BRIEFS

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.