If you have any questions about the information listed... just E-mail Monica.

• Community Minute for 2006
• Community Minute for 2007
• Community Minute for the Week of March 09, 2008
• Community Minute for the Week of March 02, 2008
• Community Minute for the Week of February 24, 2008
• Community Minute for the Week of February 17, 2008
• Community Minute for the Week of February 10, 2008
• Community Minute for the Week of February 3, 2008
• Community Minute for the Week of January 27, 2008
• Community Minute for the Week of January 20, 2008
• Community Minute for the Week of January 13, 2008
• Community Minute for the Week of January 6, 2008
• Community Minute for the Week of December 31, 2007

COMMUNITY MINUTE 03/16/08-03/23/08

Mon. 03/17/08
Back from the weekend, hope it was a good one. Praise goes out this morning to the Pine Hills Community and clergy as they wrapped up 40 Days of Prayer. Operation Armor all was in effect to rid the area of violence. As everyone turned out for the final celebration yesterday, we all pray that it is the first step toward healing as well. Orlando's Police Chief Val Demings says next stop may be the east side.

Don't forget this is just the second week of FCAT, so continue to wake your kids up with encouraging words and a nice hot meal.

Finally, March 19th through the 21st Lockhard Middle School students will finally get to experience Challenge Day. It is a national program that is heralded as being able to change a teens life forever. Volunteers and donations are still needed.

Tues. 03/18/08
A listener who went on our journey to Jena, Louisiana sent me an email asking if I knew anyone going to Memphis for the Martin Luther King commemoration? So far, in my calling around, I've not found anyone – but if you know of someone, an organization that is, please email me at star94fm.com, click our community and forward the information...

One thing I'm trying to do is to inform you in enough time of things that can help you and your family, so that we can all do what we have to do in a timely fashion. It's United Negro Scholarship time again. Guidance counselors and principals have the information, but 20,000 dollar scholarships are available to Orange County high school senior who demonstrates academic and leadership potential, shows financial need and plan to attend a UNCF college or university. Further details are on our website STAR94fm.com, the deadline for receiving completed packets is April 9th. That info is on our website along with other scholarship information....

There's just one more day before the Challenge Day at Lockhart Middle school – the event that has the potential to change a young persons life is March 19th through the 21st. Assistance and leaders are needed to make it happen....

Wed. 03/19/08
More and more our state has experienced an upsurge in hate crimes. In fact at one of the STAR 94.5 Jena in our Community meetings – we talked specifically about wanting the legislature to recognize that the citing of a noose, swastika, or any type hateful grafitti that led to initimidation of any kind would in fact be deemed a crime AND punishable. Well luckily our State Representative heard us, she was there at the meeting. And State Representative Geraldine Thompson has added that as one of the bills she holds most important.

Our state legislature is back in session and tomorrow she is holding a press conference in Talahaseeee referencing the bill. She has asked me to ask you OUR listeners to support her. Not by coming, at least yet – but making your own voices heard. Here's how we can do this, if you or anyone you know has witnessed any type of hate crime – let it be known. I am working with a group who witnessed the noose hanging OBVIOUSLY in an aisle at a Casselberry Home Depot. The couple who had a noose hung from their tree in Oviedo have come forward and they will be present tomorrow...WILL YOU! At least in getting the courage to speak up for what is wrong? If you will – please go to our website STAR94fm.com – click Our Community and post your comments and contact information – STAR CARES about our community...

Thurs. 03/20/08
This morning at 10:00 a.m., State Representative Geraldine Thompson will hold a press conference in Tallahassee along with Representative Bullard of Miami – these two sisters will address legislation that is pending on hate crimes – their intention with this bill is to penalize those who intimidate others with the use of nooses, swashtikas or other hate filled displays. The bill is on the table , but here's the deal – they need your support to get it on the floor.

Attending the press conference tomorrow will be the 14 year old Pembrook Pines student and the Oviedo family who were recently threatened with hanging nooses. There have got to be others – you can even email me directly with your story if your more comfortable doing it that way – again it's STAR94fm.com. Click on Ask Monica and I'll respond. Let's help ourselves on this one...we can and we should.

On a lighter note – Easter is this weekend – tomorrow we'll talk about events happening in our community to celebrate.

Fri. 03/21/08
Today is Good Friday – the day the story tells us that Jesus was arrested, -he was tried during this time, nailed to the crucifix, suffered and died. Tomorrow, Saturday, is the day he rested in his tomb to be resurrected on Sunday, Easter Sunday. If you are looking for a re-enactment of such, try Macedonia in Eatonville today at noon for the 7 last sayings of Christ with our local pastors.

Yes, there will be many Easter egg hunts throughout the city – a few that I know about tomorrow are at the Smith Center on Bruton Boulevard. St. Mark on Bruton Boulevard also will have theirs at 10:00a.m. and I know the Women's Resource Center still needs items donated for theirs on Sunday. Easter is more than new outfits and egg hunts, find a local church and attend a Sunrise service or others set for the day...Happy Easter family.

One other thing tomorrow is the AKA – Delta Omicron Omega Chapter have gotten together with PKZ and the Orange Blossom Family Health Center for another Dental Screening for kids ages 3 to 17...at the Callahan Center – registration begins at 9:30, so get there early.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION
Sun. 03/23/08
Monica's guest will discuss the upcoming African American Men's Health Summit.