African American students missing out on scholarships

AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDENTS ARE NOT APPLYING  !

Even if you do not have a college-aged child at home, please share this with someone who does, pass this scholarship information on to anyone and everyone that comes to mind. Though there are a number of companies and organizations that have donated monies for scholarships use to African Americans, a great deal of the money is being returned because of a lack of interest. No one is going to knock on our doors and ask if we can use a scholarship. Take the initiative to get your children involved. There is no need for money to be returned to donating companies because we fail to apply for it. Please pass this information on to family members, nieces, nephews, friends with children etc. We must get the word out that money is available. If you are a college student or getting ready to become one , you probably already know how useful additional money can be. Our youth really could use these scholarships. Thanks! (If clicking on the link doesn't work, copy and paste the URL in your web browser.)

1) BELL LABS FELLOWSHIPS FOR UNDER REPRESENTED MINORITIES

http://www.bell-labs.com/fellowships/CRFP/info.html

2) Student Inventors Scholarships

http://www.invent.org/collegiate

3) Student Video Scholarships

http://www.christophers.org/vidcon2k.html

4) Coca-Cola Two Year College Scholarships

http://www.coca-colaschola/rs.org/programs.html

5) Holocaust Remembrance Scholarships

http://holocaust.hklaw.com/

6) Ayn Rand Essay Scholarships

http://www.aynrand.org/contests/

7) Brand Essay Competition

http://www.instituteforbrandleadership.org/IBLEssayContest-2002Rules.htm

8) Gates Millennium Scholarships (major)

http://www.gmsp.org/nominationmaterials/read.dbm?ID=12

9) Xerox Scholarships for Students

http://www2.xerox.com/go/xrx/about_xerox/about_xerox_detail.jsp

10) Sports Scholarships and Internships

http://www.ncaa.org/about/scholarships.html

11) National Assoc. of Black Journalists Scholarships (NABJ)

http://www.nabj.org/html/studentsvcs.html

12) Saul T. Wilson Scholarships (Veterinary)

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/mb/mrphr/jobs/stw.html

13) Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund

http://www.thurgoodmarshallfund.org/sk_v6.cfm

14) FinAid: The Smart Students Guide to Financial Aid Scholarships

http://www.fina/id.org/

15) Presidential Freedom Scholarships

http://www.nationalservice.org/scholarships/

16) Microsoft Scholarship Program

http://www.microsoft.com/college/scholarships/minority.asp

17) WiredScholar Free Scholarship Search

http://www.wiredscholar.com/paying/scholarship_search/pay_scholarship_search.jsp

18) Hope Scholarships &Lifetime Credits

http://www.ed.gov/inits/hope/

19) William Randolph Hearst Endowed Scholarship for Minority Students

http://www.apsanet.org/PS/grants/aspen3.cfm

20) Multiple List of Minority Scholarships

http://gehon.ir.miami.edu/financial-assistance/Scholarship/blackhtml

21) Guaranteed Scholarships

http://www.guaranteed-scholarships.com/

22) BOEING scholarships (soma e HBCU connects)

http://www.boeing.com/companyoffices/educationrelations/scholarships

23) Easley National Scholarship Program

http://www.naas.org/senior.htm

24) Maryland Artists Scholarships

http://www.maef.org/

26) Jacki Tuckfield Memorial Graduate Business Scholarship (for AA students in South Florida)

http://www.jackituckfield.org/

27) Historically Black College & University Scholarships

http://www.iesabroad.org/info/hbcu.htm

28) Actuarial Scholarships for Minority Students

http://www.beanactuary.org/minority/scholarships.htm

29) International Students Scholarships & Aid Help

http://www.iefa.org/

30) College Board Scholarship Search

http://cbweb10p.collegeboard.org/fundfinder/html/fundfind01.html

31) Burger King Scholarship Program

http://www.bkscholars.csfa.org/

32) Siemens Westinghouse Competition

http://www.siemens-foundationorg/

33) GE and LuLac Scholarship Funds

http://www.lulac.org/Programs/Scholar.html

34) CollegeNet's Scholarship Database

http://mach25.collegenet.com/cgi-bin/M25/index

35) Union Sponsored Scholarships and Aid

http://www.aflcioorg/scholarships/scholar.htm

36) Federal Scholarships & Aid Gateways 25 Scholarship Gateways from Black Excel

http://www.blackexcel.org/25scholarships.htm

37) Scholarship &Financial Aid Help

http://www.blackexcel.org/fin-sch.htm

38) Scholarship Links (Ed Finance Group)

http://www.efg.net/link_scholarship.htm

39) FAFSA On The Web (Your Key Aid Form &Info)

http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/

40) Aid &Resources For Re-Entry Students

http://www.back2college.com/

41) Scholarships and Fellowships

http://www.osc.cuny.edu/sep/links.html

42) Scholarships for Study in Paralegal Studies

http://www.paralegals.org/Choice/2000west.htm

43) HBCU Packard Sit Abroad Scholarships (for students around the world)

http://www.sit.edu/studyabroad/packard_nomination.html

44) Scholarship and Fellowship Opportunities

http://ccmi.uchicago.edu/schl1.html

45) INROADS internships

http://www.inroads.org/

46) ACT-SO EUR Olympics of the Mind "A Scholarships

http://www.naacp.org/work/actso/act-so.shtml

47) Black Alliance for Educational Options Scholarships

http://www.baeo.org/options/privatelyfinanced.jsp

48) ScienceNet Scholarship Listing

http://www.sciencenet.emory.edu/undergrad/scholarships.html

49) Graduate Fellowships For Minorities Nationwide

http://cuinfo.cornell.edu/Student/GRFN/list.phtml?category=MINORITIES

50) RHODES SCHOLARSHIPS AT OXFORD

http://www.rhodesscholar.org/info.html

51) The Roothbert Scholarship Fund

http://www.roothbertfund.com

BELMONT-DEVILLIERS NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION MINUTES OF THE APRIL 4, 2012 MEETING

The meeting was opened at 5:30 p.m. by President Dolores Curry. Attending were: Dolores Curry, Vivian Lamont, Dottie Dubuisson, Rosemary Kirkland, Rev. Carl Reeves, Pattie Krakowski, Ann Hill, Eddie Todd, Robin Reshard, Jim Myatt,  Abdekunle Karriem, Eleanor Johnson, Danny Lewis, the Rev. John H. Powell, Dr. Alexa Canady-Davis, Brad Nihls, Tony McCray, Burnett Williamson and Geraldine Vaurigaud. Guests included City Councilman Brian Spencer, at-large City Council candidate Charles Bare, School Board Superintendent candidate Claudia Brown-Curry, Christian Wagley of the Mayor’s Urban Redevelopment Advisory Committee, Kim Kimbrough of the Downtown Improvement Board and Michael Conrad from the Belmont Arts Center. Minutes were read and approved.

Rev. Carl Reeves reported on the Police Academy and extended an offer for another neighborhood orientation on the police surveillance cameras. There was a discussion about the 4-way stop sign at A and Government Sts. With the opening of the park, police have increased their patrolling and monitoring of speed limits.

Vivian Lamont introduced Michael Conrad, president of the Belmont Arts Center, and he discussed the proposed relocation of the arts center to Longhollow, where the arts board feels there would be more autonomy over the building they use. The proposal should be presented to City Council in the next few weeks. Ms. Lamont is raising money for the Belmont Youth Band through the sale of tickets to the annual Belk Charity Sale on Saturday, April 21 from 6 to 10 am.

Eddie Todd said this month’s proposed walk along the DeVilliers corridor with Councilman Brian Spencer was cancelled, and he turned the floor over to Mr. Spencer, who said he hoped to have a workshop on the topic. He also addressed the letter sent by the association on the topic of gentrification. He agreed with the points made in the letter, stating “you can never resurrect what you remove” and if the historic nature is not preserved, “bit by bit the texture of the neighborhood is gone.” He suggested documentary maker Robin Reshard would draw up a list of cherished building in Belmont-DeVilliers. He offered a personal gift of $500 to support the goals of the association and said that the Mayor’s Urban Redevelopment Advisory Committee would hold a separate meeting to address the Belmont-DeVilliers and Tanyard districts at which all interested parties could be heard.

Claudia Brown-Curry introduced herself to the members, narrating her diverse background in banking, probation and parole, guidance counseling and earning an Ed.S. degree at UWF,  She discussed the high school dropout rate among African Americans in Escambia County and blamed this on insufficient resources, programs and vocation tracks. She plans to implement some of these things if elected as school superintendent.

Tony McCray discussed the city’s disparity report due in the next couple of months and wants to make sure any recommendations are implemented. He is working to strengthen the Gulf Coast African American Chamber of Commerce and is looking for a museum location for historic preservation.

Dottie Dubuisson talked about upcoming meetings, including the Mayor’s URAC and City Council and Planning Board meetings. She discussed presentations on housing by the Downtown Improvement Board and heritage tourism by UWF’s Matt Altier.

Rev. John Powell discussed the children’s Easter celebration sponsored each year by Truth for Youth.

Christian Wagley gave an overview of the 4-month mission of the 7-member Mayor’s Urban Redevelopment Advisory Committee. He described the members’ task as seeking creative ways to raise money to cover projects that can be realistically achieved in the next 3-5 years. Geraldine Vaurigaud noted that Mr. Wagley walks the talk in that he rides a bike, promotes healthy living, growing food and has worked as produce manager at Ever’man’s. Mr. McCray said he and Mr. Wagley both participated in last year’s Clean Economy Roadshow.

Dr. Alexa Canady-Davis collected membership dues and explained the imminent loss of Escambia County funding facing the West Florida Library System. That amounts to about 70% of the library’s budget. The loss would necessitate the closing of the Century and Southwest branches, plus consolidating other branches while curtailing service and book purchases. To offset this loss is a proposal of a Municipal Service Taxing Unit (MSTU) of 0.35 mills, which would be added to the ad valorem tax bills of Escambia County properties outside City of Pensacola limits. She urged everyone to attend the County Commissioners meeting at 9 am on Thursday, April 12 at 221 Palafox Place. Library supporters are asked to wear red. It was moved, seconded and approved to write a draft letter to commissioners urging them to find a solution to this funding issue.

Geraldine Vaurigaud gave an update on her community outreach efforts and discussed the Brain Gym movement-based children’s learning program (see braingym.org).

Charles Bare explained that Lara McKnight had withdrawn her candidacy for the council at-large seat currently filled by Sam Hall, and that he is now running for this seat. He said he needs 1,299 petition signatures by May 12 to qualify to run.

Four persons will be sponsored for the July 12-14 Florida Neighborhood Conference, hosted for the first time by the City of Pensacola. Attending will be Dolores Curry, Ann Hill, Eleanor Johnson and Dottie Dubuisson. Tony McCray also plans to attend.

Mr. Todd discussed the opening of the Maritime Park and stadium. He was given an appreciative round of applause for his service to the park development.

It was noted that the Palafox Market’s new season begins May 1.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:40 pm, and all enjoyed a delicious meal courtesy of Sheikh Aziz and the sisters of Muhammad’s Mosque #98.

MINUTES OF THE MARCH 7, 2012 MEETING

BELMONT-DEVILLIERS NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

MINUTES OF THE MARCH 7, 2012 MEETING

The meeting was opened at 5:30 p.m. by President Dolores Curry. Attending were: Dolores Curry, Vivian Lamont, Dottie Dubuisson, Rosemary Kirkland, Rev. Carl Reeves, Rose George, Pattie Krakowski, Ann Hill, Eddie Todd, Robin Reshard, Neil Richards, Jim Myatt, Beverly Perry, Kareem Safe el-din, Marlin Mueller, Gloria G. Horning, George Hawthorne, Andrew Rothfeder, Heather Greer and Eleanor Johnson. Guests included at-large City Council candidate Lara McKnight. Minutes were read and approved.

Rev. Carl Reeves, our liaison with the Police Dept., was congratulated on his reappointment by Gov. Rick Scott to the Florida Faith-Based and Community-Based Advisory Council. Rev. Reeves is pastor of the Greater Mount Lily Missionary Baptist Church in Pensacola. He noted that there is a growing trend toward home invasions and car thefts and urged everyone to make sure their doors are locked and their house secured. He said most of these break-ins are by people who live in the neighborhood. He encouraged people to dial the new 311 citizen support line for non-police non-emergencies. You can use this number to report potholes and broken sidewalks, burned out streetlights, damaged park equipment and to ask general questions relating to city services. The website is at www.pensacola311.com .

Lara McKnight, who is running for the at-large seat reportedly being vacated by Councilman Sam Hall, is president of the Scenic Heights Neighborhood Association and immediate past president of the Council of Neighborhood Association Presidents of Pensacola, resigning when she chose to run for public office. She noted that the new association has already had some success, including fending off some East Side zoning that a member group opposed. She said her civic involvement began as an angry letter writer, and now she is seeking a seat on City Council because she is concerned that citizens are not always heard at the governmental level. She hopes to add a voice of common sense to the equation.

Vivian Lamont gave an account of the Belmont Youth Band’s recent performances and academic achievements. Ceresa Elliott will be singing the National Anthem at the Blue Wahoos game on Sunday, April 15 at 3:30 pm at the Maritime Park. Graham Louisell and Ramel Price will be playing violin duets, etc. on April 2 at 5:30 pm at the ARC Gateway, 10th Ave. off Fairfield. Students will also perform at UWF’s Festival on the Green at 10 a.m. March 31 and later at Bayview Park on the pier at 6 pm. They will also appear at this year’s Great Gulf Coast Arts Festival. Ms. Lamont will again star in the Senior Follies at Pensacola State College. Tickets are $12 each for the shows at 7 pm March 16 and 2 pm on March 17-18.

Dottie Dubuisson gave a brief summary of the recent meetings she has attended, including those of the Downtown Improvement Board and its associated committees, Code Enforcement hearings, the reinstated Environmental Advisory Board and the mayor’s new Urban Redevelopment Advisory Committee.

The mayor’s new committee will meet every other Friday for four months (the next one being March 9) from 9:30 to 11 am. The meetings are open to the public and are of great importance to members because they deal with the urban core, including our neighborhood. Each meeting brings in speakers who have a perceived stake in Pensacola’s future. Dolores Curry has been invited by the committee chair Brian Hooper to address the views of the Belmont-DeVilliers neighborhood.

Members expressed concern that some city officials are suggesting that the city merge and rename some of the downtown districts and change city coding to reflect the new urbanism belief that form is more important than function. While the mayor’s committee has not endorsed this idea that how a building is used is second to how it looks (called a form-based code), some of the key players on the committee want Pensacola to adopt what has worked for Seaside resort near Destin.

Eddie Todd noted that Councilman Brian Spencer wanted to address our group regarding some of the ideas he has for urban redevelopment. We are also still trying to work out a Saturday in late March where we can all walk the DeVilliers corridor and develop priorities on how to improve it. Members expressed concern about the Philadelphia Green / Vacant Land Management presentation Councilman Spencer gave to the City Council. Information regarding this program on the Internet indicates Philadelphia relies on eminent domain to take control of some of the vacant spaces, and no one at the meeting seemed ready to endorse this option.

Ms. Dubuisson discussed a draft plan the Downtown Improvement Board housing committee is working on that might avoid some of these pitfalls in finding ways to provide infill housing. She also noted that the city’s Code Enforcement is aggressively enforcing city ordinances and that homes are being found in violation for maintenance and lack of city sanitation services.

As a result of this group discussion, it was moved by George Hawthorne and seconded by Rosemary Kirkland that we write a formal letter to let the City Council and the Mayor know that we oppose gentrification of our neighborhood in any planning and that we continue to support the original Belmont-DeVilliers mixed-use development plan that was created during neighborhood hearings. The letter will emphasize that we want to protect existing residents, the heirs of property owners, the disabled and the elderly.

We have received permission from the artist to use a musician image for our logo, branding and our neighborhood sign, but the details have not been finalized.

A thank you letter was sent to Councilman Ron Townsend (with a copy to the mayor) for the $500 check to help defray the cost of putting up outdoor banners. We have not heard back from our request to Councilman Spencer. The Rev. John Powell sent a $300 check from the Truth for Youth as a donation from the black history festival. Elvin Jones contributed the $61.25 we owe for taxes to the IRS.

Robin Reshard is looking for a 501(c) 3 to work with her as a fiscal agent regarding donations offered to underwrite her Belmont DeVilliers documentary. She expects the cost of the 90- to 120-munute production to be about $1,000 per filmed minute. She has a professional business plan for such a partnership.

Dr. Gloria Horning is now working with Pathways for Change. That group’s new center at 2050 West Blount will have an open house week beginning April 2. Pathways for Change is a faith-based nonprofit with a mission of changing lives, reducing crime and building futures.

Hot Glass, Cold brew will be back on Friday, March 23. In addition to live glassblowing, pottery and glass bead demonstrations - it's also member appreciation night with surprises for new and renewing members. Enjoy the Belmont’s unique ambiance and talents and partake of some complimentary pizza and beer. Live music will also be provided.

Geraldine Vaurigaud invited everyone to the North Hill Neighborhood Association meeting on Monday (March 12) at 6:30 pm at the new Open Books in Long Hollow Community Center. She said the relocation of the Belmont Arts Center to Long Hollow will be discussed at this meeting.

Ms. Curry asked if anyone would like to attend the Neighborhood Leadership Training classes that will be offered on Tuesday evenings. Please call her if you want to join these highly rated excursions into the depth of city government.

Mr. Hawthorne noted that Paradise Gardens is working to correct its zoning issues and that he expects to make a major announcement soon.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:30 pm.

MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 4, 2012 Belmont-DeVilliers MEETING

BELMONT-DEVILLIERS NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 4, 2012 MEETING

The meeting was opened at 5:30 p.m. by President Dolores Curry. Attending were: Dolores Curry, Vivian Lamont, Rosemary Kirkland, Rev. Carl Reeves, Rev. John Powell, Rev. Eugene Franklin, Sheikh Tariq Abdul Aziz, Diane Mack, Jewel Cannada-Wynn, Pattie Krakowski, Ann Hill, Eddie Todd, Dr. Alexa Canady-Davis, Tony McCray, Danny Lewis, Neil Richards, Geraldine Vaurigaud, Dicky Hartley, Sonja Evans, Jim Myatt, Omar Williams, Katharine Andrews, Beverly Perry and Burnett Williamson.

Guests included Helen Gibson of Neighborhood Services with the Mayor’s Office and Gregory O’Gwinn and Pansy East of the Oasis Community Center, 317 N. Spring St. Minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.

Ms. Gibson gave an update on our PCIP sign grant. The application has been revised and a different type of sign and design might be proposed, but the association will have a chance to review this when it’s all put together.

Ms. Gibson said that Sherry Morris, interim director of the Community Redevelopment Agency, declined to attend the meeting because of her position is interim at this point and she would prefer we work with the as-yet-unnamed new director. Ms. Gibson noted that the proposed rezoning that was to be discussed at this meeting, however, has been tabled to allow neighborhood input. Ms. Gibson said that the tabled rezoning proposals are in line with the land use plan that was recommended in 2004.  Eddie Todd said that the residents has made some suggestions to that plan but those revisions had never been incorporated into the final version.

Ms. Gibson explained that the comprehensive plan preserves the commercial core (the four corners of Belmont and DeVilliers) and perimeter with specific designations for single and multi-family housing. Both Mr. Todd and Ms. Curry said the earlier study revisions that had gotten lost in the changing of Community Redevelopment Agency staff over the years would have given more flexibility to property owners.

Ms. Gibson said the city now has a range of residential zoning and that there would be public input on this before any action would be taken. Ann Hill wondered why she hadn’t received a postcard notifying her of the rezoning recommendations, noting that some of the zoning changes were to parcels of land that touch her backyard. Ms. Gibson said the cards are expensive to mail and that the CRA limited the mailings to people whose property might actually be rezoned. Ms. Curry suggested that any issues relating to the neighborhood be sent to her as the president of the association so that all members could then be notified. Ms. Gibson said she would make that recommendation. She did not know when the new director would be selected.

Gregory O’Gwinn and Pansy East of the Oasis Community Center at 317 N. Spring St. distributed cards with information on how to reach the center. Office: 850-429-7551; email occpensacola@hotmail.com and on Facebook at OasisCommunityCenter. The center offers free rapid (20 minutes) HIV testing through funding from the Elton John AIDS Foundation and Red Ribbon Charitable Foundation. The calendar includes a movie night at 6 pm on Jan. 20 and a Tapas Night at 6 pm on Jan. 27. Wells Fargo financial adviser Donna Gill Spencer will be offering free financial advice for same-sex couples and others on Monday Jan. 9 at 6 pm. Refreshments will be served.

The Rev. Carl Reeves with the Pensacola Police Dept. said we probably had noticed the rash of gun violence and shootings lately. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigates any incidence in which an officer is involved. Local officers will not comment until that report is released. Dr. Alexa Canady-Davis suggested that negative information on the victims also not be publicly released until the full report is available and both sides of the issue can be heard.

Vivian Lamont said the Belmont Youth Band has been busy with parades and making card for prisoners. They performed at the Osceola Golf Course and for radio station WRNE’s Christmas program. Ms. Lamont will be playing Lena Horne at 4 pm on Jan. 22 for encore performance of “Our Voices Are Many: Celebrating the Harlem Renaissance” at UWF’s Center for Fine and Performing Arts. The program is a theatrical presentation of African-American literature and history through poetry and prose, music, song and dance. The cast, consisting of local readers and other performers, presents myriad themes celebrating the voices of historical figures in the performing arts. Ms. Lamont suggests you get there very early if you want a seat.

Tony McCray gave a brief report on the selection of a city department to head up the management team for the Community Maritime Park Association’s stadium and amphitheatre. He also noted there will be an update on the Disparity Study on Monday. The CRA meets at 3:15 at City Hall, followed by the Committee of the Whole meeting.

Neil Richards said the Belmont Arts Center will hold its Valentine edition of Hot Glass, Cold Brew from 5 to 9 pm on Feb. 10. He said Goombay will be holding an organizational meeting on Monday at 4 or 4:30 pm. Some board positions are open.

Diane Mack reminded everyone about the Women’s Civic Forum coming up on Thursday, Jan.12 at 11:45 a.m. at IHMC (Institute for Human and Machine Cognition), 40 S. Alcaniz, Pensacola, with Okaloosa Magistrate Mary Polson as the guest speaker. Ms. Mack said that CNAPP (Council of Neighborhood Association Presidents of the City of Pensacola) President Lara McKnight has announced she is a candidate for City Council’s at-large B seat. That seat is now held by Council President Sam Hall, who has said he will not run again in 2012.

Jewel Cannada-Wynn urged everyone to support her in her bid for an Escambia County Commission seat for District 3. Ms. Cannada-Wynn said there are still openings for high school juniors and seniors to join her 9-college tour this spring. Danny Lewis is assisting with this trip organization. Cost is $200 for 2 nights and entertainment tickets, plus $60 for food for the 3 days.

Rev. John Powell gave an update on plans and an upcoming meeting for the Feb. 10-12 Black History Festival. He praised the winners of the art competition and urged members to stop by Gumbo Gallery to see them. A large banner for the festival will be erected at the corner of Palafox and Garden next week.

Dr. Canady-Davis said 4 members have paid dues for 2012 so far. Dues are $24 a year or $2 per meeting. Guests, of course, may attend for free. She also reported that the main library addition is two months behind on construction and renovation of the older section is now scheduled to begin in mid-February.

Sonja Griffin Evans said there will be a family-friendly “After the MLK Parade Gathering” on Jan. 16 at the DeVilliers Cultural Heritage Museum, 500 West Belmont that will begin immediately after the parade. The Martin Luther King Parade itself starts at 11 am at Spring and Garden Streets.

Pattie Krakowski is active with Pensacola Historic Preservation Society, which operates the Desiderio Quina House at 204 S Alcaniz Street. This is the oldest house (built in 1810) that remains on its original lot in Pensacola. It is open for tours and admission is free. Details: www.quinahousemuseum.org .

Ms. Krakowski invited members to attend a free talk titled “How to Create a Better Place to Live” by Christian Wagley at 7 pm Tuesday, Jan. 10, at the Bayview Senior Resource Center, 2000 E. Lloyd St., Pensacola. Wagley, who heads Sustainable Town Concepts, will focus on development patterns that encourage more walking, bicycling, and public transit. A similar proposal will be presented to Pensacola City Council at its 5:30 pm meeting on Thursday, Jan. 12.

Geraldine Vaurigaud also provided everyone with a link to her community calendar: www.mycalendars.net/pcolacommunity. To receive email brief weekly community and calendar updates, email her at GTV50@hotmail.com. She also gave out some Pensacola311.com magnets announcing the new 311 phone number for non-emergency citizen support for potholes/street issues; broken streetlights; damaged park equipment and general questions. She discussed the Lemar Advertising / Brownsville mural project and offered to order tickets for anyone who wanted to attend the free all-day leadership skills seminar by John Maxwell with guest Chris Gardner (subject of the movie “The Pursuit of Happyness”) at the Civic Center on Jan. 23. Website: www.pensacolaciviccenter.com .

The meeting was closed by Ms. Curry at 6:30 pm.

Minutes of the Nov-Dec meetings of the Belmont-DeVilliers Neighborhood Association

BELMONT-DEVILLIERS NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 7, 2011 MEETING

The meeting was opened at 5:30 p.m. by President Dolores Curry. Attending were: Dolores Curry, Vivian Lamont, Rev. Carl Reeves, Ann Hill, Rose George, Eddie Todd, Danny Lewis, Neil Richards, Diane Mack, Allen Gibson, Larry King, Jim Myatt, Geraldine Vaurigaud, Dicky Hartley, Eleanor Johnson, Sonja Evans, Rev. John Powell and Alexa Canady-Davis. Guests included Councilman Brian Spencer, Dr. Gloria Horning, Burnett Williamson, Robin Reshard, Anthony Crawford, Sheikh Tariq Abdul Aziz, Pattie Krakowski, Forrest Ray, Takia Berry, Beverly Perry. Minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.

President Dolores Curry thanked Rose George and Vivian Lamont for their help is setting up and decorating the food table for the association’s annual Christmas gathering.  Dove Chocolatier Burnett Williamson also brought some of her truffles and other treats to share with the group. Ms. Williamson holds free chocolate tasting parties. For more info, she can be reached at 850-432-5493 or 773-627-3137.

Rev. Carl Reeves urged members to take safety precautions during the holidays. The thieves are out, so put your valuables in your trunk.

Vivian Lamont noted that the Belmont Youth Band will be at Paradise Gardens on West Gregory St. from 11:30 to 1:30 on this Saturday. They will be creating Christmas cards for prisoners. On Dec. 15, band members will be part of the jazz program at Oseola Golf Course. On Dec. 22, they will be part of the Seville Square Christmas program. The band was featured in a recent front-page Pensacola Voice article you can read here: http://belmont-devilliers.blogspot.com/2011/12/belmont-youth-band-on-move.html . She noted that two of the youths in the program have received full scholarships at Pensacola State College. She also thanked Councilman Brian Spencer, who serves on the BYB board, for his help in obtaining $1,000 for the band.

Eddie Todd wished everyone a happy holiday and noted that a letter concerning the new logo for the association was forthcoming.

Councilman Spencer noted that January marks the first anniversary of his serving as District 6 councilman. He said his journey has been more spiritual than political and that he now feels more in touch with a greater variety of people than he would have been had he not taken this path. What he wanted to share with the group that he has learned this first year is that we have the opportunity to focus not only on the needs of District 6 but of the entire city and that there should be no fences between districts.

Mr. Spencer discussed the great financial obligation that is facing the Community Redevelopment Agency, which is about to face a $4.3 million annual obligation. He addressed the issue of the CRA staffing, noting that Sherry Morris is heading the agency at present, assisted by chief of neighborhoods Helen Gibson. Both women are certified planners, he said. And now that the city’s interlocal agreement is in place, the mayor has assured Mr. Spencer that a design person will be named after the first of the year.

Mr. Spencer noted beginning in 2013, the CRA will be committed to a $4.3 million annual obligation, which includes the 30-year, $3 million annual obligation for Community Maritime park and a 17-year, $1.3 million annual obligation for the acquisition and demolition of the ECUA plant. In addition, operating expenses for the CRA amount to about $1 million a year, bringing the total to $5.3 million. At present, he said, the CRA receives about $4 million in TIF money. (Background on TIF this is at: http://www.pensapedia.com/mediawiki/index.php?title=Community_Maritime_Park&oldid=20158 .)

Obviously, the CRA will be strapped for cash for other projects in the next couple of decades. Councilman Spencer encouraged members to focus on what we can do to identify projects that will enhance the neighborhood and produce more tax revenue. He gave as an example the Hixardt project, in which the city forfeited the value of the land but not the property tax. Mr. Spencer, who is an architect with a great interest in urban planning, said the DeVilliers corridor from Maritime Park to Cervantes is the best for development.  He said the big blocks of emptiness along this corridor are his No. 1 candidate for attention. He urged us to invite Helen Gibson to the January meeting.

Eleanor Johnson noted that she and Tony McCray were among the 2,200 delegates to a recent community development summit in Detroit, Michigan. (Article here: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=315427521814350&set=a.275055752518194.75658.196504367040000&type=1&theater ) . She also noted that the appointment with Helen Gibson that she and Dottie Dubuisson had regarding the PCIP grant for the welcome sign was canceled and hasn’t been rescheduled as yet.

Diane Mack was pleased to announce that the Belmont-DeVilliers Neighborhood Association is joining the Council of Neighborhood Association Presidents of Pensacola. Because of Ms. Curry’s schedule, secretary Ann Hill will be attending meetings and representing the association for Ms. Curry. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, Jan. 17, so if anyone has any issues they would like to bring to CNAPP, please let Ann know (sfnewsgal at yahoo.com).

Ms. Mack said that any new association needs a “win” and that CNAPP’s first win was in defeating a rezoning issue opposed by the East Side Neighborhood Association.

Rev. John Powell gave an update on the 2012 Cox black history festival on Feb. 10-12, which will be called the Black History Expo 2012: Images in Black. Ms. Lamont and Ms. Curry are serving on the project committee. Deadline is Dec. 16 for submissions to the middle and high school student art exhibit, which will be displayed during the festival. After next week’s meeting the full schedule will be emailed to the neighborhood association membership.  Rose George encouraged the committee members to think outside the box in getting the word out on the festival.

Members voted to give Larry King a $100 check to show their appreciation for his setting up the monthly meeting.

Ms. Curry mentioned the tightening of voter registration requirements in Florida and urged members to get their photo IDs in place before it is time to vote.

Robin Reshard with Robert Robino Productions, 321 N. DeVilliers, Ste. 306,  handed out business cards with the web address of the Belmont-DeVilliers documentary that is in the works. A trailer for the film is also online at www.themakingofaneighborhood.com. Ms. Reshard is also acquiring 3,000 - 5,000 children’s books and 10,000 bookmarks on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to distribute at the MLK Parade on Jan. 16. Volunteer youths will be gathering from 2 to 6 pm on Jan. 12 at Bethel A.M.E. Church to get ready for the book giveaway.

Geraldine Vaurigaud said she’d been working with seniors on artistic fundraising ideas. One of them is an adorable goblet made from a fused candlestick and mason jar. A hole in the lid leaves room for a colorful straw.

The meeting was closed at 6:40 and everyone had a great time enjoying the Christmas feast and catching up on the latest neighborhood news.

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BELMONT-DEVILLIERS NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

MINUTES OF THE NOVEMBER 2, 2011 MEETING

The meeting was opened at 5:32 p.m. by President Dolores Curry. Attending were: Dolores Curry, Dottie Dubuisson, Vivian Lamont, Rev. Carl Reeves, Ann Hill, Rose George, Eddie Todd, Danny Lewis, Neil Richards, Jim Myatt, Geraldine Vaurigaud, Eleanor Johnson, Sonja Evans, Rev. Eugene Franklin, Alexa Canady-Davis, Sandra Wilson, and Burnett Williamson. Guests included Dr. Gloria Horning, Mack Smith, Elrico Tunstall and Robin Reshard. Minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.

Rev. Carl Reeves reported that several arrests have been made regarding the copper thieves that were targeting commercial AC units. He also mentioned that the sheriff’s dept. had broken up a crime ring that had set up a shop to fence the stolen goods. He said auto burglary is the No. 1 crime and urged citizens to double-check their cars to make sure they are locked. He noted that anyone hearing gunshots (as one member did) should call 911 even if the exact location isn’t known.

Elrico Tunstall introduced himself and his company, Jump Off Productions. He is a native Pensacolan, veteran of two U.S. Army tours of Iraq, and student at the Los Angeles Film School. Among his credits are: Straight Out of Sweden, a new TV show for the Swedish market; a short documentary Out of the Shadows, highlighting the lives of young adults with developmental disabilities, and casting for two productions in L.A. Mr. Tunstall’s goal is to bring Hollywood-style entertainment and filmmaking to the Gulf Coast. He can be reached at (719) 287-1600, elrico.tunstall@gmail.com or on the web at www.jumpoffproductions.com .

Robin Reshard of Robert Robino Productions, 321 N. DeVilliers, Ste. 306, presented a short and highly professional video on the history of Belmont-DeVilliers after the Civil War. She is doing research for a full documentary on this topic. She is talking with local historians and people who have knowledge of this neighborhood’s past. She welcomes audio and video, as well as non-copyrighted music. Call her at 479-430-AFRO or 850-356-6921 or email her at robin@robertrobino.com .

Treasurer Alexa Canady-Davis reported $2135.06 in our account. Dolores Curry urged those who haven’t paid their dues to do so.

Vivian Lamont announced that the Belmont Youth Band played at the recent Pumpkin Patch at the Belmont Arts and Cultural Center. They will play at the Navy base Fire Dept. this Saturday and at Paradise Gardens at 1:30 pm next Saturday during a children’s workshop to make Thanksgiving cards for prisoners. Danny Lewis said a BYB fundraiser is in the planning stage and that the youth band is getting lots of support from the community.

Eleanor Johnson is working on the upcoming production of “Colors of Love” based on children’s books by Ora Wills and Georgia Blackmon. They are looking for young actors ages 10 to 16 to help with the production, which will presented 3-5 pm on Nov. 12-13 at Dorothy’s Dance Plus Studio, 28½ South Palafox. They are also planning another production on April 21 for children’s month.

Ms. Johnson also has spots for artist booths at the next Gallery Night on Nov. 18. Cost of a space is $10. Burnett Williamson sells her special chocolate at this event.

Neil Richards reminded everyone about glassblowers’ annual Glass Jam set for 6 to 10 pm Saturday Nov. 5 during the Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival.

Dottie Dubuisson reported on an upcoming zoning development meeting by the Downtown Improvement Board regarding possible expansion of the district; extension of the Palafox Farmers Market to possibly be a year-round event; Councilwoman Sherri Myers request for information on sidewalk issues; and a call for RFPs by the CMPA for maintenance management outside the stadium. She mentioned the need to get our U.S. legislators to support the Restore Act. Unless Congress quickly works to enact this act into law, fines paid by BP and others responsible for the oil disaster will be used for unrelated federal spending, instead of going to repair the area that was devastated by the spill.

There are plans for a special Christmas shopping market at Palafox and Gregory.

Ms. Dubuisson also noted that Councilman John Jerralds has replaced Councilman Larry Johnston on the TDC and that Commissioner Grover Robinson resigned from that tourism council.

Ms. Dubuisson and Ms. Johnson were asked to follow up on getting our sign funded through the PCIP grant.

Plans for the Black History Festival Feb. 10-12 include a chili cook-off and Gospel music event.

Forms for making a pledge to buy a brick for the Pensacola Public Library were passed around. Bricks will cost $100. Talk to Gene Fischer, library director; Ben Townes, architect; or Bette Hooton if you have questions. Pledges must be paid by March 1. The new library addition will open by September 2012.

Dr. Gloria Horning reported that Habitat for Humanity received a $26 million grant to build houses. Right now, the agency is looking for people for 117 homes. The most recent project is the Camshire Meadows development on Gulf Beach Highway off Wheeler Road toward Dogtrack. They are planning to build 240 more houses throughout the community. She said that Habitat would be handing over a big check for taxes on their houses at the Escambia County Commissioners meeting on Thursday.

Members voted to have a holiday party after the Dec. 7 meeting, allocating up to $125 for this. Ms. Williamson promised to bring some of her chocolates.

Ms. Curry adjourned the meeting at 6:30 pm.

BELMONT YOUTH BAND ON THE MOVE

Vivian Lamont and Danny Lewis (in front row) are members 

of the Belmont-DeVilliers Neighborhood Association