Gabber January 29 – February 4, 2015 21

22 Gabber January 29 – February 4, 2015

Polish American Society Super Bowl The Polish American Society, 1343 Beach Drive SE, St. Petersburg (next to the Coast Guard commissary) will hold a Super Bowl celebration on Sunday, February 1. Doors open at 12 p.m., the bar opens at 12:30 p.m., and dinner is at 1 p.m. The Northern Sounds Band will play from 2 to 5 p.m. Admission is $5 for members and $8 for guests. Please call Bev at 727-526-6835 for dinner reservations. Bring family and friends to support Polish heritage. You will meet all nationalities. Kids love to dance too! For more information, visit polishamericansociety.org.

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Betty Jean Steinshouer Performs at the Hickman Historian and Chatauquan Betty Jean Steinshouer will be the guest speaker at the Circle of Friends of the Gulfport Public Library’s annual

meeting at the Catherine Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S., on February 18. Steinshouer will trace the importance of Florida in the development of four authors: Harriet Beecher Stowe, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Marjory Stoneman Douglas and Marjorie Kinnan Rowlings. Steinshouer will spend approximately 15 minutes in character as each author. A discussion will follow on Reconstruction, the Homestead Act, Jim Crow and environmental concerns for Florida’s flora and fauna. Don’t miss “Yankee Ladies in Florida: A Literary Landscape,” Wednesday, February 18 at 7 p.m. at the Catherine Hickman Theater. It is free and open to the public. First come, first seated. This special event is sponsored by the Circle of Friends of the Gulfport Library, with major funding form the Florida Humanities Council. For more information, call Phyllis Plotnick at 727-488-0663.

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“Night at the Theater” in Pass-A-Grille Tickets are still available for our fourth annual Gulf Beaches Historical Museum “Night at the Theatre” Fundraiser and can be purchased in Pass-a-Grille at the Museum Gift Shop, Paradiso on 8th, Nancy Markoe on Pass-a-Grille Way, and Simply Perfect On Corey in St. Pete Beach. Don’t miss this wonderful social evening of broadway quality musical entertainment at St. Pete City Theatre beginning at 7 p.m. on Thursday, February 5. Wine and beer available, complimentary hors d’ ouerves and desserts. Your $25 ticket purchase helps the museum provide the great exhibits showcasing our “Island History.” An all volunteer run establishment, they depend on events and their generous friends to fund programs. For more information visit gulfbeachesmuseum.com.

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Gabber January 29 – February 4, 2015 23

24 Gabber January 29 – February 4, 2015

Crime, from front page “Those thefts are primarily two things,” said Chief Vincent, citing further data from Pinellas County Crime Viewer. “Retail thefts from discount stores … and stolen bikes.” Crime has been a hot topic in Gulfport over the past month-and-a-half in part because of both a recent armed robbery on 49th St. S. and a December 14 article in the Tampa Bay Times about Al Santos, a self-appointed night-crawling criminal watchdog who rides around on a 400cc scooter most nights, strapped with a .45 on one hip and a .38 on the other. “Short of a murder,” said Chief Vincent, “an armed robbery is our

most serious offense.” The chief went on to state that, “Violent crime is way down,” and backed up his proclamation by pointing out the low number of violent crimes – 35 – seen in Gulfport in 2014. “That’s at least ten incidents lower than it’s been in ten years,” said Chief Vincent. He also commented on the efficiency with which the Gulfport Police Department is solving crimes, saying they have the “highest clearance rate” this year. “We’ve cleared 27 percent of all crimes,” he said. That figure is up three percent from the 24 percent low Chief Vincent says the Gulfport Police previously experienced. At the conclusion of his

presentation, Chief Vincent responded to a question about neighborhood watch programs in Gulfport. “Anyone is welcome to form a group,” he said and emphasized the support that any neighborhood watch program would receive from the Gulfport Police, should they reach out to them – including help with finding a place to meet and organize, as well as access to local crime data. However, the chief was clear about the department’s arms-length stance when it comes to neighborhood watch programs: Gulfport police will not train volunteers so as not to create a police responsibility for the actions of any in the respective watch groups. Chief Vincent concluded his presentation with a brief discussion between himself and the council about ways to reduce theft in Gulfport. Everyone seemed to agree that doing things like locking car doors, locking up bikes and putting away other valuables would go a long way to deterring theft.

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Town Shores Bocci Club Meeting The Town Shores Bocce Club will be hosting a general meeting on Wednesday, February 24 at 9:45 a.m. All residents, owners and renters, are invited to join the group whether members or not. Perhaps you will want to pay $2 and become a supporter of the Bocce Club. Coffee and donuts will be served. See the bulletin boards for more info. The club is winding down for the season and will soon be honoring our winners. The Bocce Blast will also be discussed. Cathy Sturgeon and George White have graciously agreed to chair this popular fun event. Mark your Calendars for the March Spring Dance. It will be held on Saturday, March 21, in the clubhouse auditorium. More information will be discussed at the meeting and also posted on building bulletin boards and on Channel 96. Now that the weather is getting warmer, this would be a good time to come down to the courts and watch a game or two. New residents who have never played bocce just might want to join in the fun.

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Gabber January 29 – February 4, 2015 25

American Legion Unit 125 NewsBy Liz Close You have probably heard about the Legion Riders, Sons of the American Legion, Auxiliary and Legionnaires, but have you heard about programs for girls under the age of 18? The Junior Auxiliary Program is an important part of the American Legion Family. The girls benefit from meeting, sharing, planning and creating projects for the veterans at Bay Pines. They learn about leadership skills important to everyday life. Every first Saturday of the month our chairmen, Cricket Leonard and Amanda Boyd hold a meeting at 10:30 a.m. that lasts about an hour. They conduct an actual meeting and have officers just like the Auxiliary. They have completed various projects, making candle holders that sold on Memorial Day, learning and then holding a presentation of the POW/MIA table and its elements, creating cards for veterans at Bay Pines, and overseas troops, and a host of other projects. Membership is open at just $5 a year. Check online or call the post to find out full qualifications for membership. This year, girls will be chosen from a local high school to attend Girls State in Tallahassee to provide a unique and coveted educational opportunity for young women to receive citizenship training through a week long hands-on program involving a mock city and state government. If you would like more information on any of the programs of the American Legion, please contact 727-347-6085.

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Garden Club of St. Pete Coming Events Friday, January 30, “High Tea on the High Seas” tea party and fashion show with cruise/resort wear presented by Patchington’s, 2 p.m. Reservations are required by January 24. Donations of $25 payable to “Garden Club of St. Petersburg” are to be mailed to Karen McKenna, Asst. Treasurer, 28 Mangrove Point

South, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705. Monday, February 2, 10 a.m., “Valentine Sweets,” join the fun of making valentine candy. Cost for materials is $4.50. Tuesday, February 10, 12:30 p.m., “Antiques Road Show, Dracaena Style.” Tuesday, February 10, 6:30 p.m., “Fantastic Ferns” a program on general fern culture with speaker Eileen Hart; guests $5. Thursday, February 12, 10 a.m., “Vegetable Gardening” with Master Gardener Sandy Huff speaking.

Thursday through Saturday, February 19 through 21, “Annual Flea Market and Plant Sale.” Thursday, February 19, 5 to 7 p.m., opening night and preview sale, cost $5 (opening night only). Refreshments. Friday, February 20, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturday, February 21, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Proceeds support club projects and scholarships. All events at the Garden Club of St. Petersburg, 500 Sunset Drive S., St. Petersburg. Call 727-381-8920 or visit gardenclubstpetersburg.org.

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26 Gabber January 29 – February 4, 2015

Focusing on the Wrong Things

W hy in the world are we (Obama) talking about a free Community College

when we haven't solved the problems in the free kindergarten through 12th grade system? Over 20 percent of the students don't graduate now (higher for minorities), a little over three percent drop out, and colleges are complaining that too many of the kids who do graduate aren't prepared for college and require remedial classes. Not only that, the programs developed to create higher standards in the public pre-college schools – No Child Left Behind and Common Core, for instance – may or may not be working, depending upon to whom you listen. In either case there is a broad revolt by parents and educators alike against the over-testing of students in the one and the impracticality of implementing the other. Good intentions were the motivators in both

cases and each garnered considerable bipartisan support (translate that into $$$) and on paper look pretty good. From what I hear from teachers and parents and students, the problem is that these programs don't fit the reality on the ground. Whose fault this is I don't know. Maybe the programs need tweaking; maybe there needs to be a better commitments from teachers, parents and students; maybe we need to start over. Either way, the focus has to be right there. Nor do I believe the solution lives in the bowels of the federal bureaucracy or political ideologues. In a country this large and complex, laying it on from the top won't hack it. In the meanwhile, the proposal has a price, with money to be taken partly from parental programs designed to help fund traditional colleges, and partly with new money. To re-orient ourselves, let's recall that in 2008 the talk was about a horrific $10 trillion government debt. Well, it is $18 trillion now and rising someone said

Somethin’ on my mindSomethin’ on my mindBy Bill Northrop B_Northrop@theGabber.com

at about $1 million a minute (Yes. The annual deficit has decreased, but it's still a deficit adding to the debt). But, back to the colleges. The cheapest we have are the community colleges whose costs are not only more reasonable than college and universities, but direct federal grants for needy students nearly eliminate tuition costs. There are other costs, of course, such as transportation, lodging, child-care, and so forth. However, by and large, community colleges offer cheap tuition, easy admission and flexibility that fits schedules and pocketbooks for many who are starting over, one way or another. The issues remain the local systems as well the cost of other colleges. Liberals are promoting free college like those in some countries of Europe. However, no one talks about how different European colleges are. The focuses are intense. You pick your track early and stay on it. In fact, some have to decide in high school – trades or professions. College campuses are building and libraries. Different at best. Exchange students I have talked to – from Spain, France, Bosnia, Germany and Moldova – all noted that American high schools were much easier than theirs. If they are accurate, it offers lessons that can be applied here. Want to achieve results? Raise standards and expectation. Want to cut college costs? Eliminate all the frills from fancy dorms and recreation centers to counseling services. Initiate year-round school. Reduce four-year college to three. Fewer might want to go. Lack of demand drives down costs. Of course, the intent is to get more to go to college as defined as a four-year academic institution. A question might be whether or not that's the right path. The solutions always seem to be to throw more money at the problem when the real answers might lie in changing the structure of the problem.

••Somethin' on My Mind is an opinion column written by Bill Northrop. It does not necessarily reflect the opinions of Gabber publishers, staff or advertisers. Contact Bill at B_Northrop@theGabber.com.

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Gabber January 29 – February 4, 2015 27

Seeking Lovers of Libraries The Circle of Friends of the Gulfport Library is seeking a few new board members for the term beginning in late February 2015. The Circle is an active, fun and vibrant group that meets monthly to support the library. Interested people please email phylrose@nyc.rr.com

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So49 Classic Car Show The So49 Classic Car Show is almost here! Come on out to the Tangerine Greenway in Gulfport on Saturday, February 7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for this great event. Meet former Tampa Bay Buccaneers All Pro Tight End Dave Moore and see the many classic cars. Free admission! Gulfport Trolley will be providing transport to the show. Enjoy show favorites like Cuban food, the classic funnel cake, home made ice cream, hot dogs, hamburgers and much more! This event helps benefit the Fallen Police Officers Fund! Car check-in starts at 8 a.m. For more information, go to so49.org/so-classic-car-show

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Celebrate Midtown Youth Family Fun Day The public is invited to “Celebrate Midtown Youth” with dance, music, interactive games, healthy food and fun for youth through high school during an outdoor fun and informational fair in the Deuces Live neighborhood, 22nd St. S. and 9th Ave. S., Saturday, January 31, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event includes arts and crafts, face painting, a bike rodeo with a free bike helmet giveaway, demonstrations by the St. Petersburg Police K-9 unit and a St. Petersburg Fire Rescue ladder truck on display. Kids and their families can learn how to live healthier with a mini health fair presented by Jordan Park Community Gardens and Local Food Park, health screenings, Healthy Bites, a “Let’s Move” interactive fitness workshop and gardening tips. Hands-on projects through Pinellas County Job Corps and the AmeriCorp Youth Build will offer building activities for kids designed

to support Jordan Park’s JP Kids Garden Club and Community Garden with benches and raised garden beds. Staff from St. Petersburg College’s Midtown campus, which opens a 45,000 square foot facility later this year, and Pinellas Technical College will be on hand with information about classes, career information, job training and other educational opportunities. And live entertainment by the Kali Kali Dancers, Johns Hopkins School of the Arts and Sciences Dance Group and the Gibbs High School ensemble

will be held throughout the day. Other community groups participating in Saturday’s event include LFS Head Start, Boys and Girls Club of the Suncoast (Midtown), Front Porch Community Development Association, the St. Petersburg Library System, LiveFree Coalition and the James B. Sanderlin Neighborhood Family Center. For more information, contact us at visit facebook.com/events/888868091134537 or call Annette Hubbard, Jordan Park Gardens, 727-522-0110.

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28 Gabber January 29 – February 4, 2015

Featured February Artists at the Hickman Meet the artists, all from the Gulfport Senior Center, at their reception on Friday, February 6 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Catherine Hickman Theater Lobby, 5501 27th Ave. S. (enter on 26th Ave. S. side). With many years of experience and many styles of art, enjoy the local talent right here in Gulfport. Some artist have started the Art Class as novices and some have been art teachers, graphic artists, part time artist or just enjoy the creating a beautiful piece of art. Learn more about these talented artists and view their work as

they will be available during the reception to meet, greet and discuss. Complimentary tapas and a cash bar is available. For more information, contact 727-893-1118.

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Sophie’s Attic Thrift Shop It’s still January. People are ready for new things. Sophie’s Attic still has a few ornaments for sale at the special price of 10 cents each. It’s a good way to stock up for next year! There are also several racks of recently donated clothes, all washed and ready to go. The shop recently got in several large donations of items from

people who are downsizing. Lots of nice items here! Come check it out. Sophie’s Attic Thrift Shop is a mission outreach of the First United Methodist Church, 53rd Street S., near 28th Avenue. Hours are Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Sophie’s wants to thank the special group of volunteers who help keep it running, and the loyal customers who have “visit Sophie’s” on their weekly “to do” list.

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Gulfport’s Get Rescued Seeks Volunteers Gulfport’s Get Rescued, the animal rescue festival and fundraiser, is preparing for its 11th Annual event to take place on Saturday, February 28 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Several volunteer positions are available, including set-up, security, information distribution, break down and other event duties. Each year, thousands of attendees, many accompanied by their own canine companions, make their way to Gulfport to participate in what has become a beloved tradition. The Gulfport Merchants Association donates 100% of the events net proceeds back to participating rescues. Please consider taking a few hours out of your day to help out at one of the largest animal rescue events in the state. Most shifts are only two hours and the animals will certainly appreciate it! Sign up now at chrisnsteve.com or email at volunteer@chrisnsteve.com.

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Gabber January 29 – February 4, 2015 29

Crossword Puzzle Solution on Page 18Superior Scientists

30 Gabber January 29 – February 4, 2015

ObituariesC L A R K E , C H A R L E S H A M I L T O N , "CHUCK," 86, passed away January 17 at Gulfport R e h a b i l i t a t i o n

Center in South Pasadena. Born in Pittsburgh, PA, on October 9, 1928 to Marie (nee Edwards) and Hugh Clarke, Chuck spent his early years in Detroit and graduated from the University of Michigan's Art and Design School. He attended the US Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT, and served as a Lieutenant during the Korean War. A professional designer/architect, he spent most of his life in Washington DC after joining the US Department of Commerce Office of International Trade Fairs Division in 1957 where he designed and later managed US exhibits in trade fairs around the world promoting democracy and the American way of life. When the program transferred to the US Information Agency at the height of the cold war most of the exhibits he managed were mounted in the USSR, Iron Curtain countries and the third world where construction and management were extremely challenging. He ended his career as Director of the US Information Agency's exhibit program and was lauded for his role promoting international understanding, cooperation, democratic principles and peace throughout the world. During his 30-year career in government, Chuck was also named Deputy Commissioner General of the Okinawa Worlds Fair in 1974, received outstanding performance awards in 1959 and 1963 and was nominated for the Arthur S. Fleming Award in l964 and the Edward R. Murrow Award in 1976. Chuck is survived by his niece and nephew, Mary LaCoste of Seattle, WA, and Joe LaCoste of Port Richey; as well as his loving ex-wife, soulmate and best friend for more than 45 years, Jacqueline Clarke of South Pasadena, and Arlington, VA, who will miss his irreverent wit and humor. Legacy.com/obituaries/

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M O S H E N E K - M I T C H E L L , DONNA "MO," of Soldier, KS, formerly of Gulfport, died January 2. Services held in Owensboro, KY.

•••P E C K H A M , R I C H A R D H., 67, of St. Petersburg is now dancing in heaven. Richard was a distinguished US Army veteran who

proudly served in Vietnam. Richard is preceded in death by his mother and father, Lois and Richard Peckham; mother and father-in-law, Marian and George Slawson; brother Ralph Peckham; granddaughter, Tara Ryan Estelle Exposito; sisters-in-law, Linda Grose and Lorraine Peckham. He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Paulette; daughters, Vickie (Ben) Patterson, Rebecca Exposito, Renee (Joseph) Bosworth. Also survived by his grandchildren, whom he was a father to: Angela Exposito, Julian, Exposito, Brittany (Wayne) Carlson, Joseph Bosworth, Michael (Noel) Exposito, Ashley Bosworth, Richard Patterson, and Isaiah Exposito; great-grandchildren, Cleveland Sanders, Steven Sterling, Kiara Sanders, Desiree Exposito, Wayne Carlson, Zoe Carlson, Peyton Exposito and Noah Bosworth; brothers and sisters, Nancy (Bill) Freeman and June Ray (Vern) Sander; brothers and sisters-in-law, George Slawson, Ronald (Sherry) Slawson, Kimberly Tramper, Kenneth (Kathy) Slawson, and Richard Slawson, along with several nieces and nephews. Richard stood in the place of a father for many of his grandchildren when their fathers couldn’t be there. He was also a mentor to Shawn Exposito who looked upon him as a father. In lieu of flowers, donations in Richard’s name can be made to disabled veterans. Visitation at Memorial Park Funeral Home, Thursday, January 29 from noon to 3 p.m.; Second viewing, Saturday, January 31 from 10 a.m. until noon; Service at noon followed by committal service and reception.

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WATSON, EVA MARIE, 92, of Embassy House at Town Shores, Gulfport, passed away Friday, January 23. She had sustained a serious concussion

in a fall on the pavement. Many have seen her scurrying around Town Shores on her daily mission. She is survived by her husband Bill. They shared 71 years of love and devotion to their family and each other. She is also survived by three children, Marty (Margy), John (Lilly Crotts), and Susan Pippin; six grandchildren, Betsy Kelly (Kel), Julie, Leslie Hodz (Adam), Stephanie Fredenburg (Anthony), John Pippin, and Laura Fender (Bryant); four great-grandchildren, Joey Kelly, Katy Kelly, Payton Hodz, Kaelyn Fender, and another on the way; and her sister, Barbara Carter (Gordon). Eva Marie and Bill were Indiana natives who settled in Gulfport after raising their family in Ohio, New Jersey and Georgia. Her daily delight was watching the sunset over Boca Ciega Bay. Eva Marie loved her basement ceramics studio, The Mud Factory, and her 40 years of volunteer work at Wesley Woods in Atlanta. A private Celebration of Life will be held at a future date. Interment will be in Marion, Indiana near her toddler Greg. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your special charity in her name. Know that where you find her picture or her pottery, she is with you.

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