Page 11 - Florida Sentinel 1-1-16 Edition

Local
Perry Harvey Park Project Moving Full Speed Ahead
LEON B. CREWS Sentinel Staff Writer
For decades, efforts had been underway to restore the history of Central Avenue. Then when the City of Tampa and Tampa Housing Authority announced plans to redevelop Perry Harvey, Sr. Park, the an- ticipation rose.
However, a group repre- senting skateboarders sought to have the skateboarding rink in the old park designated a historic landmark. The pro- ceedings temporarily halted the project that was expected to be completed in 2015.
The in-the-park skate- boarding rink wasn’t con- structed until 1978, and many felt the history of Central Park and Central Avenue was more relevant.
A compromise was reached, and work moved for- ward on redeveloping the park, and constructing a new skate- boarding rink.
The new rink, will have fea- tures the original didn’t have.
The new rink is an exact replica of the old one with the exception of having a smoother surface, and a street course that will offer stairs, rails, ledges, and other obstacles.
Tampa Historian, Fred Hearns said, “Initially, it
seemed a compromise wasn’t going to be reached, but after several meetings with Shan- non Bruffett, the Director of Skateboarding Heritage Foun- dation and his group, both sides felt they had gotten what they wanted.
“I’m happy the original rink was moved. We accomplished our goal of using the park for history only, and moving the rink north of Scott Street. They actually have two rinks now, and I’m disappointed with the amount of money spent on that project. I think the extra dol- lars could have gone to putting more Black History in the park.”
Hearns said at least they got the rink out of the middle of the park, and the entire area around the statue of Mr. Har- vey will be historical.
“It would have been disas- trous to leave it where it was. Now, we are looking forward to the park opening next year. It’s going to be beautiful and will be a great educational outlet for our young people.”
The new rink is expected to be completed in early 2016 as the new park officially opens that will features a history walk, and several points of trib- ute to the men and women who were a part of the history of Central Avenue.
THE NEW BRO BOWL
New Chapter Of PHA, Order Of The Eastern Stars Opens Serving Community
Pictured left to right: Dr. Tracy A. Thomas, Grand Worthy Matron, Jerusalem Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, PHA; Sister Ajani Kimbrough, Former Starlight now Eastern Star; Dr. Yannique A. Thomas, Worthy Matron, A. R. Cornish UD #121; Past Master, Michael Nicholls, Worthy Patron, A. R. Cornish UD #121; and Rev. Ronald E. Williams Sr., Grand Worthy Patron, Jerusalem Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, PHA.
Jerusalem Grand Chapter of the State of Florida, PHA, Order of the Eastern Stars (OES), A.R. Cornish U.D. Chapter #121 offi- cially opened on November 20, 2015, and is celebrating this hol- iday season by fostering their chapter’s motto of “Peace, Love and Harmony.”
Not one to rest on their lau- rels, the sisters kicked of their community outreach on Novem- ber 21, 2015, by participating with their protective lodge, Jerusalem Military Lodge #100
in gathering necessary food items for Thanksgiving baskets to feed eight needy families throughout the Tampa Bay Area.
The members of A. R. Cor- nish UD #121 were back in force celebrating Founder’s Day on December 1, 2015, which marked 141 years since the first black OES chapter was formed by paying a visit to sing Christ- mas carols, donate over 150 pairs of socks, 100 t-shirts and toiletries for the 110 residents at The Abbey House, an assisted
living facility in St. Petersburg, Florida.
“We are proud to say that no one was left out” exclaimed Worthy Matron, Dr. Yannique A. Thomas.
She emphatically stated that she is striving for A. R. Cornish U.D. Chapter #121 to be a “bea- con on the hill” and a chapter that demonstrates true Sister- hood, Charity and Benevolence. The members of A. R. Cornish U.D. Chapter #121 echo that sentiment.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 1, 2016 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY PAGE 11-A