McIntyre along with Evangelist Sylvia Cope­land and other motiva­tional speakers will share, from a biblical perspective, how women are to posi­tion themselves for the fu­ture. The Tallahassee Girls Choir will perform musical selections. The cost for the conference is $10 and in­cludes lunch. For more in­formation, call (850) 893-8677.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Small businesses receive more than $2 billion in federal grants and contracts each year through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer

(STTR) programs. The Technological Research and Development Authority

(TRDA) invite entrepreneurs, researchers and small businesses to attend the full-day training workshop on June 10, 2010 at the National Highway Magnetic Field Laboratory.

The workshop will cover Phase I—Proposal Preparation. Speakers for this event include Jim Greenwood, president of Greenwood Consulting Group and Joni Richards, SBIR Technology Infusion Manager at NASA-KSC, who will provide proposal writing tips and answer questions for companies interested in securing grant funds.

WHEN: Thursday, June 10, 2010 from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

WHERE: National Highway Magnetic Field Laboratory, Room B101 (1800 E.

Paul Dirac Drive Tallahassee, FL 32301)

COST: $49 per person and includes a box lunch

HOW: Register online at www.TRDA.org or contact Bonnie O’Regan at boregan@trda.org or 321-872-1050 Ext. 107

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About TRDA

Launched in 1987, the TRDA develops and implements technology-based economic development initiatives in four target areas: business incubation, clean technology, education and technology commercialization and transfer. By infusing new technology into businesses and schools, the TRDA helps strengthen the economy of the Space Cast, Florida and the nation. For more information, visit www.trda.org.

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Florida A&M University National Alumni Association (FAMU NAA) Scholarship:

The FAMU NAA has 5 different scholarship opportunities available. The absolute deadline for applications to be received is June 15, 2010. The committee will review all applications in a timely manner in order to get the Scholarship Awards posted by July 1 at the University.

Contact:
Mrs. Doris L. Hicks, Scholarship Chair
2nd Vice President – NAA
E: dhicks721@verizon.net
P: (863) 815-9208 – Cell: (863) 944-6998

1) Academic Achievement Award is awarded to a graduating high school senior who has demonstrated excellence through academic achievement.
Criteria: 1650 or greater SAT score or a 23 or greater ACT score and a 3.5 GPA or better. Selection is not based on financial need.

2) Herman Davis Award is awarded to a graduating high school senior. Recipients are selected from geographical areas where an active alumni chapter exists. This is a one-time semester award.
Criteria: 1350 or greater on SAT score or a 21 or greater on ACT score; 2.5 or better GPA and enrolled at FAMU as a full-time student.

3) College Sophomore, Junior, or Senior Award is awarded at the college sophomore, junior or senior levels. The student should have completed at least one successful academic year at Criteria: Cumulative 2.5 GPA or better.

4) Book Stipend Award is awarded to any student that can demonstrate a financial need for assistance with books up to $500.00.

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Scholars Today, Leaders of Tomorrow, Inc.’s Essence of a Haitian Woman Scholarship Foundation tol donate 10 Scholarships to young Women

Founded by FAMU graduate, Casandra Theramene, Scholars Today, Leaders of Tomorrow, Inc.’s Essence of a Haitian Woman Scholarship Foundation will award 10 scholarships to 10 deserving young ladies and women of Haitian decent. In addition to the scholarship recipients receiving their award, these young women are paired with a mentor in the Business sector. The mentorship program serves as a retention mechanism to help guide these young women in networking and building a professional portfolio.

Application deadline is Friday, April 16th. For more information regarding the application process, please email us at foundation@stlt.org or call us at (305) 917-3279.

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Dept. of Ed. Chapter of Blacks In Government (BIG) Academic Scholarship:

The Department of Education Chapter of Blacks In Government, a non-profit organization, is accepting applications from college students currently enrolled in an institution of higher education in the Fall 2010 school year. The department is in search of applicants who intend to use their degrees to make an impact in their community. A complete application package must be submitted to the scholarship committee no later than Friday, April 30, 2010. The package must consist of a scholarship application form, a written essay, an official transcript, certificate of academic standing, letter of recommendation, and a recent color photograph.

For additional information contact: Karen Holliday or Mary E. McGeorge, Co-Chairs, Scholarship Committee at (202) 245-7318 and (202) 377-3199

Florida A&M University Presents the Annual President’s Concert

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida A&M University (FAMU) is hosting its annual President’s Concert Monday, April 19, in Lee Hall at 8 p.m. The concert is open to the general public.  Admission is free.

The focus of this year’s concert is the university community. Each year the concert focuses on a particular segment of the community.  Examples are faculty, Greek letter organizations, retirees, honor students, colleges and schools, state legislators and civic organizations.

The concert was conceived with the idea of presenting a musical, cultural event under the auspices and sponsorship of the university president.  The university community is invited to hear the talent of the FAMU Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble perform standard, contemporary and popular literature.

For more information, call (850) 599-3024.

Florida A&M University’s Board of Trustees Schedules Meeting

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida A&M University (FAMU) Board of Trustees will meet Thursday, April 22, at 9 a.m. in the Grand Ballroom on FAMU’s campus.  Committees will meet on Wednesday, April 21, beginning at 9 a.m.

The call in number for the board meeting is 1-866-356-6464 and the conference ID number is 68225674.  The agendas are attached.  For more information, call (850) 412-5211.

Reception honors black legislators

The Tallahassee Tuskegee Alumni Club held its 29th Annual Legislative Reception honoring members of the Florida Conference of Black Legislators at the Marzuq Shrine Temple. The group uses this event to allow members of the community the opportunity to meet the legislators and to raise funds for scholarships for students who attend Tuskegee University.

C. U. Smith welcomed the legislators and other guests to the reception and allowed each legislator to introduce herself/himself and talk about impending bills that are being supported.

Other elected and appointed officials were also invited to speak. Among the legislators that took time out of their schedule to join the group were Sen. Tony Hill and Reps. Alan Williams, Audrey Gibson, Hazelle Rogers, Gwyn Clarke- Reed, Betty Reed, Mia Jones, Arthenia Joiner and Perry Thurston.

Tamara Buie is the president of the club. Those attending also enjoyed the refreshments and the music. Many even danced.

To see more pictures from the Legislators Reception, please see the print edition of the Capital Outlook available on newsstands today.

Family of the Month

Inges know the importance of family

BY DOMINIQUE SHAW
Outlook Staff Writer

Being family oriented comes second nature to the Inge family, who moved to Tallahassee during the mid- 1970s. Leonard and Saundra Inge have been happily married for more than 45 years.

Saundra Inge attended Tennessee State University and received a degree in music and Leonard Inge made Florida A&M University, his beloved alma mater. Tallahassee became a “home away from home” for the Inges. After graduating from the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leonard decided to extend his knowledge to others by teaching there.

The Inges have enjoyed parenting their four children: Mica Inge, 47; Leoneda Inge, 44; Cassaundra Inge Burks, 42; and Leonard Inge Jr., 36.

“My parents wanted us to live in the South but have opportunities they did not have,” said Leoneda Inge. “Tallahassee has always been a perfect fit for our family.”

To read more about the Inges, Capital Outlook Family of the Month, please see the print edition of the Capital Outlook available on newsstands today.

By Lori Parham

What does America’s new health-insurance reform mean for you? Find out when AARP volunteer host Dr. Thelma J. Nolan brings you the details on News You Can Use From AARP, on WTAL-AM 1450 radio at 2:30 p.m. April 21. Please tune in.

Some benefits of the new law will start in just months, while others will start in early 2011 and thereafter:

• Help with prescription drug costs. If you fall into the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit coverage gap, or donut hole, you will get a $250 rebate this year. Next year, you get a 50-percent discount on name-brand drugs, and discounts grow until the donut hole is gone for good.
• Preventive care. Medicare will now cover heart-disease tests, diabetes screenings and other preventive care with no copays or deductibles. Private insurers will be required to pay for routine checkups and preventative care.
• Immediate access to special insurance pools. If you’ve been denied coverage, starting in June you can buy coverage through a special insurance pool. After 2014, you can join new insurance exchanges that will combine your buying power with thousands of others, helping to bring costs down. If you can’t afford coverage, you may qualify for subsidies.
• No more pre-existing conditions. Starting immediately for children and in 2014 for adults, insurers won’t be able to deny you coverage based on pre-existing conditions.
• No more annual or lifetime benefit caps or loss of insurance just because you got sick. Today, many insurance policies carry annual and lifetime caps on the cost of your care. After you exceed the cap, you’re on your own. Under the new law, insurers can’t impose these benefits caps or drop you because you get sick.

To learn more, go to www.aarp.org/getthefacts or tune in Wednesday, April 21st

Lori Parham, Ph.D., is AARP’s Florida state director.

HUD Awards Grants to Help Low Income Families

SPECIAL TO THE OUTLOOK

(NNPA) – U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan has announced that public housing agencies across the U.S., Guam and Puerto Rico will receive nearly $49.3 million to provide low income people with the necessary job training to put them on a path toward self sufficiency.

Funded through HUD’s Housing Choice Voucher Family Self-Sufficiency Program, the grants allow public housing agencies to work with welfare agencies, schools, businesses, and other local partners to develop a comprehensive program to help participating individuals develop the skills and experience to enable them to obtain jobs that pay a living wage.

“In today’s economy, this program is needed more than ever to help families obtain the skills that lead to jobs,” said Donovan. Local housing authorities use the funding to hire family self sufficiency coordinators to link adults in the Housing Choice Voucher program to local organizations that provide job training, childcare, counseling, transportation and job placement. These housing authorities can also hire coordinators to help families get homeownership counseling.

Debutante ball introduces young women to society

The Leon County Chapter of The Charmettes Inc. held its 39th presentation of The Debutantes on March 20 at Florida State University Center Club. The 2010 presentation introduced 14 young ladies to society who are involved in the community.

Charyl Liptrot introduced the debs. Each debutante received a trophy for participating and also a silver, gold or red book award. Special awards were presented before scholarship awards were announced.

To read the full story of Charmettes’ Debutante Ball, please see the print edition of the Capital Outlook available on newsstands today.

Jennifer Hudson signs on as spokeswoman for Weight Watchers

WASHINGTON (NNPA) – Award winning actress and singer Jennifer Hudson has finally fessed up about how she has managed to lose all of the excess weight she gained after having her first child, plus more. The singer had been secretly following Weight Watchers and now that she has reached her goal weight, Hudson is coming forward as one of the weight loss franchise’s newest celebrity representatives.

“One of the things I am most excited about in my life right now is that I can finally tell everyone what I have been doing to lose weight,” Hudson said. “It has been so hard not to say I’ve been following Weight Watchers, especially since people are constantly complimenting me on how I look. Really, I’ve been dying to tell people what my ‘secret’ is!”

‘May the work I’ve done speak’

BY NANCY GODETTE
Social Editor

Mary Carol Armstead Abner was honored with a 90th birthday celebration at Ramada Inn North on her birthday.

With a theme, “May the Work I’ve Done Speak for Me,” friends and family spoke of her influence over the years. Abner was an educator for more than 35 years before she retired.

Speaking about her as an educator were Celestine Holman, Betty Chatmon, Herbert Richardson and Maggie Lewis-Butler, who presented a proclamation from the Leon County School Board.

When Abner gave her remarks, she thanked everyone and said, “I have my roses before I close my eyes. I’m blessed.”

FAMU Honors Convocation

Florida A&M University will host its annual Honors Convocation April 1, at 10:10 a.m. in Perry-Paige Auditorium. Dr. Makeba S. Earst, owner and operator of All About Smiles Dental Center, will serve as the keynote speaker. Earst, who has been practicing general dentistry in Tallahassee for more than 10 years, is the only African- American female practitioner in Tallahassee who owns and operates her own dental practice. The Tallahassee native graduated as valedictorian of her senior class from Florida A&M University Developmental Research School. She enrolled at FAMU where she earned a bachelor of science in chemistry.

Raffington provides style at Sacino’s

BY NATHANIEL NELSON
Outlook Correspondent

Vincent Raffington, owner of Sacino’s by Vince in Governor’s Square Mall, has seen himself as an owner of a formal wear store since coming into the profession back in 1986. Raffington started his career with Sacino’s on the same day he and his wife, Latayna Raffington, went to pick out tuxedos for their own wedding.

“After going through colors and we had the styles picked out, I noticed that they had a sign in the window for a position,” Vince Raffington said. “I told them that they didn’t need to interview anyone else… I wanted the job.” His wife says this has been something her husband has always wanted.

“It’s something that Vince has always wanted,” she said. “He’s just a bold fellow.” After many years of hard work and dedication, that desire came to fruition on January 24. “September 5, 1989, we opened this store at this very location,” Vince Raffington said. Vince Raffington cites being in Tallahassee as a reward to him and his family, because, without the customers, the chance to own the store would not have been possible.

“In order for this opportunity to have come about, we had to have had an impact in our area. We just want to thank the people in the area for coming in the store. Without our customers, none of this would have been possible,” Raffington said. “People will always be our best advertisement.”

To read the full story of Sacino’s by Vince, please see the print edition of the Capital Outlook available on newsstands today.

Mardi Gras celebration brings together Greek family

In spite of the sudden closure of Ramada Inn North, which was to have been the site for the Annual Mardi Gras Gala, the Tallahassee National Pan Hellenic Council was able to pull the event off without skipping a beat. With last-minute scurrying, the group was able to secure the Mary Brogan Museum for the affair. The new location created an ambience that could not be duplicated.

Each organization member of the council prepared an umbrella for the umbrella parade; so, when it was time for the parade, the groups bravely marched through the land of the dinosaurs waving the umbrellas and beads to the tune of “When the Saints Go Marching In.”

The Tallahassee National Pan Hellenic Council was established in 2004 to bring the Divine Nine together. The Divine Nine includes the local graduate chapters Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc.

The council is committed to serving the community; therefore, a part of the proceeds from the gala will fund various community projects.

To read the full story of Annual Mardi Gras Gala and the Divine Nine, please see the print edition of the Capital Outlook available on newsstands today.

Judge Glenda Hatchett Introduces ParentPowerNow!

Premiere Online Digital Community Where Parents and Influencers of Children Find a Safe Space for Connections, Solutions, and Conversations

ATLANTA, Ga. –Judge Glenda Hatchett introduces ParentPowerNow!, the premiere online social networking community for parents  and influencers of children worldwide. This community brings inspiration and a call to action through the visible connection of parents and influencers raising children in every day situations. The site provides parents and influencers with a safe space to connect and exchange conversations, information, motivation, tools and resources they need to shape the futures of their children and children in their communities at large.

“Raising a new generation in new times is a full circle commitment. We’re championing the kind of connection and conversation where parents don’t end up in courtrooms with their children,” said Judge Glenda Hatchett. “ParentPowerNow! is a new village where we educate ourselves and use technology to equip parents and influencers with important information.”

To join in this free community, parents and influencers should click on Join Now at www.parentpowernow.com and build their profiles. Members of the ParentPowerNow! community can build profiles and connect with people who are next door, across the country, or across the globe. They can take part in the One Million Dreampost ceremony which is an engaging communications and relationship tool for parents. There are weekly live phone calls hosted by Judge Hatchett including “Are Your Children Listening,” “Second Chances,” “Young Parents, Powerful Start,” and “Wisdom Rocks.” More than 20 topics have been identified by the community, and new topics are added every month. ParentPowerNow! community welcomes parents in the biological sense and those who are the influencers – aunts, uncles, coaches, mentors, adoptive parents, foster parents, teachers, and volunteers.

The ParentPowerNow! community also launches with the support of parents, community leaders, and in partnership with more than a dozen national organizations, including Boys & Girls Clubs of America, After School Alliance, 100 Black Men of America and Big Brothers Big Sisters.

As the former head of one of the country’s largest juvenile court systems and the mother of two sons, Hatchett has been a consistent advocate and ally for America’s children and their parents. Both on her syndicated television show, “Judge Hatchett,” and in her book, Say What You Mean and Mean What You Say, she has delivered stern counsel rooted in concern, and inspiring messages that have resonated in millions of American households.

For more information about Parent Power NOW!, visit www.parentpowernow.com.

Judge Glenda Hatchett is available for interviews. For scheduling or booking, contact Rachel Victoria at Rachel@glendahatchett.com.

DOH and Community Partners

The Office of Minority Health is pleased to invite you to participate as an exhibitor in our Minority Health Month Education Day at the Capitol on April 7, 2010. Health exhibitors will be stationed around the Rotunda of the House and Senate Floors of the Florida Capitol from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The formal program will begin at 11:30 a.m. with a welcome from the Surgeon General and end with closing remarks by Dr. Shairi Turner.

The National Office of Minority Health theme for this year is “Man Up for Your Health!!  Healthy Men Move Our Communities Forward.” We would appreciate a demonstration of your support for our collective efforts in addressing the importance of Men’s Health and the impact on our communities.

If you are interested in becoming an exhibitor, please fill out the attached form and return it by hitting the submit button or emailing it to Cheryl_Graham@doh.state.fl.us or fax it to 850-245-4124.   We have 30 exhibit spaces available and each exhibitor will be provided with one 8 feet table and one chair.  Additional information regarding this event will be sent at a later date.

The FAMU National Alumni Association Leon County Chapter Scholarship Committee is now soliciting applicants for the V. L. Elkins Scholarship.

Applicants must be high school seniors in Leon County or attending TCC and planning to attend Florida A&M University beginning Fall 2010.

Applications can be retrieved from the Chapter website, www.MyFAMU.com or http://www.myfamu.com/docs/vl elkins_scholarship.pdf. The completed application must be submitted by April 16, 2010 to the address indicated on the application. Any questions can be directed to LaVerne Lamb at (850) 877-3939.

Meet the Hendersons

Family of the Month

BY DOMINIQUE SHAW
Outlook Staff Writer

If anyone knows what it takes to preserve a strong united family, it may be Marvin and Gloria Henderson.

“Early on, Marvin and I set the foundation for a lifelong relationship of love and respect,” said Gloria Henderson, who has been married to her husband for 40 years.

“We established the guiding principles for our life together and we made decisions about the big things – - children, goals and professions.”

Marvin and Gloria Henderson say they have the perfect tactics for keeping a successful relationship within their family.

“We prefer strategies rather than antics,” Mr. Henderson said. “As a rule, as mother and father, we were always a united front.”

To continue reading the full story about the Hendersons, Capital Outlook ‘Family of the Month’, please see the print edition available on newsstands today.

CAUCUS PARTIES WITH A PURPOSE

BY DORIAN PARKER
CORRESPONDENT

The Tallahassee Antique Car Museum was filled with music, food, laughter and fun during the Florida Conference of the Black State Legislators Annual Scholarship Gala March 19.

The event brought out supporters of the Black Caucus, in an effort to raise funds for African Americans to attend historically black colleges and universities. After an event-filled week of workshops and luncheons, a celebration was held where guests enjoyed food, drinks, entertainment and dancing while fellowshipping with one another about the success of the scholarships and positive work being done.

“This event is in honor of raising money for kids to go to historically black colleges and universities,” said Sen. Gary Siplin, Black Caucus chairman. “This week we engaged in workshops and luncheons to discuss issues that affect blacks going to college. We also tried something new this year and hosted a golf tournament. This is the 17th consecutive year we have celebrated this occasion. More success is only yet to come.”

To continue reading the full story about the Black Caucus ‘Party with a Purpose’, please see the print edition available on newsstands today.

FMA Live! is a free, award winning, hip hop science concert developed by Honeywell and NASA to teach Newton’s Universal Law of Gravity and Three Laws of Motion. Named after Newton’s Second Law — Force equals Mass times Acceleration — FMA Live! uses professional performers, music, video and interactive science demonstrations to address learning objectives for students in grades 5 – 8 as outlined by the National Science Education Standards.

They will be at Cobb Middle School March 12 for two performances: 1st period (9:30am – 10:32am) and 3rd period (11:33am – 12:25pm). The afternoon performance will include students from Nims Middle and 50 of Sullivan Elementary 5th graders.

Judge Clark Honored

Judge Nikki Ann Clark of the 1st District Court of Appeal, will receive the 2010 Distinguished Judicial Service Award.  The award, which honors outstanding and sustained service to the public especially as it relates to support of pro bono legal services, will be presented by Chief Justice Peggy A. Quince at a Jan. 28 ceremony at the Florida Supreme Court.

FAMU student to intern with CBC

Florida A&M University physics student Reamonn Soto will intern with t h e Congressional Black Caucus during the spring 2010 semester.  Soto is one of 15 students participating in the internship program.  Soto, a 23-year old from Tallahassee, will be in Washington from January to May.

“After speaking with Congressman Kendrick Meek, I felt compelled to pursue the internship program,” Soto said. Soto has worked on Congressman Meek’s U.S. Senate campaign.