Page 8 - Florida Sentinel 12-26-17

Local
Volunteers Of America Hold Grand Opening Of Program And Community Center Naming
On Monday, December 11, 2017, the Volunteers of Amer- ica Florida hosted the grand opening of a veterans program and community center nam- ing.
Volunteers of America of Florida is a non-profit 501c3, faith-based organization dedi-
cated to creating positive change in the lives of Floridi- ans in need.
The program for veterans is named after James Cole, who recently died. The pro- gram is housed at the commu- nity center, named in honor of Betty P. Wiggins, and is lo-
cated at 4011 N. 39th St., Tampa 33610.
Program participants were: Janet Stringfellow, Volunteers of America of Florida President and CEO; Reverend Sims, representa- tives of the Cole family, repre- sentative of the Wiggins
family, her daughter, Debo- rah Randall; District 3 of the Tampa Police Dept. presented a “Crime Free Community” certificate to the program; Proclamation from Commis- sioner Les Miller’s office; Councilman Frank Red- dick presented a proclama-
tion; Ed Johnson of East Tampa Partnership; and Poet Laureate James Tokley.
After the program, guests were invited to tour the Com- munity Center and the Pro- gram while enjoying light refreshments. (Photographs by Frederick Harris)
Members of the Cole family in attendance were: Todd Cole, Anthony and Janice Cole, Sr., Jackie Cole Walker, James Christian Cole, Jaylin Elise Cole, James Ernest Cole, Renet Cole and Robert Cole, Sr.
Natalie Chambers, Beverly Warren, Ana Lankford, Rafael Herrera and Chuck Taylor were in atten- dance.
Members of the community attended the program dedication and center naming that honored James Cole and Betty P. Wiggins, respectively.
City Councilman Frank Reddick presented a proclamation from the City of Tampa.
Angela Hall of Molina and Mr. and Mrs. James (Joanna) Tokley. Mr. Tokley, Poet Laureate, gave a presentation.
Poet Laureate James Tokley prepared a poem for the occa- sion.
Robert Irvin and Capt. Calvin Johnson, Tampa Police Dept.
PAGE 8 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY TUESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2017