Beta Sigma Phi Chapter Honors Founder Of Sorority

By BARBARA ROUTEN Tribune correspondent

Published: May 12, 2007

RUSKIN - Beta Sigma Phi, an international women's sorority, was founded 75 years ago by Walter W. Ross. Now thousands of chapters strong, members honor Ross' memory on Founder's Day.

Xi Xi Omicron, the Sun City Center chapter, observed the occasion at a dinner at Ozzie's Buffet and Grill. Three rituals occurred at a candlelit ceremony after the meal. Jan Bassett was inducted into the sorority. Liz Jacobs was recognized for having been a member for 10 years, completing other degrees and reaching the Preceptor degree.

President Gerri Roth's silver anniversary of service to the organization was recognized by all as she was announced Woman of the Year. Jaynet Swain, last year's Woman of the Year, presented Roth her pin and certificate. "Although she has only been with us a few months, she brought with her many years of knowledge of Beta Sigma Phi," spokeswoman Rosie Clifton said.

"She entertained her sisters at an elegant tea at her home to start the year on Beginning Day. She has freely given much of her time in preparation of our yearbook as well as driving for the Sun City Center Ride Program," Clifton said.

Unlock The Cancer Puzzle, Man To Man

SUN CITY CENTER - The Man-to-Man Prostate Cancer Education and Support Group will meet at 2 p.m. Monday at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 1239 Del Webb Blvd. W.

Sarah Hoffe, a radiation oncologist, will speak on the topic "Unlocking the Cancer Puzzle in the 21st Century."

The group is sponsored by the Men's Club of Sun City Center and the American Cancer Society. Spouses are welcome.

Information is available by calling Dick Larson, (813) 634-6277. For directions call the church office, (813) 634-1252.

Swingers Announce New Officers

SUN CITY CENTER - The Sun City Center Swingers Dance Club held annual elections recently. The new officers for the term May 1 to May 1, 2008, are: Leah and George Micklatcher as co-presidents; Terry and Howard Hatch and Geri and Tom Kilgallon, co-vice presidents; Marlene and Don Frederick, co-secretaries; Beverly and Bob Barriger, co-assistant secretaries; Gail and Ron Bouverat, co-treasurers; Nancy and Moyer Harris, Dottie and Chuck Hinxman and Betty Liddle, co-assistant treasurers; Ilene and Marv Lent, Judy and Charlie Pyle and Mary and Dick Schultz, trustees.

Men's Club Treats Ladies To Lunch

SUN CITY CENTER - The Men's Club of Sun City Center will hold its time-honored Spring Ladies Day Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Friday, in Community Hall, 1910 S. Pebble Beach Blvd. Members "may treat their favorite date to a gourmet meal, favors, music and much more," according to a recent e-mail from Jack Fischer, club publicist.

Entertainment will be provided by the Cypress Creek Elementary School Chorus under the direction of Ellen Kleinschmidt.

Reservations are required. For information, contact Jack Lawhead, (813) 634-3338.

Computer Club's Last Hurrah

SUN CITY CENTER - The Computer Club will meet from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Monday in the Caper Room, 945 North Course Lane. The topic of the seminar will be "Buying Your First Computer," touching on what to buy, what to look for and what specifications are necessary for particular applications.

"This is the last Buying Your First Computer Seminar until fall," said Jack Fischer, club publicist. "We have always taken the summer off. The Computer Club meetings will resume in September."

All Sun City Center and Kings Point residents are invited to this free, drop-in seminar. For information, contact Fischer, (813) 634-3664.

FCAT Improvement - One Book At A Time

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY - A new program called the Imagination Library is sending a free hard-cover book every month (totaling 60 books over five years) to more than 400 children in the hopes of instilling in them a love of reading. Babies born on or after Sept. 1, 2006, who live in ZIP codes 33563, 33604, 33610, 33612, 33614 or 33619 are eligible.

The locales were selected based on FCAT reading scores. Joe Stines, director for Hillsborough County Public Libraries, said, "As many as one-third of the children entering kindergarten in Hillsborough County are unprepared to effectively engage in reading instruction. The Imagination Library Taskforce members are committed to seeing those numbers improve."

Downloadable registration forms are available at www.hcplc.orgby clicking on the Imagination Library logo. Forms may be returned to any public library. Eligible infants' parents may call (813) 272-5017 to register their children.

This program was started in Sevier County, Tenn., by Dolly Parton. She wanted children to experience the joy and wonder of reading, so she started by sending "The Little Engine That Could" and other books to every young child in Sevier County each month. The program has pulled its weight and been so successful that other communities have, figuratively, boarded the train, too.

In Hillsborough County, this free program is a joint effort by the Children's Board of Hillsborough County, Healthy Start Coalition, Hillsborough County Department of Children's Services, Hillsborough County Head Start/Early Head Start, Hillsborough County public schools, Hillsborough County public libraries, the U.S. Postal Services-Tampa, United Way of Tampa Bay, Early Coalition of Hillsborough County and the University of South Florida.

For information, call (813) 273-3652.

Send news of community interest to Barbara Routen at The Tampa Tribune, 505 W. Robertson St., Brandon FL 33511, e-mail neighbors@tampabay.rr.comor call (813) 657-4531.