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IMACH ARH 1, 211 OL 60NO.45 0 ENT S


74 Year Old Kills Man at


Jacksonville Beach
Robert Moore, 38, of Jacksonville
Beach, was shot and killed on Tuesday
by Vannie Collier, 74, also of
Jacksonville Beach.
SAccording to sources in the Hill neigh-
borhood, Vannie Collier fired several
shots during a confrontation with his
.. next-door neighbor, Robert Moore.
al o*-t.e.-: t More was on his bike when Collier shot
Vannie Collier, 74, Robert Moore, 38, him, according to a neighbor. In fact,
murder suspect killed
er t Collier's son took the gun from his dad
as he continued to shoot Moore, who was lying on the ground.
Even though it was reported that Moore had an extensive criminal record, neigh-
bors say that he had made a complete change with his life and do not know why
Collier shot him. They also told Linda Dayson that Collier has been pulling out
his gun for years. At one time, they say that the police was called and they emptied
all of the bullets from the gun and returned it to Collier, said a neighbor to Dayson.
Collier did not have a criminal history.
Even though neighbors are shocked about the killing, they said they knew both
men. Collier is a landscaper and Moore was a mechanic. Both were well liked.
Some neighbors are concerned about the immediate attempt to remove and transfer
properties that belong to Collier. They feel this is an effort to hide assets that a court
may wish to award to Moore's family because of his death.
Vannie Collier was taken into custody after the shooting and Moore was taken to
Shands Jacksonville Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.
Many of the neighbors are just wondering, "Why?"


Serena Williams Suffers

Health Scare
Serena Williams had to be rushed to a Los
SAngeles hospital to undergo emergency treatment
for a pulmonary embolism (bloodclot in the lung).
The condition can be life threatening in severe
cases but in Serena's case, everything was caught
in time and Serena is back at her home, resting.
Serena thanked everyone for their prayers and
stated she is hoping to be back to her tennis game
by early summer.
Serena has seen many comebacks including her
ferocious grunts and wardrobe changes. She also
suffered through the murder of her half-sister,
f Yetunde in 2003 and continues winning Grand
Slam titles, establishing herself as one of the great-
S est tennis players in history. This one is tough.

University Christian School Sued

The Chestnut Firm, Christopher Chestnut, principal, filed a
lawsuit Thursday against University Christian School regard-
ing the shooting death of 17 year old, Makia Ann Coney which
occurred on February 10, 2010.
Makia Coney, 17, was a student of University Christian
School and was shot once in the face and a second time in the
head. Her body was found along Powers Avenue about two
hours after she left the campus willingly with the two boys.
Makia Ann Coney, 17 Two days later suspects Charles Southern, 17 and Connor
Pridgen, 16, were arrested and charged as adults
in her murder. Both guns used to kill Makia were
found, one in Pridgens home.
Both Southern and Pridgen admitted to the mur-
der and is now serving a life sentence. The firm
S and Coney's parents feel the school did not play
Charles Southern, 17; Connor 1 their part in protecting Makia.
Pridgen, 16, at time of murder.
EARLY VOTING BEGINS MONDAY
Early voting for Jacksonville's First Consolidated Government Election will begin
Monday, March 7, 2011. Early voting is open Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to
6:00 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday 12 noon to 4:00 p.m. Early voting ends on
Sunday, March 20. Eligible voters may vote at any of the ten voting sites.


Possibility of No NFL Football
I Some season ticket holders are a little
worried that the pattern being set on the
rich getting richer is going too far when it
interferes with America's favorite sports -
football.
They players and the owners have until
midnight Friday to make a decision on
how the more than $9 billion a year will
be divided. The NFL made $9.3 billion in
2010. In the present deal, the owners get
$1 billion off the top before distributing
the rest to themselves and the players.
The owners now want an additional bil-
lion off the top, prior to distribution.
To make more money, the owners also want to eliminate two preseason games and
replace them with two regular season games. The players say that 18 regular season
games will be difficult for their bodies and overall health.
If there is not an agreement made between the owners and the players, it is possi-
ble that there will not be a season or that the season will begin late. However, if an
agreement is not made by midnight Friday, a labor committee of ten owners has the
power to vote whether or not to go forward with a work stoppage.

Breast Feeding Your Baby is Recommended
The First Lady Michelle Obama is encouraging that
women breastfeed their children. She continues her
emphasis on the fact that nursing is one way to help
reduce childhood obesity. The Obama administra-
tion has made several moves to gain more public
support for breastfeeding, including a push for flex-
ible workplace rules and a recent Internal Revenue
Service (IRS) ruling that will qualify breast pumps
and other nursing materials for tax breaks.
Reports show that children who are breast fed have
a lower tendency to be obese. Also, African
Americans have a lower rate for breastfeeding. Mrs.
Obama breastfed her youngest daughter Sasha. First Lady, Mrs. Michelle Obama

CBS NAMES NEW VP FOR NEWS
David Rhodes, CBS News president, announced
Thursday that Ingrid Ciprian-Matthews, born in the
Dominican Republic, as its vice president of news.
United Nations Association had said that the network
lags behind NBC and ABC on diversity in its top ranks.
Ciprian-Matthews is to coordinate all day-to-day news
Coverage, foreign and domestic. Rhodes said, that when
he joined the network last month, Ingrid immediately
impressed him as someone who could be a leader in "our
newsroom."
Ingrid will coordinate with all broadcasts on day-to-day
Ingrid Ciprian-Matthews coverage and news gathering decisions.

Willow Smith- Grown Too Soon?

Willow Smith appeared on Oprah and really disturbed
many viewers with her mannerism. Many said they did
not like the way she kept calling Oprah Baby and Girl.
Oprah is old enough to be her grandmother, said one, and
that Willow needs to speak like a child and show some
respect. There were also complaints about her neck and
eye rolling. They say she is cute but she should not
attempt to carry herself in such a manner, especially
when dealing with adults.
Those who have seen her on other shows, said that
Willow acted the same way on Ellen's show.
S*' B It is understood that she is striving to put on a good
Willow Smith, daugh- show with her music, but she is also a role model for
ter of Will and Jada other young children and that should not be forgotten.
Smith.

Lena Home's Items Sold in New York
The estate of actress/dancer/singer, Lena Home, who died last
May at the age of 92, placed about 200 items on sale at the
7 Doyle New York auction house Wednesday.
Items included some of her fancy gowns, jewelry, fine art and
books, as well as her reversable fur coat.


E ditorial....................A -2
Church....................A-3
Lifestyle..................A -4
State-National.................A-5
Entertainment ..............A-6
Prep Rap...........Section..B
Local.....................B -1
Columns..................B-2
Sports ................. B-4
Crime and Jusrice ..........A
Classified & Business... B-7


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THE STAR


MARCH 5, 2011


--CLARA JACKSON McLAUGHLIN MIKE BONTS, SPORTS EDITOR
OWNER/PUBLISHER RICKY McLAUGHLIN
LONZIE LEATH, RINETTA M. FEFIE
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Wat oAdetieCll 90,


I ne epubiican strategy

By Robert Reich, Robert Reich's Blog

The Republican strategy is to split the vast middle and working class pitting unionized workers against non-unionized, public-
sector workers against non-public, older workers within sight of Medicare and Social Security against younger workers who don't
believe these programs will be there for them, and the poor against the working middle class.
By splitting working America along these lines, Republicans want Americans to believe that we can no longer afford to do what
we need to do as a nation. They hope to deflect attention from the increasing share of total income and wealth going to the rich-
est 1 percent while the jobs and wages of everyone else languish.
Republicans would rather no one notice their campaign to shrink the pie even further with additional tax cuts for the rich mak-
ing the Bush tax cuts permanent, further reducing the estate tax, and allowing the wealthy to shift ever more of their income into
capital gains taxed at 15 percent.
The strategy has three parts.
The Battle Over the Federal Budget
The first is being played out in the budget battle in Washington. As they raise the alarm over deficit spending and simultaneous-
ly squeeze popular middle-class programs, Republicans want the majority of the American public to view it all as a giant zero-
sum game among average Americans that some will have to lose.
The President has already fallen into the trap by calling for budget cuts in programs the poor and working class depend on assis-
tance with home heating, community services, college loans, and the like.
In the coming showdown over Medicare and Social Security, House budget chair Paul Ryan will push a voucher system for
Medicare and a partly-privatized plan for Social Security both designed to attract younger middle-class voters.
The Assault on Public Employees
The second part of the Republican strategy is being played out on the state level where public employees are being blamed for
state budget crises. Unions didn't cause these budget crises state revenues dropped because of the Great Recession but
Republicans view them as opportunities to gut public employee unions, starting with teachers.
Wisconsin's Republican governor Scott Walker and his GOP legislature are seeking to end almost all union rights for teachers.
Ohio's Republican governor John Kasich is pushing a similar plan in Ohio through a Republican-dominated legislature. New
Jersey's Republican governor Chris Christie is attempting the same, telling a conservative conference Wednesday, "I'm attacking
the leadership of the union because they're greedy, and they're selfish and they're self-interested."
The demonizing of public employees is not only based on the lie that they've caused these budget crises, but it's also premised on
a second lie: that public employees earn more than private-sector workers. They don't, when you take account of their education.
In fact over the last fifteen years the pay of public-sector workers, including teachers, has dropped relative to private-sector
employees with the same level of education even including health and retirement benefits. Moreover, most public employees
don't have generous pensions. After a career with annual pay averaging less than $45,000, the typical newly-retired public
employee receives a pension of $19,000 a year.
Bargaining rights for public employees haven't caused state deficits to explode. Some states that deny their employees bargain-
ing rights, such as Nevada, North Carolina, and Arizona, are running big deficits of over 30 percent of spending. Many states that
give employees bargaining rights Massachusetts, New Mexico, and Montana have small deficits of less than 10 percent.
Republicans would rather go after teachers and other public employees than have us look at the pay of Wall Street traders, pri-
vate-equity managers, and heads of hedge funds many of whom wouldn't have their jobs today were it not for the giant taxpay-
er-supported bailout, and most of whose lending and investing practices were the proximate cause of the Great Depression to
begin with.
Last year, America's top thirteen hedge-fund managers earned an average of $1 billion each. One of them took home $5 billion.
Much of their income is taxed as capital gains at 15 percent due to a tax loophole that
Republican members of Congress have steadfastly guarded.
la l If the earnings of those thirteen hedge-fund managers were taxed as ordinary income, the revenues
generated would pay the salaries and benefits of 300,000 teachers. Who is more valuable to our
society thirteen hedge-fund managers or 300,000 teachers? Let's make the question even sim-
pler. Who is more valuable: One hedge fund manager or one teacher?
The Distortion of the Constitution
The third part of the Republican strategy is being played out in the Supreme Court. It has politi-
cized the Court more than at any time in recent memory.
Last year a majority of the justices determined that corporations have a right under the First
Amendment to provide unlimited amounts of money to political candidates. Citizens United vs.
the Federal Election Commission is among the most patently political and legally grotesque deci-
sions of our highest court ranking right up there with Bush vs. Gore and Dred Scott.
Among those who voted in the affirmative were Clarence Thomas and Antonin Scalia. Both have
become active strategists in the Republican party.
A month ago, for example, Antonin Scalia met in a closed-door session with Michele Bachman's
I o Tea Party caucus something no justice concerned about maintaining the appearance of impartial-
ity would ever have done.
Both Thomas and Scalia have participated in political retreats organized and hosted by multi-bil-
lionaire financier Charles Koch, a major contributor to the Tea Party and other conservative organ-
l* *A izations, and a crusader for ending all limits on money in politics. (Not incidentally, Thomas's
wife is the founder of Liberty Central, a Tea Party organization that has been receiving unlimited
corporate contributions due to the Citizens United decision. On his obligatory financial disclosure
a nd e o rg filings, Thomas has repeatedly failed to list her sources of income over the last twenty years, nor
even to include his own four-day retreats courtesy of Charles Koch.) Sometime this year or next,
n *S the Supreme Court will be asked to consider whether the nation's new healthcare law is constitu-
tional. Watch your wallets.
The Strategy as a Whole
These three aspects of the Republican strategy a federal budget battle to shrink government,
in l focused on programs the vast middle class depends on; state efforts to undermine public employ-
ees, whom the middle class depends on; and a Supreme Court dedicated to bending the
t IV Constitution to enlarge and entrench the political power of the wealthy fit perfectly together.

They pit average working Americans against one another, distract attention from the almost
unprecedented concentration of wealth and power at the top, and conceal Republican plans to fur-
ther enlarge and entrench that wealth and power.

What is the Democratic strategy to counter this and reclaim America for the rest of us?


Robert Reich is Professor of Public Policy at the University of California at Berkeley.


TUNE IN TO IMPACT LISTEN AND TALK
Monday, FM 105.3 -WJSJ 5:30 P.M.

Tuesday, AM 1360 WCGL 8:30 P.M.

Clara McLaughlin and IMPACT


5:30 p.m.-www.radiofreejax.com
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Call and Talk -Monday, 5:30 pm 904-854-8255
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.C HURCH G


____CHURCH *


Faith In Our Community

Schedule of Events and Services


CHURCH FELLOWSHIP WORSHIP MIN-
ISTRIES Join Bishop Bruce V. Allen and the Church
Fellowship Worship Ministries, March 9-13, as we cel-
ebrate our 13th Pastor and Church Anniversary. This
year's theme is "The Year of Turn-Around." You do not
want to miss this spirit-filled event with dynamic
speakers: Wednesday 3/9 7:00 PM Pastor Louis Fields,
Grace International Church Thursday 3/10 7:00 PM
Pastor Eugene Diamond, Abyssinia Missionary Baptist
Church Friday 3/11 7:00 PM Pastor Leofric Thomas,
Open Arms Christian Fellowship Saturday 3/12 9:00
am Men's Prayer Breakfast Bishop A.C. Richardson,
New Life Evangelistic Center Sunday 3/13 10:00 am
Apostle Fred Gooden III, Divine Influence Worship
Ministries Sunday 3/13 5:00 PM Bishop Allen T.D.
Wiggins, The Hope Church of Orlando. Saturday
events also include a Women's Luncheon at 1:00 PM
and youth activities at 5:00 PM. The church is located
at 8808 Lem Turner Road, Jacksonville. For more info
contact: 904-924-0000.
iI II


Ask Us About Our


If there had been a death
in your family yesterday,
what would you be doing
today?


Pre-Need


Fore-

)Thought


SFuneral


P planning
, r",, -IProgram


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Beware the idleness of March
Rev. James L. Snyder
I find it hard to believe March is here already. There was
January with nothing much to do and then February with too much
to do, now what do we do with March?
March is not winter and it is not spring. It is not cold and it is
not hot, so there is really nothing to complain about. The grass has
not yet grown so there is no mowing to do. And it is too early to
put in the garden.
The danger for the month of March is that it cultivates a cer-
tain sense of aimlessness in Yours Truly. I cannot help it, but some-
thing about the month inspires idleness, as if I needed any inspira-
tion along this line.
Staring out the window one lazy afternoon the Gracious
Mistress of the Parsonage snuck up on me and said, "Do you have
any plans for today?" Every husband knows when he is being set
up with a trick question. I am not sure where women learn this
kind of subterfuge or if they are born thusly equipped. I knew if I
said no, she would impose on me plans of her own. If I said yes,
she would ask the all-embarrassing question, "What?" At the time,
I had no answer in my mind. I was reveling in nothingness.
Making plans has a very nasty conclusion to it. Work. The
more plans you make the more work you end up doing. And I
knew my wife of almost 40 years is a celebrated master in the art
of planology. I believe she has a PhD in this discipline. She can
plan at the drop of a hat, which is why I have refused to wear a hat
for the last 20 years. Her favorite saying is, "Plan your work and
then work your plan." She always recites it with the biggest of
smiles flashed in my direction. Down through the years she has
made an art out of planning. She gets everything down she needs
to do and then begins working on prioritizing everything. She even
knows how long it will take to do each particular job.
My contention is this. Ajob that would take me three hours to
do she insists it can be done in 39 minutes. Where she gets this is
beyond me, but I sometimes think she is guessing at it. It takes me
37 minutes just to get in the mood to do anything.
My thought is simply, if I abstain from planning my work, I
have no work to do. I go by the simple rule that if it is not on my
personal to-do-list than I have nothing to do, which is A-OK with
me. "Do you have any plans for today?" my wife repeated.
Right on the spot, I tried to think up of something to do. But
as is normally the case with me, my "thinking-up-machine" was
not plugged in. My mind just went blank. I could not even think of
my name at the time. "Well, if you don't have anything to do this
afternoon I was thinking..."
My trouble always begins when my wife says, "I was think-
ing." She is a dangerous person to be around when she is thinking.
This is the reason why I keep my thinking to a bare minimum. I do
not want to inflict any danger on people around me. I wish she
would take more of that same attitude.
At the time, I was not in the mood to do any kind of physical
work. My physicality mode was at a minimum. What I wanted to
say to her was, "I was planning to go down the street and have a
hot fudge sundae." I almost said it but then bit my tongue because
I knew if I would say it, I would be the recipient of her ire. And her
ire does not go well with a hot fudge sundae.
It was the kind of day that a nice hot fudge sundae was on my
mind. Of course, you name the day and the time and I am ready for
a hot fudge sundae. Depleted of ideas I replied, "No, my dear, I
have no plans for the day." Smiling at me she said, "I was thinking
it would be a nice afternoon to go out for a nice hot fudge sundae.
What you think of that?" I did not have to think about that, believe
me. It is so nice when two minds merge into one blessed thought.
It does not happen often, but when it does, it is a wonderful thing
to experience.


Happy 52nd Birthday:
MS. PATRICIA J. JONES
"Color Girl"











March 5, 1959 July 29, 2010
~ ~
On this day God gave your family one
of the greatest gifts ever, "your life."
Although you left behind four lives,
Tara, Teebi, JJ, and Ibri to celebrate
today without you here,
the whole family miss and love you.


THE WOMEN'S CHORALE OF DOUGLAS
ANDERSON SCHOOL OF THE ARTS will hold a
donation only concert to raise money to travel to Chicago
to perform at the National American Choral Director's
Association Convention. After a three year process, the
women's chorale is one of only two women's high school
groups in the nation to be invited to attend. They have pre-
pared special pieces for the performance, including an orig-
inal piece. The Women's Chorale invites the public to their
performance and asks for support as they represent our city
and fine arts program in Chicago March 5, 2011 at 3:00
p.m. at the Riverside Presbyterian Church, located at
849 Park St., Jacksonville, FL 32204.

Listings are due the Tuesday before the next
issue. Email submissions preferred. Send to:
info@thefloridastar.com
00000000 0 00000000000 00***********
*ST. JOHN MISSIONARY BAPTIST.
:CHURCH MDG, FL. MUSICIAN NEED-.
:ED. PLEASE CALL: 904-272-5100 For:
Interview.
|.R.] .3 P.O3j..3 OOr3,-3,O.3..-r3.'3 O3O
I ls~ V ss~ I~ssi Io


SThe Church Directory
"Come and Worship With Us"

New Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church
1824 Prospect Street Jacksonville, FL 32208
Sunday School ..................................9:30 a.m.
Sunday Morning
Intercessory Prayer....................10:45 a.m.
Morning Worship ......................11:00 a.m.
Youth Church
2nd & 3rd Sundays (Old Sanctuary)
Tuesday Pastoral Bible Study ................ 7:00 p.m.
Rev. Joe Calhoun, Pastor Emeritus
(904) 764-5727 Church ,

Historic Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church
Sunday
W orship Service .............. ................. 10:00 a.m.
Church School .............. ....... ............. 8:30 p.m .
Wednesday
"Glory Hour" Bible Study .............. ........... 10:00 a.m.
"Jehovah Jireh" Bible Study .............. ......... 6:30 p.m.
2nd & 4th Thursday "Young at Heart Ministry .......... 10:00 a.m.
Friday
Joy Explosion M ministry ........................... 6:30 p.m .
201 East Beaver St. (904) 355-9475
Rev. F.D. Richardson Jr., Pastor

GREATER EL-BETHEL DIVINE HOLINESS CHURCH
"The Church Where Everybody Is Somebody"
Bishop Lorenzo Hall., Pastor
Street Address: 723 W. 4th St. Jacksonville, Florida 32209
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 3575, Jacksonville, Florida 32206
Church Telephone: (904) 359-0661 Home: (904) 358-8932 Cell: 710-1586
Sunday School............................ ........................................ 9:30 a.m .
M morning W orship...... .................... .............................................. 11:00 a.m .
Tuesday...............................................Prayer M meeting & Bible Study,7:00 p.m.
Thursday..... ........................ ...................................Joy Night,7:00 p.m.
"Email: Gospell75@aol.com
Website: Greaterelbethel.org


Payles ChapelA.M.E. Church
22i11i lih.ni' Street, P.O. Bo'\ '5"S Biiiun,\ick i 21i
.... (912 1 261 955?
F R:" ,v. Richard /liih1 r.'i, [',iA..,
SWorship Opportuntities:
I n Sunday C hin 'l c I ^ n
A L tc t lI.,lr, ll-- \| ii c'" 15 III 55

i lu c .t Srud,, i \\cckl'. Bilic SIJtud,,
SM ,,ndii Ni,,t. 8:30p.m.
Join Us as We ii i/h, if. ,,I of God and Enrich Our Souls!


i& Central Metropolitan C.M.E. Church
4611 North Pearl St., Jacksonville, FL 32206
Ofe (904) 354-7426 Fax (904) 354-0934
Rev. Clarence Kelby Heath, Pastor
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, and of the Son, and
of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have
Commanded yovnu and. In. aIm with vyou h1--, a i i n unt,, t& .n ,,d 4it.


JACKSONVILLE FL
(AREA DEATHS)

AARON, Annie, 94, died
February 27, 2011.
ANTAL, Deborah, died
February 27, 2011.
CARTER, William
Robert, 57, died February
27, 2011.
CORONEAS, Henry,
died February, 22, 1022.
HARTSFIELD, Grace,
49, died February 27,
2011.
HOLDEN, Kimberley
Lynn, 48, doed February
25, 2011.
JACKSON, Lula Mae,
died February 24, 2011.
JONES, Burnell, died
February 27, 2011.
KING, Diana Lynn, 52,
died February 25, 2011.
LUENSE, Jerry Arthur,
50, died February 26,
2011.
MARTIN, Roy E., 72,
died February 26, 2011.
McSWAIN, Leon, 69,
died February 25, 2011.
McKINNEY, Lynn


Jackson, 60, died
February 26, 2011.
NELSON, James L., 65,
died February 27, 2011.
PRESCOTT, James
Larry, died February 26,
2011.
RABON, Vanessa L., 40,
died February 24, 2011.
ROBINSON, Emma,
died February 27, 2011.
SAMPSON, Catherine,
died February 18, 2011.
STEPHENS, Tony, died
February 27, 2011.
YAWN, Ora Belle
"Billie" Jernigan, 78,
died February 25, 2011.

GEORGIA DEATHS
BLATZ, Robert Charles,
75, died February 27,
2011.
CAUSEY, Lila Burnice,
56, died February 28,
2011.
CHAMBERS, Meloni
Eve Leggett, 53, died
February 23, 2011.
WALKER, Wilma M.,
82, died February 27,
2011.


Thirty-nine minutes later, we were sitting across from each
other enjoying a most delicious hot fudge sundae. I finally looked
over at her, smiled and said, "You know, this was the best thought
you've had in a long time." She smiled and continued enjoying her
hot fudge sundae.
I could not help thinking about a verse in the Bible. "For I
know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD,
thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end"
(Jeremiah 29:11 KJV).
Sometimes people have the idea that God's thoughts about
them are harsh and judgmental. The reality is, God has good
thoughts toward us, thoughts of peace. We underestimate the grace
and love of God available to us through the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Rev. James L. Snyder is pastor of the Family of God
Fellowship, 1471 Pine Road, Ocala, FL 34472. He lives with his
wife, Martha, in Silver Springs Shores. Call him at 352-687-4240
or e-mail jamessnyder2@att.net. The church web site is
www.whatafellowship.com.


ll world. Amen." Mathew 28:19-20
world.AAmen."Mathew 28:19-20


S" r
(Temporary services held)
623 Beechwood St., Jacksonville, FL 32206
Sunday School.......10:00 a.m. ~ Sunday Worship .......11:00 a.m.
Every 5th Sunday Friends and Family Day
Wednesday Bible Study 7:00 p.m.
Direct Phone: 904.866.7047 Office Phone: 904.356.4226
Seeing Beyond The Lifestyle To Save A Life


Tune In To


Clara McLaughlin
Host


Yvonne Brooks
Co-Host


IMPACT


Tuesday and Thursday

from 8:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.



WCGL*AM 1360

The Florida Star and Impact
Striving To Make A Difference!





MARCH 52011


THE STA R


PAGE A-3




A4 M K


THE STAR


MARCH 5, 2011


-Z LIFESTYLE *
Socially Speaking
By Betty Asque Davis / Photos by J. Carl Davis, Sr. (Unlessotherwise specified)

"There's Always Something Happening On The First Coast"
THE 83RD BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION FOR
ie ..THOMAS L. GARY


Mrs. Ray Gary, Ms. Raechelle Gary
Birthday Honoree Thomas Gary


and


On your birthday, you might feel extra special. The family of Thomas L. Gary
made sure his birthday was extra, extra special when more than one hundred (100)
invited friends, relatives and well wishers gathered at the OMNI Hotel recently to
highlight and honor him.
The elaborate dinner event. Hosted by Mr. Gary's lovely and adoring wife of
fifty-four (54) years, Mrs. Raye Gary, brought together The Gary's family members
and friends from the Jacksonville community and beyond. Guests represented mem-
bers of their Faith Based Organizations, Fraternal Orders, Civic and Social organiza-
tions along with Military Retirees.
Following a delicious and bountiful dinner, a 'Surprise Roast' was presented,
depicting Mr. Gary's Life Journey. Serving as Toast Master for the evening
was.Charles T. Maxwell. 'Toasters included: Ms. Raechelle Gary Sheppard, 2nd
Class Petty Office, U.s. Navy and granddaughter of the Honoree; Glenn Taylor, U.S.
Navy (Retired), representing Mr. Gary's Retired Military Partners; Past Grand Master
Henry Simmons, representing the Honoree's Masonic Family; Reverend Odell Smith,
Pastor, Second Missionary Baptist Church; Minister Will Simmons, Second Baptist
Missionary Baptist Church; Mrs. Ruby Brown, District Six, Second Missionary
Baptist Church; Dr. Norma Solomon White, Past International President, Alpha
Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated; Mrs. Wilma Lauray, a long time family friend;
and Mrs. Gertrude H. Peele, State Convener, National Council of Negro Women and
Associate Men, Florida Community Based Sections. The J. C. Sams Male Chorus
sang an inspirational selection dedicated to Mr. Gary.
You deserve the best birthday on Earth.
Not to mention the moon, the stars, and the universe.
You're pretty special every day.
Happy Birthday Mr. Thomas Gary!
Lloyd Washington provided photos from the Celebration.


The Family-Mrs. Chris and Cliff Jones, Ms. Raechelle, Mrs. Raye and Thomas Gary


V 4



Mrs. Gertrude Peele Ms. Raechelle
Granddaughter


Dr. Norma Solomon White makes presentation to Thomas Gary.


i h


Charles Maxwell and Minister Will Simmons Retired Navy Chief- Glenn Taylor

FAMU Officially Opens One of its State-of-the-
Art Science Facilities, Jones Hall

There may been a chill in the air and an overcast over Florida A&M
University (FAMU), but that did not stop FAMU's Board of Trustees, administrators,
faculty, and students from celebrating the official opening of Jones Hall.
"It is an honor to be here to officially recognize the reopening of another
campus building," said FAMU President James H. Ammons.
Ammons shared with the audience that he remembered when he was a
student taking classes in Jones Hall.
"I remember when I took classes in Jones Hall," said Ammons. "This build-
ing has meant so much to FAMU and students who have gone on to be leaders in
science, technology and mathematics. I'm proud of this renovation. I will continue
to support the programs of Jones Hall because they support the mission of the uni-
versity. Here we are today with a newly renovated state of the art Jones Hall."
Jones Hall houses the Departments of Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
The renovation of Jones Hall included a complete interior renovation and modern-
ization of all spaces, which included updated classrooms, teaching and research
laboratories, offices, conference rooms, restrooms, a darkroom and a greenhouse.
Jones Hall was constructed in 1953 and renovated in 1974 and 1993.
"Students have come into this building to enhance their science studies,"
said Provost Cynthia Hughes Harris. "This facility will provide our students and
future students with a strong learning environment. FAMU is dedicated and ready
to serve."
Dianna Martin, a senior biology pre-med student from Boca Raton, Fla.,
expressed her excitement about the newly renovated Jones Hall.
"I lived in the Jones Hall," said Martin. "I spend a lot time in Jones Hall
studying and conducting research. A lot of times we conduct research with bacte-
ria and viruses. Now we have the latest equipment to ensure that we are getting
the best learning experience. Everything is readily accessible. It is so wonderful
to have the latest technology. It is great to be able to compete with students from
other universities as well as for the University to recruit some of the best and
brightest students."
After graduation, Martin plans to go to medical school to become an infant
cardiologist.
"This building is a gateway for all FAMU students," said Dean of the College
of Arts and Sciences Ralph Turner. "Jones Hall has been held at high regard and
its students can be transformed to scientist, science teachers and dentists. FAMU
is a growing institution. This is a good sign for the future of the university."


*EIFhll kLIyou l 1Ifor sh Laring IIyour'events and stori e s forM( tUhe cl umn I]11111eachw eekB Beca'u seTlk ofLNhyollu readers are there I w~fl'ithIIyoulleach w eekB For col u m n]11111entries M you~Ll
ma onat edietl t 0-51112 Tl Fe Fx86-88607o b -mi a:baai*watoneatyorpc SE OUIN THE PAPER I


PAGE A-4


The Thomas Garys


k-a


.


Rev. Odell Smith, Pastor, Second
Missionary Baptist Church


Ms Raechelle Gary with her grandpar-
ents Mrs. Raye and Thomas Gary



LU 7!


ill


11








MARCH 5,2011 THE STAR PAGE A-S


Jose Baro of Lyons, GA is hiring
44 temporary Farm Workers
needed from 4/1/2011 through
6/15/2011, @ 40 hrs. per week.
Duties include; clipping, bag-
ging, harvesting, loading and
unloading of Vidalia Onions.
Wage is 9.11 per hr. or the pre-
vailing wage rate. Minimum
guarantee of 3/4 of total hours
offered. Employer furnishes work
tools, supplies and equipment.
Free housing is provided for
workers that cannot reasonable
return home at the end of the day.
Transportation and subsistence
expenses provided when comple-
tion of 50% of work contract.
INTERESTED WORKERS
SHOULD APPLY AT THE
NEAREST GEORGIA DEPART-
MENT OF LABOR OFFICE
AND PROVIDE THE OFFICE
WITH A COPY OF THIS
ADVERTISEMENT. REFER-
ENCE JOB #GA 7916391
Margarita Cadenaw of Lyons,
GA. is hiring 140 temporary
Farm Workers needed from
3/25/2011 through 5/15/2011, -
40 hrs. per week. Duties include;
clipping, bagging, harvesting,
loading and unloading of Vidalia
Onions. Wage is 9.11 per hr. or
the prevailing wage rate.
Minimum guarantee of 3/4 of
total hours offered. Employer fur-
nishes work tools, supplies and
equipment. Free housing is pro-
vided for workers that cannot rea-
sonable return home at the end of
the day. Transportation and sub-
sistence expenses provided when
completion of 50% of work con-
tract. INTERESTED WORKERS
SHOULD APPLY AT THE
NEAREST GEORGIA DEPART-
MENT OF LABOR OFFICE
AND PROVIDE THE OFFICE
WITH A COPY OF THIS
ADVERTISEMENT. REFER-
ENCE JOB #GA 7916388


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Christopher Martin of Hawkinsville, GA. is hiring 3 temporary
Farm Workers needed from 3/7/2011 through 12/30/2011, @ 40
hrs. per week. Duties include; clipping, bagging, harvesting,
loading and unloading of Vidalia Onions. Wage is 9.11 per hr. or
the prevailing wage rate. Minimum guarantee of 3/4 of total
hours offered. Employer furnishes work tools, supplies and
equipment. Free housing is provided for workers that cannot rea-
sonable return home at the end of the day. Transportation and
subsistence expenses provided when completion of 50% of work
contract. INTERESTED WORKERS SHOULD APPLY AT THE
NEAREST GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF LABOR OFFICE
AND PROVIDE THE OFFICE WITH A COPY OF THIS
ADVERTISEMENT. REFERENCE JOB #GA 7915407


Down to Business


Andy Johnson


Aaopt-A-ivlanatee Ior Easter
Easter baskets often brim with chocolate eggs and jelly beans. Be sure to leave some room
for a Florida manatee! Gift adoptions from Save the Manatee Club can add a new personal,
caring touch to those old Easter basket favorites.


donate 10% of my paid Subscription to the non-profit organization listed


Please send my Paid Subscription to:

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CityhW
city


State


Zip Code


Name of Organization for Donation:


A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE
( ) 6 Months $22.00
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SEND TO: The Florida/Georgia Star
Post Office Box 40629
Jacksonville, FL 32203-40629
www.thefloridastar.com


Cash, Money
Order, Check,
PayPal, and/or
Credit Card
Accepted


;a~d r;":x I ~rx.T-


MARCH 5, 2 Oll


THE STAR


PAGE A-5







PAGE A-6 THE STAR MARCH 5,2011


Once you know, there's


only one place to go.


Perhaps you've been running all over town to save

a little bit here and a little bit there. When all the

time, you could save just as much at Publix, and


enjoy the shopping

got you covered. G

now to make plans







tvr to s


experience, too. So relax-we've

o to publix.com/save right

to save this week. A


ave


VVe ill-.:i error, lll' 2 out c' e .ir 3
Ie tif rii .. e i e i .
Get o Free ;-eco n-.:1 pinIInIon oC,
,,c u tow ietfuri i'.llth Seconrd:i Look
Re le..

H&R BLOCK"
NEVER SEILE FOR LESS"
5751 Main Streel North. Suile 104
481h and Main
904-791-9240
1702 Main Streel Norlh. Suile 1C
Goffin Building
904-353-8835
2261 Edgewood Ave. Suile 3
Edgewood and Avenue B
904-766-3756


FOR CITY COUNCIL AT LARGE GROUP 5

www.robinrukab.com
Political Advertisement Paid For & Approved By Robin Rukab, Republican, For City Council At Large Group 5.


Ir.____i


here.


INVITATION TO NEGOTIATE

The First Coast Workforce
Development, Inc., (DBA
WorkSource), will release an
Invitation to Negotiate on Monday,
March 7, 2011 for Hosted VOIP
Telecommunication Solution &
Services to be performed April 1,
2011 through June 30, 2012 with an
annual option to renew for up to 4
additional years.
A copy of the request will be available
beginning Monday, March 7, 2011at
http://www.worksourcefl.com/partner ven-
dor/requestforproposals.aspx or at 1845
Town Center Blvd., Suite 250,
Fleming Island, FL 32003. For addi-
tional information contact: D.
Nevison 904/213-3800, x-2010.
DEADLINE TO SUBMIT 2:00 PM
(EST), Friday, March 18, 2011.


Public Service Announcement from
State Representative Mia L. Jones,
District 14


oed Your


Di ers License


Sfnstated?


Do you have traffic citations? Is your license suspended?
If you received a third driving while license suspended violation before July 1,2010,
you MAY be eligible to have the Habitual Traffic Offender status removed.
The deadline is June 30,2011 to apply.

For more information contact:
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
(850)617-2553


PAGE A-6


THE STAR


MARCH 5, 2011


j





MARCH 5,2011 THE STAR


Iec L i Ps 19Ain Ame rcn History Program


Program 19 February 2011 Theme "The Right To
Fight"time period 1942 1950. Honores represented
all branches of the military that served during WW-2
Mr. Eugene Sawyer, 88, served in the Army 1942-
1945 ,in China, Burma,India as a construction special
es building roads and bridges.
Mr. Freddie Tyson, 85, served in the Navy 1942-1944,
as a boat-sen mate was station in Pearl Harbor during
the attack on Hawaii
Mr. Alfa Ganious, 88, served in the Marine Corps as a
original Montford Pointer 1942-1945 as a cook in the
pacific islands campaign obtaining the rank of Ssgt.
Mr. William Surcey, 89, served with the Tuskegee
Airman as a mechanic 1942--1945. Obtained the rank
of Sgt. Brig Gen.
Mary Epps retired National Guard represented the
Woman in the Military
Mr.Walter Morris, 90, the first Black paratrooper
served withe the 555th Parachute Battalion, better
known as the (Triple Kickles) Mr. Morris, stayed in the
Army from1942-1946 obtaining the rank of LT.
The above WW-2 honors were presented a gift as
a token and rites of passage for their sacrifice, humili-
ations and hardships suffered as pioneers In the fight
for the Right to Fight in the U.S. Military.
The presenter who gave out presentations of some
of the horrible conditions that was endured from 1942-
1950 by all branches of the military and presented the
gift to their respective pioneer branch requesting the
rites of passage for the future.
Presenters:
U.S Army retired Sgt. Joe Tillmon, U.S.Marine
Corps retired MSgt Ronald Jackson, U.S Navy retired
Lt. Commander Clarence Richardson, U.S. Air
Force retired MSgt Willie Simpkins, Woman in the
military retired Lt. Commander Cheryl Age, and Mr.
Stephen Lawrence served as a mechanic with the
Tuskegee Airman gave remarks.
The joint military family of Montford Point
Marines Ch#29, Buffalo Soldiers Riding Club, VFW
Post #4761, American Legion Post # 197, 40/8, all unit-
ed for this celebration. Retired USMC GySgt Tammie
Wells narrated the program.

Biographyfor William Surcey
William Surcey was born in Jacksonville, Florida to
Will and Maggie Surcey. He was educated in the Duval
County Public School system and graduated from
Stanton High School's class of 1939. He was awarded
the honor of Eagle Scout during his time in the Boy
Scouts. He began his formal education at Tuskegee
University (at that time, named Tuskegee Institute)
located in Tuskegee, Alabama. While a sophomore,
Surcey applied to become a member of the 99th fight-
er squadron (later called "The Tuskegee Airman"). He
trained, worked and traveled with the Squadron to Italy
and at the end of his service, had the rank of Master
Sergeant. In 1944, he was awarded the Bronze Star
Medal. He returned to Tuskegee earning a degree in
Auto Mechanics. In 1947, while at Tuskegee, Surcey
met Future Trammell, his college sweetheart and in
1948 she became his wife. They settled down in
Jacksonville, Florida where they started a family of
three daughters, Melody Surcey (deceased 1990),
Renee Surcey (Jacksonville, FL), and Katherine Surcey
(Jacksonville, FL). Surcey owned a business, "Bill's
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Service" and
worked with the United States Postal Service retiring as
a USPS Supervisor after 30 years. He has been a faith-
ful member of Saint Paul A.M.E. Church for 91 years.
Since retirement he spends quality time with friends
and family and continues his work with various organ-
izations, including, the Tuskegee Airman, The
Jacksonville Chapter of the Tuskegee Alumni
Association, The Boy Scouts of America, Kappa Alpha
Psi Fraternity, and David Dwight Boy Scout
Committee, to name a few. In March 29, 2007, the
Tuskegee Airmen were awarded the Congressional
Gold Medal of Honor.

THE

*FLORIDA" STAR


904-766-8834


Gs rU.S. Army Staff Sgt retired Joe Hotwing Tillmon and
Guest of Honor Stephen Lawrence Tuskegee Airman Eugene Sawyer


USAF Willie Simpkins retired and William Surcey
Tuskegee Airman
Biography for Brigadier General (ret) Mary Ann
Epps is the former Assistant Adjutant General of the
State of Connecticut Air National Guard and Director
of the Joint Staff Project for the Connecticut Military
Department. She retired from the Connecticut Air
National Guard in 2002 with 26 years of military serv-
ice. She is the first African American and the first
female to attain the rank of Colonel and Brigadier
General in the history of the Connecticut Air National
Guard. She is also the first African American and
female to become an Assistant Adjutant General and
Commander of any state Air National Guard. During
her years in the Air National Guard, she held the posi-
tion of head nurse; she was the hospital commander for
6 years. She was also a member of the Connecticut
Governors' military staff. Brigadier General Epps was
previously an Air National Guard Advisor to the
Commandant of the Defense Equal Opportunity
Management Institute (DEOMI) at Patrick Air Force
Base. She provided guidance to the Commandant on
Air National Guard matters, managed the Reserve
Component Course and represented DEOMI at Air
National Guard Meetings. She assumed the responsi-
bility of acting commandant when required. While sta-
tioned at Patrick, she gained an extensive background
in equal opportunity management and diversity. She
has played a leading role in the implementation and
monitoring of equal opportunity and diversity pro-
grams for the military. This included but was not limit-
ed to serving as an adjunct instructor for the
Department of Defense mobile training teams which
traveled across the country.
BG Epps, a registered nurse, recently retired from
Wuesthoff Health Systems Melbourne, Florida as a
Perioperative Nurse. While at Wuesthoff, she was
selected as an employee of the month. She was also
one of the staff members chosen to represent
Wuesthoff Health Systems in their medical advertise-
ments. In Connecticut, she was one of the first
Perioperative nurses to become certified in the special-
ty of Perioperative nursing and she has maintained her
certification for 29 years. During her 45 years in nurs-
ing she has held administrative positions to include
assistant director of a ten room trauma operating room;
Perioperative nurse manager in two medical centers
and an educational coordinator in two medical centers.
She was responsible for developing and teaching a post
graduate Perioperative Nursing Program for two med-
ical centers. She is licensed in three states.
She is the recipient of numerous awards and contin-
ues to be recognized for her leadership and achieve-
ment in both military and civilian arenas. BG Epps is a
managing partner and instructor with Behavioral
Interventions First in Titusville, Florida and an associ-
ate with the consulting group of Souder, Betances and
Associates, Inc in Chicago, Illinois. Currently she is a
guest lecturer for DEOMI at Patrick Air Force Base, a
volunteer with American Cancer Society and a Triple
Touch instructor.


U.S. Marine Corp Master Sgt. retired Ron Jackson
Alpha Gainous


U.S. Navy Lt. Com. Clarence Richardson retired and
Freddie Tyson


U.S. Navy Lt. Com. retired CherylAge and Mary Ann
Epps


walter Morris


LOCAL


SECTION B


Q 4 I

THE GE IA STAR
I ^ ^r s3 ^r r3


I FLORI A I


MARCH 5, 2011


THE STAR














By: Lucius Gantt
When a marriage or relationship ends men and men
oftentimes do two different things.
Many men will go straight to the liquor store, or some
other place, and get them an intoxicant and a lot of women
will run to the church.
I know you don't like for me to say this but it's true. The
men are doing something more Christian or Christ-like than
the women are.
Can I prove it? Yes!
The men like to party, so to speak, when times get diffi-
cult. They will pop some wine bottles, call some of the boys
and drink the night away and for a moment, at least, they will forget about the
woman that doesn't want to be with them.
The church women love grape juice and soda crackers but the men, just like
Jesus, have no problem taking a swallow or two of good wine. If you don't know,
Christ's first miracle was turning water to wine at a wedding party.
And, at the last supper, wine was passed around to everybody in attendance. The
devilish Biblical haters were after Jesus and Christ chose to hang out with his boys
and have a drink.
Unlike the women of today, Christ didn't run to a church because he knew most
of the churches in Biblical days were just like some churches are today, dens of idol
worshipers, houses of hypocrites and temples of thieves!
Am I being too harsh? Perhaps I am. But too many people in today's churches
praise the preacher instead of praising God. They want to please the Deacons,
Stewards, Mothers and Stewardesses more than they want to please The Lord and
much more than they wanted to please their man..
No disrespect intended and I'm fully aware that there are good people every-
where. They are hard to locate but there are some good people in the church.
But in the Biblical days when Jesus went looking for his Disciples and other
righteous followers, he didn't look for them in the usual houses of worship, he
found his most ardent followers in the streets. They were fishermen, carpenters,
hustlers and ordinary people.
The lying men and women you meet in Bible Study are not much different than
the lying baby daddys and baby mamas you meet in the club or on the street cor-
ner.
No, running to the church doesn't impress me. If you want to run somewhere,
run to the truth! I encourage you to run to justice, run to peace, run to equality, run
to fairness, run to compassion, run to respect, run to faithfulness, run to loyalty, run
to honesty!
If you want God's blessings you should do what God wants you to do. Stand up
like Jesus did. Speak out like Jesus did. Feed the hungry like Jesus did. Help the
sick and downtrodden like Jesus did. Don't just sit around with a cardboard fan ten
or twenty times a year and say Amen!
I'm not going to criticize anybody for being a church usher or singing in the
choir. But I am going to criticize people that run to the church and run away from
the truth!
Christ threw the money changers, also known as beast bankers, out of the tem-
ple but when church money is embezzled or mismanaged, the women of the church
don't say a mumbling word!
Yeah, the brothers have it more right than not. The guys shouldn't get sloppy
drunk and try to drive home but it's OK to get a little buzz before or after your
woman leaves you or someone nails you to the figurative cross.
Ladies, you can go to church to fellowship or praise but instead of running to
degenerate Deacons or the pathetic preachers and claiming you should be honored
for doing something good or that going to church in itself now makes you a "good
woman", you should be running to God and running to do God's will.
Or you can always join the boys for a taste of wine!
When times get hard or relationships end, don't get drunk or look for help from
false prophets. What you should do is look at yourself and look to God.

(Become a fan of The Gantt Report on Facebook. Buy Gant's book "Beast Too:
Dead Man Writing" and contact Lucius at www.alworldconsultants.net)


Announcements, meetings, happenings, and community events
scheduled in Jacksonville and the surrounding area.

THE FEMALE DR. PHIL, ANDI K., MA IS A LEADING PROFESSIONAL
IN SOCIAL EDUCATION AND CONSULTING. Please check out the latest
video additions on YouTube://www.youtube.com/user/AndiKConsulting. Her
areas of expertise include, but are not limited to: image consulting,
relationship/dating coaching, charm and etiquette, motivational speaking, and
editing. Send your feedback to 972.591.3883 (Phone) or
http://www.andikconsulting.comEvents
RITZ JAZZ & JAM RENE MARIE, on Saturday March 05, 2011 at 7:00 PM
Location: Ritz Theatre & LaVilla Museum, 829 N. Davis Street, Jacksonville, FL
32202. For more information call 904.632.5555
THE "AUNTIE ROZ PEANUT SHOW" will be in town for one week only,
March 7-11, at the Coleman Auditorium of Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist
Church.To learn more about "The Auntie Roz Peanut Show" visit auntieroz.com.
FREE CHOLESTEROL & DIABETES SCREENING: Screening will be held:
12:00 pm 5:00 pm on March 9 at Winn-Dixie Pharmacy, 7534 Beach Blvd.,
Jacksonville, FL. Phone: 800-713-3301
PEACHES TO THE BEACHES: vendors & spenders wanted 212-mile yard
sale culminates in golden isles, Marchll-12, located at 1118 Beaver St.
Performances are at 10 a.m.For more information on Peaches to the Beaches con-
tact Golden Isles Parkway Association at 912-375-5035 or visit
www.peachestothebeaches.com. To become a designated vendor in Brunswick,
contact GIAHA at (912) 262-6665 or info@goldenislesarts.org
MAYOR'S FISH-A-THON, at Hanna Park on Wednesday, March 30
10 a.m. For updates on the 2011 Mayor's Fish-A-Thon, call (904) 630-3690 or
email: events@coj.net


ULYSSES W. WATKINS JR., M.D.
SINGLE PARENT FAMILY
No matter what social economic bracket that you fit in
when one person has to manage a household which includes chil-
dren there's always a psychological and most times a financial
strain on the parent who has the responsibility. However, in most
cases even this is better than "staying together for the children's
sake", because constantly fussing and fighting are really confus-
ing to the children. Two people should be intelligent enough to
recognize and take steps to deal with their incompatibilities after
a trial time, in other words separating, with the understanding that the parent that leaves
also knows that leaving does not relieve he or she of the commitment to the well being
of the children in terms of visits and financial support. This agreement is better than a
person just leaving and nothing is heard from him until the children are "up some size".
The parent that remains at the home or has the responsibility of raising the child
or children should have or develop stamina to try and hold his or herself together so as to
be able to hold the family together.
In the case where one parent dies this may add and emotional strain on pre-school
children because he or she feels that they are personally responsible for their parents'
death.
If you are a single parent here are some suggestions worthy of your consider
tion.
1. Recognize that there is a separation or divorce that there might be
some increased anxiety and confusion among the children until
they are used to the idea.
2. Help the child see that he or she is not the cause of the separa
tion.
3. Try to control any bitterness that you may feel for your departed
mate particularly while in the presence of your child.
4. Always try to keep your child's love alive for your departed mate,
it will pay off in the end.
5. Don't use your child as an emotional outlet or use he or she to fill
the empty gap, do this through another person. Do not resort to
alcohol or drugs.
6. Give your child some of your free time but don't let he or she
take all of it because you need some time for social outlets for
yourself.
7. If you remarry let the new addition to the family know about the
problem that you have had with raising the children so that he or
she will not jump into a situation of surprises and create another
problem.
8. If you have pre-school children, a good nursery school with qual
ified programs and personnel should be considered.
9. All of your children should be made aware of the fact that you
and your mate are separated or divorced in a language that they
can understand. It is not a good idea to lie to them.
10. For yourself try and reach for happiness on your job, and most
importantly at home.
Raising a family with both parents is a big responsibility but with only one par-
ent involves a double responsibility. How you, the single parent perform can have much
to do with the outcome of your children's lives, so don't let them down.




By: Farris Long

As I meet people from all across the country, I hear one
consistent statement from almost every one of them. "I want to be
better." But, being better means TRUTHFULLY identifying what is
bad and being committed to the process of fixing it. And it is there
that most of us miss it because rather than accept that there are
things within us that need to be fixed in the battle for better, we take
the easy road and blame others. Or we acknowledge our issues but
then turn our attention to the issues of others so we leave no time to properly address our
own.
I think a man's failures in life are not so much a result of all his bad decisions as
they are a result of his failure to be consistent in the implementation of the good ones. I
have made many mistakes in my life. But as I look back over the bad choices I realize
that most of my bad decisions were a result of me being inconsistent with doing what I
knew to be the right thing. How often have you said to yourself, "I am going to work out
3 times a week" or "I am going to give more attention to my education," or "I need to cut
some people off from my life who are not good for me." only to find that you start off
well at it, and then before long you find yourself relenting on the decision for one reason
or another.
Usually we make these decisions as a result of "episodes" in our lives. But, when
we make decisions based on episodes, they are generally short lived. During those times
we are often drunk on our heightened emotions. But when the feeling wears off we go
tend to go back to our old state of mind because TRUE CHANGE is very uncomfortable.
If we were to stay the course and remain consistent in many areas of our lives,
how much further would we be. How much money would be in the bank right now if we
actually made our savings account a true savings account? How much more stable could
we be if we had an emergency fund that was truly for emergencies and not for that new
pair of Jordan's?
Let's get this straight. Consistency is not synonymous with convenience. In fact
consistency is never convenient. It requires sacrifice. Sacrifice means something has to
die. To do what is convenient satisfies in the moment. It addresses the now with no
thought for tomorrow. Marriages have been destroyed because someone satisfied a
moment with an affair rather than considering the future consequences of their actions.
Remember this, the actions of a moment are a seed that produces fruit that you
will eat from for a lifetime. Our society has trained us to go for the convenient and the
comfortable rather than face the challenge of being consistent. How many STD's or how
much baby momma drama would have been avoided if, both young men and women
remained consistent in keeping "IT" on lock?
My message today is very serious because it is a truth that the future of every
reader depends on. I used to run track. I ran the 400 relay, the 800 relay, and the 400
sprint. I wasn't the fastest but I was a strong runner. I remember winning a lot of races.
But I also remember that many of them that we lost were a result of someone stepping
out of our lane and being disqualified... or the baton being dropped. We were taught that
once you are in motion there is no looking back. Usually when we dropped the baton, it
was because we did not pass it the way we had been trained to pass it in practice.
Stepping out of our lane during a race was not only cause for disqualification, it was also


dangerous. It put the well-being of the people who were running their race in danger as
well. One man's inconsistency could have meant a trip to the emergency room for some-
one else who was simply running their course.
In this race called life, and in the battle to a place called better, our true enemy
is not the people around us that we call an enemy. It is our inconsistent choices and bad
decisions that we have embraced as a friend. It's your life...Make It Count.


"FC <5 907


PAGE B 2


THE









PAGE B-3 THE STAR MARCH 5. 2011_


PASTOR DR. MICHAEL J.T. FISHER

LEADS THE VOICES OF DESTINY TO GREATNESS!
By Rych McCain, feedbackrych@sbcglobal.net and Facebook Celebrity Interviews
Photos by Rochelle Porter for Peache' Photo Memories


When you meet him for
the first time, his sincerity and
genuine warmth comes across L
like potent serge of electricity.
But don't be fooled by his
humbleness! This meek man
is a mighty General leading an
army of disciplined, deter-
mined solders to greatness.
Dr. Fisher is the Pastor of The
Greater Zion Church of
Compton, California with a
membership of three-thou-
sand that conducts three serv-
ices every Sunday. He formed
a concert gospel choir called
The Voices of Destiny who
were crowned "Best Church
Choir In America" at the 2010
Verizon Wireless "How Sweet Pastor Dr. Michael J.T. Fisher and members of Th
The Sound" competition in
Washington D.C. The judges included CeCe Winans, Donald Lawrence,
Marvin Sapp, Karen Clark Sheard and Fred Hammond. Since then, the choir
has taken off like a jet plane. They taped the BET Celebration of Gospel host-
ed by Steve Harvey in LA where they backed gospel great James Fortune
then performed at the Stellar Awards at The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville,
Tennessee. The choir is also booked for the official Superbowl Gospel
Celebration, the NBAAII-Star Celebration, The Pan African Film Festival, The
Troops, Divas 2011, The U. of China and dates in Egypt.
The Voices of Destiny is a serious singing aggregation and their per-
formances are something to tell the captain! Go to www.voicesofdestiny.com
to witness this phenomenon yourself! They infuse eye catching choreogra-
phy created by Dr. Fisher and choir member Charle Alford with dynamic
vocals and musicianship. In this era of the new generation taking over from
the old; what is Dr. Fisher's response to the elder generation who would view
his choir as those young folks bringing rock and roll to the church? Dr. Fisher
smiles, "It's no different then when Edwin Hawkins did "Oh Happy Day" and
someone said "Good God." Oh, they are bringing the world into the church!
That's not true. The bible says that every good and perfect gift comes from
the Lord. So if David can dance before the Lord and the Lord gave us the gift
of dancing and the gift of singing why not intertwine both of them together to


RYCH MCCAIN'S HOLLYHOOD NOTES!
By Rych McCain, feedbackrych@sbcglobal.net, Facebook Celeb Interviews


Music:
According to his personal blog,
Nilerodgers.com, Chic's Nile Rodgers says
he is suffering from an aggressive form of
cancer. He did not go into detail other than to
say he was having surgery and after treat-
ments. We wish for him the return of his
health. Long time Houston area rap veteran
"Lil 0" has dropped a mixtape titled "The
Flood 1.5" which is available for free down-
load via http://tweetmysong.com/584wlz.
O's new album "Grind Hard, Pray Harder"
will drop this spring on his Bar None
Entertainment label. The single from the
album "None Of Ya Buizzness" ft. Slim
Thug is available via iTunes.
Models:
Bria Murphy, daughter of model
Nicole Murphy and comic-actor Eddie
Murphy will be the ambassador and latest
face of Dark and Lovely's new Healthy-
Gloss TM hair care system. Of course Ms.
Murphy's image will be on the box and all
print and media promotions. Congrats Bria!
Stage:
Playwrite/producer/director Brandi
Burks has a new play in production titled
"Nylons." Superstar
playwrite/producer/Director David E.
Talbert has a new stage play as well titled
"What My Husband Doesn't Know."
Honors:
NBA All-Star guard Kobe Bryant is
set to be honored with a star on the
Hollywood Walk of Fame during the All-
Star Week in LA. Civil Rights Icon Dr.
Joseph Lowery was honored with the John
Thompson, Jr. Legacy Of A Dream Award
presented by Georgetown University during
the Martin Luther King "Let Freedom Ring"
event at The Kennedy Center in Washington,


D.C.
TV:
The CW will premiere new episodes
of One Tree Hill and Hellcats this week. The
View's Sherri Shepherd has a new recurring
TV role in an un-named, upcoming comedy
opposite Christine Taylor.
Comedy:
Steve Harvey's (Mr. "so-called" rela-
tionship expert), ex-wife Mary has posted
several videos on YouTube where she is
blasting the comedian. According to what
she says, the funnyman cheated all during
their marriage including having an on-going,
extra-marital affair with his mistress and
current wife Marjorie. On the tapes,
Harvey's ex claims to have come out to the
public because in her words, "There's a law-
suit that has been filed against me in Texas,
because in Steve's opinion, I was responsible
when Oprah didn't give him a TV show." A
released statement given to CNN Monday by
Harvey's lawyer said: "We are appalled and
aware of the videos and other fabricated doc-
uments, which were placed on the internet
over the weekend by the ex-wife of Mr.
Steve Harvey, which contained false, mis-
leading, derogatory, disparaging, malicious,
explicit and slanderous information about
Mr. Harvey, his current wife and others."
Whew! Is a movie in the works?
Hit me up at feedbackrych@sbcglob-
al.net
Study, Observe and Win!
Rych


e Voices of Destiny. Photo by Rochelle Porter.


help reach a generation that's lost." How did Dr. Fisher achieve the massive
success that his choir is now receiving and what can other young Pastors do
the get the same results? Dr. Fisher becomes serious, "It takes a lot of ded-
ication and hard work. We rehearse at least ten hours a week. Actually, we
went from one to about sixty members in literally one week just from the pop-
ularity of having something young to be able to do in church. It grabbed the
next generation. So my encouragement to the young Pastors would be; cre-
ate something for the young people that's in your church to do, they'll come.
You've got to give them something to do."
How are the Voices of Destiny affecting the City of Compton? Dr.
Fisher proudly beams, "I believe that the choir is advertising that church
music is not dead and church is still a cool place to come to." What catego-
ry will they classify the VOD sound when they record? Dr. Fisher chuckles,
"I don't know. They will definitely see that it is music that is given unto the
Lord. It will just be another Psalms." The BET Celebration of Gospel will air
Sunday, Jan 30, 2011 at 8 PM ET. This is a spirit filled show with the who's
who of gospel superstars that only gets better every year!


Pastor DeWayne Harvey And

Greater Blessings Release

New Single And It's Definitely

Something To "Celebrate"!

P a s t o r
Pastor
DeWayne Harvey
and Greater
Blessings are proud
to release the sec-
ond single from their
anticipated upcom-
ing CD, called
"Celebrate." This
uplifting, joyful track
is a true testament to
Pastor Harvey's atti-
tude and faith.
Harvey wrote, pro-
duced and assem-
bled his dynamic
vocal collective,
Greater Blessings,
to bring this song to
life. In these trying
times, everyone can
be inspired by this
hopeful message of
celebration. "Celebrate" combines rousing sounds with spiritual
lyrics and soulful voices, making it dynamic and unique. You are
truly entertained while listening to this song, as the praise and wor-
ship message is also in full swing.
Pastor Harvey's fifth album, The Report Of The Lord, will be
released by Innovative Records, distributed by Taseis Distribution,
on March 15, 2011. After a tragic experience, Harvey decided to
take a new direction with his music and this next CD is the result of
that new direction. This second single conveys a feeling of happi-
ness, love and faith, which is the overall message of his new album.
Based in Tallahassee, FL, DeWayne Harvey and Greater Blessings
consists of sixteen powerful singers, comprised of Pastor Harvey's
magic formula of four sopranos, four altos, four baritones and four
basses. The band also puts its own modern twist on the traditional
sound of Gospel music, which follows Innovative Records' mission.
Pastor Harvey's aim, through Innovative Records and his music, is
to capture the attention of a broad audience, across all ages, races
and religious denominations.


PAGE B-3


THE STAR


M~rARCH 5, 2011






PAGEB4 CMYK


THE STAR


MARCH 5. 2011


U_ H


SPORTS


TALLAHASSEE, Fla.
Minor League
Baseball's (MiLB) Chief
Executive Officer and
President Patrick
O'Conner bridged the gap
between the industry and
Florida A&M University
(FAMU) School of
Business and Industry
(SBI) students. O'Conner
was the guest speaker at
the SBI's Distinguished
Entrepreneurs forum.
"This is our second
trip to FAMU," said
O'Conner. "We were here
a year ago. We thought it
was important to reach out
to HBCUs as a source for
motivated, energized and
talented young men and
women of color specifi-
cally. Being in Florida and
understanding FAMU's
tradition and reputation,
we thought it was one of
our must stop campuses."
During the forum, stu-
dents received insight on
how imperative it is for


the industry to incorporate
savvy ready-to-work
minority businessmen and
women.
In December,
O'Conner invited a group
of FAMU students to the
MiLB's winter meetings.
FAMU students Jimarcus
Vickers and Gavin
Molden, who were both
present at the forum,
received numerous offers
during the winter meet-
ings.
"The forum today was
very important for the
sport of baseball and
blacks," said Molden, a
fourth year business
administration and mar-
keting major and native of
Birmingham, Ala. "For
the longest we [African
Americans] were exclud-
ed from the organization
and the sport, but now
with Mr. O'Conner's ini-
tiatives we will be able to
impact the sport and the
world on a larger scale."


As part of the MiLB's
diversity initiative, MiLB
has identified five pillars
in the industry that are
susceptible to influence on
a diversity front. Those
areas are ownership, exec-
utive level management,
mid- and entry-level man-
agement, staffing, fans
and business-to-business.
"For us to influ-
ence and move the needle
along this diversity issue,
we need a more diverse
workforce," said
O'Conner. "The young
men and women at FAMU
are in a position where
they are job ready."
Vickers received
five offers with MiLB.
"The forum went
well," said Vickers. "I
received everything I
expected from Mr.
O'Conner. You can tell he
is passionate about what
he does and he loves what
he does, which makes us
all feel welcome."


Minor League Baseball CEO and President Speaks During FAMUr's Distinguished Entrepreneurs Forum


Brian Waritay (left), a master's of business administration student, Chris Scott, a third
year business administration student, and Gavin Molden, a fourth year business admin-
istration and marketing student, had an opportunity to speak one-on-one with Minor
League Baseball CEO and President Patrick O'Conner.


O'Conner shared with
the students some advice
that would help them
excel.
"The biggest piece
of advice I can give is to
not narrow your scope,
think broad-based," said
O'Conner. "There is


much more to a career in
sports than playing,
coaching and selling tick-
ets."
O'Conner spent 29
years in professional base-
ball including the last 18
in the MiLB office. He
joined the Minor League


staff in May 1993 as chief
operating officer and
added the title of vice
president for administra-
tion in December 1995.
He was elected the l1th
president of MiLB in
December 2007.


Sharks Defense Sacking Storm QB for 2-point safety


Sharks Derrick Summers (44) attacks Storm QB in end zone


PAGE B-4


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PAGF R-5


THE STAR


low~


j,







PAGE B-6 THE STAR MARCH 5,2011


INVITATION FOR BIDS
Replace Fender System at Berth 18
Dames Point Marine Terminal
JAXPORT PROJECT NO.: D2011-01
JAXPORT CONTRACT NO.: C-1348
Sealed bids will be received by the Jacksonville Port Authority until, 2:00 PM (EST),
Thursday. March 31, 2011, at which time they shall be opened in the Public Meeting Room
of the Port Central Office Building, 2831 Talleyrand Avenue, Jacksonville, Florida, to Replace
Fender System at Berth 18.
All bids must be submitted in accordance with specifications and drawings for Contract No. C-
1348, which may be examined in the Procurement Department of the Jacksonville Port
Authority, located on the second floor of the Port Central Office Building, 2831 Talleyrand
Avenue, Jacksonville, Florida 32206.
A MANDATORY PRE-BID CONFERENCE AND SITE VISIT WILL BE HELD ON TUESDAY,
MARCH 15, 2011. AT 10:00 AM, AT THE JAXPORT CRUISE TERMINAL, 9810 AUGUST
DRIVE, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32226. BIDDERS SHOULD BRING A SAFETY VEST AND
HARD HAT FOR THE SITE VISIT.
PLEASE CALL 904-357-3017 IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND SO THAT SECURITY ACCESS
CAN BE ARRANGED. ATTENDANCE BY A REPRESENTATIVE OF EACH PROSPECTIVE
BIDDER IS REQUIRED. A BID WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED FROM ANY BIDDER WHO IS
NOT REPRESENTED AT SUCH CONFERENCE.
THE JAXPORT SHUTTLE WILL TAKE BIDDERS TO THE SITE VISIT FOLLOWING THE
PRE-BID CONFERENCE.
PLEASE VISIT HTTP://WWW.JAXPORT.COM/ABOUT/PROJECTS.CFM TO DOWNLOAD
CONTRACT DOCUMENTS.
Bid and contract bonding are required.
This project will be partially funded by the FDOT State of Florida grant program.


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Laurence Greene
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904-553-7359/


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AARON AND BURNEY BIVENS
FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATIONS SERVICES
529 Kingsley Ave. ~ Orange Park 904.264.1233 ~ www.BivensFuneralHome.com


L


THE STAR


PAGE B-6


MARCH 5, 2011


h!) Jf):-VNLj i), bM





MARCH 5, 2011


Article by May E. Ford of The Florina Star

Glenn Heights. TX Earlier this
month Nico Lachi Leejay entered into a con-
test for the best essay on "What Diversity
Means In My Community." This is the 1st An-
nual City of Glenn Heights Mayor's Essay
Contest. The Mayor's office mailed out flyers
asking residents to write a 300 word essay
on the topic. Lachi's mother. Ashley, thought
it would be good if her son was to participate.
Last week Lachi's family got a call from the
city stating that Lachi was the winner for the
1st Place winner of the Intermediate category
and would be invited to the next council
meeting to receive his award.
At the Glenn Heights Council Meet-
ing, Victor Pereira, Mayor of Glenn Heights,
presented Lachi and two other students with
a $50 U.S. Savings Bond and a copy of their
paper rewritten on the city's letterhead for
them to cherish for years to come. There was
one winner for three different grades...Lachi
was winner of the 5th grade, another one was
for 4th grade and one for the 7th grade. Each
winner had to read aloud to the Mayor and
Council members and the public audience
the paper they wrote.
The next day, one of the council
members visited Lachi's school to take pic-
tures with him for the school's display and to
place in the city's newspaper.
Lachi is very active in his school. For
Christmas 2010, he was the narrator for the
school play. He is an A-Honor Roll student
every six weeks. He also made one of the
highest scores on the TAK's test this school
term, missing only two questions.
Lachi is the oldest of three children.
He enjoys playing with his younger brothers
when he is not reading a novel. He is so mod-
est about all of his achievements. Although,
he knows how special the things are that he
does, he is just not the type to boast about it.
He leaves that up to his parents and grand-
parents (May E. Ford, paternal grandparent)
who are so very proud of him, needless to
say.


What Diversity Means in my Community


By: Nico Lachi Leejay
5th Grade Student

Diversity is the way different cultures,
people, and traditions form together to make
a community. Just like our nation, made of
different people, we form all of our cultures
to be the United States of America. In my
opinion, I think every country (or continent)
should be united. Some people might think,
"But wait, won't it be hard to learn each
other's customs?" Yes it will be little hard, but
with a little help and understanding we will
learn.
Another example of diversity is the
way people are different in a community. It's
impossible to have two people to be the
same. We are all different in many ways. Be-
cause if we were the same it would look
strange. We wouldn't probably be friends; we
would not get along with each other because
we were the same person. Everybody should
be their own person with their own cultures
and traditions.
Diversity also allows people who
would not usually get a chance to succeed.
Many people have received more jobs and
opportunities over the past few decades be-
cause of diversity. Managers and leaders of
our community want a more diverse organi-
zation so numerous people will be able to get
to the top. A lot of people have a bright future
ahead of them when they are all included.
The benefits of diversity in my com-
munity are learning new languages, new
songs, and dance techniques. We can also
learn new ideas from different people. The
ideas we learn from different people make us
more knowledgeable. Having a diverse com-
munity makes us stronger and more under-
standing to others.


THE STAR


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MARCH 5,2011 THE STAR PR-2


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ALHAMBRA TO HOLD HAIR-RAISER AND FUNDRAISER
FOR LOCKS OF LOVE ON MARCH 13

PROFESSIONAL CHEERLEADERS ALUMNI, INC, CHICK-FIL-A JOINING
THE CA USE

To celebrate its current
show, "Hairspray," The Alhambra
Theatre & Dining will host a hair
donation event for Locks of Love
on Sunday, March 13 from 10:00
AM to 5:00 PM. The community
is invited to come to the Theatre
and donate their hair, which will be
cut and collected by local hairstyl-
ists (and re-styled!), then sent to
Locks of Love where they will turn
the donated hair into wigs for chil-
dren fighting illness or undergoing
treatment. In addition, the Alham-
bra will donate 5% of the day's
ticket sales from both of its per-
formances of Hairspray.
The hair- and fund-raising event will benefit Locks of Love, a public non-profit or-
ganization that provides vacuum fitted hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children suf-
fering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis. They meet a unique need for
children by using donated human hair to create the highest quality hair prosthetics. Most of
the children helped by Locks of Love have lost their hair due to a medical condition called
alopecia areata, which has no known cause or cure. Others have suffered severe burns or in-
juries or endured radiation treatment to the brain stem or other dermatological conditions
that result in permanent hair loss.
The organization, which began operation in 1998, provides the prostheses to chil-
dren, ages 6-21, every 18 months for a total of up to 10 hairpieces. It is estimated that chil-
dren comprise over 80 percent of the donors, making this a charity where children have an
opportunity to help children. The prostheses they provide help to restore self-esteem and
confidence, enabling these children to face the world and their peers.
Other local organizations are signing on to help. The Professional Cheerleaders
Alumni, Inc., a group of former Jacksonville Jaguars Cheerleaders, will be partnering with
Locks of Love and the Alhambra for this event and members will be there to provide assis-
tance and support those who are donating their hair. The Chick Fil A on Hodges and Beach
Boulevard location will provide refreshments to volunteers and donors.
There is no need for advance reservations; however donors must adhere to the fol-
lowing guidelines: the donated hair must be at least 10 inches in length; it must be bundled
in a pony tail or braid; hair must be free of bleach, though colored and/or permed hair is ac-
ceptable
"Hairspray" runs now through April 4, 2011. Show times are 8:00 PM for evening
shows Tuesday through Sunday. Doors open at 6:00 PM and the buffet starts at 6:30 PM.
Matinees on Saturday are at 1:15 PM. Doors open at 11:00 AM and the buffet starts at 11:15
AM. Sunday matinee is at 2:00. Doors open at noon and the buffet starts at 12:15 PM.
Group sales are available. Tickets start at $42 for adults and $35 for children. Ticket price
includes dinner, show and parking. Call the box office at 904.641.1212 or visit on line at
www.alhambrajax.com.


The JPL Foundation Announces Guest
Authors for Children's Chapter

Book sales to benefit Jacksonville Public Library -

The Jacksonville Public Library Foundation announces
the selection of author Kimberly Willis Holt, a National Book
Award winner for the novel When Zachary Beaver Came to
Town, to be featured at its Children's Chapter event presented
by Target Corporation. Local authors Catherine Burkee, Dr. Katie
Monnin and Jane Wood will also headline this year's free event,
to be held at the Jacksonville Public Library on March 19 from 9
a.m. to 1 p.m. The Children's Chapter is affiliated with the Much
Ado About Books literary festival, which is on hiatus this year.
Kimberly Willis Holt's Piper Reed series has received na-
tional acclaim. Piper Reed Navy Brat rings true with any child
who has experienced the nomadic lifestyle of a military family.
Holt's most recent novel, The Water Seeker, will also be fea-
tured.
Catherine Burkee is co-author of Me and Green, a book
focusing on a youthful approach to sustainability. Jane Wood
will highlight her book, Adventures on Amelia Island: A Pirate, A
Princess, and Buried Treasure, which radiates a spirit of adven-
ture as the characters meet pirates, trek through graveyards and
hunt for buried treasure. A Palatka-based author, Dr. Robert
Melosh, will also participate and discuss his book, Swat, inspired
by the 2010 earthquake in Haiti. Dr. Katie Monnin will speak to
parents and teachers about her book, Teaching Graphic Nov-
els, and outline the literary importance of the graphic novel.
Miss Rosa from the PBS Preschool Block will also attend the
event to do a show and a meet and greet.
Authors will host booths with art activities, interact with
the children and perform 15-to-30-minute readings followed by
book signing. A few children's book characters will make spe-
cial appearances courtesy of WJCT, a community partner for
this event.
Books will be available for sale by the Friends of the
Jacksonville Public Library, and proceeds will directly support
the Jacksonville Public Library. Through a partnership with Duval
County Public Schools, the event is expected to attract children
and families from across the district.
The Jacksonville Public Library Foundation welcomes
additional event sponsors. Any organization interested in sup-
porting the event and the library should contact Diane Brunet-
Garcfa at dbrunet@brunetgarcia.com or call 904-346-1977.


MARCH 5, 2011


THE STAR


PR 2








REP R

We don't have to be Irish to join in the. ...fun and festivities with our friends


News Uri n
www.readingclubfun.com Annimills LLC 2011 V8-N10




S You won't see me, but I'll be part of all the fun 1
and festivities for St. Patrick's Day. I love the Irish million leprechaun
dancers and music of the harpists, bagpipers, 3
fiddlers and drummers. I follow the floats and bands Potato 6
in the parades. I even pop into a few homes to taste 5
the family's special treats and meals like corned beef ships -
r ? and cabbage. You can look for me if you want...I'm 7
the knee-high guy wearing green and holding a 4-leaf 9 8
shamrock. Meanwhile, fill in my puzzle about 10
Ireland and celebrating St. Patrick's Day. 2
* 12 is a beautiful "Emerald"_ 9 in the Atlantic Ocean. shamrock
It is west of England, separated by the Irish Sea. green 13
* The capital and largest city in Ireland is called 15 Irelandmusic dances
* In the mid-1800s, an important crop suffered a terrible blight, ad
causing what is now called the "Great 3 Famine." parades Dublin island
* To escape 6 about one and a half 13 people 14
left Ireland and sailed in 11 to get to America. -- -- starvation
* Most arrived in large cities and took jobs in -7 .
* Today in America, the Irish people share their 15
joy of 1 and 2 like the Irish jig,
with everyone else on St. Patrick's Day. -". factories cabbage
* People like to wear something that is 4 .
* You might hear a story about how lucky it is to find
a four-leaf 5 or to catch a 14 Visit our web site to print out our new fun crossword puzzles:
* Some cities dye a river or the water in a fountain
@ Some cities dye a river or the water in a fountain Winter Words (synonyms) and Cooking is Cool! While there,
green and people line the streets to watch 10
* Everyone can enjoy an Irish-American dinner of prnt out the newest reading log and certificate set:
corned beef and 8 www.readingclubfun.com


MARCH 5, 2011


THE STAR


PR 3






MARCH 5,2011 THE STAR PR-4


PREP


RAP Youth


Section


Florida A&M University National
Alumni Association to host Annual
Convention

The Florida A&M University
(FAMU) National Alumni Association
(NAA) Annual Convention is scheduled for
May 18-22, 2011 in Orlando, Fla. The
theme for this event is "Back to the Ba-
sics: Energizing that 'ole Rattler Spirit."
"The conference is a time to plan
for the upcoming year," said FAMU's Na-
tional Alumni Association President
Thomas L. Mitchell Sr. "It's important to
get alumni to rally beyond this conference
so that we may get more support for the
university. The focus is membership. We
need our alumni to stand up and give our
university the support it needs."
The FAMU-NAA National Con-
vention Committee, under the leadership
of first Vice President Greg Clark, Florida
Region Vice President Seabon Dixon and
Orlando Chapter President Charles Lewis
have worked diligently to orchestrate a
high quality, informative and enjoyable set
of workshops and activities that will re-
mind the FAMU community of their re-
sponsibility to the future of the university.
"The excitement is truly building
for the 2011 Convention in Orlando," said
Director for Alumni Affairs Carmen Cum-
mings-Martin. "Orlando has so much to
offer and is a convenient and economical
travel hub for many of our alums in the
sunshine state and other points around
the country who may be journeying there
for the big meeting. National Alumni Pres-
ident Thomas Mitchell, first Vice President
Clark and Florida Region Vice President
Dixon have taken the lead to develop
what is sure to be an interesting atmos-
phere of dialogue aimed at building a
stronger FAMU. Tributes to our legendary
Dr. William P. Foster are planned as well
as panel discussions featuring key uni-
versity administrators who will shed light
on the vision for sustaining this great in-
stitution in an ever-changing economic cli-
mate."
An array of events have been
planned to ensure that guests have the
opportunity to reconnect with friends and
take pleasure in the many offerings of
"The City Beautiful."


On Saturday February 5, 2011 Michon Pride, the first African
American was crowned Miss Jacksonville Outstanding Teen 2011
where she was sponsored by her grandparents Mr. & Mrs. Luther and
Delores Newsom. The Miss Jacksonville Teen Pageant is a prelimi-
nary pageant to the Miss Florida Teen Pageant, where Michon will
compete against other teens around the state of Florida representing
the city of Jacksonville. This is such an honor and the opportunities
this pageant will provide are endless! If crowned Miss Florida Out-
standing Teen, Michon will receive over $11,000.00 in scholarships
and prizes!
Michon is an energetic 16 year old
junior at Douglas Anderson School of the
Performing Arts, where she is currently
studying Classical Ballet. When she is not
dancing at her school, Michon is an active
performer at the Scott Jones School of
Dance where she has represented her stu-
dio in many performances around Jack-
sonville, and was also a featured performer
at Walt Disney World in Orlando Florida.
Recently Michon auditioned for the Jack-
sonville Nutcracker and received the part
of lead soldier. Michon is the beautiful
daughter of Richard and Tamara Williams
and the older sister to Nia and Rayne. Mi-
chon is also an active member of Peace
Baptist Church, where she is currently Sec-
retary of the Sunday school, and a
member of the choir.
A criterion of the Miss
Florida Teen Pageant is that each
contestant chooses a platform that
she will volunteer her time to, while
representing her local title as well as
state title. Michon's platform is enti-
tled Great Gifts, Promoting the Im-
portance of Becoming an
Organ/Tissue Donor where she has
partnered up with Life Net of Jack-
sonville to serve as a volunteer and
spokesperson donating her time to
increase the awareness of becom-
ing an organ/tissue donor. Michon's
platform is inspired by her little sister
Rayne, who received a cornea
transplant at just 3 months old!


ENEEE M


MARCH 5, 2011


THE STAR


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C&J1 C M K


March 5, 2011


THE STAR


Vol. 1, No. 15


CliI an Jutc

A Pbicaili of

th Foida Sta an Ge i Star


Sex Toys, Porn, and Drugs Found in Day Care

Pennsylvania police discovered Friday that
children attending R&B Childcare Services had ac-
cess to sex toys, pornography, and crack cocaine.
The facility was shut down by the Pennsylvania
Department of Public Welfare after the owner, Re-
anell Booker, was arrested for selling drugs out of
the daycare center following a month-long investi-
gation by local police.
SDuring the raid on the daycare facility, police
\ found sex toys and pornography in the children's
play area along with dolls and colored building
blocks.
Police also found $6,000 worth of crack co-
caine, two scales and $4,000 in cash.
The raid put local parents on high alert, causing
I the owners of nearby daycare centers to take steps
to put parents' minds at ease.
Reanell Booker One daycare owner passed out flyers to the par-
ents of the 15 children who had been attending
R&B Childcare Services in order to preserve the
names of the respectable establishments in the neighborhood.
50-year-old Booker, who has no prior arrest record, is licensed by the state to run the
daycare.
She is charged with possession of an illegal substance, possession with intent to de-
liver and possession of drug paraphernalia.
No children were on the premises when police conducted the raid during which
Booker was arrested.


6Sylvester Horton, Jr




Sylvester Horton, Jr.


Soldier Gets Life in Prison

A Georgia soldier was sentenced to life in prison for
murdering a soldier he served with at Hunter Army Airfield.
According to police, Private Sylvester Horton, Jr. shot
fellow soldier Necco McCraw four times before he dumped
his body on a dirt road close to the Savannah River in 2009.
Police found that Horton, originally from Kansas, was
carrying McCraw's debit card, driver's license and other per-
sonal effects Horton apparently stole off the body.
Horton was sentenced to concurrent, life terms on mur-
der and kidnapping counts.


Daycare Provider Flees after Fire
Kills Four Children

Houston police
are on the hunt for a
woman they believe
fled the country after
a fire at her daycare
killed four children
and critically injured
S three others.
Nigerian-born
Jessica Tata, the
manager of Jackie's
Child Care in Hous-
Ston, allegedly left
Taa nine small children
Jessica Tata unattended to go
shopping at a nearby
Target store. When
the 22-year-old returned a short time later, the home that
served as the daycare center was engulfed in smoke and
flames.
Seven young children were pulled from the blaze and
immediately taken to area hospitals. Unfortunately, doc-
tors could not save 3-year-old Shomari Dickerson, 20-
month-old Elizabeth Kojah, 20-month-old Kendyll
Stradford or 18-month-old Elias Castillo. The three re-
maining toddlers are still in critical condition but are ex-
pected to live.
Tata, who still has family members living in Nigeria,
is believed to have fled there to escape nine charges of
reckless body injury to a child and three charges of child
endangerment. Her local family is claiming not to know
her whereabouts.
A warrant was issued for Tata's arrest on Sunday and
a bond was set for $550,000. If convicted, Tata could face
up to 20 years in prison.








ssSHH! From Actual Police Reports

Did You Hear About?...

E DIO' NOE
Al upcsaedee noetulspoe ult nacuto a.TeSeifsOfc eot
I,, 'I I' ,', ''I-'


STOLEN VEHICLE A Jack-
sonville police officer was dis-
patched to 900 Broward Road in
reference to a vehicle stolen from
the parking lot of an apartment
complex.

The victim explained to the
officer that the vehicle, which she
had owned for only a few weeks,
still had the paper tag on it. It was
last seen parked in front of her
apartment and had been secured.
The victim told the officer that she had the only set of keys.

When the woman returned to the vehicle a few hours later, she
realized that it was not in the space where she had originally parked it.
Inside of the car was her payroll check along with her personal infor-
mation and $2000 in cash from her tax return for the year.

There was no broken glass on the
scene and no witnesses to question
for leads to a suspect.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Po-
lice arrived on the scene of a do-
mestic dispute at 9714 Campus
Avenue to find an injured woman.

The victim told police that her
boyfriend had battered her. Officers
observed that the victim's wrist
seemed to be injured, as it was
swollen and darkened by bruising.

According to the victim, she and the suspect had been involved
in an argument over the suspect going to purchase crack cocaine, which
the victim tried to prevent. Angry, the suspect pushed the victim into a
door, causing her to injure her wrist.

Police apprehended the suspect and found a crack pipe in his
pocket. He was mirandized and taken to jail.


Avoid Becoming a Victim of Mortgage Fraud
With mortgage rates at historic lows, buying a new home is tempting. Be
wary of deals that seem too good to be true.

According to the FBI, the latest mortgage scams take many different forms:

* "Builder-bailout" schemes where developers unload excess inventory
through financial trickery;

* Foreclosure rescue frauds that trick homeowners into signing over the
deed to their house;

* Seller-assistance scams that use false appraisals to sell homes;

* Identity theft that leads to home equity credit lines being opened and
drained."

According to an FBI advisory, these are steps to take to avoid becoming the
victim of mortgage fraud:

* Get referrals for real estate and mortgage professionals when you want to
buy or sell a home. And once you do, check out their licenses with state,
county, or city regulatory agencies. Most of these people are exceedingly
honest and above-board-it's just a small percentage who have given the
overall profession a black eye.

* Do your own research into what other homes in the neighborhood have
sold for. Also, look into recent tax assessments of neighborhood homes.

* Beware of "no money down" loans. These are a gimmick used to entice
people to buy a home they really can't afford.

* Don't let anyone talk you into making a false statement on your loan ap-
plication, like overstating your income or lying about where your down
payment is coming from.

* Never sign a blank document or a document containing blank lines. Be
sure to read and review all loan documents signed at closing. If you don't
understand what you're signing, get an attorney who can review the docu-
ments for you.


March 5. 2011


THE STAR


C&J PA GE A-2





l1_ff- h l '7'I1I 1 W ZY CW7A D CI TPAit'1 A 2



IU^^^^In Your Nei'ghb


Man Admits To Stealing Dead

3-Month-Old's Identity

A Jacksonville man faces up to five years in federal prison after admit-
ting to using the Social Security number of a deceased infant.
Brock Thompson, 47, pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft and false rep-
resentation of a Social Security number on Tuesday. According to authorities, in the
1990s while living in Baltimore, MD, Thompson purchased the identity of a boy iden-
tified in court documents only as C.B., including C.B.'s Social Security number. C.B.
is an infant who died at about 3 months old.
Thompson bought this information, including a copy of the child's birth certifi-
cate, from C.B.'s own mother.
Thompson later moved to Duval County, and between April 1998 and June 2009
he used the purchased personal information to obtain about 12 Florida driver's licenses
and identification cards.
In 2005, Thompson applied for and received a replacement Social Security car
in the name of C.B. in Jacksonville.
Thomnson freely confessed his crimes to police in early 201 0


Florida Mother Sentenced

For Trying To Sell Baby


A Florida woman has been sentenced to two years
in prison for taking part in a scheme to sell her infant son.
Stephanie Bigbee-Davis, 22, was offered a deal
by Volusia County prosecutors to plead no contest to
being a principal to the sale of an infant.
Bigbee-Davis took the deal, and now her new sen-
tence will run concurrently with another sentence for an
unrelated fraud conviction. She therefore will not serve
any additional time.
Bigbee-Davis testified that she was simply trying
to find an adoptive home for her child, putting the crime
on her mother, who she claimed was actively trying to get
money for the infant.
The mother and her boyfriend are awaiting trial.


Crim. atc h


Atlanta Officer Resigns After

Theft Accusation

An Atlanta police officer quit his job
.rather than be fired after being accused of theft.
Officer Steve Brown had been working a
shift at the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport
when a woman reported that she lost her black
handbag containing $2000.
26-year-old Tyesha Turner, the victim,
checked with a man at the lost-and-found counter
who said he had passed it on to Officer Brown. She
saw the policeman, who gave her the bag minus
the cash.
Brown was immediately placed on ad-
ministrative leave pending an internal investiga-
tion of the incident. He abruptly quit soon after the
Officer Steve Brown investigation commenced.
Local police retrieved the money and re-
turned it to Turnr. t is unknown if Brown will face further charges.


Georgia Officer Pulls Gun

on Wife


A Bibb County sheriff's lieutenant has been ar-
rested after holding his wife and another man at gunpoint.
Monroe County deputies were called to a recre-
ational vehicle belonging to Karl Crook, where Lt. Harry
Fargason reportedly stormed in early Saturday morning
and pointed a gun at Crook and a woman.The woman also
happened to be Fargason's wife.
According to authorities, Fargason fired a shot
into the comer of the bed after arguing with his wife in the
presence of Crook.
Although no one was injured in this incident, Far-
gason was charged with burglary, false imprisonment and
aggravated assault. He is currently being held at the Mon-
roe County Jail.





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March 5, 2011


THE STAR


C&JPage A-4


Criminal ine U
MISN ESN

AIM"- ,




// TwI I



Al!.....


Name: Martyka Alexis
Age: 14 Height: 5'9"
Weight: 1551bs
Last seen 02/14/11 in North
Miami Beach, FL.


Name: Valencia Bailey
Age: 16 Height: 5'1"
Weight: 1251bs
Last seen 12/26/10 in Tampa, FL.
Has tattoo of the name "Rayne"
on her chest.


Name: Leslie Giles
Age: 17 Height: 5'5"
Weight: 1801bs
Last seen 04/13/10 at home in Or-
lando, FL. May still be in local
area.


Name: Emonaysia Banton
Age: 15 Height: 5'5"
Weight: 1601bs
Last seen 01/19/11 in Lithonia,
GA. Has pierced ears and tattoo
on chest. May travel with female.


Name: Kayla Sims
Age: 17 Height: 5'7"
Weight: 1301bs
Last seen 12/14/10 in Decatur,
GA. May go by nickname
"Keke".


IU E CI N S


What A Boob


A 44-year-old woman was arrested on theft and
fraud charges after authorities say she stole credit card
information to get breast implants and a hotel room for
Valentine's Day.
Julianne Johnson of Bradenton, Florida charged
nearly $10,000 on stolen credit cards for her new
breasts. It's unknown if they let her keep them in jail.


Name: Edward Cottman Name: Nathan Newsome Name: Joe Edwards
Age: 37 Age: 23 Age: 39
Offense: Armed Robbery Offense: Trafficking Offense: Credit Car Fraud
PEAO LE


Pull 'Em Up!


E I Robert Pittman, 37, of Pensacola exited a store
through a smashed-out front door while carrying sev-
eral packs of cigarettes.
He tried to run, but the handfuls of cigarettes pre-
vented him from holding up his pants, which fell down
around his ankles and tripped him up before he made it
out of the parking lot. He made for an easy arrest.


Name: LaKeysha Ginn Name: Consuela Raggins Name: Sasha Baker
Age: 30 Age: 34 Age: 24
Offense: Probation Violation Offense: Cnntpmnt of Cnurt Offense: Probation Violation


Name: Quinton Malcom
Offense: Unlawful Sex


Name: Artavious Lowe
Offense: Molestation


II I
Name: Edward Watson
Offense: Lewd w/Minor


name: rnalu bailey
Offense: Robbery


Name: Charles Blackmon
Offense: Trafficking


Name: Albert Fountain
Offense: Armed Robbery


I Ctien wthtisreenourgetcls at I Yu cn r n a