-
Pictured are, front row from left, Vernell Britton, chairman; Eve Jones, Cassandra Allen, Allean Deloris Gilyard and Cynthia Jones-Jackson, mistress of ceremonies; back row from left, Joy Lawson, Marsha Dean Phelts, Dr. Carolyn Jones, Ann Willis Jennings, Dr. Johnnetta Betsch Cole and Dr. Bria Rice. Submitted photo -
Vernell Stewart Britton, chairman, and Ambassador Theodore R. Britton. Submitted photo
After relocating from Atlanta, Vernell Stewart Britton, a career nutritionist, found that she missed attending the “Women With Heart” initiative launched more than 10 years ago by First Lady of Morehouse College, Dr. Eilene Maupin. It wasn’t too long before Britton felt compelled to call upon her American Beach neighbors to find out if they were willing to sponsor a much-needed health seminar that would increase awareness of heart health and to enhance community.
A talent pool of Ann Willis Jennings, Bobbi Morgan Jones, Dr. Carolyn D. Jones, Cassandra Allen, Cynthia Jones-Jackson, Deloris Gilyard, Evelyn Jones, Joy Lawson and Marsha Dean Phelts was assembled at the home of Ambassador Theodore R. and Vernell Britton. Plans were immediately underway to carry out the Inaugural Women’s Healthy Heart Luncheon at the American Beach Community Center. It was American Beach’s very own Dr. Johnnetta Betsch Cole who was sought to serve as honorary chairperson as well as Cynthia Jones-Jackson who served as mistress of ceremonies.
Bria Rice, M.D., Board Certified Internal Medicine Physician and American College of Cardiology Fellow at the Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, delivered the keynote address.
Additional program participants were Susan Canty Jones, M.S., Community Nutrition educator, and Maurice Campbell, Certified Personal Trainer Sports Apple LLC. Two brothers, Christian and Reggie Thomas, from Douglas Anderson School of the Arts delighted the audience with playing classical string music at intervals throughout the program. American Beach residents Jacqueline Coleman and Dr. Viviloria Thompson Frazier captured the sold-out luncheon crowd with their personal testimonials.
With community support, ticket sales and the work of American Beach auctioneer J. D. Staton (husband of Dr. Cole), the committee donated funds to the American Heart Association, Friends of American Beach, Inc. and A. L. Lewis Museum on Historic American Beach.
More American Beach community-based activities are being planned, including a 2024 Women’s Healthy Heart Summit.
