Page 14 - Florida Sentinel 8-3-18

Local All About You!
New Artist Discovered His Gift After Receiving Therapy
A showcase of Colas’ artwork.
Happy 50th Golden Wedding Anniversary,
Freddie And Vivian Nealy
FREDDIE AND VIVIAN NEALY
On August 3, 2018, Freddie and Vivian Nealy will cele- brate 50 years of marital bliss. Freddie was born and raised in Wellborn, FL. His father was George Washington Nealy and his mother was Hattie Lee Young.
Vivian was born and raised in Olustee, FL. Her father was Sam Green, Sr., and her mother was Mariah Ross Green.
Freddie and Vivian are the proud parents of four children, Michael Green (Malinda Green), Pamela Clark (Andre Clark), Andrea Nealy, and Cassandra Nealy; three grand- children, Alexis Carey (Jason Carey), Martika Green, and Maranda Green; and two great grandchildren, Brooke Carey, and Gabrielle Carey.
Congratulations on your 50th Golden Year Wedding Anniver- sary! We love you and we pray for many more golden years!
REGINALD ‘REGGIE’ COLAS
On Saturday, July 21st, Tampa was introduced to a new artist at the Bricks in Ybor City. Reginald “Reggie” Colas shared his emotions and personal feel- ings in the artwork he had on display for the public. This powerful display of art surely showed the depth of a young man with far more experiences than his age of 40 would signify.
Colas is actually new to the art world, having dis- covered his gift after receiv- ing therapy for PTSD. While in therapy he started painting and began to rec- ognize its therapeutic bene- fits.
The main benefit he rec- ognized was that painting became an alternative to utilizing drugs for his treat- ment. Once his therapy ses- sions ended and he relocated back to Tampa, he
picked up the brushes full- time.
Colas states, “Painting allows me to escape and gives me an outlet to share my thoughts and feelings with others without having to communicate directly.”
The Disabled Veteran gets anxious around crowds due to his diagnosed PTSD.
Todd Cole, Candidate for Tampa City Council Dis- trict 5, sponsored this young artist after seeing some of his artwork. Cole values the importance of supporting young Black artists and entrepreneurs.
Cole said that, “It was a pleasure watching the ex- citement on the faces of those at the show as they viewed these exceptional pieces of art. Each painting means something different to everyone that views it. When you look at each piece
it evokes conversation in which every opinion has value. Exposing young artists like Reggie certainly enriches our community.
“Sometimes many of us go through life and never find our true talent. So it is amazing when we see some- one that just picked up a paint brush for therapeutic reasons truly find their un- tapped talent – of which he is now sharing with the world. We certainly hope that you will come out and support this Veteran on his Artistic Journey. To see more of his art, check out his website at reggie colas.com.”
There will be a closing show on Sunday, August 5, from3p.m.–6p.m.atthe Bricks, 1327 E 7th Ave., Tampa 33605. The Art Show is free and open to the public.
Fraternity To Host Back To School Event Saturday
The Brothers Of Gamma Eta Sigma Chapter Of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Lt. Ronald Wilford, Adrian White, John Jackson, Andrew Smith, Luzon Dickerson, Daniel Smith, Daryl Richardson, and David Marcel.
The brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. alumni chapter of Gamma Eta Sigma invites the community to join them on Saturday, Au- gust 4th at 11 a. m. as they host their inaugural back to school backpack drive.
Come out and join the Tampa Sigmas for a fun- filled day to help children of all ages prepare for the up
and coming school year. The event will take place at 4309 N. 34th Street, Tampa, 33610.
FREE backpacks and school supplies will be given to the first 96 students in at- tendance. Free food will be served, along with a jump house for the kids! A parent or guardian must be present with child(ren) to receive the backpack and supplies.
PAGE 2-B FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2018