The Bulletin Board: Florida State Association of Elks to hold 91st State Convention

By Sheralyn Brinson
Special to the Herald

The Florida State Association of Elks, I.B.P.O.E.W. (Improved Benevolent Protective Order of Elks of the World) will hold their 91st State Convention at the Lake Mary Marriott, 1501 International Parkway in Lake Mary, on May 13-18, 2016.  
This year’s convention will be hosted by Celery City Lodge #542 and Evergreen Temple #321 of Sanford. The Florida State Association has been in existence since 1925 with 27 Lodges and 25 Temples throughout the State, from Pensacola to Key West. The Association is a non-profit, fraternal organization committed to community service and the mentoring of youth. They also enjoy varied social activities with their members and with the public. “Charity, Justice, Fidelity, Brotherly and Sisterly Love” is their motto.
Their website (www.flstassnelks.com) and newspaper provide opportunities for members to stay connected and for the public to learn about their organization.  Scheduled activities include an Education Banquet, Civil Liberties Program, and Beauty, Talent and Fashion Show.  
On Saturday, May 14 at 11 a.m., there will be a parade in downtown Sanford, starting at the Sanford Chamber of Commerce, 400 E. First St. The public is invited to come out and enjoy the parade. Special guests will be the Bahamas Junkanoo Entertainers. William L. Sands, State President; Lou Alyce Dean, Daughter State President; Roosevelt Cummings, Exalted Ruler, Celery City Lodge #542; Anne L. Newell, Daughter Ruler, Evergreen Temple #321.

• Tickets are still available for the Seminole County FAMU Alumni Chapter’s Golden Anniversary Gala, celebrating 50 years of service, to be held Saturday, May 14, 2016 from 6:30-10 p.m. at the Lake Mary Community Center, 140 E. Wilbur Ave. in Lake Mary.
This is a semi-formal event; seating is limited so call today and get your ticket. University President Dr. Elmira Mangum will be the keynote speaker. For tickets, call Queen Esther Jones at 407-323-0428; ticket donation, $50 per person.  For Souvenir Booklet sponsorship and advertisement information, contact Kimberly Saunders at 850-212-0557 or LaShonda Neal at 407-388-8402.

• Event Cancellation. The 2016 Seminole County Lifestyle Choices Forum scheduled for Sat., May 7 at Seminole High School is cancelled because of low registration. Dr. Swannie Jett, Health Officer for the Florida Dept. of Health in Seminole County, plans to reschedule the Lifestyle Choices Forum when school resumes in August. Questions, please call Tiffani McDaniel at 407-665-3374 (office) and 321-200-7805 (cell).

• May is National Hepatitis Awareness Month. The Florida Dept. of Health in Seminole County (DOH-Seminole) is providing free hepatitis testing during the month of May.
The intent of the annual observance is to raise awareness about the global impact of viral hepatitis and the importance of preventing hepatitis-related liver disease, including liver cancer. The Hepatitis Prevention Program in Seminole County will provide free hepatitis testing Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 400 W. Airport Blvd., Sanford.
“Increased screening and testing in order to reduce the burden of illness and death from hepatitis is essential since most people are unware they are infected with these serious liver diseases,” said Dr. Swannie Jett, Health Officer for DOH-Seminole. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends baby boomers or anyone born from 1945 to 1965 get tested for Hepatitis C. Baby boomers are five times more likely to have Hepatitis C.
“Over time, chronic Hepatitis C can cause serious health problems including liver damage, cirrhosis, liver cancer and even death,” said Tania Slade, Epidemiology Program Manager for DOH-Seminole. “In fact, Hepatitis C is a leading cause of liver cancer and the #1 cause of liver transplants.”
Hepatitis is characterized by inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis A, B, and C are the most common types of viral hepatitis in the United States. Symptoms of hepatitis include nausea, fever, weakness, loss of appetite and jaundice. Hepatitis A is transmitted by eating food or drinking water that has been contaminated with human waste. Hepatitis B is spread through contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person. Hepatitis C is usually spread through contact with blood containing the virus. There is no vaccine for Hepatitis C (HCV).  
For information and assistance, please contact Enid Santiago-Cruz at 407-665-3019; via E-mail: Enid.Santiago-Cruz@flhealth.gov; or visit their website, www.SeminoleCoHealth.com.   Tiffani McDaniel, Public Information Officer.

• The Annual Dr. Regina Benjamin Annual Community Health Fair will be held on Sat., May 7 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Sanford Civic Center, 401 E. Seminole Blvd., offering free health screenings and services.  
Dr. Swannie Jett, DrPH, MSc, Health Officer for the Florida Dept. of Health in Seminole County will be the guest speaker. Event sponsors: Healthy Start Coalition of Seminole County; the Florida Dept. of Health in Seminole County; AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals; and the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., Central Florida Chapter.  
For more information, contact Thelisha Thomas, 407-665-3201.

• Faye Henderson & Gospel Praise of Sanford were recently awarded the 2016 E.E. Minott Scholarship Foundation’s 2016 “Maestro” Award for outstanding service using their musical talents in support of community events.

Sheralyn Brinson can be reached at SBrinson@MySanfordHerald.com.