Apopka Progressive Senior Memory Book 2023 PROOF v1

Carter G. Woodson African American Museum, St. Petersburg, FL 

Apopka Progressive Seniors Club, Incorported Apopka, Florida 

Acknowlegements 

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means what so ever without 

express written permission from the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. 

Please refer all pertinent questions to the publisher. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted 

in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by an information storage and 

retrieval system- except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review to be printed in a newspaper or magazine, 

digital or hard copy- without permission in writing from the publisher. 

Thank you to Janice A. Howard for giving us permission to print her poem, “Tribute To Apopka Progressive Seniors” as 

printed in her book A JOURNEY OF TREASURES. (page 39) 

Thank you to Francina Boykin for permission to print her two documents “A Brief History of John H. Bridges Community 

Center” and “Apopka’s Early Black Pioneers” (page 9). Her references were: 

“History of Apopka and Northwest Orange County”(page 10) by Jerrell H. Shofner 

Penning Of Petrine Slim by William Gladden 

Oral history from Mildred Board and Marie Gladden 

Thank you to the Apopka Chief for allowing the use of the article “Senior Club Marks 40 Plus Years With Founders Day; 

Celebration published September 16, 2016” on pages (11,13) 

for photograph of the Apopka Progressive Senior Citizen’s Club appearing in the article “Dr. King’s Memory And Message 

Kept Alive In Apopka” published January 13, 2018. (Page 71). 

Information obtained about the Apopka Progressive Seniors were oral contributions, photos and other written documents from 

club members and members of the Apopka community. 

The majority of the photos published were courtesy of club members. 

Photographer Victor Watkins took the photos on pages (6, 7, 8, 9, 14-30, 43, 44, 45, 48, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 65, 75-83, 98) 

Photographer Charles Ed0wards took photos on pages (71, 89) 

Book Designed by 1G Designs & Solutions 

© 2023

Apopka Progressive Seniors Club, Incorported Apopka, Florida 

Table of Contents 

Acknowledgements............................................................................. 

Greetings............................................................................................. 

History................................................................................................. 

Members.............................................................................................. 

About Us.............................................................................................. 

Organizations/Committees................................................................. 

Tributes................................................................................................ 

Activities.............................................................................................. 

Advertisements.................................................................................... 

Afterwords........................................................................................... 

Apopka Progressive Seniors Club Founders’ Day Church Service

Greetings 

FROM THE PRESIDENT 

Greetings, 

As president of the Apopka Progressive Seniors Club, I am profoundly honored and privileged to extend 

a warm and hearty greetings to our members, many friends, elected officials, sponsors and patrons. I am 

so happy to be a part of this organization for the last past 15 years. 

The Apopka Progressive Seniors Club is a non profit club for senior citizens. It’s purpose is to make a 

positive difference in the Apopka Community by rendering services; promoting wholesome fellowship; 

providing extensive recreational and cultural experiences; promoting unity, friendship among members 

and others. 

I would like to invite all those Seniors ages 55 and up to join us in the fun-filled experiences shared in 

our weekly meetings. We have activities celebrating most holidays; birthdays of members; Bible Study; 

exercise and crafts. Join us on some of our pleasurable one-day excursions to various points of interest 

throughout the state and Georgia; Spring and Fall short multi-day trips or our extended summer trips to 

various parts of the USA and Canada. 

Finally, let me take this opportunity to extend my sincere appreciation to the officers, committee chairpersons, 

members and all those who worked diligently to ensure the success of our club and to the publishing 

of this book. 

Sincerely, 

Rose Morris, President

Greetings 

FROM THE 

HISTORICAL AND 

YEARBOOK COMMITTEE 

It was back in 2016 that the idea of documenting the journey of 

the Apopka Progressive Seniors Club, Inc. ,from it’s conception 

to the present, was recognized by the then President, “The Late 

Daisy Willis.” It was her hopes and dreams to see this publication 

completed. Unfortunately, due to her untimely death, she did not 

live to see it completed. It was her desire for all to know what a 

fantastic organization her beloved Apopka Progressive Seniors 

Club was and she wanted to share the precious historical memories 

generated over the years since it was organized, right at some 50 

years ago! 

It has taken all of six years for this book to reach publication. Long 

hours of diligent research; overwhelming periods of fundraising; 

the impact of two years with COVID-19 and numerous other 

elements setting in causing the postponing of it’s completion. 

Under the helm of the current president, Rose Morris, we were able 

to forged on and complete the audacious task of finally completing 

the book. It is with long exhausting hours of hard work and 

dedication that the the Committee is elated to present you with 

the final product: 

The Apopka Progressive Seniors Club Inc. 

“The Legacy Continues” 

We hope you enjoy discovering and recognizing events and faces 

from the past that you might have experienced and had fellowships. 

Hopefully, it will bring you joy in your remembrance. 

Thanks To All For Your Support, 

The Historical and Yearbook Committee 

Zeta B. June, Chairperson 

Hilda Macon, Co-Chairperson

THE HISTORICAL/MEMORY BOOK 

COMMITTEE 

Zeta B. June, Chairperson 

Zeta June 

Rose Morris 

Lila Menchan 

Dilbert Morris * 

Alice Rozier 

Lola Knight 

Hilda Macon 

Marchell Dowdell 

Betty Baker 

Ron Brookins 

Evelyn White 

Jeffery Gordon 

Janice Howard 

* Deceased Member

HISTORY OF SOUTH APOPKA 

Excertps from: 

Apopka’s Early Black Pioneers 

By: Francina Boykin, Historian 

The presence of 

Apopka’s early 

black citizens dates 

back to slavery in 

Northwest Orange 

and Northeast Lake 

counties, near and 

around Sorrento, 

Florida, Mt. 

Plymouth and Rock 

Springs areas where 

William S. Delk, 

Georgian slave owner, owned slaves and a vast 

amount of rich farmland. 

Slaves in Apopka areas completed building 

the Masonic Lodge #36 in 1859. It is the oldest 

serving lodge in the state of Florida. Apopka 

was known as the “Lodge City”. Apopka is 

the Indian name for “Big Potato” or “Potato 

Eating Place” because of the growth of large 

potatoes around Lake Apopka and it is where 

slaves hid with the notorious Seminole 

Warrior, Chief Coacoochee (Wildcat). 

The abolishing of slavery after Civil War of 

1861-1865, a great migration of freed slaves 

moved to Apopka from South Carolina, 

Georgia and Alabama seeking opportunities 

to work on the railroad, turpentine mills, 

homesteading, citrus, vegetable farming 

and hosts of self-sustaining adventures for 

survival. 

Sarah Mead was born during slavery in 

South Carolina, sold to a plantation owner 

in Georgia, ventured into Apopka around 

1870, settling in what would become known 

as Mead’s Bottom, located south of Highway 

441 and 436, boarded by McGee Street on 

the west and Steelers Road on the East. Sarah 

introduced the area to early black settlers 

with promises of farming opportunities, land 

ownership, provided temporary housing and 

supplies from her commissary to get started. 

The late Mildred Board, native Apopka’s, 

Educator, Librarian,Historian,Columnist of 

Apopka Chief and the late Marie Gladden, 

native of Belleview, Florida via Sanford 

resident, wife of famous Apopka black 

business owner Michael Gladden, Jr., educator 

and one of the first black female school 

principals in Orange County, in a project 

for Apopka Historical Society in the 1990’s, 

identified early black settlers by interviewing 

their descendants. Ms. board and Ms. 

Gladden documented the approximate arrival 

to Apopka, previous hometown, reasons why 

they chose Apopka, location of their settling 

in town, who were their neighbors, how 

property was acquired, manner of earning a 

living and their descendants. Cato Mott and 

Ella Sanders arrived in Apopka in 1898, Cato 

working for Hackman-Eldridge Livery Stables 

and Ella, as a school teacher, their children 

were John, James, Milton, Charles, Sophia, 

Ella, Katie and Wilfred. Sanders owned an 

entire block from Central Avenue boarded 

by Michael Gladden Boulevard on the south 

and 8th Street to the north where one of their 

business was Sanders Sundries. There were 

nearly 80 plus blacked owned and operated 

businesses before 1970’s and now all closed. 

Over 62 Pioneer Black Families names 

documented by Ms. Gladden and Ms. Board 

revealed the strong prominence of families 

who believed, invested and promoted 

economic and social growth to Apopka. 

New Hope Missionary Baptist Church was 

established in Meads Bottom in 1880’s and St. 

Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church in 

1890. Both churches are located in South of 

Tavares, Orlando and Atlantic Railroad. 

Early education for black children started in 

St. Paul A.M.E. Church in and around 1905. 

State and County established public school 

education in 1910 on West 10th Street and 

South Central Avenue. A two-story building 

was known as Apopka Colored School. Most 

schools for black children only went up to 8th 

grade and would have to travel to Jones High 

School in Orlando if families it because of 

having to pay for transportation and lodging. 

In 1930 Real Estate Mogal, L.T. Hunt, a white 

man swapped properties on 10th Street in 

exchange for Apopka Colored School to 

be relocated to 18th Street at South Central 

Avenue. In 1939, Orange County Public 

School Board created Clarcona Colored 

School, at Clarke’s Corner, a one room school 

with grades 1st through 8th with only one 

teacher. Phyllis Wheatley School opened its 

doors in 1951 served as elementary, junior 

and senior high school until1969. High 

School portion was eliminated after a federal 

court order mandated all schools in Orange 

County to desecrate, allowing black students 

to attend junior and senior high school at 

Apopka Memorial High School. 

In1937 the City of Apopka passed an 

ordinance prohibiting black people to live 

north of Tavares, Orlando and Atlantic 

Railroad tracks and 

whites south of the tracks. There would be a 

fine or jail if law was violated. 

Real Estate Mogul, L.T. Hunt sold land in 

abundance to black families, walking it off 

(measuring with his foot) and with Deed 

stipulations that property could only be 

sold to persons of Ethiopian descent. This 

property is known as Oak Lawn Subdivision 

which borders from the general area of 20th 

Street to the north and south of 18th Street 

to the south. 

The major employer for blacks was the 

Consumer Lumber the Veneer Company, 

better known as the Crate Mill, making 

crates for vegetables and citrus. Blacks from 

Alabama gave up picking cotton for 40 cents 

on pound to making wages paying more than 

75 cents an hour. 

Apopka offered seasonal employment for 

corn and citrus harvesting with migrants 

workers traveling from Belle Glade, Pahokee, 

Immokalee, Florida journeying as far as 

Massachusetts and New York where apples 

were harvested. 

Contributions made by black families to 

the growth and development of Apopka in 

education, business and other endeavors will 

never be forgotten. Streets and buildings are 

named after a few of the great contributors, 

namely Michael Gladden and John H. Bridges 

Community Center and others. 

References: 

History of Apopka and Northwest Orange 

County by Jerrell H. Shofner 

Penning of Petrine Slim by William Gladden 

Mildred Board

BRIEF HISTORY OF 

JOHN H. BRIDGES COMMUNITY CENTER 

By: Francina Boykin, Apopka Community Historian 

Featured in the 2019 John H. Bridges Anniversary Open House Program 

The drive to provide 

improved services to 

the South Apopka 

community began 

in the 1970’s with 

strategic community 

activism from 

community stalwarts 

like John H. bridges, 

Mr. Faithy Dowdell 

and a small group of 

dedicated service citizens, namely seven black 

Apopka residents, who successfully filed a 

lawsuit against the City of Apopka, Dowdell 

vs the City of Apopka. These advocates were 

at the forefront of efforts to correct what was 

viewed as discrimination in the provision of 

municipal services by the City of Apopka. 

This type of strategic advocacy provided the 

springboard for a structured dedicated united 

community-driven umbrella organization 

called the Apopka Coalition to Improve Our 

Neighborhood (ACTION Inc.). 

This form of committed community activism, 

undertaken by like-minded South Apopka 

Community devotees like Mr. Bridges, led 

to the emergence of a unique partnership 

model, which fostered partnerships with local 

government and led to positive change with 

inputs from communities. This model was 

later replicated throughout Orange County. 

For the South Apopka Community, which 

previously saw the provision of a few and/ 

or inconsistent county services, this was 

significant achievement because it allowed 

local government to forge beneficial 

partnerships. Committed advocacy from Mr. 

Bridges and other like-mined civic leaders 

played a pivotal role in ensuing the South 

Apopka Community benefitted from the 

provision of essential county services and 

infrastructure. 

To a large extent, pioneer community 

advocates like John Bridges operated as true 

confidants of their community devoted to 

ensuring betterment for all. The current 

community center initially housed a much 

smaller operation that did not focus primarily 

on the provision of county services. 

With the dedication of an expanded and 

renovated community center in 1990’s, with 

contributing resources from the federal 

community development and the Apopka 

Improvement Association and staffed by 

Orange County Community Affairs. The 

mission to improve the lives of community 

residents began. 

Like most good things, the John H. Bridges 

Community Center evolved overtime under 

the skilled stewardship of many senior 

county officials more particularly, Mrs. Ella 

J. Gilmore, who oversaw the expansion 

and rehabilitation of the facility with the 

addition of 4 new buildings in the 1980’s. The 

expansion of the center enabled the county 

through the Community Action Division, 

to focus on the broader goals of providing 

more targeted services like Head Start, and 

recreational youth programs, on its own and 

with community partners, which empower 

residents thereby enabling them to enhance 

their livelihoods and achieve economic 

self-sufficiency. Over the years, the Center 

has served as an important conduit for 

building bridges and solidifying community 

relations and infusing much needed positive 

externalities into the community.

APOPKA PROGRESSIVE SENIORS CLUB 

Founders’ Day Photo 2016 

Photo Courtesy: Apopka Chief’s Teresa Sargeant 

Alexander, Lee Tonya 

Allen Bobbie 

Atkinson, Jeroline 

Bailey Betty 

Bailey, Gregory 

Baker, Betty 

Barnes, Marilyn 

Bridges, Arnell 

Bridges, Bernice 

Brinson-Reid, Annette 

Brookins, Ron 

Brown, Patricia 

Bryant, Queen 

Burnett, Dorothy 

Bush, Cleo 

Bush, Theresa 

Campbell, Margaret 

Cannon- Williams, Virginia 

Carter, Beverly* 

Chatman, Pasty 

Chavis, Althea 

Collier, Rosemary 

Cooper, Debra 

Cooper, Rose 

Curry, Etta 

Davis, Emma 

Davis, Virginia 

Dennis, Vivian 

Dowdell, Lafayette 

Dowdell, Marchell 

Edwards, Bernice 

Edwards, Laughlin 

Ellis, Raquel 

Everett, Carol 

Everett, Edward 

Fagan, Pauline 

Fair, Dixie 

Farrier-Jackson, LaJuana 

Foster, Flossie 

Fredrick, Marie 

* Deceased Member 

2020 CLUB MEMBERSHIP ROSTER 

Gardner, Naomi 

Gilmore, Ella J 

Gordon Jr, Julius* 

Gordon, Jeffery 

Gordon, Katie M. 

Gordon, Sandra 

Graham, Cheryl 

Grayson, Tarpza 

Green, Inez 

Greene, Helen 

Harris, Arthur 

Harris, Cassandra 

Henry, Rita 

Herrington, Velma 

Hollis, Judy Dr. 

Holmes, Barbara 

Howard, Janice 

Hughley, Annie 

Hughley, Bernice 

Ingram, Betty 

Ingram, Carolyn 

Jackson, Alfreda 

Jackson, Doris 

Jackson, Iretha 

James, Edward 

Jefferson, Carrie 

Jenkins, Virginia 

Johnson, Carolyn 

Johnson, Cassandra 

Johnson, Mattie 

Jones, Cherry 

Jordan, Dorothy 

June, Zeta 

Justice, Joyce 

Kalala, Rose H. 

Kellom, Lottie 

Kelly, Mamie 

Kennedy, Dell 

King, Valerie* 

King, Vera 

Knight, Lola 

Lang, Barbara 

Lias, Grace 

Lock, Walker Mae 

Lowery, Rosetta 

Macon, Hilda 

Marks, Irene 

Martin, Cathy 

Martin, Freddie 

Martin, Jacquelyn 

Massey, Betty 

Massey, Edna 

McGraw, Bertha 

Menchan, Lila 

Merriweather, Patricia 

Milligan, Patricia 

Mitchell,Sheila 

Moore, Mary Ann 

Moore,Phyllis 

Morris, Delores C. 

Morris, Dilbert* 

Morris, Rose J. 

Oliver, Betty Crews 

Orr, Carolyn 

Owens, Ina 

Parker, Gail 

Parrish, Ruby 

Penny, Cora 

Perkins, Joann 

Phillips, Joyce 

Phillips, Lorenzo* 

Pittman, Lennell 

Pollard, Sarah 

Prince, Andretta 

Prince, Melvin 

Rainey, John 

Rentz, Jacqueline 

Rich, Hattie Orr 

Riley, Dorothy 

Roberts, Annie 

Robinson, Frankie 

Robinson, Pamela 

Rozier, Alice 

Rozier, Kenneth 

Rucker, David 

Sanders, Gloria 

Saulsby, Joseph 

Saulsby, Janice 

Scott, Minnie 

Sealey, Francis, 

Sinclare, Delores 

Smith, Eugene 

Smith, Josephine 

Stephens, Gloria L. Dr. 

Stephens, Mattie 

Taylor, Arthur Lee 

Terry, Oretha 

Thomas, Bradley 

Thomas, Evangelyne 

Thomas,Eleanor, A.* 

Thompson, Inell 

Tyson, H. Jeanette 

Upson, Carolyn 

Washington Jr., Joseph A 

Washington, Lawrence 

Watkins, Earlene 

White, Charles* 

White, Evelyn B. 

White,Patricia 

Wilkins, Delores 

Wilkins, Verona 

Williams, Robert Dr. 

Willis, Daisy* 

HONORARY MEMBERS 

Green, Carrie 

Hatten, Margaret 

Johnson, Vavescia

APOPKA PROGRESSIVE SENIORS CLUB, INC. 

Officers

IN MEMORY OF 

APOPKA PROGESSIVE SENIORS CLUB MEMBERS 

“Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts!” 

Margaret “Peggy” Brayant Beverly Carter Stanford Fagan Carolyn Frazier 

Ray Gilmore ??? Viola Britten Haynes Barbara Heron 

Farice Holmes Winston Ingram Beulah Jones Katie Kndred 

Valerie King Susie Milsap Edgar Mitchell Dilbert Morris

IN MEMORY OF 

APOPKA PROGESSIVE SENIORS CLUB MEMBERS 

“Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts!” 

Samuel Nelson Anita Nichols Erma Peterson Lorenzo Phillips 

Patgrcia Phillips Stroma Pollard Charity Robinson Sandra Sanders 

Valarie Scott Eleanor Thomas Inell Thompson Ruth Tucker 

Anna White Charles White Sylvia Williams Daisy Willis

APOPKA PROGRESSIVE SENIORS 

CLUB MEMBERS 

Ron Brookins 

Evelyn White 


Janice Howard 

Ron Brookins 

Evelyn White 


Janice Howard 

Ron Brookins 

Evelyn White 


Janice Howard 

Ron Brookins 

Evelyn White 


Janice Howard 

Ron Brookins 

Evelyn White 


Janice Howard


CLUB MEMBERS 

Ron Brookins 

Evelyn White 


Janice Howard 

Ron Brookins 

Evelyn White 


Janice Howard 

Ron Brookins 

Evelyn White 


Janice Howard 

Ron Brookins 

Evelyn White 


Janice Howard 

Ron Brookins 

Evelyn White 


Janice Howard


CLUB MEMBERS 

Ron Brookins 

Evelyn White 


Janice Howard 

Ron Brookins 

Evelyn White 


Janice Howard 

Ron Brookins 

Evelyn White 


Janice Howard 

Ron Brookins 

Evelyn White 


Janice Howard 

Ron Brookins 

Evelyn White 


Janice Howard


CLUB MEMBERS 

Ron Brookins 

Evelyn White 


Janice Howard 

Ron Brookins 

Evelyn White 


Janice Howard 

Ron Brookins 

Evelyn White 


Janice Howard 

Ron Brookins 

Evelyn White 


Janice Howard 

Ron Brookins 

Evelyn White 


Janice Howard


CLUB MEMBERS 

Ron Brookins 

Evelyn White 


Janice Howard 

Ron Brookins 

Evelyn White 


Janice Howard 

Ron Brookins 

Evelyn White 


Janice Howard 

Ron Brookins 

Evelyn White 


Janice Howard 

Ron Brookins 

Evelyn White 


Janice Howard


About Us 

The Apopka Progressive Seniors Club, Inc. is a non profit organization of seniors 55+ who contribute 

their time, talents, skills, and life experiences to benefit the community. Members come from all walks of 

life which creates strong foundation of an organization in which a family bond is formed. 

The purpose of the club is to make a positive difference in the Apopka community by rendering services; 

promoting wholesome fellowships, recreation, unity and friendship among members and others. There 

is an ongoing joke about the Apopka Progressive Seniors is that we love to have fun, travel and partake 

in delicious cuisine! In other words, “we love stay on the go and we love to eat”! We meet each Tuesday at 

the John H. Bridges Community Center, except for birthday celebrations, trips and some holidays. 

It’s the club’s desire to be provided with the necessary resources so that proper decisions can be made 

when it comes to their well being. Information is frequently presented to the group on political analysis 

for making voting decisions; health, exercise, education, legal issues and spiritual inspiration through 

programs, projects, activities, goals and speakers. 

Apopka Progressive Seniors Club connect with and support other organizations throughout Central 

Florida (providing resources and support of their programs, scholarship funding, their activities and 

fellowshipping).

The Late Daisy Willis

Apopka Memorial High School Alumni 

Kathy Martin, Virginia Cannon-Williams, Carolyn 

Ingram, Barbara Lang, Patsy Chapman 

National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc. 

Beta Xi Chapter – Orlando, Florida 

“To foster the spirit of sisterhood among teachers and 

to promote the highest ideals of the teaching profession”. 

Apopka Progressive Seniors Club Members: Doris Jackson, 

Delores Morris, Jeanette Tyson, Mattie Johnson, 

Rose Cooper, Cherry Jones, Zeta June, Helen Greene 

Not Shown: Velma Herrington, Bertha McGraw


CLUB MEMBERS 

Retired Educators 

“For every one of us that succeeds, it is because there’s somebody there to show you the way out. The light 

doesn’t necessarily have to be in your family; for me it was teachers and school.” 

Seated: Naomi Gardner, Dr. Judy Hollis, Carolyn Orr, Kenneth Rozier, Helen Greene, Gregory Bailey, 

Betty Bailey 

Second Row: Carolyn Harris, Janice Saulsby, Lila Menchan, Althea Chavis, Betty Baker, Edna Massey, 

Alice Rozier, Tarpza Grayson, The Late Carolyn Frazier, Patricia White, Cheryl Graham, Grace Lias, 

Lynell Pittman, Hilda Macon,Lola Knight, Zeta June 

Back Row: Marchell Dowdell, David Rucker, Doris Jackson, The Late Julius Gordon, Rose Morris, The 

Late Lorenzo Phillips, Dr. Gloria Stephens, Mattie Johnson

Carolyn Frazier, Tarpza Grayson, Lila Menchan, 

Betty Baker, Lola Knight, Doris Jackson, Rose Morris


Membership Committee 

One of the most hard working committees in the club. Chairperson Doris Jackson, Co-Chairperson Marchell 

Dowdell along with Secretary Jan Howard are responsible for collecting individual membership dues and 

information. They compile documents into membership folders, that each member is given yearly. The 

folder includes names of officers, club membership rosters, calendar of events, by-laws of the club and list of 

committees that they can join. 


Sunshine and Wellness Committee 

Chairperson Hilda Macon and Co-Chair Margaret Campbell report to the club membership the names 

of club members who are ill, hospitalized and those who have died. Also, illnesses and deaths of family 

members of club members are also reported. Tokens of love are presented to those members. The committee 

also take it upon themselves to spread cheer to those seniors who might be confined to nursing homes. Below 

can be seen gift bags of toiletries to be delivered to a local nursing home.


Audit and Budget Committee 

Chairperson Jan Howard and Co-Chairperson Virginia Jenkins and their committee checks and balances the 

finances of the club. They creates an operating budget for the year. The audit committee makes sure all funds 

are accounted. Shown below are members of the committee and members of the finance team. 


Nomination Committee 

This committee is responsible for presenting a slate of candidate’s names who are qualified to run for office in 

the upcoming election of officers. The chairperson of this committee is Lafayette Dowdell and Co-chairperson 

is Betty Baker. Members shown below are Mary Ann Moore, Freddie Martin, Lila Menchan, Betty Bailey, 

Betty Baker, Lafayette Dowdell and Dixie Fair.


Bible Study 

Chairperson Minnie Scott along with committee members Pauline Fagan, Sandra Gordon, Betty Baker, Late 

Lorenzo Phillips, Mamie Kelly, Tonya Alexander, Dorothy Jordan, Gloria Stephens, Jan Howard, Virginia 

Jenkins and King Jenkins leads the group in bi-monthly Bible Study Sessions. Committee Members 


Fundraisers 

Chairperson Earlene Watkins and co-chair Sandra Gordon provide suggestions to raise funds to help support 

the missions of the club. Fundraisers like weekly 50/50, Bake Sales, Gas Card Raffles, Toiletries Baskets 

Raffles as shown below have been several successful activities.


Community Service 

This committee lead by (the late )Sandra Sanders and co- chairperson Tarpza Grayson saw to the club 

contributing to helping out the various organizations in the Apopka community. Such donations consisted 

of the John H. Bridges Back-To-School Backpack Give-Away(volunteers Zeta June and Jeanette Tyson) , 

Thanksgiving Turkey Give-Away, Canned Food Drives, Teach-In and volunteering at Phyllis Wheatley 

Elementary School( Annie Robert’s volunteering).


Health & Exercise 

One of the most hard working committees in the club. Chairperson Doris Jackson, Co-Chairperson Marchell 

Dowdell along with Secretary Jan Howard are responsible for collecting individual membership dues and 

information. They compile documents into membership folders, that each member is given yearly. The 

folder includes names of officers, club membership rosters, calendar of events, by-laws of the club and list of 

committees that they can join.


Hospitality Committee 

Chairperson Betty Bailey and co-chairperson Betty Baker, along with their committee, oversees major 

catering of foods for Black History, Summer Picnic, Founders Day, Thanksgiving and other club events. 

Committee member Betty Ingram does the table and room decor.


Fun & Games Committee 

Fun and Games Activity below, Bingo, with caller Lila Menchan. Fun and Games Chairperson Betty Ingram 

along with co- chairperson Alfreda Jackson and members Dixie Fair, Valerie King, Virginia Jenkins provide 

fun and games for the members to enjoy. Bingo seems to be one of the most popular games to play. 

Being the winner and receiving a prize is always fun!


Political Awareness 

Club member David Rucker is the club’s political advocate. He keeps the group informed about key political issues 

locally, countywide, statewide and National. He invites public officials and candidates running for various offices 

to come in and present their platforms to the group for their consideration. Shown below are a few of individuals 

who have done presentations. US Representative Val Demings, Florida Representative Kami Brown, Candidate 

Chris Delgado, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, Apopka City Commissioner Alexander Smith.


Trip Committee 

The Apopka Progressive Seniors Club travels involved three types. 

Day Trips are round trips that take place within one day. They are local, nearby locations that takes no 

more than an hour of travel to reach the destination. Some day trips have included trips to Webster Farmer’s 

Market, Plant City’s Strawberry Festival/ Fred’s Market, St. Augustine Seafood Festival, Cocoa Beach’s 

Kennedy Space Center, Winter Park’s Hannibal Square Museum, Valdosta , Ga. Old Time Country Buffets, 

Sarasota’s Ringling Museum, St. Petersburg, Fl. Carter G. Wilson African American Museum , Tampa’s 

Seminole Hard Rock Casino, Clearwater Calypso Queen Lunch Cruise, BCU/ Daytona Beach, Mims Moores 

House Museum, and others. 

Short Trips are typically 3-5 day trips. Short trips have included trips in Florida to St. Augustine, 

Jacksonville, Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island, Miami and Key West; Alabama’s Montgomery, Selma, 

Birmingham, Tuskegee; Georgia’s St Simon Island, Sapelo Island, Savannah;South Carolina’s Hilton Head, 

Beaufort, Myrtle Beach; Caribbean Cruises; gaming trips to Biloxi, Mississippi and others locations. 

Long Trips consist of 7 or more days. Travels in Massachusetts to Boston, Martha’s Vineyard, Cape Cod; 

Baltimore Inner Harbor, Richmond Va., Washington D.C., Chicago, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, Atlantic City, 

New York City, Niagara Falls/ Toronto Canada, gaming in Connecticut, Newport, Rhode Island, Texas, New 

Orleans and others have been destinations of the Apopka Progressive Seniors. 

Photos: Deloris Morris and Doris Jackson by the bus

In Tribute 

The Apopka Progressive Seniors Club 

An exciting place to be 

Progressive women and men 

Of great substance and knowledge, you see. 

Years of experience and wisdom, too 

Overflowing with smiles and laughter 

Events planned 

Trips fine-tuned 

To take you places 

Maybe even to the moon. 

Providing joy and excitement 

For all to be 

Enveloped in love and unity. 

They go with God in tow 

Graced with kindness 

And warmth to show. 

Progressive helpers leading the way 

Actively thriving and surviving for all the world to see 

The abundance of their love and work 

Throughout the community.

CONGRATULATIONS TO 

THE APOPKA 

PROGRESSIVE SENIORS CLUB, INC. 

IN LOVING MEMORY OF 

THE LATE JOHN H. BRIDGES AND 

MARY PRECIOUS BRIDGES 

THE FAMILY 

Club Members: Arnell Bridges, Bernice 

Bridges and Josephine Bridges Smith

Mrs. Carrie Williams 

Original Founding 

Member of the 

Apopka Progressive Seniors Club, Inc. 

Your son, Dr. Robert Williams, 

Apopka Progressive Seniors Club, Inc. Member

Mrs. Annie L. Dowdell 

First Secretary of the 

Apopka Progressive Seniors Club, Inc. 

in 1973. 

Mother of Hilda Macon and grandmother of Shana T. Macon

The Late 

Daisy Willis 

Former President 

And 

A Trail Blazer 

Of 

The Apopka 

Progressive Seniors 

Club, Inc. 

˚Þ˚Þ˘—¨˝"ð"¸ Þ¨˘Þ˙¯˙¯ 

4/4/1936 – 5/31/2020

In Tribute to My Daughter 

I missed you today 

I will miss you tomorrow 

Tears in my eyes 

And a heart full of sorrow 

I hold on to the memories 

Of the great times we had 

I grieve for what I lost 

But am grateful for what I had. 

– Author Unknown 

Love mom, Rose Morris and your family

In Memory Of A Lifetime Supporter Of 

The Apopka Progressive Seniors Club, Inc. 

Mr. Billie Dean, 

Retired Apopka Educator, 

Businessman and Apopka City Commissioner 

April 10, 1931 – September 5, 2020

In Loving Memory 

of 

DAVID MORRIS 

October 2, 1969 – March 26, 2017 

We thought of you in love today, 

but that is nothing new, 

We thought about you yesterday 

and days before that, too. 

We think of you in silence, 

we often speak your name. 

Now all we have is memories 

and your picture in a frame. 

Your memory is our keepsake, 

With which we’ll never part. 

God has you in his keeping, 

We have you in our hearts. 

– Author Unknown 

The Morris Family

In Loving Memory Of Our Beloved 

Apopka Progressive Seniors Club, Inc. Member 

Mr. Lorenzo Phillips 

September 28, 1942 – March 3, 2020 

The memory of you will always be in our hearts.

In Memory of Joseph Menchan 

In memory of my husband, “Honey”, Joseph 

Menchan who was a very active member of Apopka 

Progressive Seniors Club, Inc. until his death. 

“Sometimes your heart can lose its joy and you wonder if you’ll ever 

find it again. 

Sometimes my spirit gets weak from losing you, but I remember the 

joy, love and children we brought up in church and taught them to 

love, share and believe in God. 

This faith keeps me now and I know the battle is NOT mine alone.” 

Your wife and APSC member, Lila Menchan

James and Rosalyn Grubbs

Mr. Warren Sapp 

Love Mrs. Annie Roberts

Greetings To The Apopka Progressive Seniors Club 

Betty Baker with her nephew Martin Johnson; sister Carrie Jefferson and cousin Marie 

Frederick at the Christmas Dinner/Dance December 2019. 

Freddie and Lola 

Knight 

Wishes Much Continued Success To 

The Apopka Progressive Seniors Club, 

Inc. 

“If I cannot do great things, I can do 

small things in a great way”. 

Martin Luther King, Jr.

HOLDEN HEIGHTS 

SUCCESSFUL SENIORS CLUB 

President – Ann McBride, Vice-President – John Smith, Secretary – Cora Curry, 

Assistant Secretary – Estella Walker, Treasurer – Johnnie Mae Wilson, 

Assistant Treasurer – Alberta Battle, Sargent at Arms – Marie Wade, Chaplin – John Smith 

THE ADVANCED SENIORS 

OF PLYMOTH 

Congatulations 

to the Apopka Progressive Seniors Club, Inc. 

“Praise the Lord all ye nations. Praise him all ye people. For his 

merciful kindness is great toward us and the truth of the Lord 

endureth forever. Praise ye the Lord.” 

– Psalm 117 

Congatulations 

FROM 

TANGELO PARK 

GOLDN STARS 

SENIOR CITIZEN CLUB 

Wilhelmenia Wright, Founder


Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade 

Betty Baker, Chairperson 

Eugene Smith, Co-Chairperson 

Martin Luther King, Jr. Annual Parade occurs on 

the National Holiday, the 3rd Monday of January, 

to celebrate the birthday of the civil rights activist. 

The South Apopka Ministerial Alliance sponsors the 

parade. The Apopka Progressive Seniors decorate a 

float and enter the the parade each year along with 

other community, city, county, state and even national 

officials. Members of the MLK Parade committee 

meet to decorate the entry. Volunteers from the club 

ride on the float and some members choose to walk 

the parade route, ahead of the float. Club members 

always wear their green club shirts for this activity. 

Pictured in the article above are Club members Betty 

Baker, King Jenkins, Sarah Pollock and Lila Menchan. 

Pictured to the right are members preparing to 

participate in the parade.


Black History Celebration


Happy Valentine’s Day 2020 

Theme: LOVE NOW AND FOREVER. 

Committee members were: Chairperson Evelyn White, Rev. Gloria Stephens, Co-Chairperson 

Josephine Smith,LolaKnight, Janice Howard, Barbara Lang and Cathy Martin. This was the last 

activity that the club members actually participated in prior to the world being in “lock down”, 

for the next two years, due to COVID-19. No one would have ever suspected that a lot of us 

would never see our friends and love ones again. Pictured above is Valentines Day Chairperson 

Evelyn White and her late husband Charles, who transitioned in July of 2020. 

The Apopka Progressive Seniors Valentine Day Committee


Black History Celebration


Happy Valentine’s Day 2020 

Theme: LOVE NOW AND FOREVER. 

Committee members were: Chairperson Evelyn White, Rev. Gloria Stephens, Co-Chairperson 

Josephine Smith,LolaKnight, Janice Howard, Barbara Lang and Cathy Martin. This was the last 

activity that the club members actually participated in prior to the world being in “lock down”, 

for the next two years, due to COVID-19. No one would have ever suspected that a lot of us 

would never see our friends and love ones again. Pictured above is Valentines Day Chairperson 

Evelyn White and her late husband Charles, who transitioned in July of 2020. 

The Apopka Progressive Seniors Valentine Day Committee


Birthday Celebrations 

Birthday Celebrations are done according to the season of year in 

which you were born. The individuals born during the winter, spring, 

summer and fall months select the restaurant in which they would like 

to go. Pictures shown are for the Summer Group dining at the Grill. 

Other popular venues have been Bahama Breeze, Dexters, Red Lobster, 

Longhorn Steak House, Stonington’s, Olive Garden, The Catfish Place, 

4 Rivers, and Outback Steakhouse.


Happy Mother’s Day 

The oldest mothers in the club, Mrs. Sarah Pollock and the late Mrs. Farice Holmes, 

are celebrated with beautiful hats.


Senior’s Prom 

The first Apopka Progressive Seniors Club prom was held on June 8, 

2013. The theme was “A Night In Soul Heaven”! It was held at capacity 

at the Altamonte Springs Howard Johnson’s. The following years the 

spring event has been held at the Hilton Orlando in Altamonte Springs. 

Earlene Watkins and the late Dilbert Morris 

served as chair and co- chair of this project. 

It was actually Earlene Watkins idea to 

begin this annual social event, which has 

continued from 2013 until the present. 

All prom photographs courtesy of: 

Photographer Victor Watkins


Prom 2013 

King, Lafayette Dowdell 

Queen, Valerie Scott 

Court: Lafayette Dowdell, Julius Gordon, Freddie Martin, Cathy Martin, 

Valerie Scott, Patricia Merriweather


Prom 2014 

Queen, Olivia Fountain 

King, Justin Brunson 

Queen’s Court: Marchell Dowdell, Dixie Fair, Betty Baker, Lila Menchan, Olivia Fountain 

King’s Court: Jeffery Gordon, Freddie Martin, Justin Brunson


Prom 2015 

King, Jeffery Gordon 

Queen, Sarah Pollock 

Court: King Jenkins, Lottie Kellom, Jeffery Gordon, Lila Menchan, John Rainey, Sarah Pollock, 

King Justin Brunson, Queen Olivia Fountain, Marchell Dowdell


Prom 2016 

Queen, Katie Gordon 

King, John Rainey 

Court: Hilda Macon, Katie Gordon, Jeffery Gordon, Mary Ann Moore, Greg Bailey, John Rainey


Prom 2017 

King, Freddie Martin 

Queen, Sandra Gordon 

Court: Freddie Martin, Julius Gordon, Cathy Martin, Sandra Gordon, Lila Menchan


Prom 2018


Prom 2019


Prom Dancing


Happy Father’s Day 2019 

The Father’s Day Committee chaired by Lola Knight along with the 

ladies on her committee prepared a program and luncheon to honor 

the men and fathers in the club. To the right you can see the men 

seated at the head table as special guest. At the end of the program the 

men were treated to a special dance with the ladies. Shown are six of the 

ladies dancing with their husbands: 

Cathy and Freddie Martin | Alice and Kenneth Rozier 

Evelyn and The Late Charles White | Bernice and Arnell Bridges 

Betty and Greg Bailey | Sandra and The Late Julius Gordon


Annual Picnic


Founders’ Day Celebratin 

The Apopka Progressive Seniors Club members celebrates by coming 

together to give thanks for the blessings that have been bestowed upon 

all. Community guest, local and county officials along with local clergy; 

other senior clubs in the tri- county area are invited. The day’s events 

includes socializing; Thanksgiving program follow by a meal consisting 

of the most delicious food to be found. This is a treat not to be missed!


Happy Thanksgiving 

The Apopka Progressive Seniors Club members celebrates by coming 

together to give thanks for the blessings that have been bestowed upon 

all. Community guest, local and county officials along with local clergy; 

other senior clubs in the tri- county area are invited. The day’s events 

includes socializing; Thanksgiving program follow by a meal consisting 

of the most delicious food to be found. This is a treat not to be missed!


Christmas Celebrations 

Dinners Cruise at St Johns Rivership Co in Sanford, Florida


Christmas Activites 

John H. Bridges Center


Christmas Celebrations 

Christmas Galas at the Embassy Suites Hotel, Altamonte Springs, Florida

Lake Apopka Natural Gas District Ad


Honors the Memory of 

“The Late Angela Parker-Smith” 

for her generous contributions and support 

over the years to our club. 

“It’s hard to forget someone who gave so much to remember” 

– Auther Unknown 

Author Unknown

Multiple Ads 

Michael J Meares 

Voya 

OV Williams 

Etc.


The Legacy Continues 

1970 – 2020’s

Apopka Progressive Senior Memory Book 2023 PROOF v1

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