Vol. 27 #9 September 2021
FREE
Publishers: TAMPA BAY TAMMY & DJ CEO
Tampa • St. Petersburg • Clearwater • Largo • Tarpon Springs . Brandon • Bradenton • Sarasota • Lakeland Plant City
Make A Conscious Effort To Support Black Businesses Page 2
Dear Girlfriend, I just found out my supposedly good friend’s husband has Covid. I was very surprised because they both had their shots. I have had my shots and the booster. About a week ago, I attended his birthday gathering at their condominium clubhouse. Well, my brother surprisingly called to check on me after the husband’s close friend (who was also at the party) and a mutual friend of my brother said he has it too. He asked my brother if I had any symptoms and if I had been tested. I have spoken to her twice before then, but she has not mentioned it. However I had noticed she was short with me the last 2 times we spoke on the phone. Now I get it. Now I am pissed because her husband informed his friend but she didn’t call me. She and I both have underlined conditions. We both have high blood pressure and I have diabetes. We talk about everything and everybody. Yet she withheld this. For the record, my whole family has had their shots, even my college aged children, but yet, I feel so betrayed. How should I handle her? Why wouldn’t she tell me? Signed Feeling Betrayed! Dear Feeling Betrayed, First of all, know that talk is cheap! We all know what we should do, until something actually happens to us. We all talk about how we would respond, act or react but never really know until we are in the situation. So don’t judge her too harshly, this pandemic is not over and you may find yourself in a situation too. Case and point: My sister puts everything on Facebook and was very adamant that people should tell everyone if they get COV-ID to offset exposure. That was her position when she heard about OTHER people we knew who had it or died from it. At the early stage of the pandemic, she ranted “what’s the big secret? That’s why its spreading?” However, when it hit her, she was as quiet as a mouse. That never made Facebook. “Man is not judged by where he stands in times of comfort and convenience but where he stands in times of controversy” These are controversial times. So we have to check ourselves. These are the times our real selves are revealed to us and everyone else. Sometimes we don’t like who we see, so we change. As we grow, we change our opinions, positions and relationships. Maybe your good friend felt it was not her place to tell anyone at first because it was her husband who had it and not her. I do believe in letting everyone tell their own business. Maybe you are not as good of friends as you thought, but that’s okay because now you know, so act accordingly. We all have to take responsibility for our OWN life. You can’t control your friends, but you can control yourself. You knew when you went to that indoor party that your chances of being exposed were great but you went anyway. We all know that we are taking a chance when we take our azzes to these indoor affairs, but sometimes we go anyway. So first forgive yourself and then forgive her because you both made a bad decision. Follow the CDC guidelines, if you must go, chose outside venues. Everyone is not blessed with integrity, morality and will not tell you the truth about their situations, but God has a way of changing us, so let’s be forgiving during the process. For the record, I do believe she should have contacted you and everyone at her party that they may have been exposed to because that is the recommendation of the CDC. But she didn’t, so that’s over. Let it go. YOU be a real friend and call her and ask how she is doing? If they can’t do it for themselves, take her some food, water, tissue, ASEA, medication or whatever you think she needs to her door and leave it. That’s how you handle her...with forgiveness and Love!
Need Advice? Write to Dear Girlfriend At Tampabaytammy@hotmail.com Page 3
N-Touch News
The Reception of Charles & Lauren Fleming Ward
Page 4
The Reception of Charles & Lauren Fleming Ward
N-Touch News, The Good News Resource Since 1996. It’s a Family Affair!
N-Touch News
Page 5
Georgia Alberty Jefferson's Retirement Georgia Jefferson has officiailly retired from the Citizens Alliance for Progress, also known as the CAP CENTER. On Friday, July 30. Coworkers, friends and family members gathered to celebrate her career. Located in the heart of Tarpon Springs Florida on Martin Luther King Jr. Street. Georgia has been a staple in the community for many years. She was the first person seen when one enters the door, always greeting them with a beautiful smile Previous to her employment at the CAP center, Georgia worked at the City of Tarpon Springs in the City Clerks office for nine (9) years. She was also employed with Pinellas County’s Tax Collector’s Office for fourteen (14) years. She retired in
Page 6
1993, but changed her mind. Georgia started in the her latest Secretarial position nineteen years ago, in 2002. Georgia enjoyed working with her co-workers and the people who came in and out of the office daily. Her passion was to make everyone who entered the center’s door feel welcome and special and she accomplished that daily . She also worked side by side with FAMU graduate David Archie who later became the Mayor of Tarpon Springs. Georgia worked diligently with him as well helping in every capacity that she was needed. Her plans are to rest and take care of her parents, Father aged 100 and Mother aged 93 who are able bodied and living at home. Georgia you will be missed. Stay N Touch
COVID Assistance Looking for COVID test both Rapid and / or PCR. Go to 1101 E. 139th Ave. Tampa, Fl. 33613 Open Monday thru Friday 9:am-5:pm FEMA offers assistance for families who experienced Covid deaths Go to https://www.fema.gov/disaster/coronavirus/economic/funeralassistance In our daily walk to handle the ever looming Covid disease, we often find ourselves confused with who, what, when, where, how and the why of things associated with COVID. Because of this daily confusion and misinformation that floats into our digital spaces, finding what is right for us and our family can prove to be a challenge. The United States government has provided a website sponsored by the Health and
Human Services division to accurately provide information that you can trust and rely on to help with any questions or concerns that you might have. The CombatCovid website will point you in the right direction for anything you desire, including possible treatments for Covid, the Covid Vaccine, clinical trials and resources for healthcare professionals. The website is just one of many that can direct you to accurate information in helping you make factual decisions that could affect your family Go to www.combatcovid.hhs.gov and discover what you really need to know to fight this deadly virus
Honoring Bonnie James Glover, 10/10/61 - 09/11/21
by Husband. Craig Clover MBA
My wife and best friend, Bonnie James Glover, passed away from COVID-19 on the evening of 9/11. Our sons Matt, Ben and I were able to spend her last hours with her. She lived 59 impactful years. Bonnie and I met on a dance floor at a house party in Tallahassee at Florida A&M University (FAMU). We studied at the School of Business and Industry (SBI) under the legendary, demanding and loving Dean, Dr. Sybil C. Mobley. We became friends and enjoyed spending time together and with our FAMUly. Our friendship progressed into a relationship. I first realized the depth of my love for Bonnie at the end of my senior year. She was a year behind me. When it hit me that I would not be with her for her senior year I cried. A lot. Bonnie just consoled me and said it would be ok. As she was declining from COVID two Sundays ago, she calmly and strongly said, “I’m dying, and I
need to speak to my sons and Rev. Taylor.” I was distraught, crying, “You can’t go yet. It’s too soon.” Again, she consoled me saying it would be ok. There is so much to share. For now, I’ll focus on her Dreams and her Impact. In college, she dreamed of becoming an attorney and a writer. She graduated Stetson Law School (while having Matt in the middle), became a licensed attorney, clerked for 4 judges, joined the VA and led their mediation team, training hundreds of mediators. She also supported my dreams as we moved to NJ for my work at Pfizer. During that time, she raised our sons and began to write more. She made a friend (of course), Eugene Datta from India, in an online writer’s community. That relationship led to Bonnie receiving a 2-book contract with Random House. The Middle Sister and Going Down South – have been nationally recognized and GDS was a finalist for an NAACP Image
Award. Her books are beautiful and powerful, just like her. At a crossroads in our lives, Bonnie reminded me of my dream of owning a business. With her encouragement, we co-founded two. Of course, she was the heart of each. Bonnie’s impact is tremendous. Just one example is the level of love and appreciation from her staff, caregivers and clients of our home health agency. I knew every day how much she loved Matt, Ben and I and how much we loved her. I did not fully appreciate the depth of her love and deep connection with so many others. We celebrated our 36th wedding anniversary in June, by going back to FAMU. We reminisced, toured the campus and visited our favorite professors (Bradford and Frieder). Bonnie decided to establish a scholarship at SBI during that trip, to honor her mom and mine and to help students
like us. The James-Glover Scholarship Fund will honor Bonnie’s legacy too. If you desire, you may donate at this link - https://my.famu.edu/donation/gloverscholarship . Bonnie did not want a funeral. She did want a party. For safety, we will celebrate her life virtually in October. Details to follow. That’s all for now. Our angel will live in Matt, Ben and I forever. She taught us so much. Thanks for your love, support and prayers. Please stay well. Peace and Blessings to you all. Craig
Eugene Ravenel Gone but Forever Cherished in our Hearts Eugene was born April 19, 1954 in Charleston, South Carolina. He was one of ten children born to the late Rev. James Ravenel Sr. and Berniece Ravenel. Eugene was a proud graduate of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and earned a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Tampa. Eugene had a great work ethic. He was a Certified Accountant, a Real Estate Broker and Instructor. Eugene was very active in the community. He served as a basketball coach, youth mentor, math tutor, as a life member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and a Power Couple.. Eugene was an active member of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church and served in many capacities including church trustee and overseas missionary in support of N-Touch News
Haiti. He was a life-long learner and loved puzzles. Eugene Ravenel passed away on August 24th 2021 from COVID-19. Eugene was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. James Ravenel Sr. and Berniece Ravenel and brother Lee Ravenel. He leaves to cherish his memory: wife, Pamela Ravenel; son, Evan Ravenel; daughter, Erin Ravenel; brothers, James Ravenel Jr. (Marion), Frank Ravenel Sr. (Harriett), Benjamin Ravenel (Vivian), Isaiah Ravenel (Emi), Edward Ravenel (Blanche), Harry Ravenel (Anna); sisters, Julia Forrest, Juanita Young (Oscar); aunts, Betty Dunmeyer and Julia Gilliard; uncles, Leon Dunmeyer (Alice), Joseph Dunmeyer Sr., Edward Dunmeyer and sister-in-law, Georgette Ravenel. Pamela Ravenel 813 404-0557
To Receive N-Touch News monthly digitally, click the Subscribe button at ntouchnews.com Page 7
USF Beats FAMU 38 to 17 @ Raymond James Stadium
If it’s not in N-Touch News it’s NOT happpening. Page 8
N-Touch News
USF Beats FAMU 38 to 17 @ Raymond James Stadium
N-Touch News, Serving the Tampa Bay Area Since 1996 Page 9
Elect A New Mayor for St Petersburg, Ken Welch
Ken Welch, finished first in the Aug. 24 primary, and has since been endorsed by Tampa’s Mayor Jane Castor. Castor said she is excited to help Welch become her peer. Welch was also endorsed by St. Rep. Darryl Rouson, Senator Arthenia Joyner and Congressman Charlie Crist to name a few. Ken Welch believes he can help St. Petersburg become a safer, more inclusive and more resilient city of the future by utilizing science based solutions to combat Covid and providing thought-
Need A Professional Graphic Artist? Call Floyd!
ful and innovatiove housing and transportation for the citizens of Saint Petersburg. Ken believes St. Petersburg needs him now! His vision is for principled progress to keep improving “the quality of life in every St. Pete neighborhood through effective public safety, protecting our environment, increasing economic opportunity, empowering our youth, and smart growth strategies.” For more information or to join his team visit Votewelch@gmail.com or call (727) 490-9266
Naaman Johnson Jr. 19820 US 19 Clearwater, FL 33764
813-244-9127
Fowler
1241 E Fowler Ave. Tampa, Fl 33612
Notary Pubic Toastmasters Breast Cancer Survivor Servant Leader
At N-Touch News, We Support Those Who Support Us! Page 10
Mask, Sports Paraphenalia, Caps, Men’s Wear, Women’s Wear, Stretch Jeans, Belts, Buckles, Sneakers, Socks, Thermal Wear, Novelties, Oils Serving Tampa Bay for over 30 Years
Big Al’s Precious Hair & Barber Shop 5617 E. Adamo Drive Unit 2 Tampa, Florida 33619
Register today for an upcoming class 4 hour course for initial HIV/AIDS (813) 376-0503
Designs By EVE Now Hiring: Barbers Braiders & Stylist
Alvin Walker Owner/Stylist 813 376-0503
Hair Expressions of Carrollwood A Full Service Salon 12037 Anderson Rd. Tampa, Fl. 33624
Owner / Operator Theresa Henry Call for Appointment Spacious Work Environment Movie Room Booth Rental Available (813) 846-4175 www.hairexpressionofcarrollwood.com
Master Barber Ben
@ Foster’s
(813) 323-5714
Barber Shop 1923 W. Main Tampa Fl. 33607 813-389-0480
5302 19th St. at Hillsborough Ave Tampa, Fl
N-Touch News: Keeping Small Businesses in Business Page 11
Tampa Bay Area YMCAs Host 2021 Corporate Cup Challenge Companies from around the Tampa Bay area will take a break from the office or stay-at-home office on Saturday, October 16th to enjoy a fun day of team building and networking while supporting the Tampa Bay Area YMCAs at its second annual Corporate Cup Challenge, premier “adult field-day.” This one-of-a-kind Olympic-style co-ed team-building, opponenttaunting, skills-flaunting event promotes health and wellness in the workplace for local companies and organizations. Activities include obstacle courses, team building challenges, and inflatable challenges.
“The Corporate Cup Challenge gives 100 percent of the proceeds back into the community, so individuals and families who cannot afford to participate at their local YMCA are never turned away due to the inability to pay,” said G. Scott Goyer, President/ CEO of the YMCA of the Suncoast. The Corporate Cup Challenge is Presented by LEMA Construction and SIMWINS. Approximately, 20 teams are participating this year. WHEN: Saturday, October 16th, Checkin 8 am, Challenge 9am-12pm WHERE: James P. Gills YMCA, 8411 Photonics Drive, New Port Richey, Fl.
AUTO INJURY REHABILITATION ACUPUNCTURE CHIROPRACTIC
www.tampaspineandwellness.com doctor@tswchiro.com
Barbara J. Pittman
The Law Office of Patricia Dawson, P.A.
Law Offices of Barbara J. Pittman, P.A.
Former Hillsborough County Prosecutor-Deputy Chief
• Criminal Defense (813) • Family Law • Personal Injury
386-5730
1211 N. WestshoreBlvd. Suite 307 Tampa, Florida 33607 The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisement. Before you decide, ask for FREE written information about our qualifications and experience.
1409 W. Thonotosassa Rd. Plant City, Fl. 33566
(813) 719-6605
Moore
Williams
One on One Consultation From Start to Successful Conclusion
www.williamsandmoorelaw.com
Accidental Death Auto/Motorcycle Accidents Permanent Disabilities Nursing Home Negligence Slip & Falls The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisement. Before you decide, ask for FREE written information about our qualifications and experience.
N-Touch News
(813) 331-5753 205 W. MLK Blvd Suite 102 Tampa, FL 33603
(813)269-9706 Fax (813)960-0601
Cypress Point Office Park 10012 N. Dale Mabry Suite 211 Tampa, Florida 33618 • Criminal Defense • Family Law • Personal N-Touch News Injury The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisement. Before you decide, ask for FREE written information about our qualifications and experience.
N-Touch News
Page 13
Adult Humor
Go Ahead and Get your Laugh On
Working at Walmart
So after landing my new job as a Walmart greeter, a good find for many retirees, I lasted less than a day. About two hours into my first day on the job a very loud, mean-acting woman walked into the store with her two kids, yelling obscenities at them all the way through the entrance. As I had been instructed, I said pleasantly,”Good morning and welcome to Walmart. Nice children you have there. Are they twins?” Of course, her children were at least two years apart, and while they did share similar features, they certainly didn’t look like each other. The woman stopped yelling long enough to say, “Hell no, they ain’t twins. The oldest one’s 9, and the other one’s 7. Why the hell would you think they’re twins? Are you blind, or just stupid?” So I replied, “I’m neither blind nor stupid, Ma’am, I just couldn’t believe someone slept with you twice. Have a good day and thank you for shopping at Walmart.”
Murder
The judge says to a double-homicide defendant, “You’re charged with beating your wife to death with a hammer.” A voice at the back of the courtroom yells out, “You bastard.” The judge says, “You’re also charged with beating your mother-in-law to death with a hammer.” The voice in the back of the courtroom yells out, “You God-damned bastard.” The judge stops, and says to the guy in the back of the courtroom, “Sir, I can understand your anger and frustration at this crime. But no more outbursts from you, or I’ll charge you with contempt. Is that a problem?” The guy in the back of the court stands up and says, “For fifteen years, I’ve lived next door to that bastard, and every time I asked to borrow a hammer, he said he didn’t have one.”
Heat Stroke
During a recent hot spell in Atlanta, a bum collapsed on the street. Immediately a crowd gathered and began offering suggestions. “Give the poor man a drink of whiskey,” a little old lady said. “Give him some air,” a man cried out. “Give him some whiskey,” she cried again. “Give him some water,” another man said. “Give him some whiskey,” the old lady said yet again. Several other suggestions were made, and the bum suddenly sat up and hollered, “Will all of you shut up and listen to the little old lady?”
The Diagnosis
While making the rounds, Dr. Prescott points out an X-Ray to a group of medical students. "As you can see," he says, "the patient limps because his left fibula and tibia are radically arched. Mr. Allen, what would you do in a case like this?" Mr. Allen pondered for a second and answered, "I guess I'd limp, too."
Date Night
One Saturday, as Mom was finishing the dinner dishes, my father stepped up behind her. “Would you like to go out, girl?” he asked. Not even turning around, my mother quickly replied, “Oh, yes, I’d love to!” They had a wonderful evening, and it wasn’t until the end of the evening that Dad finally confessed that his question had actually been directed to the family dog, laying near Mom’s feet on the kitchen floor.
New Years Eve
On New Year’s Eve, Marilyn stood up in the local pub and said that it was time to get ready. At the stroke of midnight, she wanted every husband to be standing next to the one person who made his life worth living. As the clock struck - the bartender was almost crushed to death.
The TV
A 5-year-old boy went to visit his grandmother one day. Playing with his toys in her bedroom while grandma was dusting, he looked up and said, Grandma, how come you dont have a boyfriend now that Grandpa went to heaven? Grandma replied, Honey, my TV is my boyfriend. I can sit in my bedroom and watch it all day long. The religious programs make me feel good and the comedies make me laugh ... Im happy with my TV as my boyfriend. Grandma turned on the TV, and the reception was terrible. She started adjusting the knobs, trying to get the picture in focus. Frustrated, she started hitting the backside of the TV hoping to fix the problem. The little boy heard the doorbell ring, so he hurried to open the door and there stood Grandmas minister. The minister said, Hello son, is your Grandma home? The little boy replied, Yeah, shes in the bedroom banging her boyfriend. The minister fainted.
Adult Humor
Fishing
A game warden catches an unlicensed fisherman in the act. "You're going to pay a big fine for all those fish in your bucket" "But, officer, I didn't catch these -they are my pet fish and I just bring them here to swim. When they're done they jump back into the bucket." "Oh really? This I've got to see. If you can prove it, I'll let you go." The fisherman empties the bucket into the lake and waits patiently. A few minutes go by and nothing happens. Game warden: So where are the fish? Fisherman: What fish?
Excuses
The boss in an oil rig went out to find that none of his subordinates were there. One finally ran up, panting heavily. “Sorry, sir! I can explain. you see, I had a date and it ran a little late I ran to the bus but missed it, I hailed a cab but it broke down, found a farm, bought a horse but it dropped dead, ran 10 miles, and now I’m here.” The boss was very skeptical about this explanation but at least he was here so he let him go. Moments later, eight more subordinates came up to the boss panting, he asked them why they were late. “Sorry, sir! I had a date and it ran a little late, I ran to the bus but missed it, I hailed a cab but it broke down, found a farm, bought a horse but it dropped dead, ran 10 miles, and now I’m here.” The boss eyed them, feeling very skeptical but since he let the first guy go, he let them go, too. The last subordinate jogged up to the boss, panting heavily. “Sorry, sir! I had a date and it ran a little late, I ran to the bus but missed it, I hailed a cab but...” “Let me guess,” the boss interrupted, “it broke down.” “No,” said the subordinate, “there were so many dead horses in the road, it took forever to get around them.”
Keep On Laughing...Laughter Heals! Page 14
N-Touch News
Page 15
Page 16