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Vol. 37, No. 50: Section 01

Tallahassee, Florida

Dec. 15 - Dec. 21, 2011

University BOT steps in By Terrika Mitchell

FAMU BOT voted on Dec. 8 to publically reprimand Ammons (left) rather than place him on administrative leave. BOT member Bill Jennings (left) believes Ammons’ lack of communication played a role. “I think the only way to correct Jennings says he is supportthat is for Dr. Ammons to consult ive of the reprimand and cited the board on critical matters.” Ammons’ decision to assign a

See BOT, Page 2

Reaching one person at a time Person of the Week

FAMU students pledge against hazing Outlook Staff Writer

Denise Parker By Stephon Parker Jr. Outlook Staff Writer

Denise Parker is a firm believer of many things. However, for Parker, her works and lifestyle all evolve around God. “Everything that I do is through God,” Parker said. “I always pray and ask God what it is that He wants me to do.” Parker, who turns 55 on Dec. 31, is the key figure in the Bethel Missionary Baptist Church’s Young Mothers Christian Mentoring ministry. Recently she led the second annual Christmas luncheon that focused on assisting families less fortunate during this holiday season. “We have workshops and

FAMU SGA President Breyon Love (left) and Vice President Troy Harris (right). students attend and say to the world and the media that ‘we are actively making progress to rid out hazing on any level here at the university.’” Administrators, faculty and student leaders stressed the intolerance policy on what FAMU President James H. Ammons referred to as a pattern of destructive behavior from our students at the university. The pledge was a charge initiated by Student Government Association President Breyon Love. “Right now, it is up to us to recommit ourselves as Rattlers on the highest of seven hills to end

hazing and become an example for a positive change across America,” Love told the audience. Copies of the pledge are available on the SGA website at www.famu.edu\sga. “Students can turn the forms in at the Office of Student Activities or SGA (Chambers),” he said. “As long as we get it in to some university official, (SGA) will take care of it from there.” On Dec. 7, Florida A&M University President James H. Ammons had the opportunity to briefly present to Board of Trustee (BOT) members; an opportunity he took to shed light on the See STUDENTS, Page 2

Scott to ask for $1 billion boost in school spending, restore downturn cuts By David Royse The News Service of Florida Special to the Outlook

Governor Scott teaches a science lab in Immokalee during a “Let’s Get to Work Day.” year that starts July 1 on Dec. 7 afternoon. His spokesman, Lane Wright, declined to say Dec. 6 where the governor will propose to cut spending to be able to afford the proposed boost in education spending – a cut that will need to

OPINION / 4 EDUCATION / 5 RELIGION / 6

Briefs

See POW, Page 2

Gov. Rick Scott is set to propose a $1 billion increase in education spending over this year, planning to call Dec. 7 for a boost to per-student spending despite a state revenue shortfall and lower local school tax dollars. In a conference call with state school superintendents Dec. 6, Scott, who will be proposing his second budget since getting elected in 2010, said he plans to call for lawmakers to increase per-pupil spending from $6,262 to $6,372, even after factoring in expected growth of about 30,000 more students over the current school year. A spokesman for the governor said late Dec. 7 that officials in the governor’s office believe it would be one of the largest increases in K-12 spending in recent history if lawmakers were to go along. Scott plans to make public his proposed budget for the fiscal

Inside COMMUNITY NEWS / 10

By Terrika Mitchell

More than 3,400 Florida AM students signed an anti-hazing form on Dec. 5 in an effort to take a stand against hazing. The event was a result of the Nov. 19 death of FAMU Drum Major Robert Champion, who the Orange County Sheriff’s Office believes died as a result of hazing. The student anti-hazing form is a contractual agreement between organizations, students and other members of the university stating what the punishment for participating in any form of hazing will be on every level. The consequences of participating range from suspension or expulsion from the school to suspension from the Office of Student Activities for organizations, according to Student Government Association Surgeon General Tom Diamond II. “With the help of SGA, in conjunction with the Office of Student Activities, it was mandatory that every organization on campus and student club come to the anti-hazing forum if they want to participate any longer at Florida A&M University,” Diamond said. “At our anti-hazing forum, we had a little over 4,000

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Florida A&M University’s two-day Board of Trustees meeting last week has seemingly resolved internal confusion that stemmed from the Nov. 19 death of Marching “100” Drum Major Robert Champion. On Dec. 8, in an 8-4 vote, board members decided to publically reprimand FAMU President James H. Ammons – a substitute motion made by Trustee Torey Alston – rather than place him on administrative leave, which was motioned by Trustee Rufus Montgomery. “I think one of the bases for the reprimand of Dr. Ammons was that the board felt the way he handled the whole matter was just unacceptable,” said Trustee Bill Jennings, former board chairman.

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task force prior to consulting the board as an unacceptable course of action, in his opinion. Another action Ammons took – dismissing Dr. Julian E. White as FAMU’s director of bands – was disputed by not only BOT members, but the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Subsequently, actions by the FAMU task force were halted and White was reinstated and put on administrative leave on Dec. 7. The four students who were previously dismissed from the university due to their alleged involvement in Champion’s death were also reinstated. “This is a step in the right direction,” said Attorney Chuck Hobbs, who represents White. “We still believe that administrative leave with pay is tantamount to a form of discipline. We will continue exploring all legal op-

be even larger because of revenue projections that are off by nearly $2 billion over what legislators earmarked this year. Scott has also made it clear that he agrees with Republican legislative leadership’s anti-tax viewpoint, and has said publicly

a few times that he won’t call for any tax increases. The governor’s recommendations are merely the first formal step in a months-long process and the final budget will eventually be written by the Legislature, though Scott has line item veto power. Senate budget committees are expected to receive presentations on Dec. 8 about Scott’s recommendations. “Education pays, and we clearly must find a way to increase our investment in Florida’s students,” Scott said in a recorded radio address distributed to stations on Dec. 6. But he acknowledged the difficulty of finding the extra money, noting the student increase, which will mean it will cost $191 million more over current year spending just to keep per-pupil funding flat. “Florida’s growing student population comes at a time when we also estimate a loss of local revenue,” Scott said in his radio address. “This means Florida school districts will have over $200 million less to spend. In See SPENDING, Page 2

Skip the fancy ribbons; stay on your holiday budget Want to stay in your holiday budget? One good way is to watch your non-gift spending: A third of last season’s spending was on wrapping paper, ribbons, cards, shipping, new party clothes and travel, according to this month’s Good Housekeeping magazine. So mail lightweight gifts, skip the fancy ribbons and buy discounted paper or cards. Ask yourself: Do you really need that new holiday outfit? Despite objections, passing the FCAT likely to get tougher The Florida Board of Education is poised to adopt new, higher scores for each of the levels, 1-5, on the annual high-stakes test for third- through 10th graders. Florida Education Commissioner Gerard Robinson announced that he would recommend increasing scores, including those for high school reading that have prompted the strongest protest from superintendents. “I’m confident the students and schools will rise to the challenge,” Robinson said in a Thursday morning conference call with reporters. He said the new, higher high school score “raises a new standard for a new Florida and a new era.” Florida boasts three of the nation’s Top 10 cities for tech job growth Tech jobs are one bright spot in the economy. The hiring spree taking place in that sector isn’t limited to Silicon Valley. Cities across the country are enjoying a boost in employment thanks to information technology jobs. No. 4 Jacksonville - Companies hiring: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Technisource No. 7 Miami - Companies hiring: IBM, Deloitte & Touche No. 8 Tampa - Companies hiring: Moffitt Cancer Center, Raymond James Financial

This Week’s Word “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18 (NKJV)

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Capital Outlook

Celebrate your loved ones this holiday season with Covenant Hospice Special to the Outlook During the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it is important to remember the people in our lives who fill each day with joy. Covenant Hospice’s Tree of Lights offers a time to reflect and celebrate our loved ones while giving a meaningful gift in their honor or memory. Covenant Hospice invites all members of the Tallahassee community to a celebration of life at Publix at Village Square, located at 3521 Thomasville Road. Keepsake ornaments in memory of a loved one are available for a donation to Covenant Hospice and they may be taken home or displayed on the Tree of Lights during the holiday season. A remembrance ceremony with

a message of renewal and hope will be held on Sunday, Dec. 18 at 3:30 p.m. in Publix Apron’s Cooking School. Following the ceremony, Publix Apron’s will provide refreshments and guests are invited to socialize and share in the joy of the holiday season. The annual tradition of Covenant Hospice’s Tree of Lights holds a special place in the hearts of families and friends of Covenant Hospice patients and supports the funding of our chaplains, bereavement servic-

es, indigent care, and other unfunded programs. Covenant Hospice is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit charitable organization committed to providing comprehensive, compassionate end-of-life care to our patients and their families in Franklin, Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Taylor and Wakulla counties.

graduate of FAMU, believes Ammons was not the only leader to fail the university. “We must gather back on The Hill and call for the trustees to do their duty,” he said in an opinion article published in the Tallahassee Democrat. Ashley Hill, a trumpet player in the Marching “100,” says she is encouraged by what White’s reinstatement means for the marching band and saluted White with a “Hubba Doc.” Hill urges everyone to cease fire so that healing may begin. “When something bad

happens, we try to point the finger or find someone to place the blame on,” she said. “Rather than doing that, we should try to encourage one another and try to find a solution to the issue. I understand the magnitude of the situation but to get angrier and be more hostile toward one another doesn’t make anything better. What we need to do is come together and find some type of common ground.”

For more information call (850) 701-0137 or email LydiaClaire. Brooks@CovenantHospice.org.

BOT from Page 1 tions to have Dr. White fully reinstated as Director of Bands and to his position as full tenured professor and chair of the FAMU Department of Music.” Much of the board members’ concerns surrounded the lack of information Ammons provided board members. “I think that if the board had been consulted more before actions were taken, a lot of what we’ve gone through could have been avoided,” Jennings said. Dale Landry, president of the Tallahassee Branch of the NAACP and 2005

Terrika Mitchell can be contacted at tmitchell@ capitaloutlook.com.

Dec. 15 - Dec. 21, 2011

Spending from Page 1 spite of this bleak budget picture, I am committed to increasing Florida’s investment in the education of our young people.” As Scott leaked small details of his budget to various outlets on Dec. 6, Democrats quickly pointed out that the Republicandominated Legislature has cut education spending as the economy has tanked – meaning that any increase only serves to get Florida back to where it was a few years ago. The current year budget, for example, cut

more than $1.3 billion from education, Democrats said, arguing that even a $1 billion increase still leaves education coffers lighter than they were before Scott took office. Per-student spending dropped by more than $500 last year. “The current state education funding levels are at the lowest levels since FY 2005-06,” House Democrats said in a statement sent out late Dec. 6. Per-student spending peaked at more than $7,100 per child during the 2007-

2008 fiscal year, just before the economic downturn. Regardless, Scott told a Jacksonville TV station that it was time to put the money back into education. “I’m going to tell the Legislature, ‘I’m not signing the budget unless we substantially increase state funding for education,’ because that’s what our hardworking Floridians want,” Scott told WJXT. “We’ve got to put this money into education.”

“Through my job, I touch a lot of lives,” Parker said. “I make it my business to assist young people and families as I see them come into this world. I feel as if God put me in this position for a reason.” All work and no play is by no means a way of life for Parker. In fact, she said that most people are not aware of her love for sports. “A lot of people probably do not know I am a pretty good softball play-

er,” Parker said. “I do not play it all the time but I do my best to get out there every once in a while. I just really enjoy sports.” When asked how she felt being the Capital Outlook’s Person of the Week, Parker did not hesitate at all to express her gratitude. “I am humbled,” Parker said. “I am honored and just really surprised.”

administration’s efforts, but with the efforts of Champion’s family as well. Champion’s parents are planning to initiate an anti-hazing hotline. “This continues to be a sad time for the entire FAMU community, but each day, I see that Robert Champion’s death was not in vain,” said Dr. Julian E. White, newly-reinstated director of bands. “A dialogue of healing has begun, and I’m encouraged to see students, faculty, alumni,

administrators and trustees taking steps to get rid of hazing. Robert’s parents are starting a hazing hot line. I ask people to continue praying for the Champions and for the Rattler Nation.”

POW from Page 1 many other things available for our mothers,” Parker said. “We want more mothers to join this ministry and know that we are here to assist them in their Christian walk.” As a profession, Parker constantly deals with families with needs in the state of Florida. She serves as the director of Human Resources for the Department of Children and Families. Parker said it is there where she does her best to impact people.

Stephon Parker can be contacted at sparker@ capitaloutlook.com

Student from Page 1 anti-hazing effort involving all FAMU students. “There is a culture of silence, a bell of secrecy,” he opened. “We have to strategically use this information to move forward and put our students in positions where they make the right choices at the right time. We have to be in control and take away the opportunity for this kind of thing to happen.” The students’ stand against hazing practices does not only align with the

Terrika Mitchell can be contacted at tmitchell@ capitalook.com.

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Dec. 15 - Dec. 21, 2011

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Opinion

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Transformation: Dr. James Ammons and Dr. Julian White strong educators… Rev. Dr. R.B. Holmes Jr.

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Publisher/President Rev. Dr. R.B. Holmes, Jr.

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Dec. 15 - Dec. 21, 2011

This community is very blessed and fortunate to have two of the leading African American educators in this country, Dr. James Ammons and Dr. Julian White. Both have impressive and exceptional educational successes and accomplishments. These men have given a substantial amount of their talents, gifts, and energies to shape and develop the lives of thousands of students. These outstanding educators are very touched and hurt by the untimely death of our drum major, Mr. Robert Champion. In a time of challenge and crisis, it is important that we do not forget the great achievements and hard work of these renowned educators. Let me be clear, neither Dr. Ammons nor Dr. White condone hazing. I am a personal witness of their longstanding commitment against hazing and any other deviant activities that take place on our campus. It is time for the healing, reconciliation, and peace to prevail. We can not and shall not throw neither man under the proverbial bus. Furthermore, we can not allow anyone to turn this tragedy into an opportunity to minimize and demoralize the great history of Florida A&M University. Let me be clear, FAMU’s degrees will not be tainted. The young people who will earn their degrees this weekend and others who have earned their degrees from this fine institution will stand head and shoulders above every other

institution that gives college degrees. Let me make it abundantly clear, Florida A&M University graduates in the past, present and future will always rise to the top of the class. I hope and trust that this community will continue to support the Board of Trustees and FAMU’s administration to continue to provide our students with the best education on planet earth. The legal system will eventually conclude their investigation. The FAMU family must never allow any unfortunate event to weaken our resolve to make FAMU one of the greatest institutions in this community. Again, let me be clear, many institutions have had their share of unfortunate events to take place on campus, such as Florida State University, University of Florida, University of Miami, Penn State University, Syracuse, Virginia Tech University and others. However, they were able to rise above the challenge and no one ever thought of suggesting that neither their image nor degrees would be a damaged product. Therefore, it is important for all of us to refrain from finger - pointing and piling on as it relates to the tragic death of Brother Champion. I am encouraged that Brother Champion’s parents are using this hurtful incident to ensure that hazing must cease. I pray for their strength and thank God for their wisdom and insight. As stated in a previous column, I have appointed a National Task Force to address hazing on pre - dominantly Black College and University campuses and violence in the black community. We have allowed violence in our music, videos, and against one another to go

unchecked and unchallenged far too often. I am appreciative of the persons who have agreed to serve on this task force. There will be a National Task Force Anti-Hazing press conference, to be held Jan. 17, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. You will find below several persons who have agreed to serve on this National Task Force. Let me thank them and you for your willingness to stand up for Florida A & M University and to put an end to hazing as we know it. Be encouraged! Rev. Dr. R. B. Holmes, Jr. President & Founder, National Save the Family Now Movement President, Region Two National Newspapers Publishers Association National Task Force: Cloves Campbell Chairman of the Board, National Newspaper Publishers Association Dr. George Cooper President, South Carolina State University Nathaniel Glover President, Edward Waters College Dr. Larry Rivers President, Fort Valley State University

Change Danny Bakewell Past National Chairman, National Newspaper Publishers Association Dr. Cheryl Grills National Association Black Psychologists

Dr. Na’im Akbar President, Na’im Akbar Consultants Dr. Osiefield Anderson Math Professor, Florida A&M University Dr. M. Christopher Brown, II President, Alcorn State University James Crumel, Sr. Regional Vice-President South, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Tom Diamond, II FAMU Student Government, Office of the Surgeon General Judge Glenda Hatchett Founder, Parent Power Now Presiding Judge of the Judge Hatchett Show Carolyn House Stewart, Esq. National President, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc Dr. Julian White Director of Bands, Florida A&M University

Martin Luther King, III President & CEO, The King Center for Nonviolent Social

Rebates for residents before businesses Bill Proctor

Education Editor

Leon County Board of Commissioners

Dr. Ronald W. Holmes

D e a r Commissioners and City

Youth Editor Delaitre J. Hollinger Manager:

Office Manager Taralisha M. Sanders

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I strongly object to the City giving a cash rebate of $5.6 million to the City’s “1 percenters’ – “Wall Street Business of Tallahassee”– before you make refund to our citizens (the 99 percent) who are suffering during this economic crisis and who the City overcharged for utilities last year. The cold season of winter is upon us, a time where utilities rates soar and people struggle to

heat their homes. During the past year, I have written letters encouraging the City to consider the needs of our community, especially the needs of the District One neighborhoods of Springfield, Frenchtown, South City, Bond, Allen, multiple mobile home communities, and numerous apartment units. These letters have been dismissed through claims that the $8 million rebate amount was too small to distribute to our citizens; yet many citizens in District One remain victims of a regressive utility formula where the customers pay exorbitantly more per square foot of the home sizes for utilities than any other. It is unclear how $5.6

million dollars is not too small to rebate to “Tallahassee’s Wall Street” community but $8 million dollars, according to you was too small to rebate to “Main Street Tallahassee” residential customers. And now, you propose to rebate $5.3 million to the corporations of Tallahassee. This is the Christmas season, a season of giving, and instead of rebating the overcharges that you collected from your utility customers, you are giving it to those corporations. You are showing a class preference toward the business community by returning to them deposits which may have been too high in the beginning. However, you are

showing a disregard, disrespect, and irreverence to struggling residential customers who the City has admittedly overcharged. You should first, refund all outstanding overcharges. Secondly, please give utility deposit rebates to residential customers at the same rate or percentage as you rebate and give back to businesses. In the spirit of the Christmas season, please give back to our citizens who are struggling to make ends meet. Give back the money that you owe the customer base by rebating evenly the $8 million in utility overcharges that was collected from your utility customers.

A moral outrage and wake-up call By Marc H. Morial

NNPA Columnist

“A country that does not stand for and protect its children – our seed corn for the future – does not stand for anything.” – Marian Wright Edelman, President of the Children’s Defense Fund Last week the Census Bureau delivered disturbing news about how the Great Recession and its aftermath are affecting the most vulnerable among us – America’s school children. Out of a total of 3,142 counties in the United States, 653 saw significant increases in poverty among school-aged children from 20072010 – an increase of 20 percent. Nationally, 19.8 percent of school children are now living in poverty. This poverty increase has hit large, urban school systems the hardest with 96 of the 100 biggest school districts reporting increases in the number of poor children. In Detroit, 47 percent of school children are poor. In New York, the poverty rate rose to 29 percent, up from 26.6 percent in 2007. This is a

moral outrage. While the debate drags on in Washington about the right balance of spending cuts and taxes, a real and preventable tragedy is unfolding before our eyes. Through no fault of their own, millions more children whose parents have lost jobs, are in need of free school lunches, are going without health care and, as depicted in a recent “60 Minutes” segment, are homeless and even living in cars. The new Census Bureau report comes on the heels of news in September that the number of poor people in America has risen to 46.2 million – that’s 15 percent of all citizens and the largest number in 52 years. Many previously middle class families are finding themselves standing in line at food banks and homeless shelters. And, according to the Children’s Defense Fund, one in three African American and Hispanic children are living in poverty. This should be a loud and urgent wake-up call to Congress and policy makers. By the end of this year, only weeks away, if Congress fails to act, already struggling families face the end of the payroll tax cut. This would add about $1000 to a family’s tax bill. The extension of unemployment benefits is also

in jeopardy. According to the non-partisan Center for Budget Policy and Priorities, unemployment benefits together with supports like the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit are keeping 7 million people out of poverty. Beth Davalos, who runs Families in Transition in Seminole County, Fla., was interviewed for the “60 Minutes” segment on children living in cars. She explained in stark terms the impact poverty is having on a kindergarten child she was trying to help: “That little 5-year-old was so troubled over where she would be sleeping, she was not thinking about 2 + 2.” The fact is, we

Beth Davalos

should not even be talking about child poverty in the richest nation on earth. We have the means, we simply need to summon the will to end it. If we can find the money to bail out Wall Street and give tax breaks to the wealthy, surely we can find the resources to provide food, shelter, health care and a good education for our children. Marc H. Morial is the president and CEO of the National Urban League.

Education

5 How can the value-added model better measure students’ performance? Dec. 15 - Dec. 21, 2011

Ronald W. Holmes, Ph.D. Education Editor/Vice President Tim Tebow’s throwing motion as a NFL quarterback is very unorthodox compared to traditional NFL quarterbacks. Because Tebow does not fit the norm, he has been criticized about his throwing motion and potential to perform effectively as a NFL quarterback. It was not until the Denver Broncos lost three out of four games, coupled with fans complaining vehemently, that Tebow became the starting quarterback for the Broncos. In contrast to popular beliefs, Tebow’s performance has not only led the Broncos seven wins out of eight games he started but also advanced the team to first place in the American Football Conference. His professional growth as a NFL quarterback has improved considerably over these seven games. Without the flexibility to perform the quarterback position from an alternative style, Tebow would have been boxed into a one-size-fitsall method for learning and growing on the job. Tebow’s employer would have continued to assess his abilities based on a single measure, the traditional throwing motion rather than multiple factors such as motivation, spirituality, leadership, work ethics, athleticism, social background and prior experience as a winning quarterback. So the questions to be asked are: How can the value-added model better measure students’ performance? Why should it be an alternative for measuring Adequately Yearly Progress (AYP)? What are the disadvantages of the value-added model? According to research, the value-added model uses multiple measures

to evaluate students’ performance over a period of time. Rather than use a single assessment to measure students’ performance such as a standardized test, the value-added model uses other performance assessments, in addition to standardized test, to measure their achievement. In fact, the value-added model incorporates academic gains of all students according to their baseline or prior achievement levels. It takes into consideration their socio-economic status, race, gender and emotional or behavioral disabilities. With the current No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) requirements that all public schools meet AYP proficiency of 100 percent in mathematics and reading for all students and subgroups by 2014, research purports that the value-added model should be a viable alternative for measuring AYP. The reason is that students’ performance can be assessed individually from year to year rather than the annual measurable objectives for all students and subgroups. For example, if third grade elementary students’ performance on the mathematics and reading portions of the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) or Georgia Criterion-Referenced Competency Test (CRCT) are above grade level, the fourth grade teacher can assess the growth of these students individually on the same test from year to year. The teacher can also assess the necessary resources to further improve the achievement levels of students regardless of their social, economic and educational background. Also, the value-added alternative to AYP can provide schools the opportunity to measure the effectiveness of teachers who taught students from year to year. For example, fourth grade teachers who taught the

Ronald W. Holmes, Ph.D. same group of third graders can be measured on how much they contributed to students’ performance on the FCAT or CRCT from year to year rather than the annual measurable objectives for all students and subgroups. Critics argue that the value-added model has “limitations given that classrooms are not tightly controlled laboratories, students are not randomly assigned to teachers or schools and standardized tests are not perfectly reliable predictors of student knowledge.” Also, the

absence of standardized test scores of students, in certain grade levels from a subsequent year, makes it impossible to measure value-added in students’ growth. According to U.S. Department of Education, 11 state education agencies have filed requests, seeking flexibility from the NCLB. Their applications should reflect locally-designed interventions for their schools such as multiple measures to assess the effectiveness of the schools rather than adopt a onesize-fits-all remedy of the current NCLB. Minnesota, for example, is making its waiver request to ensure that schools meet accountability standards for students through growth metrics coupled with assessment data of overall school performance. At the recent superintendent of DeKalb County School System faith-based roundtable

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meeting, Dr. Cheryl Atkinson says that DeKalb is considering a value-added model to assess the effectiveness of its schools and students. Atkinson believes that this growth model will also help to eliminate the misinformation or misunderstanding of AYP data to the public of DeKalb community. Tebow’s throwing motion as a NFL quarterback is very unorthodox compared to traditional NFL quarterbacks. However, he has proved to his critics that other measures should be used to assess the effectiveness of a NFL quarterback. Similarly, we must consider other measures to assess the effectiveness of students’ performance in America’s schools. The value-added model being tested in various school systems provides an alternative process to measure students’ achievement in lieu of NCLB requirements.

Courtesy of Denver Broncos Organization Dr. Ronald W. Holmes is the author of Education Questions to be Answered. He is the National Superintendent of Education for the National Save the Family Now Movement, Inc., a former teacher, school administrator, and district superintendent and can be reached at rwholmes@capitaloutlook.com.

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Fisk University wins latest round in legal battle to share art collection Special to the Outlook Since 2004, Fisk University, the historically black educational institution in Nashville, has been trying to sell all or part of its 101-piece Stieglitz Collection, which was donated to the university by artist Georgia O’Keeffe. The collection includes many paintings by O’Keeffe, as well as other works. The collection is valued at about $75 million. But a stipulation in the O’Keeffe gift says that the collection cannot be sold and must be displayed. Fisk University maintains that it needs to generate funds from this valuable asset to remain financially viable. The university had an agreement to loan the collection to the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Ark., for six months each year for a fee of $30 million. But, the Tennessee attorney gen-

eral opposed the agreement stating that it violated the terms of O’Keeffe agreement and went to court in order to keep the collection in Nashville. Fisk won the right to share the collection in a November 2010 ruling that was appealed by the attorney general. Now, the Tennessee Court of Appeals has ruled that Fisk can proceed with the arrangement with the Crystal Bridges Museum. Furthermore the court said that Fisk does not need to abide by a ruling by the trial court that mandated that Fisk set aside $20 million of the $30 million from the Crystal Bridges Museum for an endowment that would ensure for the proper care of the artwork. The attorney general issued a statement saying the office was reviewing the court decision and would evaluate what course to take next.

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Selected work from the Stieglitz Collection. (Nashville Public Television on YouTube)

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Dec. 15 - Dec. 21, 2011 Religion Devotional –– “The Greatness of Joy”

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“The Joy of Suffering” By Bruce Harrell He wants us to elevate our minds to a level that allows us to see our suffering evangelistically and to know that these slight afflictions can precipitate change in our lives and in the lives of those around us. Yes, it is possible to have joy in suffering if we realize several things: 1. God is advanced through our suffering. Paul says in verse 12 of Philippians 1 “But I would

ye should understand brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel. We should never lose sight of the Christian doctrine and philosophy that misfortune can serve a good purpose in the eyes of God. When misfortune comes our way and seems destined to stay awhile and upset our plans – believers should rejoice in the fact that there is a God in Heaven who is managing our affairs and our lives, and He has His own plan and design for us. Keep on worshiping and loving God because “all things work together for good to them who are the called according to His purpose”. Therefore, when we can’t make sense of what

God is doing in some of His purposes, when we accept by faith it will bring joy, and it will affect other people in the Gospel – The Gospel will advance. We will have real joy in suffering not only if we realize that the Gospel is advanced, but also that our testimony is witnessed. This brings us to the second point which is: 2. We can have real joy if we realize that the church is encouraged. We have to acknowledge that here at Bethel we are so blessed to be a witness on a continuing basis to the miracles of God - How He has healed and restored and manifested Himself in the lives of so many “Bethelites.” And having been witnesses, are all made the better by how these individuals conduct themselves while in the midst of their sufferings,

trials and tribulations. How they keep on praising the Lord, keep on coming to Church, keep on signing in the choir, keep on working in ministries, and keep on testifying to the goodness of God, proclaiming that He is able. And when God comes through, they have proven themselves thankful and thoughtful enough to do like the one leper who came back and fell down at Jesus’ feet and thanked him for his healing. Paul wants us to know that when we go thru our trials, our testimony is being witnessed, and we’ll never know the influence that we’re perhaps having on other Christians by the way that we suffer, the way that we go through what we are going through. I mentioned that this deaconess talked about how her friend conducted herself while going thru

her trials. She also told of how her friend consoled and encouraged her when she was sick although she herself was sick. Well, she was following Peter’s admonition in 1 Peter 4:19 when he says, “Wherefore let them that suffer commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful creator.” In other words, when we are going thru what we are going thru, we are to trust God and continue to do good. Continue to do what he has called us to do Finally, a preacher once said “we are epistles written unto men. The only bible that some people will read is you, and they will read how you suffer. This was the master’s method. The Lord Jesus Christ going through such agony and torment on Calvary, but the purpose of His suffering was God’s

redemptive work and our salvation.” Paul says, “That I may know Him, the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings.” As believers, we are reminded in 2 Corinthians 4:17: 17. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; Roy Lauren, a Christian author, said, “What seemed to sight to be retardation was to faith in fact an acceleration. What seemed to hinder really served to help, what seemed to prevent in actual fact promoted, and what appeared to be misfortune provided a blessing!” There suffering.

joy

Religious leaders pray for change

Photo by ASHLEY HOGANS

(left to right) back: Rev. Ernest Ferrell, Rev. Terry Price, Rev. Bernyce Clausell, Rev. Jermaine Simmons, Rev. Dr. R.B. Holmes Jr., Rector Laughton Thomas, Dr. Julian White; (front) Rev. Lee Johnson. not only HBCUs, but all the magnitude in which it religious leaders and people By Ashley Hogans colleges and universities happened that it took a life in the community joined Outlook Staff Writer have someone there who is for us to come together. together in an old hymn Religious leaders held hazing,” said Awoniyi. “We This should have never singing “What a friend we a special prayer service for need the national attention happened to this magnitude, have in Jesus.” Afterwards Robert Champion’s family, to this issue, so we can help but we are prayerful that a special prayer was held and the Florida A&M others know it is immoral this initiative will create a for the Champion family by Father Laughton Thomas, University community and and senseless to feel that culture of change.” During the service Rector of St. Michaels we have to use violence to administration. help a person be initiated Champion, 26, who was a drum major for the into an organization, or “Marching 100” band died move to another level in an on Nov. 19 after the Florida organization.” Rev. Dr. Vivian HallClassic football game Royster, a retired dean and in Orlando. Authorities professor who has worked suspect hazing led to closely with students and Champion’s death. sororities says it’s time for The faith-based this culture to change. community came together “Hazing is everywhere to hold a Communityfrankly,” Hall-Royster Wide Prayer Service on said. “It’s unfortunate of Wednesday, Dec. 7 at Jacob Chapel Baptist Church, where Rev. Jermaine Simmons is pastor, to eradicate hazing on HBCU campuses and nationwide. Rev. Barbra Awoniyi, Pastor of New Life United Methodist Church in Tallahassee led the community in prayer. “We believe that this is a national issue where colleges and universities

& All Angels Episcopal Church. Longtime band director of FAMU, Dr. Julian White held hands with the local pastors as they asked God for strength and guidance in this controversial matter. “This is something that the community needed,” White said. “I came not for media publicity, I just came to join in this prayer service because I think the community needs a healing, and I am honored to be here. I think the ministers did a wonderful job in bringing our community together.” White was fired by the Florida A&M University administration on Nov.23 following the death of Champion.

However, once the Community−Wide Prayer Service was over, White was temporarily reinstated by the Board of Trustees who were meeting in Orlando during the time the prayer service was being held. Since the hazing issue Rev. Dr. R. B. Holmes Jr., appointed a national HBCU task force to develop a National Anti-Hazing Conference. Many leaders and presidents of HBCUs are joining this task force in an effort to end hazing on HBCU campuses. Ashley Hogans can be contacted at ahogans@ capitaloutlook.com.

Reverend Dr. R. B. Holmes , Jr.

“The Christ Centered Church With a Program of Prayer and Progress ”

Capital Outlook Retail 101 with Macy’s

Dec. 15 - Dec. 21, 2011

www.capitaloutlook.com

“The Workshop at Macy’s,” the retailer’s minority and women-owned business development program returns to identify and foster up-and-coming vendors Applications are now being accepted for second Workshop at Macy’s Special to the Outlook After a highly successful inaugural edition this past Spring, Macy’s innovative business of fashion program - The Workshop at Macy’s, returns to mentor and foster growth for a new class of up-and-coming minority and women-owned businesses. The retail 101 crash course, aims to take promising enterprises to the next level in order for them to achieve and sustain positive and successful vendor relationships. This industry first initiative reinforces Macy’s long-standing commitment to vendor diversity and to providing customers with unique goods and services that meet their lifestyle. The Workshop at Macy’s is a four and a half-day intensive training course developed by a consortium of experts from Macy’s Learning & Development, Macy’s Multicultural Merchandising and Vendor Development, Babson College, the nation’s leading business school for entrepreneurship, and with select Macy’s merchants/ vendors. The specially designed business development curriculum is aimed

Shawn Outler at minority and womenowned retail businesses that are poised to succeed on a larger scale, but need real-world business practice information and perspective on large-scale vendor relationships, to move to the next level and sustain growth. A potential goal of this annual program is to help create a pipeline of viable enterprises that will grow to become successful partners within Macy’s own vendor community. First held this past Spring, the inaugural Workshop included 22 businesses that ranged from makeup/skincare companies to confectionaries, home textiles and ready-to-wear designers. “The incredible suc-

cess of our first Workshop this Spring, paves the way for a new set of entrepreneurs who are hungry to learn from our stable of experts about the ways they can grow their ventures,” said Shawn Outler, Macy’s group vice-president of Multicultural Merchandising and Vendor Development. “The support and information made available to Workshop participants is invaluable in taking these businesses to the next phase of growth.” The Workshop at Macy’s allows selected participants to collaborate with fellow aspiring vendors, gain access to industry experts and solicit oneon-one business coaching. The course work includes classes on merchandising and assortment planning, marketing, EDI, financial management, and access to capital. Of the first Workshop class, Ms. Outler noted, “The entire week served as a revelation for participants, who had many breakthrough moments. You could see things starting to click for them as the week progressed. While many participants came in focused on pitching their

Focus on your personal economy

Farrah Gray By Farrah Gray NNPA Columnist

Special to the Outlook

Getting on with your life’s work is used often, which implies a career transition for an individual in whom they exploit their achievements and experiences to date. This is often true of successful entrepreneurs. It is the rare entrepreneur who starts a business as his first job. The forces driving such transitions come from many sources. In the case of the former athletes or retired military personnel for example, it was the inevitability of the end of their careers. Others start businesses because they believe in the opportunity represented by a product or an idea. For others, still, unemployment may be a factor with elevated unemployment levels that have exceeded eight percent since February 2009. Is it time for you to “get on with your life’s work” and start a business? The following questions will help you determine the answer. (1) Are your reasons for wanting to start a business the right reasons? Right reasons are ones which motivate you towards a goal -- you want to be your own boss, you want to see your ideas bear commercial fruit and have others acknowledge what you have achieved. Negative reasons, such as running away from a job you don’t

like, rarely breed success. (2) Do you have a “fire in your belly,” and are you determined to start your own business regardless of what others say? If so, that tenacity and drive will probably be more critical to your success than any words of wisdom offered to you... Opportunity doesn’t knock; it waits to be discovered. With the three Ps: Problem, Pain and Passion. While this article focuses on the three Ps as sources of inspiration from which to start a business, these three dimensions can also be applied to evaluating an idea for a business. Specifically, if an idea addresses all three dimensions, most likely, it is a good foundation for a business. If, on the other hand, the idea fails to address any of the three, it should be rejected or restructured. While the idea may still be viable, redefining your target market and how you sell into that market will be necessary. PROBLEM -- The essence of any good business is one that responds to the market. There must be a need or a problem among potential customers that an entrepreneur can fill or solve. For most small businesses, creating a market because of new technology or some other revolutionary approach is not feasible. Under those circumstances, the cost of marketing the revolutionary concept will often exceed available resources. Early stage businesses should be in a sales mode and have a Declarative Imperative statement that effectively communicates, and sells, the company’s solution to a given problem. PAIN -- While having a problem is necessary, it is not sufficient. The true basis for a business is a problem that causes “pain.” The more “pain” potential customers experience, the greater their motivation to find, and purchase, a solution to eliminate it. The

greatest challenge for every early stage company is making the transition from development into commercialization, i.e., getting targeted customers to part with their cash for the product or service. The existence of “pain” is a critical element in closing such sales. Creating revenues is the first step toward commercial success. PASSION -- Finally, the entrepreneurial team needs to have “passion” about the solution it is providing. This passion needs to be sincere and it must permeate the entire organization. The “passion” quotient, in the early stages of a business, is one of the most important elements in closing sales. New businesses have so many things going against them; the customer has to believe in the people promoting the product or service. Similarly, from the entrepreneurial perspective, things will go wrong and mistakes will be made. Without passion, an entrepreneur may not have the fortitude to stick it out and successfully navigate these pitfalls. If you pass the problem, pain and passion test, put some power and punch into your pitches to prospects. Who knows? You may just be able to use your unique experience to gain a strategic advantage to launch your startup and gain some space on the competitive landscape. Dr. Farrah Gray is the author of The Truth Shall Make You Rich: The New Road Map to Radical Prosperity, Get Real, Get Rich: Conquer the 7 Lies Blocking You from Success and the international bestseller Reallionaire: Nine Steps to Becoming Rich from the Inside Out. He is chairman of the Farrah Gray Foundation. Dr. Gray can be reached via email at fg@drfarrahgray.com or his web site at http://www. drfarrahgray.com.

lines, at the conclusion of the course work, they came away understanding how merchants think and how to build that relationship. The financial management sessions led by Elizabeth Thornton of Babson College, were especially eyeopening. Every element of the Workshop at Macy’s was designed to enhance and create long-term success for their businesses.” Michelle Tunno Buelow, founder and ceo of Bello Tunno, a previous participant noted, “The Workshop at Macy’s challenged us to examine our business on an elevated level. It encouraged us to realistically look at our current infrastructure and strategy, dream bigger, and then bridge the gap. The program was planned and executed in such a way that it empowered and inspired our team. We left the week armed with a toolbox for success, a plan for growth and the support of Macy’s.” “The opportunity changed my perspective and gave my business the retail insider information it needed to succeed even my own limits,” said Kim Roxie, founder and ceo of LAMIK Beauty. “The rela-

tionships I was able to build within a week will span a lifetime, cheers to the Magic of Macy’s!” Macy’s is now accepting entries for consideration. To be eligible, an applicant must be the majority (51% or more of equity) owner, co-owner or otherwise have operational control (per applicable status rules) of a business that has been in operation for a least two consecutive years and be its primary decision maker. Eligible applications will include a 250-word biographical statement, look book/line sheets or images of product including costs, resumes on all owners, financial statements for the business for 2 years, fall within the minority and women-owned definition of the program and provide verification of the business as a legal en-

tity (i.e. Corporation, LLC, etc.), among other requirements. Applications must be submitted online or postmarked by Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012 by 11:59 p.m ET. All information including full program requirements are available online at www. macysinc.com/workshop. All eligible applications will be reviewed and select applicants will be asked to attend an in-person interview. Final selections will be made after all prospective candidates are interviewed. The program will aim to invite at minimum 20 businesses to attend the course which begins in early May of 2012. For more information on The Workshop at Macy’s, please visit www. macysinc.com/workshop.

Apps to keep your sanity By Brandon A. Perry

Special to the NNPA from the Indianapolis Recorder

Contributing to a business, organization or project can be hard enough without the occasional “mishaps” that can seriously derail plans. Common mishaps include dropped appointments, last-minute flight changes, lost information and lack of trusted contacts, who can perform needed tasks. The good news is that those misfortunes can be avoided with technology at the palm of your hand. Companies have stepped up to offer numerous apps that can help manage not only business affairs, but also personal itineraries. Available for both iPhone and Android, these apps can do everything from scheduling appointments and organizing files, to checking traffic information and providing easy payment options to customers. Some of them you may have heard of, others you may have not, but they are all designed to help you keep your sanity as you navigate the hustle and bustle of a busy day. For iPhone Flight Track Pro People who fly frequently know how much of a hassle it is to keep track of delayed flights, mistakes in reservations and lastminute gate changes. Flight Track Pro can reduce stress by checking airport delays and closures, arrival times, weather and flights around the world. Flight Track Pro can not only check gate numbers and flight cancellations, but also search for

alternatives. Versions range from just $4.99 to $9.99. Terminal This app, produced by AppNinjas, is ideal for small business owners who want to offer customers the option of using credit/ debit cards, but don’t want to buy expensive payment processing equipment. Terminal lets you accept credit card payments wherever business takes you, quickly verifies card numbers and supports all major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. Terminal is available for a small monthly fee from AppNinjas. Encamp This application provides access to all of the Basecamp features that professionals have found useful, including information about projects, messages, to-do lists and business milestones. The app’s dashboard allows users to see the latest activity, while the project tab enables them to see current and completed projects. Encamp can also quickly download PDFs, images and office documents. Linkedin (Mobile) Eliminates business cards and printed resumes by giving the iPhone access to one of the nation’s largest networks of business professionals. This means no longer having to swap business cards -simply go on Linkedin and add a person immediately. For Android DropBox This is an application that gives the ability to synchronize files online and across different comput-

ers such as Mac, Windows and Linux, automatically without having to download each time. There is the option of sharing folders with other people, restrict sharing or remove sharing permissions completely. Dropbox is also available for computers. Documents to go! Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and PDF files are essentials to managing business any day, and this app does exactly that. It allows users to edit, create and view these files in an intuitive interface. This application is easy to use, and offers a free version of the app to view or work on emails and attachments. Gist Gist is another popular social networking business app. It gives users complete business profiles for their contacts, including updates from social networks like Facebook and Twitter, mentions in the news, and email correspondences across multiple inboxes. All information is presented in context around an upcoming meeting or recent status update. Trip It This is a free travel application that helps track itineraries, miles, points earned, hotel plans, car rentals, etc. It is all integrated to make travel easy. You can share your travel details with your team, and can also view their itineraries, locate yourself or know about places using maps and directions. TripIt Pro features include alerts about flights and alternate flight information.

Classifieds/Sports

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Rattler basketball strikes in the community

Dec. 15 - Dec. 21, 2011

New all-star game will feature basketball players only from HBCUs Special to the Outlook A new all-star basketball game for players at historically Black colleges and universities will be played for the first time at Forbes Arena on the campus of Morehouse College in Atlanta on April 6, 2012. The HBCU All-Star Game will provide a showcase for student athletes at Black

colleges to display their talents for scouts from the National Basketball Association and other professional leagues around the world. Twenty-two players will be selected to participate in the all-star game. In addition to the game, players will participate in a three-day talent showcase for professional scouts.

CLASSIFIEDS

Employment FLORIDA A&M SPORTS INFORMATION

Yannick Crowder was a fan favorite at the Laverne Payne Center. By Florida A&M Sports Information Special to the Outlook

The FAMU Rattlers men’s basketball team took time off from practice on Friday to assist the Fourth Avenue Recreation Center with their annual Christmas Celebration at the Laverne Payne Community Center. The entire squad assisted the center with various activities at the event. Coach Tony Sheals was in charge of the team for the event. The event drew thousands of people, but more importantly, it was a time to give a helping hand to families. The mere presence of the Rattlers drew immediate attention. With their height towering over the families, they were not hard to spot. Many of the residents took pictures of, and with the players. The event was coordinated by Dade Street/ Fourth Avenue Recreation Center director Greg Grady and his staff. Grady, a long time assistant director at the Walker-Ford Community Center, has directed the center for the past four years. A former professional basketball player himself, Grady was happy to have the team assist with the event. The City of Tallahassee and Leon County also

contributed to the event. Leon County Commission Chairman Akin Akinyemi and Commissioner Brian Desloge were on hand for the event. Tallahassee City Commissioner Andrew Gillum was also in attendance, talking with families. Miss FAMU, NaKena Cromartie, was the ambassador for the university. She, along with the FAMU basketball players, assisted Santa in passing out the mountain of gifts to the kids. Cromartie was a favorite of the young ladies at the event. “She looks like a princess,” one young girl told another. The first big winner of the day was Haniah Edwards, who won a bicycle that was donated by the David Frank Injury law Firm. David Frank and Pam Sullivan were in attendance to personally present the bicycle to the four-year-old and her mother Talethia. FAMU Athletics is dedicated to being a part of the community, and Sheals feels it’s a vital part of a kid’s growth. “More than anything, we want the kids to understand what community service is. We wanted to get in the Christmas spirit. It also gives them the opportunity to realize that they are blessed. They are blessed to have scholarships to go to school and

blessed to have the opportunity to play basketball. Getting out intermingling with young people who may not be as fortunate, and being able to give some holiday cheer and getting in the spirit of giving is what this is all about,” Sheals said. Robert Blake was the host of the event. He led dance contests, trivia contests and the drawing to give away bicycles. People were dancing, eating, enjoying the games and just generally having a good time. Of course the man of the hour, “Soul Santa” arrived via a large Tallahassee Fire Department truck. “Soul Santa,” has been visiting the community for over 35 years. To the cheers of thousands, “Soul Santa” welcomed everyone with a hearty “Ho,ho,ho.” At that point, the kids were so excited they were about to explode. At the conclusion of the event, the Rattlers headed off to study film for their game Saturday against the University of South Florida. But, they had accomplished much more than winning a game. “It was heartwarming seeing us help bring some smiles and we’re glad we could be here to support this community,” Sheals concluded.

LEON COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS JOB OPENINGS THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS HAVE A CLOSING DATE OF: December 16, 2011 Library Special Services Coordinator Crew Chief I (Tree Removal Specialist) Library Services Specialist (Full-time position) THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS ARE “Open Until Filled” Application Development Analyst (Applications & Database) IT Technical Support Specialist II Sustainability Coordinator

Program

THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS ARE “OPEN CONTINUOUSLY” Paramedic (PRN) EMT (PRN) For additional information on these positions and other job openings: • Go to www.leoncountyfl. gov/HR/jobs/joblist.asp • Call our Job Line at (850) 606-2403 • Watch Comcast Channel 16 (Tuesdays 9am-12am) • Visit Human Resources, 315 South Calhoun Street, 5th Floor, Suite #502 An Equal Opportunity Employer

Legal Notice IN THE CIRCUIT COURT, SECOND JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR LEON COUNTY, FLORIDA. Case No. 2011-CP-774 Probate Division In Re: The Estate Of OLA H. SPEARS Deceased. NOTICE TORS

CREDI-

The administration of the estate of OLA H. SPEARS, deceased, Case No. 2011-CP-774, is pending in the Circuit Court for Leon County, Florida Probate Division, the address of which is 301 South Monroe Street, Leon County Courthouse, Tallahassee, Florida, 32301. The names and addresses of the Co-Personal Representative and their attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the Decedent and other persons having claims or demands against the Decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is served must file their claims with this Court WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE MONTHS AFTER DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the Decedent and persons having claims against the estate of the Decedent must file their claims with this Court WITHIN THREE MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. All persons on whom this notice is served who have objections that challenge the qualifications of the CoPersonal Representatives, venue, or jurisdiction of this Court are required to file their objections with this Court WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of the first publication of the Notice is the 15 day of December 2011. Attorney for Co-Personal Representatives: Carolyn D. Cummings, Attorney at Law Florida Bar No. 0353442 462 W. Brevard Street Tallahassee, Florida 32301 (850) 224- 3730 Co-Personal Representatives Dale Spears 4217 Rockingham Road Tallahassee, Florida 32303 Gail Arleen Spears 3777 Peachtree Road, #1504 Atlanta, Georgia 30319

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SECOND JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR LEON COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NUMBER: CP-242

2010-

IN RE: ESTATE OF Luke McRay Thomas,

Deceased. NOTICE TORS

CREDI-

The administration of the Estate of Luke McRay Thomas, deceased, File Number 2010-CP-242 who died testate, is pending in the Circuit Court for Leon County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 301 South Monroe Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32301. The names and addresses of the Personal Representative and Personal Representative’s attorney are set forth below. ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE NOTIFIED THAT: All persons on whom this notice is served who have objections that challenge the qualifications of the personal representative, venue or jurisdiction of this Court are required to file their objections with this Court, WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is served within three months after the date of the first publication of this notice must file their claims with this Court WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and persons having claims or demands against the decedent’s estate must file their claims with this Court WITHIN THREE MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS, DEMANDS, AND OBJECTIONS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. The date of the first publication of this Notice is __December 8_ 2011. Personal Representative: Doris Ann Thomas Howard 2709 Lake Henrietta Street Tallahassee, Fl. 32310 Attorney for Personal Representative: Martin L. Black, Esquire 219 East Virginia Street Tallahassee, Florida 32301 850-222-1343

Dec. 15 - Dec. 21, 2011

Capital Outlook

www.capitaloutlook.com

Community News Stop Saggin’ and Start Swaggin’

10 www.capitaloutlook.com By Paul Douglas Outlook Contributor

Several young leaders in the local community want young men to do two things: pull them up, and keep them up. Members of the Tallahassee Chapter of Distinguished Young Gentlemen of America Inc. (DYG), recently launched a campaign called “Stop Saggin and Start Swaggin,” which is an effort to inform and educate young men about the negative images and stereotypes that saggy pants convey. “When you’re dressing, you want to be taken seriously,” Chapter President Markeal Dickey said. “So, sagging your pants as a young man is just something you shouldn’t do. That’s why we’re out here trying to make a difference.” The “Stop Saggin and Start Swaggin” movement will be spread by members via community outreach, social media, school visits, word- of-mouth and local events. The 18-year-old Dickey added that it’s time for

young leaders to provide awareness to youth about the negative trend. “Most young kids don’t know where it comes from, and so it’s our job to inform them,” Dickey said. “We’re out here trying to encourage them to pull their pants up and live a better lifestyle.” Members of DYG created 10 reasons why baggy pants are negative. The list includes things like “it’s not urban culture, but prison culture,” “you can’t walk

with swag, and try to sag,” you can’t aim high, looking down at your pants,” “how can you move forward when the world is looking at your behind” and “our ancestors worked too hard to stand up for us to trip and fall down.” “We are all leaders in our local schools and community,” Dickey said. “With us telling our peers and others to pull their pants up, it’s a more effective chance that they’ll listen. We feel that we can

reach out and influence them better than a parent or guardian can.” Hundreds of teenagers gathered at the Palmer Munroe Teen Center on Saturday afternoon to attend a DYG event, which included a belt drive, 3-on3 basketball tournament, Madden tournament, motivational speakers, college fair, teen activities, informational booths, food and refreshments. Adrian Cherry, assistant supervisor of the Palm-

Dec. 15 - Dec. 21, 2011 er Munroe Teen Center, said that DYG’s partnership with the community center provides an alternative for the youth. “They came up with a unique concept to provide awareness to the kids about saggy pants and that’s just great,” Cherry said. “We had a successful event here to today that taught young people how dress and about the importance of appropriate attire. It was a great turnout.” Jordan Thompson, the 16-year-old chairman of the Tallahassee chapter of

DYG, is very optimistic about the inaugural campaign. “This campaign was launched to create awareness for young men in the community about this negative trend,” Thompson said. “I believe we will impact many young men in the community. We want to show teenagers how to dress for success.” For more information about the Distinguished Young Gentlemen of America, go to www.dygofamerica.org.

Members of the Tallahassee Chapter of Distinguished Young Gentleman of America Inc. Youthful Praise Church of God in Christ Hosting: Annual Christmas Concert “Jesus the Name Above all Names” When: Dec. 21 @ 7 p.m. Cost: FREE

Location: 2540 FL-GA Highway Havana, FL 32333 Hotel Duval Fundraiser: “Kids Across America (KAA)” When: Jan 15

Ronald W. Holmes, Ph.D.: EDUCATION QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED In a time of an uncertain economy, this book provides solutions for improving America’s schools through federal funding, programs, services, community partnerships, accreditation and leadership standards. The book can be very helpful to school stakeholders such as parents, teachers, principals and district administrators since the topics focus on the K-12 environments. With a plethora of references to support numerous suggestions, discrepancies and issues, this book can be useful to graduate students, professors, researchers, university administrators and education state agencies. While America’s schools are faced with numerous challenges in today’s society such as the lack of family stability and parental involvement, this book also provides a roadmap for successful and struggling schools in the U.S. To order a copy of EDUCATION QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED, visit: http://www.authorhouse.com or call 1-888-280-7715, Amazon.com or Barnes and Noble (bn.com).

Time: 8 p.m. – Midnight Call: Hotel Duval @ 850224-6000 To book tickets for the event, visit http://campfiresandcocktails.eventbrite.com. For more information visit www.kidsacrossamerica.org

The Tree House of Tallahassee, Inc.’s “6th Annual Southern Sampler” When: Feb. 25 Time: 5:30 p.m. Where: The Farm (Across

from Maclay School) The Tree House is a local 24 hour emergency shelter for the abused and neglected children of our area. Website: http://www.treehouseflorida.org/events.aspx

Want to Know More About Prayer and its Power? Need Someone to Pray for You or a Loved One? Have a Praise Report?

Tune into WTAL 1450AM Every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. For CALL

850-671-1450

For Prayer Requests and Praise Reports CALL

850-877-0105

For Sponsorship Opportunities

Hosted By Rev. Dr. Frank McDonald

Coach Clemons Johnson and National Hook-Up of Black Women Inc. promote reading Special to the Outlook Coach Clemon Johnson, head basketball coach at Florida A&M University, captivated students at the Smith-Williams Service Center after-school program and the WalkerFord Recreation Center. Entering a room for the towering Johnson was literally an event in itself especially since he had to hold his head down and check the height of the ceiling to safely clear and enter the room. Johnson connected with the elementary students right away as he talked about the importance of education, citizenship and character. He gave a brief history about his life growing up in Monticello, Fla., the years he spent as a student athlete at FAMU and finally the successful career he had as a professional basketball player in the NBA. Additionally, he talked about his personal experience with Michael Jordan as he read the Michael Jordan book. Each Friday, reading activities are conducted by members of the National Hook-Up of Black Women, Inc., FAMU Student Tutors, and the community. Assistance is also provided by Smith-Williams Supervisor Frank Holmes, members of the afterschool staff and volunteers

from the center. Some participants have shared their personal journeys as they encouraged students to read. Dr. Carolyn Ryals took the children on a journey to her childhood as she shared her book with them. Xavier Lamb, a 2011 graduate of Troy State and fifth year student, talked to the students about the importance of reading to prepare for their futures. This summer, students from other geographic locations were able to take part in the reading program and to enjoy all the festivities. A fun day of activities was held where guest readers, Sandra Manning, marketing manager for City of Tallahassee Utility Business & Customer Service Department; Dr. Marvin Henderson, deputy superintendent of Leon County Schools; and the Honorable Nina Ashkenafi Richardson, 2nd Judicial Circuit County judge, were participants. Each emphasized the importance of reading for pleasure and productive lives and careers. Rep. Alan Williams also attended to give his support to the program. Other community leaders, such as Sherman Rosier of Fitness Professional Fit & Functional, Inc/Group Fit Studio, provided a session on how exercise and nutrition can stimulate the mind and

Representative Alan Williams, Judge Nina Ashenafi Richardson, Mrs. Wanda Daniels, Mrs. Pauline Hordges, NHBW Members, and children in the Literacy Program. improve brain function. Ernest “Rock” Jones, a retired school administrator, businessman and author, inspired the children with his presentation and contributed cash prizes and other give-a-ways to every child present. Daniel Dombrowski, former assistant supervisor at Smith-Williams, read a book on “Dog Therapy” to the children and had his group – Comfort Companions for Therapy – demonstrate how trained dogs (3-year-old Lola, owned by Stephanie Perkins; 6-yearold Honey Girl, owned by Bobbi-Jo Finner; and 8 year-old Zoe, owned by Megan Shannon) are companions for children and others. NHBW Education

(left to right) Dr. Shirley Jones, Mrs. Dilcy Hogan, Coach Clemon Johnson and Mrs. Geneva Westley. Chair. Dilcy H. Hogan serves as the event planner for all activities with assistance from Co-Chairs Dr. Shirley A. Jones and Mrs. Geneva H. Westley. The Rev. Dr. Renita Allen Dixon is the president of the Tallahassee Chapter of

NHBW. The Literacy program provides a positive and safe alternative for students that do not have parents at home when they get out of school. It also provides them with additional assistance to increase their read-

ing skills and help build character. For additional information, please email hogandh@nattash.com for further details.

National

11 www.capitaloutlook.com

Dec. 15 - Dec. 21, 2011

Raise your voice; Join 3 Million AARP Florida members making a difference By Carmel McFarland Special to the Outlook

Seniors now face more issues than ever before. Social Security and Medicare, vital programs seniors have paid into over their working lives and depend on for a secure retirement, now face possible budget cuts as the government attempts to reign in the national debt and curb federal spending. Unemployment and financial insecurity for the

50+ is higher than at any time in the last 60 years. The elimination of senior assistance programs combined with the rising costs of basic expenses like food, gas and utilities, has resulted in a dramatic rise in retirement insecurity. Many older Floridians do not just have to watch their pennies; they are truly struggling every day, forced to forgo basic expenditures, just to make ends meet. AARP wants you to

know that you can make your voice heard. You can join the network of nearly 3 million AARP Florida members and volunteers working to improve the quality of life for all as we age and make a difference in the community. At AARP, our greatest asset is our volunteers. Whether it’s helping out a local food drive or community service event, speaking to local organizations and community groups about

issues like Social Security and Medicare or talking with law makers in Tallahassee and raising your voice about issues that affect seniors, AARP needs you. To learn more about volunteer opportunities with AARP and our community partners, please call Associate State Director Leslie Spencer at (850) 577-5165 or go to www. aarp.org/fl to learn more. Also, tune into “News

Jacksonville officials plans to bring many clinics under one roof By Cynthia Barnett Special to the Outlook

Among Duval County’s six health zones, zone 1 in Jacksonville’s northwest has both the fewest healthcare services and the greatest medical needs. It’s the poorest — residents’ income averages $21,816 compared with $41,118 countywide. It has the highest mortality rates from heart disease, cancer, diabetes and AIDS in the county; the highest teen birth rate; the highest percentage of low-birth-weight babies; the highest rate of asthmarelated emergency room visits; and the highest obesity rates. The non-profit organization, War on PovertyFlorida, plans to bring more health services to area residents by drawing clinics into the community under one roof — the 1950s-era Gateway Mall, Jacksonville’s first. War on Poverty is repurposing Gateway’s former shopping

A patient is examined at a Shands clinic located in the former Gateway Mall. bays into the Elizabeth G. Means Medical Pavilion, a 100,000-sq.-ft. system of clinics, along with an indoor walking park. Means, who died in January at age 74, was a Jacksonville native who began her career as a licensed practical nurse at Shands Jacksonville in 1966 and worked her way up to vice president of community relations by 1994. She devoted much of her life to bringing healthcare to poor people in their communities — from setting up can-

cer screenings at beauty salons to convincing Shands to open clinics in neighborhoods. Shands is the first healthcare tenant in Gateway. War on Poverty Executive Director Karen Landry says her goal is to get all five of Jacksonville’s hospitals involved in some way. That level of collaboration also could result in economic development and job growth for the innercity along with hands-on experience for medical residents to practice in the

urban core, Landry says. War on Poverty is now negotiating with a second and third tenant, including a pharmacy in partnership with the Florida A&M University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Other pressing needs include a pediatric clinic, a dental clinic, urgent care, mental health and an array of other social services. The organization launches a $1.5-million capital campaign this month to continue interior renovations.

Elizabeth Means leads the clinics in poorer areas of Jacksonville.

You Can Use, From AARP” with host Dr. Thelma J. Nolan, on WTAL-AM 1450 Dec. 21 at 2:30 p.m. This month’s guests will be Director Thomas Shapiro from Brandeis University and Rev. Ernest Ferrell of the Urban League of Tallahassee. To have your questions answered live on the radio, please call 1-850-671-1450 during the program to be connected with Dr. Nolan and her guests.

Carmel McFarland is a Communications Intern at AARP Florida.

FRF shipping program still offering competitive rates despite rate increase Special to the Outlook The Florida Retail Federation (FRF) Shipping Program, managed by PartnerShip, announced on Dec. 7, that FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) and UPS (NYSE: UPS) will increase envelope and small package shipping rates for 2012. Air Shipping Costs to Increase Effective Jan. 2, 2012, the cost to ship an overnight envelope with Memphis-based FedEx Express will increase by a net average of 3.9 percent. The full average rate increase of 5.9 percent will be partially offset by adjusting the fuel price threshold at which the fuel surcharge begins, reducing the fuel surcharge by 2 percent. Air packages shipped with Atlanta-based UPS will increase by a net average 4.9 percent beginning Jan. 2, 2012. The rate increase for UPS air and international shipments is based on a 6.9 percent in-

Publix is the real deal. With all the claims of low prices and great values, which grocery store really does offer you the most? Bottom line, it’s Publix. No gimmicks. No come-ons. Just straight-up savings that will help keep your grocery budget in check. Go to publix.com/save right now to make plans to save this week.

to save here.

“News You Can Use, From AARP” is a regular monthly radio program on WTAL featuring news, helpful tips and information especially for people 50+.

crease in the base rate, less a 2 percent reduction to the index-based air and international fuel surcharge. Ground Shipping Rates Going Up As Well Effective Jan. 2, 2012, the cost to ship with FedEx Ground will increase by a net average 4.9 percent. The full average rate increase of 5.9 percent will be partially offset by adjusting the fuel price threshold at which the fuel surcharge begins, reducing the fuel surcharge by 1 percent. UPS ground shipping will also increase by a net average 4.9 percent for U.S. domestic services, achieved through a 5.9 percent increase in the base rate, less a 1 percent reduction to the index-based ground fuel surcharge. For more information, or to enroll in the FRF Shipping Program to save on every shipment you send and receive, please click on this link: www.partnership. com/72FRF

Capital Outlook

Dec. 15 - Dec. 21, 2011

www.capitaloutlook.com

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Call 866.484.7057 *Offer ends 12/31/2011. Offer and stated rates are available to new, first-time CenturyLink™ Prism™ TV residential customers in select areas only. The $65.95 monthly rate applies to up to 10 Mbps Pure Broadband and Prism™ TV package for six (6) months of service with a minimum service commitment of twelve (12) months, after which standard rates apply. A $6.99 monthly DVR service fee applies when the Quad Play DVR is purchased with Prism™ TV package. Promotional offer cannot be combined with any other Prism offers. All prices, packages and programming are subject to change without notice. Taxes, fees, and surcharges will apply. An additional monthly fee (including professional installation, if applicable) and a shipping and handling fee will apply to customer’s modem or router. 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Vacation Program services will have restrictions and limitations that will vary for each applicable service. Contact CenturyLink for details. Equipment – Minimum equipment and CenturyLink professional installation are required. At initial installation, each customer receives: one (1) VDSL 2 modem; up to six (6) STBs (standard plan includes one (1) STB; additional STBs are available for an additional monthly rate, per STB); and one (1) remote control per STB installed. All equipment must be returned to designated CenturyLink retail store within thirty (30) days after service disconnection in an undamaged condition, or customer is charged for each equipment piece not returned or returned as damaged. Prism™ TV Plan – Quad Play DVR service excluded and is available for an additional monthly fee. Green Lantern: ©2011 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved. ©2011 CenturyLink, Inc. All Rights Reserved. The name CenturyLink and the pathways logo are trademarks of CenturyLink, Inc. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

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