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2010-12-23

The Weekly Challenger : 2010 : 12 : 23

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OPINION COMMUNITY NEWS COMMUNITY NEWS SPORTS Julianne Malveaux on Holiday Diversity 3 The Monique Baker Story 3 Playground built for Area Children 4 Buehler’s Late FG Lifts Cowboys 8 50¢

We Value Diversity. We Value Education. We Value History. St. Petersburg • Clearwater • Largo • Tarpon Springs • Bradenton VOLUME 43 NUMBER 17 DECEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 29, 2010 ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA

Ethel Johnson, CEO/Publisher Emeritus Kelley Collier, Photographer Dianne Speights, Publisher/General Manager Alan McBride, Sales Director Keristin Johnson, Clerical Assistant Linda Mobley, Sales Associate Lorrie Bellinger, Art Director Shirley Morgan, Sales Associate Antoine Demmings, Graphic Artist/Webmaster Robin Simmons, Circulation Manager Ersula Odom, Executive Editor Louis Williams, Circulation Carrier Khana Riley, Editorial Assistant Harrison Nash, Circulation Carrier Jeanie Blue, Writer

How To Reach Us: News: [email protected] • Advertising: [email protected] • Phone: (727) 896-2922 • Fax: (727) 823-2568 2 THE WEEKLY CHALLENGER, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2010

THE WEEKLY CHALLENGER, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2010 3 COMMUNITY NEWS The Weekly Challenger Newspaper The Monique Baker Story BY ERSULA ODOM We Value Diversity. We Value Education. We Value History. SPECIAL TO THE • A knowledge of history brings a feeling of fellowship that runs through the ages — CHALLENGER be it a territory, a village, a district, or a nation. • To live without history is likened to living without a form of memory. "I'm going to make you • To be without history is to live without roots or a past, with the present having no proud", said Monique Baker when real foundation, and very little meaning for the future. the Florida Board of Excecutive • To know the events of our past (can help us) to know what future events can be. Clemency cut approximately seven years off of her 35-year • The Weekly Challenger is committed to featuring articles of all ethnic cultures for sentence on Thursday, Dec. 16. the reading enjoyment of both the young and old generations. She wasted no time in keeping her promise. Just four days after her release, and on her 51st birthday, Baker spoke to PAR for Rep. Darryl Rouson, Dem St. OPINION Petersburg, one of her key sup- porters. One week later she was sitting before a group of young Christmas, Kwanzaa And girls attempting to help them avoid making criminal mistakes. Chanukkah: Holiday Diversity Baker had lots to say because at age 29 she was found guilty of BY JULIANNE when we decide to group have taken the principles and cocaine trafficking and sentenced MALVEAUX everything into “the holidays”. used them as a way to affirm to 90 years. She lived behind bars NNPA We lose the majesty of the strength and resilience in the for 20 of those years. COLUMNIST Christ Child’s birth, a day that African-American community. Baker recalled how angry and most of our nation celebrates. I am especially mindful of the rebellious she was about how Habari Gani begins the Three in four of all Americans principle of ujamaa, coopera- unfair she felt her sentencing was. greeting. It is Swahili for are self-identified Christians. tive economics, as it undergirds She received 90 years whereas her “what’s happening”. During Should we swallow the unique- much of the work that I do. So partner in crime received 15 Kwanzaa, the seven days ness of the season and the cele- when somebody says habari years. Her sentence was harsh between December 26 and bration, miracle, and renewal gani to you on December 29, because they "habitualized her" Monique Baker January 1, the response reflects that it implies? please respond with ujamaa. meaning that getting into trouble the particular day of Kwanzaa. Our Jewish brothers and Kwanzaa does not substi- had become a habit for her. All of honest with herself. Key to this calm through out the entire time. On December 26, the response sisters also celebrate holy times tute or supplant Christmas. It is the petty little things she had done process was Pastor and Michelle Even though she remained calm is Umoja, which means Unity. in Chanukkah. This celebration an entirely different reality. It and was given probation or Mitchell who mentored inmates in and supportive her mother, Mrs On December 29, the response of lights, of rededication, has is an end year celebration of "community control" had caught a strong faith based program that Beatrice Baker, said she would is Ujamaa, which is coopera- special meaning that should not family, faith and community, a up with her. Bake said probation according to Baker is unique to "cry all the way back home" from tive economics. On the last day be reduced to just another celebration of life. A forty plus officers and others saw something Hillsborough Correctional her jail visits. of Kwanzaa, January 1, the holiday. Those of us who are year tradition is a rich and in her she didn't see in herself. Institution. The system allows a "I appreciate all the little response is Imani which means not Jewish may not need to rewarding way to bring us all All of the attempts to help her had large number of volunteers access things in life now", said Baker as Faith. celebrate Channukah, but we together. failed and came to a head at her to assist with rehabilitation. she proudly sat in front of the We are all indebted to should be aware, mindful, and We should have enough sentencing. She remained rebel- Baker said she survived the Christmas tree she had decorated Mualana Ron Karenga for his commemorative. Religious room in our collective con- lious until an appeal in 1990 ordeal because of her faith in God. by herself. Just learning how the development of the Kwanzaa diversity means knowing about sciousness to allow for reduced her time to 35 years. She Now her faith is not an option world has changed in 20 years is concept in 1969, and for the and acknowledging each multiple year-end celebrations. said 35 years was a "real number" because her clemency was indeed in itself facinating to her. She millions of people who other’s holy moments. We lose Chrsitmas, Kwanzaa, and she could work with emotionally. miraculous. There were hundreds laughed about how she pointed to celebrate African history and some of that with the generic Chanukkah each commemo- A number that was not so entirely of incarcerated people seeking a person she was convinced was heritage. As a Christian, I Happy Holidays. rate different facets of hopeless. clemency who were not as mentally ill because he was worship and mindful of the Kwanzaa is a celebration American life. And then there Baker's answer to how young fortunate. Baker is eternally having a complete conversation birth of the Christ Child and the unto itself. Karenga developed is the winter solstice, the girls could avoid her fate was, grateful to Gov Crist, Rep. with himself. Her brother fact that somehow, as a the holiday and its celebration changing of the seasons, the "Value yourself and always Rouson, volunteers like the informed her the person was using greeting, Happy Holidays has in the late 1960s to affirm the shortest day of the year, and consider what is best for you. If Mitchells, friends and family, a cell phone with a blue tooth. swallowed Merry Christmas. African-American vision and yet, too a celebration. Yes, we you do, you will never make a especially her mother who stayed The Happy Holidays values. The seven principles, need to have enough room to decision that will jeopardize your greeting is intended to be umoja (unity), kujichagulia celebrate all these things in life." She said when self esteem is inclusive, intended to (self-determination), ujima their distinctness. To swallow so low, a boy can enter your life encompass Christmas, Kwanzaa, (collective work and responsi- them all up in a Happy and fill those open spaces in a Chanukkah, the Winter bility), ujamaa (cooperative Holidays greeting is a political- girl's heart by saying things like Solstice, and just about every- economics), nia (purpose), ly correct way of both lumping "Your eyes are so pretty" and thing else. It is intended, by kuumba (creativity) and imani us all together and ignoring the giving her a hug. This boy may some, to indicate that we are (faith) are all principles that richness of our differences and cause her to get into a car just that sensitive to everybody’s needs, represent the foundation of how our differences add to the one time with the wrong person or holidays and religious community growth and devel- ways we live and celebrate our the wrong crowd. Spur-of-the- diversity. Still, I think we lose opment, and a celebration of lives. moment decisions can alter lives. just a little bit of something family and culture. Millions She said, "If you are approached as a victim, it is your response that determines if you are going to be a victim or not." The reduced sentence, We Welcome Your attending anger management and Photograph courtesy of EK Odom other life skill sessions helped Letters To The Editor Baker begin to look at herself dif- ferently and she learned how to be Monique Baker, left, and Michelle Mitchell

RATE The Weekly Challenger REDUCTION $ $ *Bulk Mail Subscription Cost: 25 for 6 month or 50 yearly SPECIAL! First Class Mail Subscription Cost: $40 for 6 month or $80 yearly DIMMITT Name: ______CADILLAC Address: ______2010 Saab 9.3 City/State/Zip: ______00 Lease $269. month plus tax, Phone No:______39 months / 10K miles a Year $1,995.00 down Email Address: ______plus tax, tag, title, WAC. Acquisition fee extra. Includes all New Subscription ❏ (or) Renewal ❏ incentives and rebates. Call for details. Stock #A1616137 ❏ ❏ Date: ______Amount Paid: $______Cash Check Purchase at 0% Comments: ______for 72 months Call Mike Hughes Make Checks Payable to: The Weekly Challenger or up to $10,000.00 off Mail this form & payment to: The Weekly Challenger Office, 2500 M.L. King Jr. St. South, St. Petersburg, FL 33705 at 727-450-7446 Email: [email protected] • Phone: (727) 896-2922 • Fax (727) 823-2568 *HOME DELIVERY IN SPECIFIED GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATIONS ONLY Dimmitt Cadillac • 25191 U.S. Hwy. 19 • Clearwater, FL 33763 4 THE WEEKLY CHALLENGER, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2010 COMMUNITY NEWS Volunteers Spread Holiday Cheer And Concentrations Build Playground For Area Children Of Manatees

BY JEANIE BLUE want to fight what they term as a Increase As SPECIAL TO THE "play deficit" among our youth CHALLENGER and its many related problems by using three central strategies: Temperatures Drop ST. PETERSBURG - Even - Constructing innovative, under rainy and cloudy skies more kid-inspired playspaces, using a Recent cold weather winter cold fronts come and than 300 volunteers came to the community-build model that means high numbers of go.” James B. Sanderlin Family Center improves the well-being of the manatees may be concentrated The FWC and its law (2335 22nd Avenue South) on children we serve as well as the in warm-water refuges near enforcement partners will be Saturday, Dec. 18 and built a new neighborhoods in which they live. power plants, rivers and increasing patrols and strictly state of the art playground Left to right, DeDerick Woodard and - Sharing the knowledge and springs throughout the state. enforcing manatee-protection- for neighborhood children and Dr. Hildegarde Shirley SPC volunteers tools needed for anyone to find, The Florida Fish and Wildlife zone speed limits to aid the families. KaBoom, the national improve, and/or build play- Conservation Commission animals during this period non-profit organization with its grounds on their own. (FWC) cautions boaters to be when they are most vulnerable mission to create great play spaces - Building a broad movement on the lookout for manatees to vessel strikes. through the participation and lead- driven by research, analysis, moving into the Intracoastal T o avoid striking ership of communities, provided policy, and community engage- Waterway reach warm-water manatees, vessel operators the equipment and volunteers ment. refuges at power plants and should wear polarized sun- from the Sanderlin Center and the In saving play they hope to springs. Boaters should slow glasses to help them spot the Tampa Bay Rays provided the create: down and strictly obey posted creatures in the water; and sweat equity. The playgrounds' - Healthier, happier, and speed restrictions in manatee watch for the large, tell-tale design was taken from drawings smarter children protection zones. circular slicks on the surface of created by children who partici- - Greener cities “When the weather the water (manatee footprints) pated in a Design Day activity that - Better schools changes, large numbers of that indicate the presence of was held in October. - Stronger neighborhoods these mammals move in and manatees. Ellen Jackson, volunteer from Garrett's The ultimate goal according According to recent data out of warm-water refuges and For additional information Lawn Care and Tree Service to KaBOOM's website is to published by KaBOOM, to this feeding areas,” said Kipp on Florida’s manatees, visit provide a place to play within date, KaBOOM! has built over Frohlich, the FWC’s Imperiled MyFWC.com/Manatee. To walking distance of every child in 1,900 playgrounds, saving play Species section leader. “That’s report an injured or dead America. for over 3.5 million children. when the greatest danger from manatee, call the FWC’s "The playground gives kids "Just to support the boat strikes occurs. This Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888- some place to get out and stretch community and be a service to the pattern will repeat itself as 404-FWCC (3922). their muscles and learn how to be kids is the reason I came," said teens," Lounell Britt, executive volunteer Ellen Jackson. She was director for the Sanderlin Center recruited by Garrett Proctor of said. "It draws them here so we Garrett's Lawn Care and Tree can help them learn how to play Service. Proctor served as a team together outside." captain and brought a host of vol- PLEASE SUPPORT Helping children play more unteers to help build the play- and experience the benefits of ground. Left to right, Sanderlin Board Member Laurallyn Segur, positive interaction is what The Rays provided 150 vol- Sanderlin's executive director Lounell Britt, and Marcie OUR ADVERTISERS KaBOOM wants to achieve with Biddleman, Sanderlin's funder with Juvenile Welfare Board. unteers and 100-volunteers came its playground build project. They from the Sanderlin Center. GET NOTICED Classified Ads Work!! CALL (727) 896-2922

YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE A HERO TO BE A HERO THE WEEKLY CHALLENGER, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2010 5 COMMUNITY NEWS CALENDAR OUT & ABOUT OF EVENTS W STEVE Courtesy of

Hillsborough Community College Provides HOPE For The Holiday!

With so many things going The HOPE Scholarship Through Dec. 31 - Giant Greeting Card and Holiday Light on in our economy and our Program: Helping Black/Brown society, the spirit of Christmas is Men with Opportunities in Displays. Stroll along the waterfront and enjoy the Giant frequently over shadowed. Programs that will advance Greeting Card display along Bayshore Dr. at Vinoy Park However, the Hillsborough their education is targeted to and the Illuminated holiday light displays in North and Community College is improve the retention and South Straub Park. providing some HO! HO! HO! graduation of African- and HOPE for some bay area American and Hispanic December 16-23 - Santa in the Park and Glice skating. young men. males. North Straub Park. 6 to 9 p.m. Santa comes to town with Hillsborough Community The program is targeted to visits to children nightly from 6 to 9 p.m. Visits with Santa College in Tampa Florida kicked serve African-American or are free, don’t forget to give him your list! Santa does leave off a special reception and Hispanic males currently promptly at 9 p.m. each night to return to the North Pole. program that introduced an enrolled in at least nine credit Glice Skating: bring your socks, $5 for 30 minutes, skates inaugural program called Hope hours at the HCC Ybor or are provided. Brought to you by the Holiday Helpers of the Scholars targeting black and Hispanic men enrolled at HCC. Dale Mabry campus. You must have completed at least twelve Hundreds including educational dignitaries and supporters attended hours with a minimum grade point average of 2.3 in college credit Parks & Recreation department. 727-893-7441. on the 3rd floor of Dale Mabry’s campus library. Men of color are courses. Thirty students were selected and will be in the program for Sunday, Dec. 26 - Kwanzaa Celebration - Umoja (Unity) diminishing on all college campuses throughout the United States one year (two semesters) during the spring and summer terms of especially black and Hispanic men. Arecent article in the New York 2011. 6 –7 p.m. Royal Theater Boys & Girls Club Arts Academy Times revealed that that there an achievement and social divide This program will provide the participants with several advan- 1011 22nd St. S., St. Petersburg, FL. KWANZAA 2010 - between black and white males at all educational levels. According tages. First, students will receive a stipend of up to $500 for spring 2011: UMOJA (UNITY) Contact: Herbert Murphy, Director to the article, the drop out and college attendance rates of black men term 2011. Additionally, students will have travel expenses, food at 727-327-6556. is “jaw-dropping”. and lodging to visit select four-year college/university campuses. HCC has taken the leadership with this crisis by funding a com- We will provide personal and positive role models to ensure the prehensive retention and mentoring program. The Program was student successfully complete their AA/AS degree and transfer to a developed by Dr. Joan B. Holmes, special assistant to the President four-year college or university. In addition, the student will be able for Equity and Special Programs for HCC President- Dr. Ken to make lifelong friends and contacts with faculty, community Atwater. Dr. Joan Holmes served at USF for over 23 years where leaders and other students like themselves, who can guide, inspire she successfully developed and directed programs and received and motivate them towards their college and career goals. During large federal grants for numerous programs targeting disadvantaged these Christmas holidays you may not be able to provide a monetary and minority students at the undergraduate and graduate levels. gift but simple encouragement or a kind word can help give that She stated that she feels privileged to be instrumental in making a little extra push for someone to excel or go on. I commend Dr. J difference for minority men at HCC and very fortunate to have such Joan Holmes and HCC for providing HOPE For the holidays. a supportive President. The Hope Scholars Program is being coor- Thank you for reading, and I hope you have enjoyed your time OUT dinated by Dr. Keith Berry, a history professor at HCC. AND ABOUT W/Steve.

Gibbs Gladitors Excel In School

BY LINDA MOBLEY Queen Latifa, and Tacara from it in the past, but felt a little SPECIAL TO THE America’s Top Model are all short this time. Her favorite CHALLENGER inspirational, strong, black, subjects are math, drama, and successful women that I look gymn. Her favorite teachers Jasmine Nelms is 16 years up to. I feel that if they can are Ms. Bell and Ms. Walker. old, and she says she “is a make it, why can’t I. I enjoy Jocelaine looks up to her sister proud sophomore at Gibbs going to church. I love the Jasmine and her aunt Linda High School.” She is an honor Jocelaine Jasmine uplifted feeling that you get.” Mobley. Jocelaine describes roll student, and her goal is to Nelms Nelms “My parents and aunts all herself as very understanding continue to make A’s and B’s help me and they really push and compassionate, kind, likes because she wants to go to Her hobbies are: playing me. They encourage me to to smile and have a good college. Jasmine says when basketball, volleyball, tennis, reach for the stars because the attitude, and loves being active she grows up she thinks she and cheerleading. She sky is the limit,” said Jasmine. in school. She plans to wants to be a cosmetologist. describes herself as a “loving, Jocelaine Nelms is 15 graduate with her high school She is preparing for college by kind, beautiful, intelligent years old and is a freshman at diploma and attend college to taking a college prep class and young black female that wants Gibbs High School. She be a computer programmer or a program called AVID. She is to be successful in life. Oprah almost made the honor roll this work in technology with also taking honor classes. Winfrey, Tyra Banks, Monica, grading period. She has made computers.

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6 THE WEEKLY CHALLENGER, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2010 COMMUNITY NEWS Zeta Youth Groups Induct 15

Shy and timid was the 60 Seconds way some of the girls appeared. Others were quiet On but curious as they looked Success around to see who was there. Still others were openly BY THE QUEEN OF SUCCESS loquacious as they sat up front excitedly waiting for SELPHENIA NICHOLS-SIMMONS the program to begin. Saturday, Nov. 11, marked 5 S.T.E.P.S.To Success - Part 5 the day to induct new members into the youth “By failing to prepare, you Here a few strategies for making decisions. groups of Zeta Phi Beta are preparing to fail.” - Ben personal development: - Identify and connect with Sorority, Inc. Brandie Macon the South Branch library. sition from childhood into Franklin - Take time to explore and people locally, regionally and opened the program by First organized in the early young adults. This quote by one of our discover who you are through nationally that are successfully welcoming parents and guests. 1950’s, the purpose of Zeta’s Locally, the youth are founding fathers, leads us to our self-awareness. Learn what doing what you are doing or The occasion and the purpose youth groups is multifold. involved in various activities empowerment topic this week. makes you tick, your values, what you want to do. Get of the youth organizations Clubs for three different age ranging from fun days to Step 4: Prepare. Prepare for gifts, talents, abilities, advice and guidance from were given by Lisa Wilson. groups, Archonettes, community service projects. A where you’re going in life strengths, weaknesses, motives, them. Learn the ingredients for Kareesa Keys provided a brief Amicettes, and Pearlettes. The recent fun day, which was also through personal development. passions, purpose, fears and their recipe for success. Use history of the Zeta Youth membership ages cover high a project to raise funds for I have a credo which states: inhibitions. If you know what you need for now and Affiliates’ program and Zeta school, middle school, elemen- community activities and field Prior, proper planning: yourself you can grow yourself. save the rest for later. Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Little tary school, including kinder- trips, was a bowl-a-thon the promotes, perfected peak per- - Read, research and study - Be a lifelong learner; faces smiled and little bodies garten. Enriching the quality weekend after Thanksgiving. formance! about the focused area of your attend continuing education struggled to sit up straight, as of life for the youth within our Community service projects Most of us have heard the development. There are self- courses, workshops and the group of 14 waited to recite communities is foremost in included collecting and adage: “knowledge is power.” I help books on a myriad of trainings to enhance your skills pledges and receive the certifi- their plans. Across the nation, providing food for the hungry would like to add, that if you topics to help you develop spir- and knowledge. cates that would prove that activities have been designed in November, and collecting have knowledge, you have the itually, mentally, physically and - Prepare by practicing they were full-fledged to promote wholesome, intel- gifts, toys, clothing and books power and the advantage financially etc. Read & Learn what you’ve learned so that members of one of Zeta’s lectual and recreational growth for holiday giving in needed to be successful … if about current and historical when you, your business or youth groups. Members through education, the arts, December. During the you use it. Personal develop- figures that have blazed trails to your ministry takes center stage inducted into the first group and social programs. These holidays, the girls will disburse ment prepares you with success, even through dire situ- you are ready to present a were De’Linda Johnson, programs and activities assist the gifts they have collected knowledge and power to face ations. Their lives will be a peaked performance. Armani Mickens, and Hailey in the development of the and make visits to nursing what lies ahead. In other words, source of encouragement for Join me next week for Wilson. The second group sorority’s principles of schol- homes to spend time with the when preparation meets time you. Study and research trends empowerminute Step 5: Stand. included De’Janique Burden, arship, service to the elderly. and opportunity the outcome is in the market of your endeavor. Until then prepare to BE Shunecia Cooper, Patrice community, and sisterly love. Parents interested in success. This will give you insight when EMPOWERED! Hines, Mariah Mickens, All activities serve to promote having their girls participate in Joanna Miller, Briana Macon, further development of each Zeta’s youth activities may Zaria Mason, De’Shayla participant’s mind, body, and contact them by visiting McKinnon, Patrice Hines, spirit as they strive to help www.stpetezetas.org or by India Srinivasa, JeNeice others. The adoption of the writing them at P. O. Box WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Talbert, Nya Wilson, and youth affiliates allows the 10627, St. Petersburg, FL Yasmin Wilson. The program sorority members to address 33733. Send Notices Or Information About and a reception were held at the needs of girls as they tran-

Future Community Events To [email protected] W W W . T H E W E E K L Y C H A L L E N G E R . C O M

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PETERSBURG – During - North Shore Aquatic Residential Sanitation Pick- both holiday weeks of December 20 Complex is closing at 2 p.m both Up: There are no changes to resi- to 24 and December 27 to 31, there days dential trash collections due to the are no changes to the residential Public Libraries are closed Fri. Christmas and New Year’s holidays. Maurice trash collection pickup days. Other Dec. 24 and Fri. Dec. 31. All pickup days remain the same city facility holiday schedules are - Mahaffey Theater / Progress during the weeks of Dec. 20 to 24 Ashley as follows: Energy Center for the Arts are open and December 24 to 31. - Albert Whitted Municipal Fri. Dec. 24 and closed Fri. Dec. 31. Public Libraries: Maurice Ashley is a chess Airport admin. offices are closed - Recreation Centers is closed St. Petersburg public libraries, grandmaster. He is the first and as Fri. Dec. 24 and Fri. Dec. 31. Fri. Dec. 24 and Fri. Dec. 31. except the West branch, will be open of 2009 only African-American - Boyd Hill Nature Preserve - Sanitation Dept. Brush Sites is from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday, grandmaster. In the October 2006 is open Fri. Dec. 24 and Fri. Dec. 31. closed Fri. Dec. 24 and open Fri. December 20 through Thursday, rating lists, he had a FIDE rating - Business Assistance Center Dec. 31. December 23. All library branches of 2465, and a USCF rating of is closed Fri. Dec. 24 and Fri. Dec. - Sunken Gardens (business will be closed December 24 and 25, 2520 at standard chess, and 2536 31. offices closed Jan. 1) is closed Fri. 31, and January 1. The Main at quick chess. Ashley is associat- - City Hall & Municipal Dec. 24 and open Fri. Dec. 31. Library will be open December 26 ed with Chesswise. In 2005 he Services Center is closed Fri. Dec. - Sunshine Centeris closed Fri. and January 2 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. wrote the book Chess for 24 and Fri. Dec. 31. Dec. 24 and Fri. Dec. 31. All branches except the West Success, relating about his expe- - Coliseum is closed Fri. Dec. - The Pier is open Fri. Dec. 24 Community Library will return to riences and the positive aspects 24 and open Fri. Dec. 31. and Fri. Dec. 31. regular hours December 27 through of chess. He was the main Maurice relates much of his wrote an essay, The End of the - Enoch Davis Center is closed Note: The Coliseum will be December 30. The West organiser for the HB global chess success to his supportive wife Draw Offer?, which raised dis- Fri. Dec. 24 and open Fri. Dec. 31. open on Saturday, Dec. 25 for an 8 Community Library will be open event, with the biggest cash prize and wonderful family. cussion about ways to avoid - Golf Courses (Mangrove p.m. event, the Gibbs High School December 20 and December 27 in history. FIDE awarded him the Ashley graduated from the quick agreed draws in chess tour- Bay/Cypress Links & Twin Brooks) Class of 1968 annual reunion dance. from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and December grandmaster title in 1999. Ashley College of the City of New York naments. is open Fri. Dec. 24 and Fri. Dec. 31. And, the Coliseum will be open on 21-22 and 28-29 from 9 a.m. to 6 and Englishman James Plaskett (CCNY), and represented the In 2007 Ashley returned to - Municipal Beach Concession New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31, for the p.m. The branch will be closed are the only two Grandmasters to school in intercollegiate team his birth country of Jamaica and Stand (Gulf Blvd, Treasure Island) “Swinging in the New Year” event December 23 to 26 and December have made it to the studio stage competition. Always promoting became the first GM to ever par- is closed Fri. Dec. 24 and open Fri. from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. The Enoch 30 through January 2. All libraries of Who Wants To Be A chess among youth, Ashley ticipate in a tournament in that Dec. 31. Davis Center will be open January 1 will return to a normal schedule Millionaire?, each in his respec- coached the Raging Rooks of country. The tourney, a six round - Municipal Marina is closed for the Imani (Faith) Kwanzaa beginning Monday, January 3. tive country. Harlem, and the Dark Knights Swiss named the Frederick Fri. Dec. 24 and Fri. Dec. 31. event, beginning at 6 p.m. In 1993, Ashley was married to Michele Johnson, a then (also from Harlem), both of Cameron Open, was held at the teacher at the Bilingual Center of which have won national cham- Jamaica Conference center on P.S. 189. June 5, 1994 the couple pionships under his guidance. In the 15 and 16 of December 2007. Simple Ways To Save On gave birth to Nia-Ashanti Ashley, September 1999, he opened the After sweeping a field consisting who is currently a professional Harlem Chess Center which has of several of Jamaica's top actor, writer and currently attends attracted such celebrities as Larry players and Barbadian FIDE Home Electricity Bills Fiorello H. LaGuardia High Johnson and Wynton Marsalis. master Philip Corbin, he fell School. Maurice and Michele Ashley was named 2003 victim to a potential double (STATEPOINT) We all label for energy efficient lighting your home or have remained happily married Grandmaster of the Year by the attack in the final round to know we need to conserve appliances. And read the backyard, motion and photo- since then. In 2002 they gave U.S. Chess Federation. He makes Jamaican National Master Jomo energy, cut fuel bills, and yellow and black Energy sensors go a long way to help birth to Jayden Ashley. The appearances all over the country Pitterson. He placed second on reduce our carbon footprint, Guide sticker, which has an reduce electricity costs. family is one of high achievers, speaking to young people and five points behind Pitterson (5.5). but sometimes it seems that energy efficiency rating. The Consider outfitting indoor which is displayed in Nia's adults about chess and its In 2008, Ashley was featured doing good can cost you a lower the number, the more lighting with photosensors, budding career and Michele's benefits. in an interview for the CNN doc- bundle — especially when it energy and money you’ll which automatically turn on principal position as of 2005. In 2003 Maurice Ashley umentary “Black in America.” comes to environmentally- save. lamps at dusk. Motion friendly home improvements. - Light the Way: Whether detectors, meanwhile, are Going green doesn’t have indoor or outdoor, LED lights great for indoor and outdoor to mean losing green. Doing can light a walkway for use. Look for wall plug-in so now can save you cash, pennies a day. Formerly versions that can double as particularly on electric bills. limited to traffic lights and emergency lighting during “With a little know-how airplane emergency exit power outages. and some affordable routes, LED lights now - Strip Wisely: Nowadays, products, you can create a combine efficiency with aes- every home office or enter- home that uses energy effi- thetics for home kitchens, tainment room is outfitted ciently and saves you bathrooms, hallways, with power strips for multiple money,” says Mei Noguchi, bedrooms and patios. Check electronics and toys. Don’t President of Sentina, a out SentinaSmart.com, maker forget the most cost-saving company that manufactures of the ZenLight, which measure about power strips: cost-effective LED lighting combines Japanese Shoji you can turn them off or solutions. Paper and LED lighting to unplug them when appliances It’s easy to get started: create a soothing, peaceful aren’t in use. The really - Look for Stars: Home glow. These lights are espe- energy-conscious should appliances can look alike, but cially useful as hallway night- consider strips with displays, they often vary greatly in lights or bathroom or kitchen such as the Energy energy use. Look for appli- accents and can be purchased Monitoring Power Strip from ances marked with an Energy for less than $50.00. Fujitsu, which shows how Star, the federal government’s - Sense It: Whether you’re much energy you’re using.

W W W . T H E W E E K L Y C H A L L E N G E R . C O M

Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Edition (Jan. 13, 2011) Black History Month Edition (Feb. 17, 2011) Call Today! 727-896-2922

8 THE WEEKLY CHALLENGER, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2010 The Weekly Challenger CHALLENGER SPORTS Ethel L. Johnson ...... CEO/Publisher Emeritus L. Dianne Speights . . . . . Publisher/General Manager Lions Win 23-20 In OT, Lorrie Bellinger ...... Art Director End Long Road Losing Streak The Weekly Challenger Office: 2500 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Street South overtime kickoff and drove 63 yards seasons with at least 1,000 yards and injured Matthew Stafford. St. Petersburg, FL 33705 covering most of the distance on two 12 or more TD receptions. Johnson also figured prominently (727) 896-2922 big runs and a 12-yard reception by Maurice Morris rushed for 109 in both of Detroit’s first-half scoring Calvin Johnson on third-and-8 to set yards, including a 26-yard burst on the drives with receptions of 20 and 16 Fax (727) 823-2568 up the game-winner. first play of overtime. Jahvid Best ran yards to set up Stanton’s TD pass to Email: The Lions (4-10) triumphed on for 14 on the next play for a first down Burleson. [email protected] the road for the first time since Oct. at the Bucs 39. Johnson also had receptions of 30 www.theweeklychallenger.com 28, 2007, when they won 16-7 at Three plays later, Johnson yards and 17 yards to help the Lions Chicago. reached high to make his last catch of get into position for Rayner’s 41-yard Readership: 100,000 monthly “It feels great to be on the road, the day, barely keeping his feet field goal that trimmed Tampa Bay’s THE BLACK PRESS believes that America can best get a win and go back on the plane and inbound on the sideline at 25. lead to 14-10. lead the world from racial antagonism when it accords to have a good week,” Johnson said. “I can’t help but think that this is a At 6-foot-6 and nearly 250 every man, regardless of race, creed or color, his human “It’s definitely good to bury that.” game that we maybe don’t win early pounds, Freeman is one of the biggest and legal rights. Hating no man, fearing no man... the At the same time, Detroit dealt a in the season,” Schwartz said. “We’re and strongest quarterbacks in the Black Press strives to help every man in the firm belief Dave Rayner blow to Tampa Bay’s playoff’s hopes. becoming a battle-hardened team. NFL. The Lions sacked him three that all men are hurt as long as anyone is held back. The Bucs, who had been 5-0 in This is a franchise that hasn’t been times, but the second-year pro also BY FRED GOODALL games decided by three points or used to playing a lot of close games, used his strength and mobility to turn fewer, failed to take advantage of a and this year we have. We’ve learned potential negative plays into positive TAMPA (AP) - The Detroit loss by the New York Giants one of from a lot of those.” ones. Lions erased some painful memories the teams they’re chasing in the wild- Stanton threw a 10-yard TD pass Tampa Bay’s LeGarrette Blount by ending the longest road losing card race by losing for the first time in to Nate Burleson in the first quarter broke a tackle and rambled for streak in NFL history. nine tries against an opponent with a and Morris scored on a 10-yard run 39 yards for a second-quarter Dave Rayner’s third field goal, a losing record. early in the third quarter to give touchdown, one play after Freeman 34-yarder with 9:51 left in overtime, “It hurts just to know what we had Detroit a 17-14 lead that held until somehow managed to get off a pass gave Detroit a 23-20 victory over the in front of us,” said Tampa Bay Josh Freeman brought Tampa Bay with Lions rookie Ndamukong Suh Tampa Bay Buccaneers and stopped a running Cadillac Williams. “We need back with what seemed like would be draped around him and fullback three-year skid at 26 games on a lot of help, but I’ve seen a lot of another successful fourth-quarter Earnest Graham turned it into a 14- Sunday. weird things in this league.” rally. yard gain into Detroit territory. The Weekly Challenger “It’s really not a relief, but it’s The Bucs (8-6) kicked the second The Lions forced the Bucs to Freeman, who has led an important for this team to win on the of two fourth-quarter field goals to go settle for a field goal that made it 17- NFL-leading five fourth-quarter is distributed road,” said second-year coach Jim ahead 20-17 with 1:39 remaining left 17 after Freeman led his team to a comebacks this season, completed 21 in the following cities: Schwartz. in regulation. first-and-goal at the 1. of 32 passes for 251 yards and one “What’s happened two years ago, “Are they still in the playoffs?” Tampa Bay hurt itself with Kellen touchdown a 24-yard throw to Mike St. Petersburg • Clearwater • Largo • what happened last year, three years said Lions center Dominic Raiola, Winslow drawing an offensive pass Williams, who set a franchise record Tarpon Springs • Bradenton ago, whatever it was, isn’t important whose younger brother, Donovan, is a interference penalty that nullified for rookies with his eighth TD. to this football team right now,” backup center with Tampa Bay. “Are what would have been a go-ahead 2- Blount finished with 110 yards Schwartz added. “Winning is they getting ready, making vacation yard TD reception by the tight end. rushing on 15 attempts. important to this football team right plans now, like us? I hope so.” Undeterred, Freeman led the “It’s rough to lose a close game The Weekly Challenger now. Winning on the road is a step that Drew Stanton completed 23 of 37 Bucs to another field goal on their like that, to lose a game that we felt we needed to take.” passes for 252 yards, one touchdown next possession, handing a 20-17 lead like we definitely should have won,” Rayner kicked a 28-yarder as for the Lions. Johnson finished with to a defense that suddenly was unable Freeman said. “But it’s not a death Published weekly on Thursdays by time expired in regulation to force the 10 receptions for 152 yards, becoming to slow down Stanton, who was blow, I guess, from a mathematical The Weekly Challenger extra period. The Lions took the the first Detroit player with two making his third start in place of the standpoint.” 2500 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. St. S. St. Petersburg, FL 33705 (727) 896-2922 LOCAL SUBSCRIPTION RATES $50 for 1 year UP NEXT FOR THE BUCS: SINGLE COPY The Bucs (8-6) will host the Seattle Seahawks (6-8) Sunday, December 26th at 4:15 p.m. 50 cents ATTENTION POSTMASTER: Send all address changes to Buehler’s Late FG Lifts The Weekly Challenger 2500 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. St. S. Cowboys By Redskins 33-30 St. Petersburg, FL 33705 NO PAPER? If you have not received your paper Dallas led 13-0 before “I’m just happy I got that He threw two interceptions and during delivery, phone (727) 896-2922 Grossman had crossed midfield. opportunity,” said Buehler, who’s was sacked five times. Washington coach Mike had the winning kick in Dallas’ last “I didn’t have jitters, but it took DEADLINES Shanahan’s benching of Donovan two victories. a while to get into the flow of the All news items, advertising copy and related art McNabb looked even worse when The Cowboys improved to 4-2 game,” Grossman said. “Maybe we submitted for publication on Thursday must be Grossman fumbled early in third under interim coach Jason Garrett, started our run a tad too late.” at the office of The Weekly Challenger quarter and the Cowboys turned it guaranteeing no worse than a McNabb watched from the no later than 4 p.m. Monday into a touchdown that stretched break-even finish for his tenure. sideline in a black Redskins hat, their lead to 27-7. They also have a chance to avoid arms crossed or grasped behind his COLUMNIST’S DISCLAIMER They could’ve been up even finishing last in the NFC East. back. He stood mostly by himself The views expressed by The Challenger more, but had only field goals to Dallas and Washington are both 5- and by the third quarter had to be columnists/advice columnists do not show for drives that reached the 20 9 and tied for third. wondering how low his stock had necessarily reflect the views of and 2, and didn’t have anything to Garrett might even have Tony fallen for Grossman to be consid- The Weekly Challenger. By publishing show for drives that reached the 1 Romo back from a broken collar- ered better than him. such columns, The Challenger is not and 18. bone for the final two games. He Grossman’s first series ended advocating the following of any advice Still, the way the game was could be cleared to return with a pair of incompletions. His David Buehler or suggestion expressed. going, what could go wrong? Christmas night in Arizona, second ended on an interception BY JAIME ARON Well, Shanahan figured out a although Jones wasn’t optimistic thrown to an area lacking any SUBMISSIONS POLICY few things, and so did Grossman. after seeing him throw before this Redskins. He was sacked for an 8- Submissions to The Weekly Challenger may ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) - He led the Redskins to touchdowns game. yard loss on the third series. Later, be edited for reasons of space, clarity or for With his team up by 20 points in on three straight drives over the “Frankly, he’s still having sen- he threw a pass so off target that considerations of liability. All submissions become the third quarter and Rex third and fourth quarters, getting 2- sitivity there,” Jones said. “We’re a Garrett caught it. Then came what the sole property of The Weekly Challenger. Grossman doing a lousy job as point conversions on the last two. little behind where I thought we could’ve been the game’s deciding The Weekly Challenger reserves the right to run Washington’s new starting quarter- Mike Sellers danced with joy after would be on how healthy he is. ... play third down on the opening all or part of any submission at a later time. back, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones catching a lob that tied the game at He’s not ready to play. That doesn’t drive of the second half, Grossman Some submissions may take precedence due to let out a sigh of relief. He figured 30 with 7:37 left. mean he might not get out there, bumped into left guard Kory timeliness or newsworthiness. the game was “tucked away ... a Santana Moss caught two of throw and practice, but he’s not Lichtensteiger, making him a Volume 43 • Number 17 cakewalk.” Grossman’s touchdown throws and ready.” sitting duck for DeMarcus Ware to Published Thursday, December 23, 2010 Apparently, he forgot how might’ve had a third in the closing Fill-in quarterback Jon Kitna sack him and knock the ball loose. 12 pages • 1 section lousy his defense is. minutes. The cornerback covering was 25 of 37 for 305 yards with Dallas recovered and got the Grossman and the Redskins him fell and there was only a safety two touchdowns, so he’s obviously touchdown that made it 27-7. The Weekly Challenger rallied to tie the game midway to beat when a ball hit Moss in not holding Dallas back. Instead, that jump-started © through the fourth quarter, leaving stride around midfield _ but he It’s a defense that has allowed Grossman’s rally. All rights reserved. No portions of this periodical Jones gasping for air. Then, David dropped it. The Redskins punted at least 30 points for four straight “I thought he demonstrated a may be reproduced without expressed consent. Buehler put Dallas back ahead with and the Cowboys answered with games, the club’s worst streak lot of poise and played well,” a 39-yard field goal with 50 the winning drive. since doing it five in a row while Shanahan said. “He performed like What are your opinions on The Weekly Challenger? seconds left and the defense finally It went only 31 yards over going 1-15 in 1989. a veteran should perform.” Please feel free to let us know. came through with a crucial stop, seven plays, but drained plenty of Maybe that’s why Shanahan Washington lost its fourth pulling out a 33-30 victory Sunday. time and set up Buehler’s final figured this was the perfect time to straight and sixth in the last seven. Call (727) 896-2922 or Email “I’d take an ugly win over a kick. It made up for a missed 35- turn to Grossman. At least the Redskins keep [email protected] hard-fought loss any day,” said cor- yarder and provided a bit of Making his first start since games interesting. This was their or Write to: nerback Terence Newman, whose revenge for a loss to Washington in November 2008, Grossman was 25 10th decided by a touchdown or 2500 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. S., interception and weaving return the opener that sent the Cowboys’ of 43 for 322 yards and tied his less. They are 5-5 in those games. Suite F, St. Petersburg, FL 33705 drained the clock at game’s end. season spiraling down the drain. career high with four touchdowns. THE WEEKLY CHALLENGER, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2010 9 STATE & NATIONAL NEWS White House Outlines Tax Holiday Scholarships Benefits For Black Families Available For Women

BY HAZEL TRICE EDNEY a total tax benefit of $2,500 next $1,360. Looking To Attend College year. According to a study WASHINGTON (TEWire) – The extension of released last year by the Center Despite opposition from black Unemployment Insurance will on Budget and Policy Priorities, WASHINGTON, DC - Females of all ethnic groups drawing date is around the economic leaders and members benefit 1.1 million African- seven policies included in the WomenScholarships.org is and age brackets are eligible to middle or the end of each month. of the Congressional Black Americans. That is why the Recovery Act have kept 1.4 giving away a $10,000 monthly apply. Applicants must, The organization behind the Caucus, who said his tax com- National Congress of Black million African-Americans scholarship award to a female however, be permanent web site that provides the schol- promise bill did not go far Women praised the President for above the poverty line. Three of who is 18 years of age or older. residents of the United States, arship funds is on a mission to enough for the poor, President giving the unemployed a “new these policies are continued in the The scholarship award is and must be planning to attend help as many female students as Obama won a relatively easy lease on life” and a “survival current bill, including designed to help women and or are already enrolled in an possible by offsetting their dis- battle pushing it through the line” through the next 13 months. Unemployment Insurance, the moms, who make up nearly two- undergraduate or graduate advantaged situation. A recent House and Senate last week. He The unemployment rate EITC and the Child Tax Credit. thirds of all college students. It program at any college, univer- USA Today article revealed that has now signed the bill that among African-Americans was High impact job creation can be used to pay for tuition, sity, or trade school. minority and female enrollment includes tax breaks for both 16 percent in November 2010. It measures. The bill includes some books, housing, and more. To At the end of the month, one in college lags disproportionate- wealthy and middle class has increased 7 percentage points of the best measures for jump- apply, students simply have to random winner is selected from ly because of the lack of Americans and a renewal of since the beginning of the starting growth and job creation, register online, view free infor- a drawing and the scholarship resources and financial aid that unemployment benefits - a recession in December 2007. including a full year of mation from sponsor colleges monies are paid in one lump are being made available. package that the White House Young African-Americans face emergency unemployment and universities, and then sum directly to the winner upon For more details, visit: has described as a “major win for extremely high unemployment insurance benefits, a 2 percent confirm their registration. verification. Typically, the www.WomenScholarships.org African-American families.” rates, with 28 percent of those payroll tax cut for working The political opposition from ages 16-24 in unemployment in families, and a continuation of Democrats was largely due to the November 2010. African- tax credits for working families. fact that billions of dollars in tax Americans also face longer This is on top of growth 17 Year Old breaks will be returned to durations of unemployment. For generated by extension of the wealthy Americans that could be example, 47 percent of unem- middle-class income tax rates. applied to programs to help the ployed African-Americans have Without action, unemployment ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell’ poor, historically disadvantaged been unemployed for 27 weeks benefits for at least 2 million and underserved communities or more, compared to 43.8 Americans would disappear this Repeal Begun such as African-Americans. percent for all unemployed (not month alone with millions more Obama had repeatedly promised seasonally adjusted). The median in jeopardy in the weeks ahead. to repeal these tax breaks instated African-American unemployed Despite the significants (TEWire) - Senate brave Americans who enable legislation that started out with by President Bush. But, due worker has been unemployed for benefits, the compromise Democrats delivered a our freedoms — will no longer bipartisan support but, despite to political pressure from almost a month longer than the remained sour to many lukewarm mug of Christmas have to hide who they are. The substantive changes, has been cheer to President Obama Dec. Republicans who promised to median unemployed worker. To Democrats and black leaders fight for civil rights, a struggle twisted into something it is not. 18, voting to repeal the ban on block any bill without the Bush help remedy the economic who thought the President simply that continues, will no longer This is a compassionate bill that gays in the military and holding tax breaks, President Obama said suffering, the Obama tax plan sacrificed too much in allowing include this one.” recognizes that we should not off Republican attempts to he had no choice but to compro- secures an extension of unem- billions of dollars in tax cuts for The last days of the 111th hold innocent children responsi- block an arms control treaty but mise. ployment insurance for an addi- the wealthy. Congress reflect the storm- ble for the sins of their parents.” continuing to stall on immigra- tossed nature of Obama’s first But Senate Democrats were At Christmas this week, 15.8 tional 13 months. Without this “There’s no excuse for a tion reform. percent adult African-Americans extension, 330,600 African- package that rewards billionaires two years in office. able to orchestrate a limited The measures were issues He’s made some key victory for Obama on the are unemployed, more than twice Americans looking for work who’ve done little to create jobs on which Obama issued the rate of whites and consistent- would have lost their benefits this at the expense of working class progress on economic recovery START treaty, voting 59 to 37 to campaign pledges during the and health care reform, but has remove language from the ly well above the national month alone, and through the end families who are struggling to get 2008 presidential campaign. He average of 9.8 percent. With of next year over 1.1 million by,” wrote National Urban also seen Republicans use the proposed pact with Russia, a had promised to end the “don’t lack of job growth against his move that will allow Senate these stats in consideration, the unemployed African-Americans League president & CEO Marc ask, don’t tell” policy governing Obama Administration compiled would have lost their benefits. Morial in his weekly “To Be party as the GOP took the debate on the treaty to get homosexuality disclosure in the House back in the 2010 mid- underway. a list of major benefits of the About 4.1 million African- Equal” column. military, and to revise both bill, titled “The Tax Relief, American children will benefit Morial said the President’s term elections. The treaty would establish immigration policy and the On Dec. 18, the scoreboard new guidelines between the two Unemployment Insurance from an expanded Earned package fell short when it failed Strategic Arms Reduction Reauthorization, and Job Income Tax Credit. Without this to extend unemployment benefits was mixed for the president. countries for inspection of Treaty (START) with Russia. The DREAM Act, which would nuclear weapons, and limit the Creation Act of 2010,” to agreement, their families could “for two years instead of 13 The Senate voted 65 to 31 African-Americans. It was lose up to $1,040. months, the same period as the have laid out a path to citizen- stockpiles the U.S. and Russia for a procedural measure that ship for hundreds of thousands would be allowed to keep to signed into law on Dec. 17. The extension of the Child extension of the Bush tax cuts.” will begin the process of Among specific benefits to Tax Credit – help for low-and He adds, “Congress also illegal immigrants through 1,550 warheads and 700 repealing the 17 year-old “don’t higher education or military launchers each. black families outlined in an moderate-income families with should increase the tax cuts for ask, don’t tell” policy, a email from the White House are: children - with a $3,000 those making under $250,000, service, failed to reach the The treaty passed the Senate measure that the president said Senate floor for debate. The Foreign Relations Committee in An estimated 2.2 million minimum threshold in the because those cuts will increase he will sign in the next few African-American families will agreement will benefit 2.7 consumer demand which is a Senate voted 55 to 41 to move September. The president had days. the bill forward, but fell five indicated the Senate would take benefit from the expansion in the million African-American driver of job creation,” Morial In a letter, Obama thanked Earned Income Tax Credit children. said. votes shy of the 60 votes needed up debate of the treaty before his Democratic colleagues and to bring it to the Senate floor for the end of the year but since the (EITC) and Child Tax Credit For many families, Morial said the plan should others for fighting hard to get (CTC) that are extended in the extending the minimum include a full two-year payroll debate. measure failed to progress the the legislation passed. “I am disappointed that a president is now forced to face agreement. These credits help threshold in the CTC will result tax holiday, instead of one year, “When that bill reaches my roughly 4.7-million African- in thousands of dollars in addi- in order to stimulate consumer small minority in the Senate the prospect of his administra- desk, I will sign it, and this dis- continues to block the DREAM tion having to maneuver American children or almost half tional tax benefits that would demand and it should include an criminatory law will be (44 percent) of all African- have otherwise been lost. For “immediate vote on the Debt Act from consideration,” said through a more hostile Senate in repealed,” Obama said. “Gay Sen. Ben Cardin, D.Md., in a the 112th Congress. American children, for example, example, a single mother with Ceiling, which is the only way to and lesbian service members — an African-American mother two children making $17,000 finance the plan.” statement. “This is important with three children making will receive $2,000 in child tax Morial concluded: “To do $20,000 will receive. This family credits compared to about $640 if otherwise would be more hocus will also receive a $400 tax cut only the 2001/2003 tax cuts were pocus economics.” from the new payroll tax cut and extended – an increase of about WWW.THEWEEKLYCHALLENGER.COM

Let your event be one that’s creative, unforgettable and that would make your mama proud! Making Mama Proud a subsidiary of OMJ Planning and Consulting is committed to making special moments come alive! Allow Making Mama Proud to lend you that personal finesse, expertise, and excellence in planning your event. Spearheaded by President and CEO, Steve Marshall, OMJ Planning and Consulting was estab- lished in honor of his late mother’s memory, Ola Mae Steve Marshall Jenkins, who served as his greatest inspiration. President and CEO Total Event Planning & Management Corporate Training and • Corporate or Religious Functions Motivational Speaking • Civic, Government and Community Functions • Management and Leadership • Parties, Festivals, Conferences, Seminars • Diversity and Ethics Promotional and Production • Career Development • Artist Booking • Professional Development • Artist Management and Contract Negotiation • Dealing with Angry Parents Phone: 727-244-8119 • Fax: 866-390-1262 • Email: [email protected] SBE/MBE Certified Hillsborough County School District • MBE Certified OSD State of Florida 10 THE WEEKLY CHALLENGER, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2010 CHURCH DIRECTORY 955 20th Street South • St. Petersburg, FL 33712 (727) 894-4311 Email: [email protected] Website: www.mzprogressive.org First Baptist Institutional Church Sunday Worship Services ...... 7:45 a.m. & 10:00 a.m. 3144 Third Avenue South Sunday School...... 9:00 a.m. Wednesday Mid-Day Bible Study...... Noon - 12:30 p.m. St. Petersburg, FL 33712 Wednesday Prayer Service...... 6:00 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study ...... 6:30 p.m. Phone: 727-323-7518 Youth Chapel Services - 921 20th Street South 2nd & 4th Sunday Worship Services ...... 10:00 a.m. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Wednesday Prayer ...... 6:00 p.m. Morning Worship 10:45 a.m. Bible Study ...... 6:30 p.m. Mission Statement: Come Worship With EV R AYNE HOMPSON Rev. Louis M. Murphy Sr. Impact the world by equipping believers R . D . W G. T , the First Baptist Family PASTOR Senior Pastor to reach the lost with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

ST. JOHN MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH BETHEL AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH 3200 Fifth Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33712 912 3rd Avenue North, St. Petersburg, FL 33705 (727) 327-1373 727-822-2089 • Rev. Bryant Fayson, Pastor Sunday Church School ------9:10 a.m. Early Morning Worship ...... 7:30 a.m. Sunday Worship Service ------11:00 a.m. Sunday School ...... 9:30 a.m. WMS "The Gathering------1st Thurs. each month 11:45 a.m. Morning Worship...... 11:00 a.m. Wednesday Bible Study & Prayer Meeting ...... 7:00 p.m. "Come for an uplifting spiritual experience Friday Prayer Meeting ...... 11:00 a.m. at historic Bethel AME, Rev. Norris L. the oldest African-American Church in St. Pete." Martin Sr. - Pastor “Raising A Standard For God’s People In God’s Church”

If you are brokenhearted in spirit, unable to forgive, dealing with issues First Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church of love, anger, deception, betrayal, lied and cheated, and kicked to the curb. 1121 22nd Street South, St. Petersburg, FL 33712 Tune into this Radio Ministry weekly for breakthru.. (727) 327-8708 Thursday Nights: 9:15 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. (EST) Universal Christian Radio; www.universalchristianradio.com Sunday Worship Services . . . .8:00 and 11:00 a.m. Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. (EST) Sunday School ...... 9:30 a.m. WXYB (1520 AM Local Radio) • www.wpso.com (Click WXYB live radio) Prayer Meeting (Tuesday) ...... 6:00 p.m. Sunday Radio Broadcasts Princess Denise Wright Bible Study (Tuesday) ...... 7:00 p.m. Radio Host / WFAM ( Augusta , GA ) 11:15 a.m.; WIJD ( Mobile , AL ) Baptist Training Union (Sunday) ...... 4:00 p.m. TV Personality 6:30 p.m. ( Tupelo , MS ) 7:30 p.m.; WLMR ( Chattanooga , TN ) 12:15 p.m.

“The Little Church Where Everybody Is Somebody” Email: [email protected] • 727-289-2475 Rev. Wallace Elliott Sr. - Pastor www.mattersoftheheartministry.org

Victory Christian Center Church 3012 18th Avenue South GENESIS St. Petersburg, Fla. 33712 (727) 321-0911 WORSHIP www.victorychristiancenterchurch.com Schedule of Services CENTER Sunday Worship* 10:30 a.m. CHURCH Wednesday Bible Study* -7:00 p.m. 1818 29th Avenue North Friday Prayer -7:00 p.m. Claude S. Williams, Pastor Intercessory Prayer - 9:00 a.m. St. Petersburg, Florida (except Wednesdays) 727.898.5571 Victory Christian Center is a Word of Faith Church. For more information about the Pastor Michael T. and Sunday Worship other services and ministries at Victory Christian Center, please call (727) 321-0911 Elect Lady Sheila Culbreth 11:30 a.m. *Nursery and Youth Services Available

MOUNT PILGRIM MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH 10th Street Church Of God 4000 5th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33711 Phone: (727) 321-7375 207 - 10th Street North United for Christ “Returning God’s People to the Word of God” St. Petersburg, FL 33705 Sunday School...... 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Freewill Baptist Church (727) 898-9407 4116 34th Street South Sunday General Worship ...... 11:00 a.m. Pinch A Penny Plaza Communion ...... First Sunday Pastor Minister Tyrone Ford Sunday School...... 9:30 a.m. Sunday New Member Orientation...... 9:30 a.m. and 1st Lady Kadell Ford St. Petersburg, Florida 33711 Morning Worship ...... 11:00 a.m. Wednesday Prayer Meeting...... 7:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. 727-258-4993 Wednesday Bible Study...... 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Wednesday Evening Prayer ...... 6:30 p.m. Wednesday Youth Bible Study ...... 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Wednesday Night Bible Study.....7:30 p.m. Wednesday Night Bible Study ...... 7:00 p.m. Wednesday Tutoring ...... 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Sunday School ...... 9:30 a.m. Pastor Clark Sunday Worship Service ...... 11:00 a.m. Hazley, Sr. Mission Statement The church where Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as Rev. Ronald L. Bell what God’s word teaches Living, Teaching and Preaching the True Gospel our Savior; and on the profession of our faith. We the people of God returning to God’s Pastor is practiced! of Jesus Christ, to Save Lost Souls. Come join in with us. Word, proclaiming, God’s Will in provoking His love among one another.

Come on and Go with Me, Come on Over to God’s Place! STEWART ISOM MEMORIAL CME CHURCH “WHERE GOD IS SIMPLY INCREDIBLE!” Friendship 1820 Walton St. S., St. Petersburg, FL 33712 Missionary Baptist Church Phone (727} 327-0593 3300 31st Street South St. Petersburg, FL 33712 The Church in Worship (727) 906-8300 Sunday Worship Experience Sunday Mornings @ 11 a.m. www.fmbctheship.org KINGDOM KIDS’ Children’s Church Dr. John A. Evans, Pastor First through Third Sunday Mornings at 11 a.m. vSunday...... 7:45 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. Worship “Serving and Saving Sunday School...... 9:30 a.m. The Church in Study “Helping and Monday Morning Meditation WRXB ...... 6:45 a.m. Sunday School (for All Ages) Sunday Mornings at 9:30 a.m. Healing” Thursday Night Triumph (Prayer, Praise & Power) Wednesday...... Noonday Bible Study and “Inspiring and Thursday Evenings at 6:45 p.m. Bread of Life; 7 p.m. Prayer and Bible Study Instructing” Thursday ...... 7 p.m. Youth Enrichment “Praying and Come Expecting to be BLESSED! Praising” Prayer Tower Church of God in Christ 20th Street Elder Clarence Welch, Pastor Church Of Christ Elder Carson Skinner, Assistant Pastor 1137 37th Street South PLACE YOUR 825 20th Street South Saint Petersburg, FL 33711 St. Petersburg, FL 33712 (727) 321-0670 Home: 896-8006 SERVICES CHURCH DIRECTORY Bro. Robert Smith Sunday Sunday School – 10:30 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship...... 7:45 a.m. A. M. Service – 11:30 a.m. Sunday Morning Bible Class...... 9:20 a.m. YPWW (1st & 3rd Sunday) – 5:30 p.m. AD HERE!! Sunday Morning Second Worship...... 10:40 a.m. P.M. Service (1st & 3rd Sunday) – 6:30 p.m. Ladies Bible Class Monday...... 7:00 p.m. P. M. Service (2nd & 4th Sunday) - 5:30 p.m. Monday Evening Bible Class...... 7:00 p.m. Tuesday Morning Prayer – 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. CALL 727-896-2922 Wednesday Morning Bible Class ...... 10:00 a.m. Wednesday Prayer Service – 7:30 p.m. Wednesday Evening Bible Class...... 7:00 p.m. Thursday Bible Study (for all ages) – 7:30 p.m. THE WEEKLY CHALLENGER, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2010 11 CHURCH DIRECTORY THE ROCK OF JESUS MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH SSTT. MARK MISSIONARY BBAPTISTAPTIST CHURCH Church School: ...... 9:15 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. 1301 - 37th Street South, St. Petersburg, FL Devotion: ...... 10:00 a.m. – 10:20 a.m. Praise and Worship: ...... 10:20 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. (727) 321-6631 • www.stmarkch.org Morning Worship Service:...... 10:30 a.m. Saints of Prayer each Monday ...... 12:00 Noon Schedule of Services Bible Study each Tuesday: ...... 6:30 p.m. Church School ...... 9:30 a.m. Van service is available by calling: (727) 327-0015 Morning Worship ...... 10:45 a.m. THE ROCK OF JESUS IS LOCATED AT: Baptist Training Union ...... 5:00 p.m. 3940 – 18th AVENUE SOUTH Prayer Meeting and Bible Study St. Petersburg, Florida Thursday 9:30 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. Telephone: 727-327-0015 • Fax: 727-327-0021 Rev. Brian K. Brown Rev. Frank W. Office Hours: Tuesday and Friday Peterman, Jr. 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pastor

By The Word of Faith Church Inc. BETHEL METROPOLITAN BAPTIST CHURCH 558 28th Street South, St. Petersburg, FL 33712 3455 - 26th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33711 Phone: 727-328-0788 • Fax: 727-328-8460 Telephone (727) 327-0554 • Fax (727) 327-0240 Service Times and Schedules E-mail: [email protected] Web site: www.bmmbc.org EVERY TUESDAY-THURSDAY FROM 10 AM - 2 PM COME AND GET A BAG OF FOOD ONCE A MONTH Sunday Worship Service...... 10:15 a.m. Wednesday Night 7:00 p.m. Empowerment Service Sunday School ...... 9:00 a.m. 3rd and 4th Sunday 9:00 a.m. New Members Class Teen Summit (Wednesday) ...... 7:00 p.m. Sunday Morning 9:00 Sunday School Bible Study (Wednesday)...... 7:00 p.m.

Bishop Willie C. Sands Sunday Morning Service 10:00 Evangelist Patricia Sands Nursery Available and Children Ministry!!! “God’s House In The City” Rev. Rickey L. Houston, Pastor CHURCH NEWS Friendship Missionary Baptist Church St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church

On December 26, 2010, flock by night. And lo the angel And this shall be a sign unto ST. MARK MISSIONARY Christmas Play entitled each Sunday at 5:00 p.m. Friendship Missionary Baptist of the Lord came upon them, you; Ye shall find the babe CELEBRATES CHRISTMAS “Everyone was Worried” Members and the general Church’s 7:45 a.m. and 10:45 and the glory of the Lord shone wrapped in swaddling clothes, WITH THE COMMUNITY along with musical support public are invited to come out a.m. worship services will be round about them: and they lying in a manger. And suddenly The St. Mark Missionary from the church choirs. Food and study the Bible with us combined into one worship were so afraid. And the angel there was with the angel a Baptist Church, its pastor, the will be served, candy fruit and and learn “What Baptist experience. said unto them, Fear not: for, multitude of the heavenly host Reverend Brian K. Brown, its door prizes will be given and Believe”. Please plan to join us at behold, I bring you tidings of praising God, and saying, official staff of deacons and gifts will be distributed to 62 Children and Youth 10:00 a.m. on Dec. 26. great joy which shall be to all “Glory to God in the highest,” trustees, and the entire children adopted by the St. Ministry Meetings are held “‘And there were in the same people. For unto you is born, and on earth peace and goodwill congregation invites the Mark family. every Monday at 6:00 p.m. country shepherds abiding in the this day in the city of David, a towards men.’” community at large to join in Calendar of Events for Children in the community are field, keeping watch over their Savior which is Christ the Lord. Merry Christmas to All! with us as we celebrate December welcomed to join us. “Christmas with the Dec 24 - Christmas Eve Young Adult Ministry Community” on Saturday, Dec 25 - Christmas Day every Monday from 7:00 p.m.- Mt. Zion Progressive December 18 at 3:30 p.m. Dec 31 - Watch Night 8:00 p.m. (Bible Study) This annual event is our way Services at St. Mark M.B.C. Sunday School Teachers’ Missionary Baptist Church of reaching out to the Childs Also at St. Mark … Meeting is held every Tuesday Park community and Sunday School is held for at 7:00 p.m. “Impact the world by Reverend Dr. Martin Luther 275. providing gifts for families both children and adults of all Senior Hour of Power equipping believers to reach the King, Jr. This two-day event is Our Church Business Office whose children otherwise ages. Sunday School starts Bible Study is held every lost with the gospel of Jesus one you don’t want to miss! Holiday Hours: Our business would go lacking. As part of each Sunday morning at 9:30 Thursday at 9:30 a.m. Christ.” 7 p.m. Friday - “I Have a office closes at noon Thursday, this celebration, St. Mark a.m. All are invited to come Prayer Meeting and Bible You’re invited to join us as Dream” Youth Mass Choir Dec. 23, and resumes operations Children and Youth out and join us. Study every Thursday evening we offer prayers of thanks and Concert. 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 28. Ministry will present their Baptist Training Union is at 7:00 p.m. welcome 2011 at our Watch 10 a.m. Saturday - Music Mt. Zion Progressive Night Services 10:00 p.m. and Lecture Series with Re- Missionary Baptist Church Friday, Dec. 31 in our main Enactments of the Civil Rights extends its Best Wishes to All sanctuary. Movement and Dr. King’s for Christmas and The New SAVE THE DATE: A col- Funeral. Year! laboration of St. Petersburg Bethel Metropolitan Baptist Mt. Zion Progressive Churches and Communities Church hosts both events and is Missionary Baptist Church, 955 presents ... “The King & I” located at 3455 26th Ave. South, 20th St. S. Phone: 727-894-4311. Music and Lecture Series - Jan. St. Petersburg. FMI: Min. Kevin www.mzprogressive.org. 14-15th - honoring the Late Parrott at 727-894-4311, ext.

Bethel Metropolitan Baptist Church

Bethel Metropolitan Baptist ministry; with priorities focused now accepting applications for Church, “God’s House in the on love, forgiveness, unity, peace elective courses. These courses To All Our City,” under the leadership of Dr and growth. We celebrate in are open to anyone 12th grade Rickey L. Houston extends an worship, we care for one another, and older. The first elective being Faithful Church invitation to the community to we cultivate the fullest spiritual offered beginning January 24, join us as we declare the living life possible both individually 2011 at 6:30 p.m. is a six (6) Word of God. Join us at 9:00 a.m. and corporately; and we commu- week course in Eschatology, the Advertisers for Sunday School and at 10:15 nicate God’s truth at every oppor- study of the Doctrine of a.m. worship service. Bible tunity. Living out these principles Prophecy. Contact the church Study and Teen Summit/ results in a kaleidoscope of min- office for additional information. Children Rising are held on istries for all ages and interests. “Working as God’s Chosen in Wednesday evening, at 7:00 p.m. We also encourage the 2010” John 15:16, Titus 2:14, I We are committed to a Christ- community to make use of our Peter 2:9. centered, people-centered, team- Prayer Line 727-321-9645. Email:[email protected] centered and Bible-based Faith Bible Institute (FBI) is .com. Website: www.bmmbc.org It’s Christmas and ADVERTISE YOUR CHURCH EVENT We just wanted to say CALLFORAQUOTE: 727-896-2922 “Thank You”and that it’s been a pleasure working with you this past year … Church News due by 4:00 p.m. We hope you and your families have a on Monday of each week Wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year! 12 THE WEEKLY CHALLENGER, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2010