A First Family Christmas SPECIAL to the NNPA from the AFRO- AMERICAN NEWSPAPER

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The Weekly Challenger : 2011 : 12 : 22

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This is brought to you for free and open access by the The Weekly Challenger at Scholar Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in Newspaper collection by an authorized administrator of Scholar Commons. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Presort Std U.S. Postage PAID Permit #2271 St. Petersburg, FL OPINION COMMUNITY COMMUNITY George E. Curry on Remembering Ron Walters 3 A Home For The Holidays - Meet Alexander, Deanna and Jermaine 4 Community Spotlight is on ‘Aunt Argie’ 4 50¢

We Value Diversity. We Value Education. We Value History. St. Petersburg • Clearwater • Largo • Tarpon Springs • Dunedin • Safety Harbor VOLUME 44 NUMBER 17 DECEMBER 22 - DECEMBER 28, 2011 ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA

Politicizing A FAMU Tragedy A First Family Christmas SPECIAL TO THE NNPA FROM THE AFRO- AMERICAN NEWSPAPER

WASHINGTON D.C. - “It’s a Wonderful Life” is her favorite Christmas movie, “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” her favorite Christmas program, “T’was the Night Before Christmas,” her favorite story Gov. Rick Scott and her family eats pie – “lots of pie” – during the holidays. BY GAYLE ANDREWS to the 13 member FAMU Board Those were some of the SPECIAL TO THE of Trustees. That legal authority tidbits that First Lady Michelle CHALLENGER was given to them to eliminate Obama shared during a visit this kind of political meddling this week to the Children’s TALLAHASSEE - The that has interfered with National Medical Center in Florida A & M University the academia in the past. Washington, D.C., where she Board of Trustees sent a blister- Interestingly enough, Scott only visited the neonatal intensive ing message to Governor Rick appointed 3 of the 13 on the care nursery and was joined by Scott; “Stay out of our board so his political influence first dog Bo and Santa Claus as business.” The Board refused to was minimal from the start. she read her favorite story with accept his demand to suspend And the members cannot be children at the hospital. President James Ammons . removed without cause. Afterwards, the children Several criminal investiga- None of those variables asked what the first family does tions are underway over the stopped Scott. His injection into President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle, and daughters Malia, 14, and Sasha, 10, on Christmas Eve (have dinner, tragic death of drum major the matter set off a firestorm posed for this Christmas portrait last week. The first couple had to find the time amidst wait for Santa), what the first Robert Champion, ruled a of anger and panic mobilizing dozens of seasonal parties and festivities at the White House. PHOTO/The White House lady was giving the president homicide resulting from a band the FAMU, alumni and the for Christmas (it’s a secret) and hazing ritual. Tallahassee community. The don’t go to bed right away thing. We do it at our house, what was on the Christmas day The unfortunate death ministerial alliance met with because they’re too excited, okay? And then we have menu (Sometimes turkey, shined a glaring spotlight on Scott at the mansion. That night, and then we have to make them dessert. And we have pie. Lots sometimes steak and lots of the dangerous hazing culture thousands of FAMU students go to bed. It’s a big hassle. And of pie. The president loves pie. veggies, especially broccoli). prevalent at universities every- marched to the Mansion then we wait for Santa. It’s (Laughter.) All kinds of pie.” “Well, we have a tradition. where. The seriousness of the demanding that the governor pretty simple,” Obama said, Obama was chided after My husband grew up in investigation of the horrible not interfere. Scott came out of according to a White House admitting she had yet to put Hawaii, right? That’s where his event evolved into an unneces- the mansion to talk with transcript of the visit. together her list for Santa family is; and that’s hometown First lady Michelle Obama, sary political distraction, thanks students. He opened with the Similarly, the first lady this year. for us. And we’ve gone there accompanied by to Governor Rick Scott. line he uses on all black asked the children what they “You got to get on that,” Santa Claus, reads "The every year for 20 years. So Scott’s demand that Dr. people…” I grew up in a did on Christmas Eve, what one child told her. Night Before Christmas" at every year, we go to Hawaii. Ammons be suspended until the housing project.” And Scott they ate and acknowledged “I got to get on it. It’s true,” Children's National Medical And by the time Christmas Eve Center in Washington, investigations are complete refused to back down. But he the excitement and anticipa- the first lady said. “But what I comes around, we put out the Monday, Dec. 12, 2011. meant the BOT would have to would soon understand that he tion of waiting for Santa to put really, really want is for all kids cookies for Santa. We usually reverse its earlier decision to stepped into a realm well gifts under the tree. to grow up with the chance to be have a fun Christmas Eve reprimand rather than fire him. beyond his influence. “All right, so you know, healthy and happy, and to live a And if every child could have dinner, and all the kids get As usual, Scott was doing what with your dinner, having a good life, and to get a good just that simple gift out of life, around — they’re playing, he does best; acting without any little meat and having some education, and to grow up and that would be a wonderful FAMU they’re really excited, and they authority. Dr. Ammons answers vegetables will be a good be anything they want to be. Christmas present for me.” continued on pg. 10 Christmas With The Child’s Park Community

BY KHANA A. RILEY Opinion ...... 3 SPECIAL TO THE Community ...... 4, 5, 10, 11 CHALLENGER Sports ...... 6 ST. PETERSBURG - On Saturday, the St. Mark Health & Family...... 6 Missionary Baptist Church’s Outreach Ministry held their Church Directory ...... 8, 9 annual Christmas with the Church News...... 9 Community Holiday program. Each year, the church focuses its State & National ...... 10 outreach efforts on the Child’s Park Community through sharing, loving, caring and VISIT showing support. St. Mark has chosen the The Weekly Child’s Park Community as its This was a day that took families in the community had to excitement as people began partner, because it considers this thoughtful preparation and no follow strict guidelines, and 95 pouring into the doors at 10 a.m. Challenger community as extended family. In efforts were in vain. Countless vol- fortunate children in the Child’s An aspect that proved to be espe- ONLINE an effort to bring that extended unteers helped as the church con- Park Community were adopted for family closer to fellowship and the gregation was overjoyed with the Christmas holiday by St. Mark COMMUNITY www.TheWeeklyChallengerNewspaper.com Gospel, the Christmas with the more than 200 families coming Church members. Community event was created. out to fellowship. Certain The day was filled with continued on pg. 11

How To Reach Us: News: [email protected] • Advertising: [email protected] • Phone: (727) 896-2922 • Fax: (727) 823-2568 2 THE WEEKLY CHALLENGER, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2011 THE WEEKLY CHALLENGER, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2011 3 The Weekly Challenger The Weekly Challenger Newspaper We Value Diversity. We Value Education. We Value History. • A knowledge of history brings a feeling of fellowship that runs through the ages — be it a territory, a village, a district, or a nation. • To live without history is likened to living without a form of memory. The Weekly Challenger Office: • To be without history is to live without roots or a past, with the present having no real foundation, and very little meaning for the future. 2500 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Street South • To know the events of our past (can help us) to know what future events can be. St. Petersburg, FL 33705 • The Weekly Challenger is committed to featuring articles of all ethnic cultures for the reading enjoyment of both the young and old generations. (727) 896-2922 Fax (727) 823-2568 Email: [email protected] OPINION www.theweeklychallenger.com Readership: 100,000 monthly Remembering Ron Walters At Christmas THE BLACK PRESS believes that America can best BY GEORGE E. other political scientist of his time. He with words, he wanted to measure how agreed that only Dick Gregory could lead the world from racial antagonism when it accords to CURRY could have opted to teach his university well policies had helped – or harmed – come up with that joke. every man, regardless of race, creed or color, his human NNPA classes and be a talking head on people of African descent. Returning the favor, Joe had me and legal rights. Hating no man, fearing no man... the COLUMNIST national TV, but he didn’t. He felt His take-home tests for political laughing uncontrollably after he Black Press strives to help every man in the firm belief obligated to do more, which explains leaders, black and white, usually proposed that we start our own that all men are hurt as long as anyone is held back. why he quietly advised the covered 10 subjects: health disparities, mega-church in Prince George’s Around this time every year, Congressional Black Caucus on a police brutality, equal access to County, Md. and I would be the shortly before I leave to visit my mother variety of issues. It explains why he education, voting rights enforcement, pastor. I think Joe was joking. He had in Augusta, GAfor Christmas, I attend a served as Jesse Jackson’s presidential racial profiling, housing, equal employ- it all figured out down to the big rings party at the home of Pat and Ron issues adviser in 1984 and 1988. ment, ex-offenders’ voting rights, I should wear on my pinky finger, the Walters in Silver Spring, MD I attended Those of us who covered that first access to credit, and economic justice. type of limo I would be chauffeured the annual party Saturday night with campaign witnessed how Ron prepared And Ron didn’t believe in, and carefully demonstrated how one noticeable difference – it was held Jesse Jackson for TV debates. Ron President Obama should be allowed my cape would be removed. without Ron, an enormously talented would be hovering above and Jackson, to skip the test or be judged any dif- He even told me about a church in strategist and political scientist. outstretched on the floor in blue jeans, ferently from anyone else who his native Detroit that had such divided Ron died of cancer Sept. 10, 2010 would listen to Professor Walters, occupied the White House. loyalties that two pastors preached on and to her credit, Pat decided to hold process the information, and then As serious as Ron was, he was also Sundays at the same time, one address- the party this year because she knew restate it in his own unique way. Those a person who enjoyed a good laugh. ing his followers on one side of the The Weekly Challenger that’s what her Ronnie, as she calls prep sessions were so detailed that I thought about him Saturday night church and the other preaching to his him, would have wanted. It’s also Jackson never had a Rick Perry-like as I was replaying a Dick Gregory joke supporters on the other side. I don’t is distributed what his friends wanted. We wanted ooops moment in any debate. for my friend Joe Madison, the activist know if Joe was telling the truth, as he in the following cities: to let Pat know that although her Unlike some public intellectu- and talk show host. Joe and his wife, claimed. But when you’re laughing Ronnie has passed from this earth, we als, he was not enamored with rap. Sharon, were sitting on kitchen stools hard and having a good time at the St. Petersburg • Clearwater • Largo still feel his presence. He didn’t record a rap CD, like when I asked Joe if he had heard what Walters residence, it doesn’t matter Tarpon Springs • Dunedin • Safety Harbor I wrote shortly after Ron died that Cornel West, or teach a course on Dick Gregory had said at Troy Davis’ whether it was true or a product of Joe’s he was a one-man civil rights Jay-Z, like Michael Eric Dyson. funeral. As you know, protesters fertile imagination. movement. And he was. More than When it came to the empowerment objecting to Davis being put to death in When we finished laughing, we that, the distinguished professor who of African-Americans, Ron Walters Georgia carried signs and wore T-shirts kissed Pat goodnight, and headed for The Weekly Challenger served at Howard University and the was serious. Very serious. proclaiming, “I am Troy Davis.” the door. We had carried on just as if University of Maryland taught us how Above all else, Ron Walters was Dick Gregory being Dick Gregory Ron were still there. And we pledged to to use our professional skills to improve consistent. It didn’t matter if Bill said at the funeral service for Davis that not only continue laughing like we did Published weekly on Thursdays by the plight of our people. In that respect, Clinton, George W. Bush or Barack a bill collector had telephoned his house when Ron was around but to be as The Weekly Challenger he was very much like W.E.B. DuBois, Obama was in the White House. You and asked for Dick Gregory. When serious about advancing the cause of 2500 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. St. S. who like Ron, did his undergraduate could count on Ron holding them all to asked if he was Gregory, Dick claimed our people as Ron was. If we can con- St. Petersburg, FL 33705 work at Fisk University in Nashville. one standard: What have you done for to have replied, “I am Troy Davis.” tribute half as much as he did, we will (727) 896-2922 Ron was quoted more than any Black people? And he wasn’t content Joe buckled in laughter. We both not betray his legacy. LOCAL SUBSCRIPTION RATES $50 for 1 year Robert Champion: Drum Major For Change SINGLE COPY 50 cents BY JULIANNE a “drum major for change” because a group so important that you’d risk has to stop. The college experience MALVEAUX they will use his story to help other your life; and why must people verbally should not be a brutal experience, or an ATTENTION POSTMASTER: victims of hazing. Mrs. Champion also and physically abuse those who want to experience where coercion and intimi- Send all address changes to (TriceEdney indicated that she would set up an anti- join their group. dation are ingrained into the process of The Weekly Challenger Wire.com) - Most hazing hot line so that young people Our young people are no better joining a group. To be sure, there are 2500 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. St. S. parents of college can, anonymously, deal with issues of than what we show them they can be. bonding opportunities in ritual – in St. Petersburg, FL 33705 students look forward to December, hazing. The younger Robert Champion I have heard sorority women make the learning songs, history, steps, or when their students come home for the has apparently not been the only victim distinction between “pledging hard” chants. And there may be penalties NO PAPER? holidays. Some are so excited to see of hazing in the FAMU Marching and “pledging soft”, with the implica- when band members or pledges don’t If you have not received your paper their offspring home that they actually Band. In the past, one student has had tion that the brutal former is better. toe the mark in learning things on time. during delivery, phone (727) 896-2922 come to their colleges to pick them up. her hip broken, and two have been hos- Young men and some not so young But the penalties should not be Others prepare special treats and pitalized with kidney damage. And men, sport brands, some of which physical abuse, and that abuse has DEADLINES goodies as an antidote to the oft com- these are only the cases we know about. have been infected, as symbols of become too acceptable. All news items, advertising copy and related art plained about cafeteria food. The FAMU Marching Band isn’t their fraternity and their “manhood”. What do we do about it? Some submitted for publication on Thursday must be Robert and Pam Champion won’t the only organization that hazes. Many of those branded were either parents whose children have been at the office of The Weekly Challenger have that opportunity. Their son, Sororities and fraternities, whether part willing or subject to coercion. When hazed have brought criminal charges or no later than 4 p.m. Monday Robert, died on November 19. His of the African American Divine Nine, elders show their sons these brands, civil lawsuits. Others have pushed for COLUMNIST’S DISCLAIMER death has been ruled a homicide and he or part of the larger Greek-letter organi- they may well co-sign the continua- systemic change. Leaders in higher The views expressed by The Challenger is allegedly the victim of hazing. zation atmosphere, seem to think tion of a brutal trend. education must assert zero tolerance for hazing and enforce zero tolerance columnists/advice columnists do not Florida A&M University, one of our hazing is part of the culture. Whether it What is hazing about? It’s nation’s most respected HBCUs, is in is yelling and screaming at pledges, to bullying, it’s coercion, and it’s descent policies with appropriate actions. Four necessarily reflect the views of the headlines now, not because of its the use of actual physical violence, into groupthink in the worst way. I’ve members of the FAMU band have been The Weekly Challenger. By publishing excellent academic programs, but hazing is prevalent. The National Study got something you want, and I’m going dismissed from school, but only after such columns, The Challenger is not because its celebrated marching band of Student Hazing, which got results to make you suffer to get it. In order to young Robert Champion’s death. Had advocating the following of any advice has apparently had a culture of hazing. from more than 11,000 students at 53 join a band you ought to be able to play they been expelled sooner, might or suggestion expressed. Robert and Pam Champion are to colleges indicated that 6”8 percent of music, not survive a beating. How does Champion still be among us? SUBMISSIONS POLICY be commended for turning their pain women in Greek life have experienced the beating make you a better band Robert and Pam Champion are to Submissions to The Weekly Challenger may into a force for change. In a recent hazing”. This study didn’t focus on member? Actually, it allows some folks be commended for turning their pain be edited for reasons of space, clarity or for media interview, they indicated that HBCUs, but it would not be surprising to play a game of false superiority to the into change. But if hazing cannot be they have set up a Facebook page in to learn that our numbers mirror these. detriment of others. stopped, those organizations that allow considerations of liability. All submissions become honor of their son, who they describe as Two questions – why is membership in The bottom line, though, is that it it simply need to be disbanded. the sole property of The Weekly Challenger. The Weekly Challenger reserves the right to run all or part of any submission at a later time. RATE REDUCTION SPECIAL! Some submissions may take precedence due to The Weekly Challenger timeliness or newsworthiness. Volume 44 • Number 17 Home Delivery to South St. Petersburg for $50 yearly • First Class Mail Subscription Cost: $80 yearly Published Thursday, December 22, 2011 12 pages • 2 sectionS Name:______The Weekly Challenger © Address: ______City/State/Zip: ______All rights reserved. No portions of this periodical may be reproduced without expressed consent. Phone No:______Email Address: ______What are your opinions on The Weekly Challenger? Please feel free to let us know. New Subscription J (or) Renewal J Date: ______Amount Paid: $______Cash J Check J Call (727) 896-2922 or Email [email protected] Comments: ______or Write to: 2500 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. S., Make Checks Payable to: The Weekly Challenger Mail this form & payment to: The Weekly Challenger Office, 2500 M.L. King Jr. St. South, St. Petersburg, FL 33705 Suite F, St. Petersburg, FL 33705 Email: [email protected] • Phone: (727) 896-2922 • Fax (727) 823-2568 4 THE WEEKLYCHALLENGER, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2011 COMMUNITY NEWS

PAID ADVERTISING • PAID ADVERTISING • PAID ADVERTISING • PAID ADVERTISING A Home For The Holidays

BYREV. WAYNE THOMPSON have this fundamental need. These children Community Spotlight would love to wake up next Christmas morning By Emma Cavin • Special to the Challenger As Christmas approaches, children through- with a family that is truly theirs. out the Bay Area have their lists ready for Santa. The photos below are just a few of the Many children are asking for MP3 players, an dozens of children in foster care in Pinellas and Argie Williams Jones ‘Aunt Argie’ Xbox or the latest video game. Others may want Pasco Counties. Look at their faces, read about a new doll or a football. They cannot wait to them and ask yourself if you are ready to Housekeeper, Cook, Mother, Believer wake up Christmas morning and see what Santa commit to a child needing a home. has delivered. This holiday season, consider adoption or It is rare to meet a person just six months shy of There are dozens of other children, becoming a foster parent. See information 100 years old who still has a good memory and however, right here in our community, who below to take the first step. You could make a displays the feistiness and sense of humor as Aunt aren’t thinking about the latest toys or games. child’s holiday wish come true! Argie. But that is exactly what happened last week They want something far more basic - a loving To learn about the steps necessary to adopt when Novella Watson took me to visit her. She was and caring family to call their own. and meet all the children available for adoption, cheerful, alert, and ready to tell me all about her life These are the “waiting” children, those please visit www.heartgallerykids.org. in St. Petersburg. She has lived here since she was living in foster care with Eckerd Community To learn more about becoming a foster or close to 12 years old. She, her parents, and her Alternatives. They are waiting for something adoptive parent, please call the Eckerd toll-free siblings moved here from Quincy, a small town near most of us take for granted. Something so basic, recruitment line at 1-866-233-0790 or visit Tallahassee. She was actually born in Georgia, it’s difficult to believe that any child does not www.EckerdCBC.org. somewhere near the Flint River, which runs from Bainbridge- in southwest Georgia-north to Atlanta. She remembers Quincy as a place where she worked hard in the tobacco fields and the tobacco she learned all of those dances, but she was good at barn. It was different in St. Petersburg, however. it. We lived across the street from the Harlem Jordan Elementary was the school she Theatre on Third Avenue South. The children went attended. “Mrs. Agnes Hunter and Mrs. Lucy Hart there every weekend. As often as she could, my were two of my teachers and Mr. George Perkins daughter was listening to the music from the bar was the principal,” related Aunt Argie. “I was a downstairs under our apartment. I didn’t like for good student. I didn’t bother anybody unless they her to be down there, but people paid her to dance.” bothered me,” she continued. “I didn’t get the Wayne Scrivens calls his grandmother a human- chance to go to high school because my parents itarian who ruled with an iron fist. Aunt Argie arranged for me to get married when I was 14 years describes herself as someone who liked to see people old. Well, two other sisters had arranged marriages grow up right. “All I did,” she said, “was steer too. My youngest sister left home before the children in a direction that would lead to a productive Alexander Deanna Jermaine arrangement for her was made. There were ten of life. I took them places as often as I could, but there us sisters and only one brother. I am the only one were not as many places to go as there are now,” She Born 6/13/1994 “A Nice, Honest Person” Born 12/18/1996 living now. My sister Lula died at 100, just two explained. Her daughter, Martha (the dancer), says Alex likes to play sports Reading is Deanna’s Jermaine loves to play years ago. My grandmother lived to be 107 and my that Aunt Argie gets up at 5a.m. Sunday mornings to such as track, football and favorite subject; her least football; he enjoys singing and mother was 99 when she passed away.” prepare for church. She still does her own hair. “My baseball. When he is not out on favorite is math. After school, he loves to draw. His perfect The mother of four boys and one girl told how favorite hairdo is the Jeri curl – I can just shake it out the track or field, he relaxes by she likes to play Wii, watch day would include either travel she raised her own children, some of her nieces and and go,” noted Aunt Argie. playing video games and Disney Channel, swim and play or going to theme parks. nephews, and three families for whom she worked She has been a member of The Twentieth listening to music. Alex is board games such as Monopoly. Jermaine says he looks for as housekeeper and cook. She took care of those Street Church of Christ since 1929. Her kin friendly, cheerful and Deanna has a great personality. kindness and honesty in a children as if they were her own. “They all called include the Cuffie, Fountain, Williams, Thomas, charming with a great sense of She’s typically a little shy. She’s friend, “Someone that is there me mama. I also helped to raise my grands until Jones, and McFadden families. For her humor. He’s a loyal friend, honest and kind and looks for for you.” they got grown,” she said. Aunt Argie fondly longevity, she credits serving God and doing the outgoing and, as he’ll tell you, those qualities in a friend. More children to be recalled how much her daughter, now her very best that she can do. “I wake up all times of “A really nice, helpful guy.” Deanna wants to be a teacher. featured in next week’s edition. caregiver, enjoyed dancing. “I don’t know where the night to talk to Him,” she said.

Call Dianne Speights Independent Sales Director 727-403-0144 or 727-866-6621 THE WEEKLY CHALLENGER, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2011 5 COMMUNITY NEWS Top Ladies Of Distinction Impact CALENDAR The Future Through Volunteerism OF EVENTS Courtesy of

Saturday, Dec, 24 – The Gibbs High School Christmas Eve Holiday Extravaganza, St. Petersburg Historic Coliseum, 535 4th Ave. N., 8 p.m. – 1 a.m. Annual holiday gala, holiday attire required – no jeans of any kind. Get into the holiday mood this Christmas Eve. For information, call Top Ladies of Distinction Top Teens of America 727-327-4199. ST. PETERSBURG -This is Top Teens of America, the the Center in Midtown St. the leading center for pediatric Tuesday, Dec. 27 – The Jordan Park Projects Nostalgic a time of year for giving back youth group under the auspices Petersburg. In addition, a treatment. The 2011 radiothon and helping others. Members of of Top Ladies, are community number of books were donated broadcast from All Children’s Association, Inc., National Guard Armory, 3601 38th Ave. the St. Petersburg Chapter of volunteers as well. Teens, ages to the center. Some of the Ladies Hospital Education and S., 8 p.m. – 12 a.m. This year’s theme ‘Holiday, Harmony, Top Ladies of Distinction are 13 through 18, learn the impor- remember attending this Day Conference Center was the 28th Scholarship Dance: Celebrating Community Concord’. known for the many activities tance of helping others. Care in their early primary years. annual fundraiser, and it was For more information contact Brenda 727-408-4671 or that allow them to give “Tops in Their chosen method of Top Ladies also spread deemed a huge success. The Victoria 727-866-7946. Service.” A national non-profit “spreading holiday cheer” and holiday cheer at the Baypointe theme this year was “Celebrate humanitarian and professional giving back was a literacy Nursing Pavilion and put smiles the Miracles.” Saturday, Dec. 31 - Say goodbye to 2011 and enjoy organization, they are activity at Happy Workers Day on faces of the residents as they Top Ladies volunteered in breakfast with neighbors! What a better way to say committed to community Care Center. This historic Day sang Christmas carols, rang bells this fundraiser by manning tele- service. Their overall aim is to Care Center was adopted by Top of joy and gave gift bags to each phones and assisting with goodbye to 2011 and be thankful for what we have than to give volunteer service to citizens Ladies in June 2011. resident. The nursing home was pledges from donors to benefit help those who are struggling in our community.In the of all age groups in as many Five Teens read Christmas adopted by Top Ladies in 2008. “Care for Kids.” What a way to tradition set over 10 years ago by The St. Pete Dream ways as they can. stories to pre-school children at All Children’s Hospital is reach out and help others! Center, we will be preparing and serving a free breakfast from 6:30 - 9 a.m. at St. Vincent de Pauls, 401 15th St. N. Kwanzaa The World Only It’s the time of year where we can both celebrate with our Celebrations Changes neighbor. For information, call 727-520-1909. ST. PETERSBURG - Reio 1025 22nd St. S., St. Kwanzaa is a week-long secular Petersburg. Call Raynetta Because Some holiday honoring African- Mobley at 727-820-0240. American heritage, observed UJAMAA (Cooperative Believe It Can from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1 each year, Economics) Thursday, Dec. 29, almost exclusively by African- TBA. Call Raynetta Mobley at Juniors and seniors: Americans in the United States of 727-820-0240. apply by January 25, 2012 America. Kwanzaa consists of Nia (Purpose) Friday, Dec. seven days of celebration, 30, at 6:30 p.m. Our Brother’s If you're committed to summer internship at a local featuring activities such as Keeper 2011 Queensboro Ave. making a positive impact in nonprofit. You'll connect candle-lighting and pouring of S., St. Petersburg. Contact your community, Bank of with other community- libations, and culminating in a Brother Kiambu at 727-687- America can help. Our minded students and experi- feast and gift-giving. 1109. Student Leaders® Program ence how nonprofits, UMOJA (UNITY) Monday, KUUMBA (Creativity) includes both a weeklong business and government Dec. 26, at 6:30 p.m. The Banyan Saturday, Dec. 31 at 6:30 p.m. summit in Washington, D.C. can cooperate to improve Tree Project 313 18th Ave. S., St. N.A.A.C.P. St. Petersburg and an eight-week paid communities. Petersburg. Contact Carl Devine, Branch, 1501 16th St. S., St. Director at 727-894-2426. Petersburg. Contact Brenda KUJICHAGULIA (Self Nelson at 727-906-1314. Determination) Tuesday, Dec. IMANI (Faith) Saturday, EARN MONEY 27, TBA. Call Raynetta Mobley Jan. 1, 6:30 p.m. Enoch Davis at 727-820-0240. Center (Hosted by African- NOW UJIMA (Collective Work American Arts Council, Inc.) Sell Advertising Space In The Weekly Challenger! and Responsibility) Wednesday, 1111 18th Ave. S., St. Petersburg. Dec. 28, at 6:30 p.m. Natural Contact Raynetta Mobley at 727- Call (727) 896-2922 Vanity and Physiques by Damon 820-0240.

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News, Copy and On-line Editor The news and copy editor is responsible for the coverage or assignment of news in all areas of the paper—municipal, state, or national. The editor corrects any mistakes and stylizes the 12 28 18 articles to the newspaper’s format. Education and Training Requirements: High school courses in writing, CA$H 3 history, political science, and economics are vital to a prospective news editor’s position. Since newspaper editors draw on a great deal of general information, 310 newspaper editors need a bachelor’s degree in journalism in another liberal arts field, or the equivalent 124 of training and experience. For information, send resume to 711 [email protected] DOG DAYS WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Send Notices Or Information About Future 8-6 1-5 Community Events To 3-7 6-3 [email protected] 7-1 4-2 6 THE WEEKLY CHALLENGER, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2011 CHALLENGER SPORTS Bucs Search For Answers Bush Has 203 Yards To 8-Game Skid In Dolphins’ 30-23 Win

double-digit margins six times, got to go out and do a better job BY JOHN WAWROW season-best total to 973 yards, continued. He finished 31 of 47 for with five of those lopsided coaching. We have to go out and which is nearly half of the 2,090 the 316 yards with two touchdowns finishes coming during the current do a better job playing. We’ve got ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) former first-round pick had during including a 2-yarder to Derek skid Tampa Bay’s longest within to go out there and do a better job - The Buffalo Bills couldn’t get a his first five seasons in New Hagan and three interceptions. the same season since it lost eight getting it done.’’ hand on Reggie Bush. And the Orleans. He has 12 interceptions and straight under Ray Perkins 24 General manager Mark Miami Dolphins running back Matt Moore showed no signs eight touchdown passes during the years ago. Dominik and the Glazer family, proved too slippery for the slick of a head and neck injury that team’s seven-game skid. Morris dropped his first seven which owns the team, remain field, too. sidelined him a week ago by ``We haven’t played very well, games as a head coach in 2009, silent on whether Morris will have With persistent flurries throwing two touchdown passes a and that starts with me,’’Fitzpatrick BY FRED GOODALL extending a losing streak that opportunity to turn things around. blowing in off nearby Lake Erie, 22-yarder to Anthony Fasano and a said. `Ì’ve got to get better. That’s began the previous season under Tampa Bay has games Bush rushed for a career-best 203 65-yard strike to Brandon Marshall the bottom line.’’ TAMPA (AP) - Tampa Bay’s Jon Gruden to 11. remaining at Carolina and Atlanta, years and capped a 76-yard and finishing with 217 yards Bush secured the win with his eighth straight loss left Tampa Bay rebounded from a and quarterback Josh Freeman touchdown run by sliding feet-first passing. Cornerback Vontae Davis electrifying run up the middle to Buccaneers coach Raheem 3-13 record two years ago to go said he would be disappointed if through the end zone in helping had two of Miami’s three intercep- put the Dolphins up 30-13 with Morris questioning his team’s 10-6 and narrowly miss the players give less than maximum secure a 30-23 win Sunday over the tions. 5:41 left. effort for a third time. playoffs in 2010. Aporous defense effort. free-falling Bills, who have lost Miami won for the fifth time in It came on the first play from The club’s longest skid within and sputtering offense share the `Ìt’s the National Football seven in row. seven games since a 0-7 start. scrimmage after Spiller’s 3-yard the same season since 1987 blame for this season’s collapse League. You have to take some ` Ì play FIFA a lot on Though both AFC East teams are 5- score. Breaking through a huge follows a 4-2 start. It also has the following a start that included pride in what you are doing, take PlayStation, and they’re always 9, the Dolphins have moved ahead hole up the middle, he blew past NFL’s youngest coach on the hot wins over NFC South rivals New some pride in being a Buccaneer,’’ sliding a soccer slide,’’Bush said of of Buffalo in the division after safety Jairus Byrd, who was the seat only a year after Morris Orleans and Atlanta. Freeman said. `Ìf nothing else, do his celebration. ``Just having fun. sweeping the season series. only Buffalo player to get a hand on appeared to have the Bucs headed `Ònce we make a mistake, it for your teammates, do it for Just enjoying the moment.’’ ``The pride of this team, him. in the right direction. instead of shaking it off, and go your coaches.’’ It was a moment to enjoy for a which is basically all we’ve got `Ì was standing up and felt Dallas dominated Tampa Bay play the next play, we kind of take In addition to being unhappy Dolphins team that’s coming off a now, is showing,’’ Moore said. him breeze by me,’’ Dolphins 31-15 on Saturday night in a game it with us and it causes more with the overall effort against tumultuous week in which Todd ``Coach Bowles did a good job of guard Richie Incognito said. `Ì that wasn’t nearly as close as the mistakes,’’defensive tackle Albert Dallas, Morris felt the Bucs fell Bowles won in his debut as interim keeping everybody together. It looked up to see if anybody was final score. The Cowboys scored Haynesworth said Saturday night. short in that critical area in a 37-9 coach after head coach Tony was a sad day, but we’ve got to going to catch him, and there was on four of five first-half posses- ``Before you know it, we home loss to Houston and a 48-3 Sparano was fired. keep moving.’’ nobody there.’’ sions to build a 28-0 lead, and the have a snowball. We just have to debacle at San Francisco early in And it was a breakthrough The Bills continued their spiral Moore broke the game open in Bucs were limited to one first shake it off,’’ said Haynesworth, the season. outing for Bush. After spending the and are in jeopardy of finishing last the third quarter when he hit down and 55 yards total offense who began the season with New Much of Saturday night’s past few weeks showing he’s in the division for a fourth straight Marshall in stride up the right until late in the third quarter. England and has only been with frustration stemmed from poor capable of rushing for 100 yards, season. sideline for an over-the-shoulder Watching the latest setback the Bucs for six weeks. ``The NFL play from the offensive line. The Bush stepped his game to an alto- Rather than looking like the 65-yard touchdown pass. live was bad enough. Morris took is one play at a time. No matter if most experienced unit on the team gether new level. upstart team that got off to a 5-2 The Bills then bumbled the a second look on tape Sunday and you had a sack, an interception for struggled to protect Freeman, who `Ìt feels good. It means a lot,’’ start this season, they resemble game away with their next two pos- concluded the team did not do any a touchdown, or we give up a 30- was sacked three times. Bush said. `Ìt means that hey, I’m more the rag-tag bunch that got off sessions ending with Fitzpatrick of things he preaches as essential yard pass. We still got to go play. ``You’ve got to go out there doing everything that I expect I was to an 0-8 start in 2010. throwing interceptions. That components of winning. You have to forget it.’’ and execute what you’re coached going to be doing. It’s not so much `Ìt’s like a tale of two included an underthrown pass ``We got outplayed by a better Morris shrugged off a to do,’’ Morris said. `Ìf it was as me being surprised that this seasons,’’ linebacker Chris intended for Stevie Johnson up the football team. I won’t make any question Sunday about whether something we weren’t prepared happened today or that I could rush Kelsay said. `Ì think we expected left sideline that was picked off by excuses on why, what or who,’’ the team is as talented as he for, or didn’t know it was coming, for 100 yards. It’s more of the fact to win every time we stepped on Davis, who enjoyed playing in the Morris said. `Ìt doesn’t really thought it was entering the season. I’d be a little bit more understand- that this is something I expected.’’ the field. I don’t think we expect cold weather. matter. They’ve got to go out and `Ìt’s hard to make those ing. But when it’s something that The 203 yards matched his to win now.’’ ``Buffalo, it can’t get any play hard, play fast and play con- excuses right now. I won’t do that. you practice, something you go combined rushing total from his C.J. Spiller scored on a 24-yard better. Being in Miami, I haven’t sistent every single week.’’ Anything you say about talent out there and work on, talk about it past two games, and it ranks third rush and added a 3-yard touchdown seen snow since college at Illinois,’’ The Bucs (4-10) have lost by level, it makes an excuse for and discuss it ... you expect it to on the Dolphins team list. catch. Davis said. `Ì don’t want to stay, yourself,’’ the coach said. ``We’ve get executed.’’ And he’s already pushed his Ryan Fitzpatrick’s struggles but I kind of missed it.’’ HEALTH & FAMILY Attention Families! Homebuyer Annual Holiday Enjoy The Gift Of And Household Gatherings May Literacy During The Budgeting Reveal Signs Of Holiday Season Workshops Alzheimer’s CLEARWATER – Alzheimer’s 6. New problems with words in TALLAHASSEE - Education adopted reading metrics used in Association 10 Warning Signs of speaking or writing. People with Commissioner Gerard Robinson the country, with more than 30 Schedule Alzheimer’s Alzheimer’s may have trouble announced the Just Read, Florida! million Lexile measures reported 1. Memory loss that disrupts following or joining a conversation. 2011 Recommended Holiday annually from reading assess- St. PETERSBURG -The understanding of the various daily life. One of the most common What’s typical: Sometimes having Reading List. The list includes a ments and programs - represent- Pinellas County Housing types of assistance and signs of Alzheimer’s is memory loss, trouble finding the right word. wide variety of interesting books ing more than half of U.S. Authority (PCHA) and the programs available to First especially forgetting recently 7. Misplacing things and losing by grade level, each with a holiday students. Community Service Time Homebuyers. learned information. What’s typical: the ability to retrace steps. A person theme that will kindle the interest, “The holidays are a Foundation have finalized Additionally, by participat- Sometimes forgetting names or with Alzheimer’s disease may put imagination and love of reading wonderful time to enjoy family, their 2012 Seminar and ing in the Household appointments, but remembering things in unusual places. What’s for people of all ages. Research friends and a great book,” said Workshop Schedule. Budgeting workshops, par- them later. typical: Misplacing things from time suggests that students who read Mrs. Scott. “I hope everyone will Mark your calendars now! ticipants will learn how to 2. Challenges in planning or to time, such as a pair of glasses or during school breaks and be able to take a few recommend- The free First Time complete a budget plan solving problems. Some people may the remote control. vacations maintain their academic ed reading selections and share Homebuyer and Household based on household income experience changes in their ability to 8. Decreased or poor judgment. progress made during the school them with their loved ones.” Budgeting Seminars and and monthly expenses. The develop and follow a plan or work People with Alzheimer’s may expe- year. The Department of Workshops will be held at Household Budgeting with numbers. What’s typical: rience changes in judgment or “Reading is a wonderful gift Education’s Recommended either PCHA’s Central workshops will also teach Making occasional errors when decision-making. What’s typical: that families can share together,” Reading List is available on the Office, which is located at ways to: reduce energy balancing a checkbook. Making an occasional bad decision. said Commissioner Robinson. Just Read, Florida! website at 11479 Ulmerton Road in expenses, reduce monthly 3. Difficulty completing 9. Withdrawal from work or “What better keepsake of a www.justreadfamilies.org. The Largo, or at French Villas grocery bills, save on costly familiar tasks. People with social activities. A person with family’s warmth and closeness site also offers parents the tools Apartments located at 6835 car repairs, and strengthen Alzheimer’s often find it hard to Alzheimer’s may start to remove than the gift of literacy that will they need to nurture a reading- 54th Avenue North in St. credit scores. complete daily tasks. What’s typical: themselves from hobbies, social last a lifetime.” friendly environment at home, Petersburg. All classes For a complete list of the Occasionally needing help to use the activities, work projects or sports. Families can also use and in day-to-day activities. consist of a two-part free workshops that are settings on a microwave or to record What’s typical: Sometimes feeling the online tool, “Find a Book” Resources include links to county workshop series. The first, being offered at the Pinellas a television show. weary of work, family and social to supplement the holiday and municipal public libraries and upcoming, free two-part County Housing Authority, 4. Confusion with time or place: obligations. reading list with other books tips for parents on how to make seminar will be to educate please visit our website at People with Alzheimer’s can lose 10. Changes in mood and per- tailored to a child’s interests. the most of the time they spend First Time Homebuyers and http://www.pin- track of dates, seasons and the sonality. The mood and personali- Tens of thousands of fiction and reading with their families. is scheduled to be held at cha.org/resident-services- passage of time. What’s typical: ties of people with Alzheimer’s can nonfiction books are available The Department of PCHA’s Central Office from and-programs/workshops- Getting confused about the day of change. What’s typical: Developing through “Find a Book” at Education’s Just Read, Florida! 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm on at-pcha the week but figuring it out later. very specific ways of doing things http://florida.lexile.com. The Office makes reading a priority in Tuesday, January 3rd and For more information 5. Trouble understanding visual and becoming irritable when a Department launched the book Florida’s public schools and the from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm on about the Community images and spatial relationships or routine is disrupted. search earlier this year as a means community groups and volunteer Tuesday, January 10th, Service Foundation, please having vision problems. They may For information, call the Florida to match a child’s reading ability organizations that support them. 2012. contact their website at have difficulty reading, judging Gulf Coast Chapter of the with a book’s text complexity For more information about the By participating in the www.csfhome.org or via distance and determining color or Alzheimer’s Association helpline of using Lexile? measures. Lexile Just Read, Florida! office, visit Seminars and Workshops, telephone at 727-461-0618 contrast. What’s typical: Vision experts at 1-800-272-3900, available measures are the most widely http://www.justreadflorida.com/. participants will gain an Ext 3. changes related to cataracts. on 24-hours a day, 7-days a week. THE WEEKLY CHALLENGER, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2011 7 AFRICAN-AMERICAN CONSUMER REPORT 8 THE WEEKLY CHALLENGER, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2011 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 Sunday School 9:30 a.m. 2nd & 4th Sunday Worship Services ...... 10:00 a.m. Praise Time 10:45 a.m. Wednesday Prayer ...... 6:00 p.m. Bible Study ...... 6:30 p.m. Morning Worship 10:45 a.m. Mission Statement: Tuesday Night Live - Prayer Service & Bible Study 7 p.m. EV R AYNE HOMPSON Rev. Louis M. Murphy Sr. Impact the world by equipping believers R . D . W G. T , Come Worship With the First Baptist Family PASTOR Senior Pastor to reach the lost with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

If you are brokenhearted in spirit, unable to forgive, dealing with issues of love, anger, deception, betrayal, lied and cheated, and kicked to the curb. Tune into this weekly ST. JOHN MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH broadcast for an empowering and anointed word thru God’s Radio Angel and messenger. 3200 Fifth Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33712 Need Prayer: Call Matters of the Heart Unity Prayer Line ( Mon-Wed-Fri) (727) 327-1373 5:30 AM- 6:30 AM (ph# 1-641-715-3200) access code: 135478 ( hit # sign) Sunday Radio Broadcast: WNQM-1300AM ( Nashville, TN. ) 11:45 AM - 12:00 PM Live streaming audio ( www.wwcr.com) click WNQM Early Morning Worship ...... 7:30 a.m. Thursday Nights: 9:15 PM - 9:30 PM ( EST) Sunday School ...... 9:30 a.m. Universal Christian Radio: www.universalchristianradio.com Saturdays: 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM ( EST) Matters of the Heart Radio & Connecting Point Morning Worship...... 11:00 a.m. Princess Denise Wright Radio Host / Ministries, Pastor Kisha Jordan, Radio Ministry Jackie Mc Gee Wednesday Bible Study & Prayer Meeting ...... 7:00 p.m. TV Personality ( Love, Joy, Peace & Holy Spirit Radio Ministry) Friday Prayer Meeting ...... 11:00 a.m. Email: [email protected]•727-289-2475 (bus) Rev. Norris L. www.mattersoftheheartministry.org Martin Sr. - Pastor “Raising A Standard For God’s People In God’s Church” “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalms 51:10

First Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church 1121 22nd Street South, St. Petersburg, FL 33712 (727) 327-8708 Sunday Worship Services . . . .8:00 and 11:00 a.m. Sunday School ...... 9:30 a.m. Prayer Meeting (Tuesday) ...... 6:00 p.m. Bible Study (Tuesday) ...... 7:00 p.m. Baptist Training Union (Sunday) ...... 4:00 p.m.

Rev. Wallace Elliott Sr. - Pastor “The Little Church Where Everybody Is Somebody”

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 Freewill Baptist Church Sunday School...... 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. 4116 34th Street South Sunday General Worship ...... 11:00 a.m. (727) 898-9407 Pinch A Penny Plaza Communion ...... First Sunday Pastor Minister Tyrone Ford St. Petersburg, Florida 33711 Sunday School...... 9:30 a.m. Sunday New Member Orientation...... 9:30 a.m. and 1st Lady Kadell Ford 727-258-4993 Morning Worship ...... 11:00 a.m. Wednesday Prayer Meeting...... 7:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. www.ufcfbaptistchurch.org 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. 20th Street Friendship Missionary Baptist Church Church Of Christ 3300 31st Street South 825 20th Street South St. Petersburg, FL 33712 St. Petersburg, FL 33712 (727) 906-8300 Home: 896-8006 www.fmbctheship.org Dr. John A. Evans, Bro. Robert Smith Pastor Sunday Morning Worship...... 7:45 a.m. Sunday...... 7:45 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. Worship “Serving and Saving Sunday Morning Bible Class...... 9:20 a.m. Sunday School...... 9:30 a.m. “Helping and Sunday Morning Second Worship...... 10:40 a.m. Healing” Ladies Bible Class Monday...... 7:00 p.m. Wednesday...... Noonday Bible Study and “Inspiring and Monday Evening Bible Class...... 7:00 p.m. Bread of Life; 7 p.m. Prayer and Bible Study Instructing” Wednesday Morning Bible Class ...... 10:00 a.m. Thursday...... 7 p.m. Youth Enrichment - Awana “Praying and Wednesday Evening Bible Class...... 7:00 p.m. Praising”

Prayer Tower Church of God in Christ Rev. Richard Jackson Elder Clarence Welch, Pastor and Rev. Henry Payne Elder Carson Skinner, Assistant Pastor HAS GOD CHOSEN YOU? 1137 37th Street South Co-Pastors Saint Petersburg, FL 33711 SAVED BY GRACE ALONE! (727) 321-0670 Women’s Growth Institute Southside Tabernacle Baptist Church, 3647 18th Ave. S. 327-9711 SERVICES holds Community Sunday Sunday School – 10:30 a.m. New Girl Scout Troop forming! Call for information. Bible Study (CBS) A. M. Service – 11:30 a.m. 1st & 3rd Saturdays YPWW (1st & 3rd Sunday) – 5:30 p.m. P.M. Service (1st & 3rd Sunday) – 6:30 p.m. SSTBC.org (website) Nov. - April 9:30 a.m. - Noon P. M. Service (2nd & 4th Sunday) - 5:30 p.m. Visit Studying Ephesians Tuesday Morning Prayer – 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. WRXB (1590 AM) - Sundays, 11 AM Childcare available Wednesday Prayer Service – 7:30 p.m. Us! Sunday Worship - 9:30 AM • Southside Institute of Biblical Studies - Wed. 7:30 PM for ages 2-6 Thursday Bible Study (for all ages) – 7:30 p.m. THE WEEKLY CHALLENGER, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2011 9 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 Mt. Zion Progressive St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church Missionary Baptist Church The St. Mark Missionary awesome gift, His son Jesus public are invited to study the Baptist Church, its pastor, the Christ. Bible with us and learn “Impact the world by New Year’s Day Service, 894-4311 for more information. Reverend Brian K. Brown, its Calendar for the Month of “What Baptists Believe.” equipping believers to reach the Jan. 1 at 10 a.m. We invite you, your family official staff of Deacons and December C hildren and Youth lost with the gospel of Jesus Sunday school classes will and friends to join us for weekly Trustees, and the entire con- Dec. 25 - Christmas Day- Ministry Meetings are held Christ.” start at 9 a. m. uplifting and spirit filled gregation, extends to the Special Church Services at every Monday at 6 p.m. Our Vision: “Bring about The Children & Youth worship services every Sunday, community at large, its wish 9:30 a.m. Children in the community effective change within the two Ministries want you to bring at 7:45a.m. & 10 a.m. Teen that there would be an over- Dec. 31 - Watch Night are welcome to join us. mile radius of our church.” your child to church on Watch Services are held every 2nd, 3rd flowing of God’s blessings Services at St. John M. B. Young Adult Ministry Pastor Louis Murphy and the Night for “OLD SKHOOL & 4th Sunday at 10 a.m. in the upon their lives. St. Mark is Church beginning at 10. every Monday from 6:30 p.m. entire Mt. Zion Family extend a PRAY GROUND” from 10 p.m. Youth Chapel. grounded in a Christ-centered Also at St. Mark … (Bible Study). special invitation to our friends – Midnight. Games, Fun and the Visit us on the web: mzpro- doctrine that has as its central Sunday School is held for Sunday School Teachers’ and family to participate in our WORD for elementary age gressive.org and like us on theme, a belief that we are a both children and adults of all Meeting is held every holiday celebrations. students. FACEBOOK for other ministry haven of hope, help, and ages. Sunday School starts Tuesday at 7 p.m. Holiday Service Schedule Is your child interested in activities and events. healing for a world hungering each Sunday at 9:30 a.m. All Senior Hour of Power Christmas Day Service at music? Try our Community Mt. Zion Progressive for and thirsting after the are invited to come out and Bible Study is held every 10 a.m. Marching Band and Flag Corp Missionary Baptist Church, enlightened word of God. At join us. Thursday at 9:30 a.m. Watch Night Service, under the direction of Bro. Deon 955 20th St. S. Phone: 727-894- St. Mark, we are Christians Baptist Training Union is Prayer Meeting and Bible Dec. 31 at 10. Bryant. Contact the church at 4311. www.mzprogressive.org. willing to work and partner in each Sunday at 5 p.m. Study every Thursday at unity, praising God for His Members and the general 7 p.m.

Elim Seventh-Day Adventist Church and School

The Elim Seventh-day Bible, write to Pastor Jim R. Every Tuesday morning at Adventist Church is located at Davis, 4824 2nd Ave. S. St. 10, the Elim Seventh-day 4824 2nd Ave. S., St. Petersburg, FL 33711. Adventist Church distributes Petersburg, Fl. 33711 (at the ELIM JUNIOR ACADEMY free food items to the corner of 49th Street and 2nd AND DAYCARE CENTER community. Everyone is Ave. South). The Elim Junior Academy welcomed, while the supplies RADIO MINISTRY and the Elim Child last. No income verification is Tune in to our weekly Radio Development Center are still needed, and no one is turned Broadcasts: (1) This We accepting students. Our warm away while there is food. Believe, which is aired every and family friendly environ- HOT LUNCH Saturday Mornings from 10:30- ment will provide the assurance Every Saturday afternoon at 11 and (2) Hope Faith & Truth, you need to be convinced that 1:30 p.m., a Free Hot Lunch is which is aired each Sunday Elim is the place for your child. served to members of the Morning from 10-10:30. Both Call 727-327-8651 today and community. This takes place at programs can be heard on Praise speak with our principal, Mrs. the Church facility. There are no 1590 AM and 96.5 FM WRXB, Lawanna McCoy, Ms. Delores restrictions as to who may or on the Web @ www.wrxb.us. Smith, or visit us at 4824 2nd come; the food is free to all who If you have questions about Avenue, South, St. Petersburg, have needs. Please feel free to any of the programs, or would 33711. stop by and have a meal with us! like to learn more about the FOOD DISTRIBUTION

Church News ADVERTISE YOUR due by 4 p.m. on CHURCH EVENT CALL FOR A QUOTE: Monday of each week 727-896-2922 10 THE WEEKLY CHALLENGER, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2011 COMMUNITY NEWS Cooking Tips For The Holidays

Caring (STATEPOINT) These own chili peppers. Forgo the broiler stash of extracts like cinnamon, cooking tips will help you to keep and opt for a gas stovetop, which vanilla, mint, and cherry on hand, for the the crowd pleased all season long: allows you to get close enough to the but be sure to wash your measuring • If you want to keep your flame to char the peel faster and spoons thoroughly between flavors. Soul friends and family safe, without prevent overcooking. Remember, candy making is a BY VIKKI T. GASKIN-BUTLER, M.DIV., PH.D. leaving your poultry and pot roasts • But be sure to cook with a blue precise science, so a gas stove, Charlie Brown asked, “Isn’t there anyone find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a dry, invest in an instant-read ther- flame. Ayellow flame indicates inef- which allows you to precisely who knows what Christmas is all about?” His manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a mometer. It’s the best way to tell ficient heating. Cooking with natural control temperature, is ideal. friend, Linus, responded with words from the multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and when meat is cooked to a safe gas is also a great way to save money • It may be too cold for barbe- New Testament book of Luke, Chapter 1: saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth internal temperature without over- during the holidays. Gas cooking is quing, but bringing a campfire inside 8 And there were in the same country shepherds peace, good will toward men (King James Version). cooking. 92 percent efficient compared to 32 makes for a fun activity that can abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by Linus reminds all of us that the Christmas • Using seasonal ingredients is percent when cooking with electric, involve your guests. Grab some night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, season is really about the birth of the Christ child. It the best way to ensure freshness and according to the Council for skewers and some Graham crackers and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and is a wondrous and awesome time of year. I pray that optimum taste. Online tools can help Responsible Energy. More informa- and make some stovetop s’mores. they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, we will remember the words stated in Luke, chapter you identify what’s in season in your tion can be found by visiting Be sure to supervise the little ones Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great 1, throughout this Christmas season and through region any time of year. When fresh www.comfortableresponsible.org though as a marshmallows can catch joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born 2012. God did an amazing thing by allowing God’s produce isn’t available, use and clicking on “cooking.” fire. this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ son to be born for us. Enjoy the miraculous gift of preserved fruits and vegetables. • Make candy at home! The The holidays are the time to the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall the Christ child. Merry Christmas. • Give your salsa dips an extra results will be far more delicious strut your stuff in the kitchen. So appetizing kick by roasting your than anything store bought. Keep a have fun with it! HOROSCOPES Dec. 22 - 28, 2011 governor’s suspension demand. the laws, constitution and very ARIES LEO SAGITTARIUS FAMU Call a family member and ask for advice. This week you're likely to notice that your rela- This week is better than last for financial Scott has taken the focus little respect for higher education You know the one to call --the same person tionship with your lover has been elevated into goals. Put on the thinking cap. Think about continued from front page away from the investigation. This in particular. who has been level headed in the past. Your a strong friendship as well. Play up the friend- money. There is a solution to money prob- Following the mansion rally, is not about Dr. Ammons, or Dr. The FAMU family has suc- head is not as level as it should be. Move ship side this week. Don't feel inhibited when the two of you are alone. Act and speak freely. lems hidden in the way you conduct your there was the very critical closed Julian White, but what happened cessfully beat back political sub- forward not on your own understanding. You will be pleasantly surprised at the recep- home life. Make the adjustment. Reap the meeting between Governor Scott to Robert Champion, and to terfuge spanning six decades. Allow advice to have a great affect on your tion your lover/pal gives you. reward. and Dr. Ammons. Also in the decisions. prevent it from reoccurring. There have been suggested VIRGO CAPRICORN meeting was former Senator Al Scott is the most unpopular mergers, closures and a host of TAURUS It is true that the universe provides but you are Think about small stuff. Be petty. Know that Lawson, BOT member Marjorie governor in the country and in schemes to dismantle the Your suspicions will give you misleading part of the universe and so you have to be a details are important. Look not at the bigger Turnbull and Scott’s top staffers. Florida history. With so little county’s number one HBCU. It’s provider for yourself this week. Willful activity information. Now is a time for trust. Base picture. Go to the trenches. Get fine points Reportedly a staffer was pacing is the key this week. Ego matters. Pursue it support, meaning 74 percent of nothing new, nor is the fight to the trust on the fact that nothing is in dan- taken care of. Step-by-step movement will saying, “ I told you not to do this.” ger. No matter what the outcome of current because you want it and are good enough to the people dislike him, did he prevent it. But the ministers, help with the grand designs that you are affairs you are going to come out wiser and get it. Make the changes necessary to add Scott meanwhile tried to expect to gain politically ? With alumni and the students without dynamism and excitement to life. seeking to manifest. better. convince Ammons that taking a numbers like that, it’s hard to fear or political agenda rallied for LIBRA AQUARIUS months paid leave with pay was muster support even if he were the institution and its mission. GEMINI You definitely need to ease up on your work Think hard about the nontraditional ideas more like a vacation. This was a right. Was it worth the sidetrack- The other universities players Ponder your intimate thoughts when you schedule and immerse yourself in some good that you have been percolating. Speak up. face saving effort for Scott no ing of a critical process to attempt were watching intently. feel that you would rather have stayed in quality quiet time. You have forgotten what it is There are others that may be thinking the bed. Treasure the remembered image of a like to relax hiding behind all those seeming doubt that didn’t work. Marjorie to gain political mileage? Who No one wants Rick Scott to friend and play the image over and over to necessities. Let it go. Smell the roses take a same thing but don't have the same Turnbull, a well-respected knows. As usual, Rick Scott pick their president. courage to say. You have more in common uplift your sleepy spirit. stroll in a real or imaginary garden. Chill! educator, former lawmaker and wants it his way, without compro- Gayle’s grandfather C B with the people you work with than you daughter of a University of CANCER SCORPIO think. There is strength in numbers. mise. That’s not how to govern Andrews, Sr attended FA&M Give yourself a break this week. Coast! You Your popularity is at a personal peak this week! Florida President, lit into Scott successfully. That’s not how you Normal School. She and her son Be sure to pick and choose among your social might not feel it but you are on the top of a PISCES telling him he was totally out of represent the people. are graduates of FAMU. engagements so that you gather the best from Others need you. Be a great listener this hill. You don't have to work to move forward. the most. Financial matters, along with family line and was over reaching. Dr. He keeps losing in the courts She is an Outstanding and week. Teach but don’t preach. Family mem- Just let your momentum carry you. Smile members, will stir your interests in feathering Ammons emerged saying he and now thankfully in an area Distinguished graduate who is a bers need a vision of the big picture. That’s and things will get done. Spend some time your nest. Your business sense will make the would honor the BOT decision. where he should never be allowed corporate and political media easy for you to give but use charm to give it. on the phone taking care of social obliga- most of an unusual opportunity. In your per- The BOT dismissed the tions and social diversions. sonal life, let your softer emotions speak. Be a cheer-giver. Expect nothing in return. to tinker. He has no respect for consultant in Tallahassee. STATE & NATIONAL NMSDC Names Toyota Motor Engineering Florida And Manufacturing Corporation Of The Year Unemployment Top Supplier Diversity Professional, Affiliate Council and Minority Businesses Also Honored Numbers Improved ATLANTA – The National service. They are: BY BRENT KALLESTAD creating some 700,000 new Minority Supplier Development Circle One, Inc., of Atlanta, ASSOCIATED PRESS jobs over a seven-year period Council, Inc.®, (NMSDC®) Georgia, in the category for busi- assuming he’d win re-election presented Toyota Motor nesses with sales less than $1 TALLAHASSEE (AP) - in 2014. Since taking office in Engineering & Manufacturing million; Way To Be Designs, Gov. Rick Scott and state January, the Republican North America, Inc. (TEMA) LLC of Hayward, California, labor officials are getting a bit governor has seen nearly with the prestigious among firms with $1 of cheerful holiday news with 107,000 new jobs created in “Corporation of the Year” award Providing a direct link Florida’s latest unemploy- the private sector while gov- at a black-tie awards banquet to between corporate America and ment report. ernment jobs continue to go cap its four-day conference and minority-owned businesses is State labor officials away at all levels local, state business opportunity fair in the primary objective of the reported Friday that unem- and federal. Atlanta, Georgia. National Minority Supplier ployment in the state fell four- The Scott administration NMSDC’s Corporation of Development Council, one of the tenths of a percentage point in Friday claimed that 120,000 the Year award is the most country’s leading business mem- NMSDC President Joset Wright (center) presents the November to 10 percent, its new jobs have been added sought-after honor for major cor- bership organizations. It was Corporation of the Year award to Shigeki Terashi, president lowest mark since May 2009. since the governor took office porations that are dedicated to and chief operating officer of Toyota Motor Engineering & chartered in 1972 to provide Scott campaigned on in January. improving the overall participa- Manufacturing North America, Inc. increased procurement and tion of Asian, Black, Hispanic business opportunities for and Native American suppliers The company led two modules contracts and the capacity to minority businesses of all sizes. Florida Bar in the global corporate supply of NMSDC’s Centers of handle more. The NMSDC Network includes chain. Excellence program – a network Active engagement with the a national office in New York “This recognition is reserved of regional business modules NMSDC network also con- and 37 Regional Councils across Getting Its First for corporations that fully comprised of corporate supplier tributed to TEMA’s selection as the country. There are 3,500 embrace the value that minority diversity/purchasing executives Corporation of the Year. The corporate members throughout Black President suppliers bring to the corporate and minority business enterprise company participates with the network, including supply chain,” said NMSDC (MBE) owners. The program NMSDC and its affiliate America’s top publicly-owned, TALLAHASSEE (AP) - Pettis is a trial attorney and President Joset Wright. uses NMSDC “best practices” councils, holding corporate privately-owned and foreign- The Florida Bar is getting has been practicing law since “Toyota’s commitment to for minority supplier develop- membership with 10 councils owned companies as well as uni- its first black president, 1985. He was elected to the supplier diversity and minority ment to enhance corporate and executive leadership roles versities, hospitals and other but he won’t take office bar’s governing board in 2005. supplier development is firmly supplier diversity processes and with four. TEMA’s senior execu- buying institutions. The until mid-2013. He chaired a bar committee embedded in the corporate build capacity for MBEs. To tives lead the company’s com- Regional Councils certify and The bar announced on that launched a program for culture. Its comprehensive, date, seven participating MBEs mitment to minority businesses match more than 16,000 Friday that Fort Lauderdale lawyers to teach civics world-class supplier diversity companies were awarded and shared internal best practices minority-owned businesses with lawyer Eugene K. Pettis won education to adults. process is worthy of replication.” business directly with Toyota. with their peers by speaking at member corporations that want by default because no other Pettis said the bar’s In winning the award, The automaker also sponsored eight events last year. to purchase their goods and candidate opposed him. He’ll challenge is to make it clear TEMA demonstrated a strong two companies in NMSDC’s Four top minority business- services. be sworn in as president-elect funding the judiciary is not an commitment to building capacity Corporate Plus¨ program, a es were recognized as National For more information about at the bar’s June 2012 con- option but essential. and capability of minority busi- special classification for Suppliers of the Year in recogni- NMSDC, call 212-944-2430 or vention, when Tampa lawyer Like most of state govern- nesses within their corporation minority businesses with proven tion of their business acumen visit the Web site at Gwynne Alice Young ment, the courts have had sharp and in partnership with NMSDC. success in executing national and excellence in community www.nmsdc.org. becomes president. budget cuts in recent years. THE WEEKLY CHALLENGER, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2011 11 COMMUNITY NEWS

COMMUNITY continued from front page cially beneficial this year was the separating of children and adults so that each age group could participate and be fully engaged in age- appropriate activities. The children had the options of decorating and making Christmas cards. They continued with activities like ornament making, Christmas cookie decorating, performing a Christmas Rap, singing carols and watching Christmas themed videos. Volunteers from Job Corp even donated their time in the nursery facility that was wonderfully filled with young children. Children who were 12 and up participated in the same activities as their parents. Adults and teenagers were able to fellowship with the different ministries offered at St. Mark, enjoy performances by the St. Mark Unity Choir and a mini-sermon by Pastor Brian K. Brown. After the families were reunited, everyone proceeded to lunch outside where ministry drawings, bouncy houses and kickball were all available for the families. Everywhere you turned was a smiling face, either from a St. Mark church member, a child or a parent. Soon after lunch was blessed and began, designated adopted families were called up to receive their gifts. The joy was in the giving as families were overwhelmed with surprise that their Christmas wishes had been answered. As a result, 95 children were blessed and St. Mark was blessed with a larger extended family. It is outreach efforts such as these that highlight the reason for the season: giving, sharing and caring. 12 THE WEEKLY CHALLENGER, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2011