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Vol. 25 #9 September 2019
Publishers: DJ CEO & Tampa Bay Tammy
Tampa • St. Petersburg • Clearwater • Largo • Tarpon Springs . Brandon • Bradenton • Sarasota • Lakeland Plant City
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Dear Girlfriend , My favorite cousin is getting married and this is his second marriage but first wedding. He has 2 daughters 12 and 13. However, the bride has never been married with no children. She is going all in for the wedding and I am happy to be in it. They are having an evening wedding with a sit down dinner at the Marriott. with about 200 guest. I really like the bride to be. She is smart, educated and kind. Don’t get me wrong I liked the first wife too. We still speak, laugh and talk when see each other. She is the mother of my little cousins whom I love dearly. Furthermore they had been broken up for 3 years before he even met his new bride and my cousin is so happy now. Here’s the kicker, when we got our invitation in the mail and it said no children, some of my family members lost their minds and copped attitudes saying they are not going. One said if their kids can’t go they are not going. One said he is being weak and know that’s not how we do things in this family.. Another said she trying to be funny and leave his kids out. However, that’s not true his daughters are in the wedding. I think they are being petty and looking for something wrong because they all love and favor his first wife and a bit jealous of his new life style. My sister and I decided this is a ;letter for Dear girlfriend. What’s your opinion on weddings with no children allowed? We are all anxiously awaiting your response.
All I can say is sounds like a good decision to me. Too many times children have disrupted weddings and ceremonies.. Parents are not raising their kids .to be well behaved anymore. Too many children do not sit down, and be quiet by command. We see it all the time in restaurants and in a public settings. My momma would look at us and we would sit down, but these parents can’t control their children at their own house... let alone a wedding. Most of these parents have no idea what whisper means. I see grown folk talking out loud in church, in the library, and in class. So what can you expect from their children. Most weddings have a budget and paying $50 per plate for a child that is going to waste the food because they want chicken fingers and fries is ludicrous. I would tell them, “if you can’t afford a baby sitter then you must stay at home.” It happened to me all the time while raising mine. Furthermore, your children don’t go everywhere you go. They don’t go to work with you, or conferences nor meetings, They don’t go to clubs nor concerts nor to the casino, nor girlfriends birthday parties. Why do you fill someone is obligated to entertain and pay for your children. Everyone has a dream of how they want their dream wedding to be. They are inviting you to witness and share in their nuptials and the are feeding you. So just come enjoy and share in the festivities, If they are drinking and smoking they may not want children there and neither should the parents. That what’s wrong with these children, they see everything they should not see because mommy and daddy are too busy enjoying themselves to regulate the children. One day the family could look back and realize how silly they were with regret. It’s their wedding, respect their wishes.
Need Advice? Write to Dear Girlfriend at Tampabaytammy@hotmail.com Page 3
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Jane Castor Assembles Affordable Housing Advisory Team “Homeownership is Part of the American Dream.” ByJanelle Irwin As part of “Transforming Tampa’s Tomorrow” transition, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor has appointed a very powerful diverse Affordable Housing Advisory Team. Castor stated, “Home ownership is part of the American dream and access to that is one of the top priorities of my administration,” The Affordable Housing Advisory Team is one of four teams compiled (so far) to help Castor shape her vision for Tampa’s future in key areas that also include workforce housing, transportation and development services. I’m proud to say it’s quite diverse. The advisory team members will collaborate on potential policy goals, priorities and strategies for 90-days. “This advisory team will serve as a compass to ensure that dream becomes a reality for past and future Tampa residents.” The new affordable housing group meets for the first time Wednesday at 101 E. Kennedy Boulevard, Suite 2800. Castor has not announced a time for that meeting. Members include: Thomas Scott Former Hillsborough County Commissioner and Pastor of 34th Street Church
Tyler Hudson real estate attorney and All For Transportation Chair Ernest Coney-CEO of CDC (Corporation to Develop Communities of Tampa Bret Azzerelli — Elements Architecture Firm Vice President. Debra Reyes — Neighborhood Lending Partners President and CEO. Darrell Robertson- New York Life Tampa Chief Relationships Officer and Bible Based Church Justice Ministry Member Marianne Edmunds — Public Resources Advisory Group Senior Managing Director. Peter Leach — Southport Financial Services Senior Vice President.
Machelle Maner - Wells Bemetra Simmons, Florida managing direc- Fargo Vice President of Community Development. tor of Mutual of Omaha Bank,
Sul Hemani — BankUnited Vice President. Pete Edwards — Radio host. Retired drug court counselor; former Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council and Children’s Board of Hillsborough County board member. Harry Hedges — H&R Properties Managing Director. Yvette Lewis- NAACP President, Hillsborough Branch NAACP Political Action chair. Jim Weiss -President. of Fifth Third Bank Tampa City Leroy Moore Tampa Housing Authority Chief Operating Officer. Rebecca Snyder — Strategic Property Partners Senior Vice President. Antionette Triplet — CEO. Tampa Hillsborough Homeless Initiative Debra Reyes — President & CEO. Neighborhood Lending Partners
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Gowns for HER gives Prom dresses to girls Some girls don’t attend prom and homecoming because they do not have the resources to purchase the most important item of that evening, the gown. Gowns for HER is changing that for girls across Texas and now Tampa, Florida. Gowns for HER is a nonprofit organization that started in the living room apartment of Apolonia Pacheco in Texarkana, Texas with only three gowns, in June of 2017 after relocating there. Apolonia’s desire was to help girls who are under served girls in local communities to receive gowns at no cost to them. Since the conception, Gowns for HER has grown and has expanded to serving 4 cities in Texas (Houston, San Antonio, Texarkana, and Austin) and its newest venture, Tampa, Florida. Gowns for HER not only
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provides a gown at no cost but also provides new makeup, shoes, accessories, evening purses and shawls. As a young lady, Apolonia Pacheco was raised by her grandparents with limited resources. She often found it challenging to attend formal school events due to lack of financial constraints. This often led to her borrowing gowns from friends. This is why she decided to become a resource for the local community so that other young girls did not have to experience what she went through growing up. The mission of Gowns for HER is to promote self-esteem, selfworth, and self-confidence, by providing formal gowns to under served girls who desire to attend special occasions, focusing on prom and homecoming regardless of their financial circumstances, at
no cost to them. From conception in June of 2017, Gowns for HER has operated fully from the donations of local communities. The vision is to become a nationwide “pop-up-shop” and continue to provide free formal wear to most in need around the United States. Apolonia Pacheco, is a native of Tampa, Florida and a 2-time graduate of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University from the Department of Social Work. She has a burning passion to see lives changed and transformed. Apolonia is excited to bring her program “Home” for Homecoming. On Saturday, September 14, 2019 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at King High School (Gymnasium), Gowns for HER will hold its first community event in Tampa providing gowns and evening appropriate items at no cost.
No proof of income is necessary to qualify for a prom dress donation. An ID will be required to enter. “It’s all about making a difference and helping those girls who are really under served who have the desire to go but can’t go because of finances,” Pacheco said. Gowns for HER is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible. For more information on the giveaways or where to make financial contributions or donate gowns and goods, or services for the participants, contact Mrs. Pacheco at 813-385-6273 or email gownsforher@gmail.com. Feel free to visit their website at: www.gownsforher.com. Follow them on Facebook at: Gowns for HER and on Instagram: Gownsforher01
Dress to Impress
Community Invited to Provide Input on Next Superintendent for Hillsborough Schools Hillsborough County Public Schools has launched a webpage to provide information on how students, parents, district staff and the community can provide input on our district’s search for the next Superintendent. A Community Survey is now live and everyone is invited to share what leadership qualities, expertise and experiences matter most to them in a superintendent. The Community Survey is available in six different languages; English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, Traditional Chinese, Arabic and Hindi, recognizing our district’s diverse population. Our community can also attend one of four upcoming community forums: Tuesday, September 17, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Bloomingdale High School, 1700 E. Bloomingdale Ave., Valrico
Tuesday, September 17, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Jefferson High School, 4401 Cypress St., Tampa Wednesday, September 18, 6:307:30 p.m., Gaither High School, 16200 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa Thursday, September 19, 6:307:30 p.m., Middleton High School, 4801 N. 22nd St., Tampa All meetings will be held in the schools’ auditoriums. The forums will be facilitated Ray and Associates. Last month, the School Board hired Ray and Associates to assist in finding the best candidate to serve our community and deliver outstanding results for our children. For information go to www.hillsboroughschools.org/superintendentsearch Tanya Arja Media OutreachHillsborough County Public Schools
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Let Us Help You Finish College! Daryl and I had 3 girls and one boy. They all attended HBCU’s. The girls all graduated from college with a Bachelors degree or higher. Two of the girls were blessed with a Florida Bright Future Scholarships. Our oldest daughter became a publicist, the middle one a research scientist and the baby girl a U.S. Diplomat fluent in several languages. However, our handsome, ever so popular son died in a car accident at age 22 on US19 coming home from college. In memory of him, we created the Braxton Daryl Johnson Foundation “Last Mile Scholarship.” Originally, My focus was to help all his friends from Tallahassee and NC A&T graduate. However, things evolved. So, If you know a young man with a year or less to graduate, struggling financially
to finish his Bachelors degree, we would like to help him finish as well. The young man does not have to have a 3.0 nor a 2.0 to get the Last Mile Scholarship, nor does he have to be in college, or fresh out of college. but he does have to have a strong desire to finish. He doesn’t have to be already enrolled. We love encouraging drop outs to go back and finish! If you would like to finish. don’t
worry about your age. Braxton would have been 33. and we don’t care if you are 40. I was 33 when I finished and Daryl was 36. I don’t mind helping the older young men become self sufficient because I believe they may be more serious about completing now. If that’s you, call us or stop by the station. We want to help. . First things first, you must go see his your college counselor to see what is needed to graduate.
If it is a year or less you are a candidate for the Last Mile Scholarship. To protect ourselves, we pay directly to the school per semester. The University counselor must write a letter or send transcript on University stationary stating how much you need to complete your degree and the date that you are a candidate for graduation. Then, the check will be cut. . As you prepare for the Power Couples Ball, please remember to prepare for the 5K Family Fun Run too. It’s the next day and it supports the Last Mile Scholarship. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Braxton can be seen in the documentary film at the International Civil Rights Museum in Greensboro, North Carolina, where plays Ezell Blair of the Greensboro Four.
THE FLORIDA LOTTERY HELPS STUDENTS LIKE BIANKA SHINE. Bianka Solorzano is a Bright Futures Scholarship recipient at St. Johns River State College, studying to become a sports physician. Since 1988, the Florida Lottery has put education in the spotlight by contributing over $35 billion to public education. We have sent more than 800,000 students like Bianka to college, and beyond, on Bright Futures Scholarships. Our commitment is to help students shine, so that they can have brighter tomorrows. View more Bright Futures success stories at flalottery.com/BrightFutures. flalo
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N-Touch News
Mayor Participates in Gus Trent 9th Annual Rodeo Fest at the Florida State Fairgrounds
Rodeo Clown Spanky from Texas
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Kappa’s Alumni Chapter Black and White Ball
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Founded in 1911 Page 10
Kappa’s Alumni Chapter Black and White Ball
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County Commissioner Chairman Named Kappa Man of the Year By: Rick Brown Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners of Hillsborough County, Lesley “Les” Miller Jr., was named Kappa Man of the Year by the Tampa Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. during the fraternity’s annual fund raiser Black and White Ball. Miller was awarded the chapter’s highest honor for his leadership not only in the community but for helping the chapter secure and put on premier events in the community. “We wanted to honor you for your help in making the National Founders’ Day and 69th Southern Province Council Meeting suc-
cessful,” Tampa Alumni Polemarch Roland C. Daniels told Miller, “as well as for the recruitment and being awarded of the 2023 Grand Conclave to Tampa. “As chairman of the Board of County Commissioners, you are helping to make our community a better place to live, work and play,” Daniels said. “Thank you Brother Miller for all you do for the Tampa Bay area and Tampa Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.” Miller, who joined Kappa Alpha Psi while a student at the University of South Florida in 1975, was humbled by the award.
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“A gigantic thank you to the Brothers of Tampa Alumni Chapter for bestowing me this honor,” Miller said. “I work every day to make the lives of citizens in our county better. It is what was bestowed in me by my parents and becoming a member of Kappa Alpha Psi with our fundamental purpose that keeps me focused.” Miller is running in the 2020 election for Hillsborough county Clerk of the Circuit Court. He is married to Gwen Miller former Chair woman of the City Council in Tampa. Miller was not the only member honored by the chapter. Reginald Linebarger was awarded the Polemarch Award for his behind the scenes work
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for the chapter. Linebarger has not only served as Reclamation Chairman, which garnered the chapter back-to-back Southern Province Reclamation Chapter of the Year, but also has served as the chapter’s budget master. Daniels stated. “For your untiring efforts to advance Tampa Alumni Chapter to a higher level, for always answering the call to serve, I say thank you,”
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Do You Have What It Takes? 39th Annual Competition Competitors Sought for Hillsborough’s Active Life Game Exercise is great for the body and mind, but is particularly important as we age. The Active Life Games, organized by Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation, help promote physical and mental fitness through an Olympic-style competition that attracts hundreds of adults age 50 and older each year. The 39th annual competition continues the tradition of offering a variety of contests for all skill and fitness levels. Events range from track and field to cycling to pickleball to billiards, dominoes, and horseshoes.
Some of the more than two dozen events are qualifiers for state competition. Registration costs $15 for one event, or $25 for unlimited events. There is an additional $25 charge for those participating in the golf competition, which includes a cart. This year’s Games will be held Oct. 7-18. In addition to being a lot of fun and a great way to stay in shape, the Games serve as a regional qualifier for the Florida Senior Games. Registration and a complete schedule of events can be found online.
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R.J. Stevenson Joins N-TOUCH News & Radio is pleased to announce the newest addition to our production and operations staff, the notable Roderick J. Stevenson as Director of Programming and Operations. Well known in the community for his multimedia expertise, music and ministry he brings a wealth of knowledge, insight and charisma to. N-TOUCH stated Tampa Bay Tammy. Affectionately known as “RJ”, Stevenson is a graduate of East Carolina University where he majored in Economics. He began his career in radio with 102.1 FM The Promise in Rocky Mount N.
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Carolina. “I’m extremely excited about the possibilities that await us at N-TOUCH News & Radio. I believe in the company’s mission and will work hard to develop new innovations that will take our format to the next level.” stated Stevenson. An ordained minister, RJ Stevenson will produce the Sunday Morning Power Hour, airing Sunday’s from 9am to 1pm LIVE on N-TOUCH Radio! Watch the live in-studio show online for a highenergy and interactive experience! Stay Tuned to www.ntouchnews. com for what’s to come!
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Go Ahead and Get your Laugh On
Freshmen Year It was the first day of the new year at a college and the dean was addressing the freshman class. "We have very strict rules here regarding the dormitories," the dean explained. "The female dorms are not to be visited my any male student and the men dorms are off limits to the female students." "Anyone caught breaking this rule will be fined $ 50 for the first time." "Anyone caught breaking this rule a second time will be fined $ 100," he added. "Breaking the rule three times will cost you $ 200. Any questions?" the dean asked the students. One male student in the back raised his hand and spoke out, "How much for a
Near Death Experience A boss asked one of his employees, "Do you believe in life after death?" "Yes, sir," replied the new employee. "I thought you would," said the boss. "Yesterday after you left to go to your brother's funeral, he stopped
Animal Tracks Three blondes girls were walking in the woods and came upon tracks. The first one said, “Look, it’s deer tracks.” The second one said, “No, it’s wolf tracks” and before the third one could answer, they got hit by a train.
Dunkin What did the blonde say when she looked into a box of Cheerios? “Oh look! Donut seeds!”
The Granddaughter A young teenaged girl was a prostitute. For obvious reasons, kept it a secret from her grandma. One day, the police raided a brothel and arrested a group of prostitutes, including the young girl. The prostitutes were instructed to line up in a straight line on the sidewalk. Well, who should be walking in the neighborhood but little old Grandma. The young girl was frantic. Sure enough, Grandma noticed her young granddaughter and asked curiously, “What are you lining up for, dear?” Not willing to let grandma in on her little secret, the young girl told her that some people were passing out free oranges and that she was lining up for some. “Mmm, sounds lovely,” said Grandma. “I think I’ll have some myself,” she continued as she made her way to the back of the line. A police officer made his way down the line, questioning all of the prostitutes. When he got to Grandma, at the end of the line, he was bewildered. “But you’re so old...how do you do it?” Grandma replied, “Oh, its quite easy, sonny... I just remove my dentures
Stop A cop stops a man for running a stop sign and the subject gives the cop a lot of grief explaining that he did stop. After several minutes, the cop explained to the gentleman that he didnt stop, he just slowed down a little. The gentleman said "Stop or slow down, whats the difference?" The cop pulled the guy out of the car and hit him with a nightstick for about a minute and then said, "Would you like for me to stop or just slow down?"
Thanks Barbara Days
Marriage Every night, after dinner, a man took off for the local tavern. He spent the whole evening there, and arrived home very drunk around midnight each night. He always had trouble getting his key into the keyhole and getting the door opened. His wife, waiting up for him, would go to the door and let him in. Then she would proceed to yell and scream at him, for his constant nights out, and coming home in a drunken state. But, Harry continued his nightly routine. One day, the wife was talking to a friend about her husbands behavior, and was particularly distraught by it all. The friend listened to her, and then said, "Why dont you treat him a little differently, when he comes home? Instead of berating him, why dont you give him some loving words, and welcome him home with a kiss? He then might change his ways." The wife thought that might be a good idea. That night, Harry took off again, after dinner. And, about midnight, he arrived home, in his usual condition. His wife heard him at the door, and quickly went to it, and opened the door, and let Harry in.This time, instead of berating him, as she had always done, she took his arm, and led him into the living room. She sat him down in an easy chair, put his feet up on the ottoman and took his shoes off. Then she went behind him, and started to cuddle him a little. After a little while, she said to him, "Its pretty late, dear. I think we had better go upstairs to bed, now, don’t you think?" At that, Harry replied, in his inebriated state, "I guess we might as well. I'll be getting in trouble with the stupid wife when I get home anyway! And that’s when the fight started
Growing Old
Childhood is when you go to the toilet in the night and then you run back and jump in your bed, glad that the monster under the bed didn’t get you. Adulthood is when run to the toilet in the night glad the the monster woke you up.
Attorney Life
A lawyer returns to his parked BMW to find the head lights broken and considerable damage. Theres no sign of the offending vehicle but he's relieved to see that there is a note stuck under the windshield wiper. " Sorry. I just backed into your Beemer . The witnesses who saw the accident are nodding and smiling at me because they think I'm leaving my name, address and other particulars. But I'm not."
Keep On Laughing... Laughter Heals Page 17
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TEACHER: Now, Simon, tell me frankly, do you say prayers before eating? SIMON: No sir, I don’t have to. My mom is a good cook.
VIOLATION OF PROBATION
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STATE/FEDERAL APPEALS LANDLORD/TENANT IMMIGRATIONS CIVIL RIGHTS VIOLATIONS
HOUSING DISCRIMINATION
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