Page 2 - Florida Sentinel 3-15-19

Features
Annual Fundraiser Planned To Benefit Local School
Chief Operating Officer Wants To
Help Agency Grow
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
Recently, the Corporation to Develop Communities, Inc., filled the position of Chief Operating Officer. Mrs. Ronda Shannon Watts is a native Floridian who sees the position as an opportu- nity to come home.
Now, Mrs. Watts is get- ting settled in and preparing to help the agency reach new heights. She brings to the table, several years experi- ence in social work.
A native of Palmetto, Florida, Mrs. Watts gradu- ated from Manatee High School. She continued her ed- ucation at Florida A & M Uni- versity. Her major was Criminal Justice and Biology. At the time she was seeking a career in the forensics field.
However, life happened and she interrupted her edu- cation. When she returned to college, she changed her major to Social Work and earned her B. S. Degree from Florida A & M University.
Mrs. Watts then entered the employment arena and worked with HIV and AIDS patients. She remained in that field until she relocated to Atlanta. While in Atlanta, she met her future husband, Edwin Watts.
“I grew up in Palmetto and he grew up in Sarasota and we never knew each other. We met in Atlanta,”
MS. RONDA SHANNON WATTS
she said.
For the last 16 years, Mrs.
Watts was employed with H. J. Russell Construction Com- pany when she learned of the position at the CDC. “I felt it was time to come home and get back into social work. In my new role, I am managing the operations of the pro- grams. I’m helping to grow the agency,” she said.
Mrs. Watts, who is the mother of an adult daughter, Ashley, enjoys spending time with her family and trav- eling. She is also a fan of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the owner of a decorating company, specializing in inte- rior design.
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
Several years ago, a group of concerned members of the community responded to a need. They realized that a historic African American school was in need of finan- cial assistance.
Led by Tampa business- man Marvin Knight, the group decided to volunteer their time and create an event that would give some- thing in return for support of St. Peter Claver Catholic School. They decided to host an evening of entertainment.
They decided on an evening of jazz, featuring live entertainment in a safe and welcoming environment. For the first two years, the volun- teers hosted the event at the Ritz and entitled the event, “Jazzin At The Ritz.”
Last year was the first time the event was held at the Italian Club, corner of 7th Avenue and 17th Street. The volunteers will return this year for the second time when they present, “Jazzin At The Italian Club,” on Sunday, April 14th.
This year, those in atten- dance can attend the recep- tion from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The event will begin at 5 p.m. and conclude at 8 p.m.
Knight said, “We are try-
MARVIN KNIGHT
ing to raise $25,000 and all proceeds will benefit the school. Where else can you go, have a relaxing evening of entertainment, and give back at the same time? This school has been in our community for about 126 years. By rais- ing money for the school, we are helping those kids who are there now as well as those who will come in the future,” he said.
Knight further said, “We are also having some of our young people shadow us so that they will know how to give back to the community.
“We had more than 200 people in attendance last year. We want everyone to return this year and bring others with you. There will be dancing, live entertainment, music, and other events.
“You will have an oppor- tunity to dress up and mingle
with people who enjoy the same type of music that you enjoy.”
He further said he is invit- ing members of sororities, fraternities, other organiza- tions as well as individuals to take part in the fundraiser.
Anyone wishing to volun- teer or to learn more about the event can contact Mar- vin Knight at (813) 453- 5690.
St. Peter Claver
Catholic School
In 1893, the St. Peter Catholic Church came into existence with the purchase of an old existing church. On February 2, 1894, two Sisters of the Holy Names began classes with 16 students.
After arsonists burned the building on Morgan Street, the church purchased a piece of property on the corner of Scott and Governor in the Black community. The school reopened in October 1894.
The school was so suc- cessful that seven years later, its students were able to pass the Teacher’s Examination and receive certificates from the Hillsborough County Board of Public Instruction.
Meeting
Middleton Class Of 1960 Announces Meeting
The Middleton High School Class of 1960 will have Class Meeting on Satur- day, 16 March 2019, at 3 P. M. The meeting will be held at Bridget’s Kitchen, for- merly Betty’s Corner, 3501 N. 26th St. Tampa.
Please return your Survey immediately with the re- quired information with the appropriate deposit. Also, please try to bring another class member to the meeting.
For more information, please contact the Corre- sponding Secretary at (813) 741-9294.
Honoring The Legacy Of Theresa A. Manuel
There will be a program honoring the legacy of the late Theresa A. Manuel, a 1948 Olympian, with a bronze plaque, on Friday, March 29, 2019, 5 p. m., in the cafeteria of Middleton High School.
Please mark your calen- dars. The public is invited.
PAGE 2-A FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2019