Page 4 - Florida Sentinel 12-22-17

Feature Letter To The Editor
The Holiday Season
The Holiday Season is a time for thanksgiving, cheer, giving gifts, and spending time with fam- ily members and loved ones.
I have learned over the years, when the Holi- day Season is approach- ing, especially Thanksgiving and Christ- mas, people willingly put themselves in debt to make their loved ones happy. I can understand adults purchasing gifts that a friend or family member need, but when it comes to the youth, teenagers and young adults, I believe purchas- ing gifts sometimes goes too far.
I just don’t under- stand the concept of pur- chasing items that are not relevant to the youth, teenagers and young adults’ future. I believe we could use a good re- minder on how impor- tant it is to be mindful of our financial decisions. Considering all of the lat- est natural disasters, we may want to reconsider how we express the im- portance of giving.
After the Thanksgiv- ing Holiday is over, then we have Black Friday. Parents spend up to $400+, maybe more on unnecessary items, sav- ing the gifts for Christ- mas Day. Should the priority be labels on clothing, sneakers and
high dollar toys for tots? The Holiday Season is a time for coming to- gether, sharing our hearts, minds and spir- its.
More importantly, there is the need for par- ents to start a College Savings Plan (CSP), for the youth preparing for post-secondary educa- tional pursuits. No mat- ter if the funds are set aside for a Career or Ed- ucational Institution of Higher Education. The College Savings Plan needs to start when the youth, he or she enter Pre-Kindergarten until 12th grade, graduation day.
There are several In- vestment Programs that can better assist you on starting a College Sav- ings Plan, as soon as pos- sible. We can give our youth a better chance on a brighter future by tar- geting our Holiday spending towards an in- vestment that makes a lasting impact. Balance is key. Holiday gift giving can really show how much we can care for our children and young adults, but a Career or Educational Institution of Higher Education in- vestment plan is more important for their fu- ture.
DR. SHANDALE TERRELL Lakeland, Florida
Teenagers Invited To Take Part In Driver Challenge
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
On January 13, 2018, teenagers in Hills- borough County will have an opportunity to participate in a teen driver challenge. The event is free, however, it requires pre-regis- tration.
The Teen Driver Challenge is being held by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. The purpose of the challenge is to help teenagers become better drivers.
Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said, “This driving program is our way of making sure that teens get the ed- ucation and skills necessary to get behind the wheel and make it home to their families each and every night. That’s what matters most. Anything we can do to keep our children safe is something I am very committed to.”
In order to participate, the teenagers must have a valid driver’s license (not restricted) and a car to use. They will spend some time in the classroom. Some of the topics they will discuss include vehicle maintenance, evasive maneuvers, threshold and emergency brak- ing, backing up, off road recovery, the for- ward serpentine, the reverse serpentine, and the figure 8.
After completing the classroom portion of the challenge, the teenagers will then go to the driving pad. On the pad, they will learn how to become better and safer drivers. They will be taught by the same instructors that teach deputies high-liability driving skills.
This program is a joint effort between the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and the
SHERIFF CHAD CHRONISTER
Florida Sheriff’s Association. It is designed to reduce statistics involving teenage drivers and to make them safer drivers.
Students throughout the county are in- vited to participate in the program. However, space is limited to 12 participants, with 3-4 on standby, and the students must pre-register.
It will take place from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., at the Walter C. Heinrich Practical Training Sit, in Lithia.
For more information about the challenge or registration forms, call Deputy Ryan Thomas at (813) 247-8115; or visit the web- site at: http://www.hcso.-tampa.fl.us/get- doc/b732f749-0252-493a-a2f4-dd53290c26 87/Teen-Driver-Challenge.aspx
PAGE 4-A FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2017