Page 8 - Florida Sentinel 2-20-18

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First Time Author Releases Book Written In Ten Days
Annual January Babies Birthday Celebration
This year the "January Babies" celebrated their birthdays on January 30th at Fresh Harvest Restaurant with a scrumptious all- you-can-eat meal. The group has been in existence for more than twenty years and the annual celebration includes lots of food, fun, gifts, and laughter. Everyone looks forward to fellowship- ping and having a good time.
The members who attended this year from left to right are: Betty King, Minnie Sullivan, Barbara Thomas, Sharen Robinson, Irene Bedford, and Gloria Davis.
Airman Completes Basic Military Training
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
Ms. Tracey Ricks said she has always written po- etry. But, she never even thought about writing a book.
However, after attending a webinar class on how to write a book in 10 days, she was suddenly inspired. Ms. Ricks sat down and in the allotted time, created “The Messed Up Missionary.”
The book is an autobiog- raphy and it gives details of her life experiences. “I prayed and the Lord wanted me to write my story. I did a lot of things in my life and it’s all in there, from domestic violence to lesbianism.”
After completing the book, she set about getting it pub- lished, and six months later, she held her first book sign- ing in New York City, where
MS. TRACEY RICKS
she lives. This past weekend, she hosted an event in Tampa at the home of her brother, Teddy Ricks.
“I started college at Baruch College. Then, I got pregnant and went from being 19 and in college to my mother becoming ill and dying when my baby was 19 days old.
After years of having vari- ous challenges, Ms. Ricks began attending church and she said that was a turning point in her life. “Even while in church, I had some strug- gles with Lesbianism. But, I surrendered my life to God. I learned that no matter what the struggle is, God is able.”
During her lifetime, she had several jobs. Today, she is employed at the New York State Unified Court System as a Senior Court Clerk.
She is the mother of 3 adult children and a member of Greater Refuge Temple Church of our Lord Jesus Christ.
She divides her time be- tween her family, work, church, and writing.
Anyone wishing to learn more about the book can con- tact Teddy Ricks at (813) 928-7322.
U. S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Jonathan A. Griffith completed all re- quirements and recently graduated from basic mili- tary training. The gradua- tion ceremony was held at the Joint Base San Antonio- Lackland, in San Antonio, Texas.
Airman 1st Class Grif- fith completed an intensive, eight-week program that in- cluded training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.
He also earned four cred- its toward an Associate in Applied Science Degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
Airman 1st Class Grif- fith is the son of Meraliz Martinez Rodriguez, of Tampa, and Christopher M. Griffith, of Hephzibah, Georgia.
AIRMAN 1ST CLASS JONATHAN A. GRIFFITH
His wife, Lyric Hay- wood, lives in Sanford, North Carolina. His broth- ers, Jordan and Christo- pher Griffith, and grandparents, Luz and Or- lando Martinez, all live in Tampa.
Airman 1st Class Grif- fith graduated from Tampa Bay Technical High School in 2013.
PAGE 8 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2018