www.wpul1590.com website: www.gospelhallelujah.com

be provided by event sponsors. Reservations are required by Aug. 20 and may be made by contacting the county manager’s office at 386-736-5920 or kkardos@ co.volusia.fl.us.

Attendees are asked to bring a donation of nonperishable food for the Community Foundation of East Central Florida. Donations will be used to stock Volusia County food banks.

Florida Health Care Plans www.fhcp.com

#4309G DSC CREATIVE 7/12

B-CU SPORTS ROUNDUP

Team practicing at New Smyrna complex while B-CU renovates its practice field

Volusia County Retrospect presentation to be held Aug. 27

Boulevard from Fremont Avenue to George Engram Blvd and is bordered by Ridgewood Avenue and Nova Road.

It is projected to take decades to fulfill the wish lists of the plan.

The plan was completed in February and was approved by the Daytona Beach City Commission.

For more information on the community meeting or the Master Plan, call Charles Bryant at 386671-8185.

DaytonaState.edu A MEMBER OF THE FLORIDA STATE COLLEGE SYSTEM

Daytona State College assures equal opportunity in employment and education services to all individuals without regard to race, sex, color, age, religion, disability, national origin, genetic information, political affiliation or belief, or marital status.

STAY CLOSER, GO FURTHER

AUGUST 9 - AUGUST 15, 2012

COMMUNITY NEWS

7

Women show off their crowns at Women’s Day luncheon Guests were wowed at the second annual Women’s Day Hattitude Luncheon provided by women at the First Church, which included “just-like-Mamamade’’ turkey, ham, meatballs and the trimmings.

The models, who stepped out for a perfect fit with commentator Vivian Rowe, were Ruby Sims, Maxine Josey, Ernestine Logan, Dr. Leila Hardison, Ann Clark, Annie Carby and Gloria Benjamin.

The other sensations were Elaine Wettlin, Diane Spears, Pat Smith, Sharon Knight, Sybil Dodson-Lucas, Charlotte Prince and Ali Wallace.

Judges Vivian Richardson, Elaine Wettlin and Patricia Brown crowned the winners: Gloria Benjamin for the fanciest hat; Ali Wallace, the largest hat; Ruby Sims, the smallest hat; and Charlotte Prince, the best at the luncheon.

Shirley Davis echoed the need of wearing hats and stated, “I feel great, sophisticated, and elite. I like wearing hats. Can’t you tell? It brings out something in me.’’ Acknowledging the excitement of wearing hats, Rose Luckett Williams responded, “It completes me.�

The crowning glory of churchwomen wear-

Palm Coast

Community news

By Jeroline D. Mccarthy | Daytona Times ing hats tops off the essence of the book and sequel play “Crowns.� Great finds have been acquired by women buying hats for church to look their best for meeting “The King.�

‘Crowns’ history Sybil Dodson-Lucas ran it down regarding the women in her family, arriving in the states from Barbados and Panama.

She said, “My mother and grandmother belonged to the Episcopal Church and were ‘proper ladies.’ They didn’t go to church without having a hat, gloves and a handkerchief. Their hat and hair were their crowns. “During the ’40s, ’50s, and ’60s – whether they were going to work or to a social function – they were the most glamorous women,� asserted Dodson-Lucas.

She continued that they always wore stockings – never bare leg or bare arm. They were the most

Community Calendar To list your event FREE, e-mail us at news@daytonatimes.com. No phone calls or faxes, please. Events are listed on a space-available basis, and in the sole discretion of the Daytona Times staff. For guaranteed placement, contact Lynnette Garcia, lgarcia@flcourier.org, phone 954-882-2946, for ad rates.

Compiled by the Daytona Times Sorority to hold fundraising event The Daytona Beach Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta

Sorority Inc. is holding an annual “White Linen Affair� fundraising event to be held at the LPGA Banquet room,

glamorous women walking down Harlem’s 125th St. – always carrying a shawl to church to cover their legs, if the dress they were wearing was short.

Her recall brought about the high fashion, spirituality and respect for the forbears that were staged in the play “Crowns.�

Staging the style at the luncheon were co-chairmen Patricia Brown and Ernestine Logan. The Recognition Committee members were Louise Howell and Mattie DeVore. Nellie Davis and Vivian Rowe took charge of the printed program.

The panel members making up the Food Committee were Wanda Brinson, Doris Wise, Ruby Sims and Maxine Josey and the other contributors were Ruth Brown and Hazel Rolle.

These women are all smiles at First Church of Palm Coast’s Hattitude Luncheon.

The Women’s Day event included prizes for the best hats.

Financial advisor Orlando Johnson will launch the ribbon-cutting of his Edward Jones office at 120 Airport Road, Suite 1B,

Palm Coast. The opening will kick off Aug. 10. The phone number at the office is 386-5861350. rrr Dave Meluskey has been named President Barack Obama’s organizer for local office at 4882 Palm Coast Parkway, NW, Suite 4, Palm Coast. The community celebrated in a reception on July 25. The office, a few doors down from Sears, is open for phone banking and to canvass the county by volunteers.

Call Meluskey to learn

more details at 904-6355318 or log on to dmeluskey@ofafl.com. rrr Flagler County Democrats, located at One Hargrove Grade, Building A, Suite 1D, Palm Coast, can be visited weekdays, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. They can be reached for voter information at 386-283-4904, or by email at flaglercntydem@gmail. com, or log on at www.flaglerdemocraticparty.com. rrr Yours truly is wrapping up for a vacation. With the grace of God, I’ll return in

1000 Champions Drive. The event is Aug.18, beginning with a cocktail hour followed by dinner at 7:30 p.m. and ending at 11 p.m. Cost: $50.All proceeds go toward scholarships for area high school graduating seniors.

munity Center, 308 S. Martin Luther King Blvd. from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. for youngsters age 5 through 18. Parents are required to accompany their children and have a valid ID at the event. More information: 386-671-8337.

tion service for its new sanctuary Aug. 12 at 5 p.m.

1328 Hurst St. Guest speaker is the Rev. Kevin James.

More information: www.newheartchristiancenter.com or 386-238-0050.

Backpack giveaway The Mayor’s backpack giveaway continues Aug. 11 at the John H. Dickerson Com-

Church dedicates new sanctuary The New Heart Christian Center is holding a dedica-

Office openings

Church hosting Family and Friends Day Allen Chapel AME Church will celebrate its annual Family and Friends Day on Aug.

September to write my column. Enjoy the rest of the summer! rrr As always, remember our prayers for the sick, afflicted and bereaved.

Happy Birthday to You! Birthday wishes to: Gregory Banks, Walter Boone, Aug. 10; William Acey, Dorothy G. Robinson, Aug. 11, Maxine Josey, Aug. 13; Lorraine Gray, Aug. 15.

12 at 10 a.m. at 580 George Engram Blvd. The theme is “God Made Us Family: Love Made Us Friends.� Navy blue, white and yellow are the colors for this year’s celebration. The Rev. Dwayne K. Gaddis, pastor of Mount Zion AME Church in Riverview, will be the guest preacher.

More information:www.allendaytona.org.

COMMUNITY

8

AUGUST 9 - AUGUST 15, 2012

Popular restaurant owner Mae Sheppard laid to rest mous Blacks who came to town because they weren’t allowed to eat in the White-owned establishments, some which they performed in.

Mayhew said among the famous coming to the restaurant were the Ink Spots, Dee Dee Clark and Ben E. King.

Dr. Walter Fordham, a professor at Bethune-Cookman, said what he liked about the restaurant is that the workers put extra food on your plate without patrons having to ask.

Fordham said he loved the seasoning of the collard greens and the quality of the cornbread. “They had the best prepared food where African-Americans could go to eat,� he concluded.

BY JAMES HARPER DAYTONA TIMES harperjames59@yahoo.com

Mae Sheppard, the owner of a popular restaurant in Daytona Beach, died last month.

Mrs. Sheppard and her husband, Lee, owned Sheppard’s Restaurant, which used to be located on Cypress Street, now George Engram Boulevard.

The restaurant was one of only a few in Daytona Beach that Blacks could actually go and sit down in and enjoy a meal. This was before integration in the 1950s and 1960s. The restaurant was open for 27 years.

Mrs. Shepperd died July 8 at age 92.

Arthur Harper, who worked as a cook and later headwaiter at the then segregated Morrison’s Cafeteria, remembers eating at Sheppard’s. Even though he worked at a restaurant, the Black help was not allowed to eat in the restaurant or eat the food they served on the line. “We could go to Sheppard’s. It was the best restaurant in town.

It was classy,� said Harper, who said he took his wife, Ann ,often to Sheppard’s up until Blacks were allowed to patronize where he worked. He still continued to patronize Sheppard’s.

Beef stew, chitterlings popular menu items Dorothy Colbert, niece of the Sheppard’s, remembers moving to Daytona Beach in July 1960 to work for her aunt at the restaurant.

Colbert said the restaurant was always busy, especially when Bethune-Cookman College students were in town. “The beef stew and the chitterlings were two of the most popular items on the menu,� Colbert recalled. “People would be lined up outside just to come into the restaurant to eat.’’

Fed patrons without money Colbert said her aunt and uncle also helped feed people who didn’t have enough money.

Born in Georgia, service on July 14

Mae and Lee Sheppard were the owners of Sheppard’s Restaurant in Daytona Beach. It was open for 27 years.

Mae Sheppard “She always had a smile. She would talk to everyone that came in there. People would come in hungry. She allowed them to pay her when they got paid,� concluded Colbert.

Ronald Mayhew also remembers working at the restaurant, acknowledging he did everything but cook.

Mayhew said had it not been for his job at the restaurant he might have not been able to complete his education. “They literally sent me to college.� said Mayhew who worked there while attending BethuneCookman College (now Univeristy).

He left the restaurant in 1962 to become a teacher in Flagler County. “God used them (the Sheppards) as an instrument helping me reach my goal,� continued Mayhew.

Mayhew remembers Mrs.

Sheppard as a sharing and caring person.

He said many times “Drunks’’ would come in hungry and she fed them even if they had no money. “She would give up right for wrong. She had a lot of patience for people in need,� he added.

Fed students, performers Mayhew said the Sheppards also fed a number of college students who didn’t have a meal ticket, which allowed them to eat on campus. She would work out an arrangement with the students’ parents, Mayhew noted.

Mayhew also remembers the restaurant being the spot for fa-

Mae Sheppard was born in Mitchell County, Ga., on Nov. 14, 1919, to the late Robert and Marie Moore Gaines. She attended public schools in Camilla, Ga. At age 21, she moved to Daytona Beach and became a member of Greater Friendship Baptist Church. She served her church as an usher, Sunday school teacher, president of the Deaconess Ministry and president of the Circle Seven ministry.

Her parents, husband, four sisters and three brothers preceded Mrs. Sheppard in death. She was married to Lee Sheppard for over 60 years.

She is survived by one son, Leroy Sheppard and one daughterin-law, Fannie Sheppard of Daytona Beach; sisters, Annie Ruth Toombs, Camilla, Ga. and Robbie (Eddie) Lumpkins, Youngstown, Ohio; one brother, Benjamin Gaines, Detroit; grandchildren and great-grandchildren along with a host of other relatives.

Mrs. Sheppard’s funeral took place July 14 at Greater Friendship Baptist Church.

She was laid to rest at Daytona Memorial Park. Herbert Thompson Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

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