Page 15 - Florida Sentinel 12-18-20

Feature
Elected Officials Will Have Different 2020 Christmas
BY GWEN HAYES Sentinel Editor
Elected officials are public servants, who also have fami- lies. With the difficult times that the world is experiencing, they too have to maneuver keeping their families safe, while also serving the commu- nity.
We spoke with some elected officials to see how they will be spending the 2020 Christmas season. Here are their com- ments:
State Representative Di- anne Hart (District 61): “This year has
been a difficult
year for my
family; even
without COVID-
19. However,
COVID-19 will
require a differ-
ent mindset.
gatherings this year. Our family for the first time in over 40 years will not gather at my home with all the children, grandchildren, and great- grandchildren to open presents and eat all types of food. No breakfast buffet.
“Any trips planned by any other family members had to be canceled. Christmas just isn’t the same. However, we must re- member the reason for the sea- son is Christ’s birthday. We will give away as much as we can during these difficult times to others in need. I’m grateful for life, health, and strength.”
Representative Fentrice Driskell (District 63), stated: “The
global pandemic completely
way, and neither our Governor nor outgoing President listened to the guidance of scientists and healthcare professionals when addressing COVID-19. So we must individually do our part to lower the risk of transmission.
“This holiday season, I will check in on my parents after pre-quaranting to ensure every- one is healthy and safe, and pray that we can all get back to our large family gatherings next year.
“While this holiday season may not be what we all want it to be, I wish you and your loved ones a very happy, healthy, and safe holiday season!”
size of the holiday family gath- erings. To be in line with the guidelines, you must wear a mask, keep your distance, and wash your hands.”
Hillsborough County Branch
NAACP Presi-
dent, Yvette
Lewis: “This
will be a differ-
ent Christmas.
Due to COVID-
19, I will be en-
joying my
Christmas at LEWIS home. I will be reaching out to many loved ones via phone, Facetime and Zoom. Christmas is what you want it to be. I have made the choice to keep my loved ones safe. We may be apart physically, however, we are always in each other’s hearts spiritually. “This too Shall Pass.” I wish everyone a happy and safe Christmas.”
sioner (District 3), Gwen Myers told the
Sentinel: “I
plan to spend
YVETTE
Christmas at
home in an
outside setting
with mask and
social distanc-
ing if weather
permits with
my family. I know if we all con- tinue to wear a mask and keep our social distancing we can help control COVID-19. And for these reasons I ask our com- munity to wear your masks and keep your distance while out....help protect someone else.
“Just look around in this community and reflect on the number of persons we have lost to COVID-19 and who will not be with their family to celebrate Christmas. This is a very sim- ple task to do...wear a mask and keep your distance....it save lives.”
GWEN MYERS
“Our family
will not host the usual large
FENTRICE DRISKELL
HENRY
Newly-elected Hillsbor-
DIANNE HART
turned our lives upside down. Unfortunately, partisanship and politics have gotten in the
Newly-
elected School
Board mem-
ber, Henry
“Shake”
Washington
(District 5),
said he and his
family “will be
limiting the WASHINGTON ough County Commis-
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