PAG Homeowners to Share Their Treasures City Hall, Businesses

Transcription

WWW.THEISLANDREPORTER.COM
JANUARY 2015
City Hall, Businesses and
Volunteers Pitch In
for a Perfect Event
By TIR Staff
The Walgreens St. Pete Beach Classic is being
billed as “The Perfect Running Event.”
“We like to think it is,” says Al Johnson, race
and event coordinator about the moniker for the
Jan. 16 - 18 weekend at the Sirata Beach Resort
and Conference Center.
“It’s the casual way to do a marathon. Run a
10K, relax a little bit, watch your kids. Run a 5K,
go to a party, relax at the beach. Run the beach for
3.8 miles, go to a bonfire and a concert. Get up
the next morning and run a half marathon. And
you’re done.”
As always, the annual 3-day extravaganza is
not just for runners. The bonfire and concert on
Saturday are open to the public as is the health
and fitness expo, which opens Friday at 11 a.m.,
with products related to racing, walking or just
being outside.
“We’ve got some new vendors and are trying
to concentrate on things that people can buy,”
says Johnson. In earlier surveys respondents said
they wanted more things to purchase. “I saw people walking away from Fit to Run with four and
five shoeboxes last year. And even if people don’t
run they need good shoes to walk in.”
It costs a lot of money to put on an event of
this magnitude; about $200,000 according
Johnson. He learned years ago from the head of
the Boston Marathon that only about half of the
costs can be covered by race registration fees. The
VOLUME 12 NUMBER 1
PAG
Homeowners
to Share Their
Treasures
By TIR Staff
Photos courtesy of PAGWC
Publisher’s Note. TIR offers a special thanks to Judy
Brett for assisting with this article.
“What was once a little fishing village and now
is one of Florida’s best kept secret enclaves of residences, small shops and special restaurants will
once again open its doors for a peek at its
lifestyle,” says Judy Brett, chairman of the Pass-aGrille Women’s Club (PAGWC) Home Tour
committee.
The chilly 47 degree morning did not cool the spirit of
the runners at the start of last year’s St. Pete Beach
Classic 5K. The 3-day event this year is Jan. 16 - 18
at the Sirata Beach Resort and Conference Center.
rest comes from cash and in-kind sponsors.
In addition to Walgreens as the title sponsor,
Johnson says the value of what the Sirata provides
them is between $35,000 and $40,000. Palms of
Pasadena is providing finish line doctors both
days and many local restaurants are providing
food.
“Cash is important too, because the Port-oJohn guy won’t take a voucher," he says laughing.
The importance of city hall support, sponsors
CLASSIC continued on page 12
PHOTO
OF THE
MONTH
Submitted by: Peter Clark, Tierra Verde
American White Pelicans visiting Tampa Bay. They migrate
here to enjoy our winter sunshine.
For more information about Photo of the Month, visit our website, www.theislandreporter.com and click on “Photo of the Month.”
The image on the front of this year’s tour book
is a painting of a clapboard house on a back street
in Pass-a-Grille. It was painted by part-time PAG
resident Steve Hamblin and selected in a contest
at the Suntan Art Center in November.
She says with the planned reconstruction of
the main road into the area beginning later this
year, this could be the last opportunity to view
homes here for quite some time. Tickets are limited, but are now available online for the Feb. 28
tour.
“We will have busses, but this year’s tour can
easily be done walking.” All the houses are
between 13th and 28th Avenues.
In its 18th year, this tour is showcasing six
homes including three of the neighborhood’s
“cottages.” “They always seem to be the most popular with our visitors,” says Brett, “perhaps
because they can visualize themselves owning or
renting these vintage beach houses for weekend
retreats on the number one beach in Florida.
TOUR continued on page 11
2 - The Island Reporter - January 2015
January 2015 - The Island Reporter - 3
A Vet with a New Attitude
By TIR Staff
“Just got a call from Bay
Moorings Animal Hospital, Dr.
Scot M. Trefz checking on the
pups. I can't say enough for the
excellent way they treated us and
the dogs. … The best care I have
ever gotten and I have had animals my whole life.”
That testimonial is from Jeff,
referring to the service he gets at
Bay Moorings Animal Hospital,
adjacent to Maximo Moorings,
which Dr. Scot Trefz re-opened in
May, 2013 after selling his practice in Clearwater.
Some kids dream of being
cops, firefighters, pro athletes,
even astronauts, but young Scot
started dreaming about being a
veterinarian in the 3rd grade. As a
junior at Canterbury School of
Scot Trefz preps
for surgery at the
Skyway Animal Hospital
where he worked between
terms beginning as
a junior in high school.
Photo courtesy of Bay Moorings
Animal Hospital.
Florida, when it was housed on the
Eckerd College campus, the St.
Petersburg native spent semester
breaks working at Skyway Animal
Hospital.
“We had short terms, so I had
2 weeks to work in an industry that
I thought I wanted as a career …
I worked for Dr. Al Few and Dr.
Bill Goldston.”
He was accepted in the
University of Florida’s College of
Veterinary Medicine as a college
junior. As a junior in the veterinarian program he was admitted
to Phi Zeta, that school’s honor
society, a year early due to his
standing in the top 5 percent of
his class, and he was the recipient
VET continued on page 14
From the Publisher
By Betsy Judge
Here’s to hoping you had a very Merry
Christmas, Happy Hanukkah or wonderful whatever you observed in December.
It is time for a new year and it’s hard not to think
about resolutions when it comes to the January issue.
According to Wikipedia, the ancient Babylonians
made promises to their gods to return borrowed
objects and pay their debts. The Romans made
promises to the god Janus, for whom the month of
January is named. In the Medieval era, the knights
took the "peacock vow" to re-affirm their commitment to chivalry, and at watchnight services, many
Christians pray and make resolutions.
I’ve made and tried to keep a few when I was
younger, particularly to stop smoking. I would
smoke myself practically to death before going to
bed on Jan. 1 in anticipation of keeping my welladvertised resolution, only to fail - usually that same
day. Thank goodness I did quit; on Sunday afternoon, Aug. 2, 1988 because that happened to be the
time and day that I was motivated. But statistics
show that you will be more successful at changing
your habits if you make a resolution. Makes sense.
The top ten resolutions according to www.statisticbrain.com are: lose weight; get organized; spend
less, save more; enjoy life to the fullest; Stay fit and
healthy; learn something exciting; quit smoking;
help others in their dreams; fall in love; and spend
more time with family.
About 45 percent of Americans usually make resolutions; unfortunately 71 percent of those who do,
frequently or never meet with success. Sadly only
eight percent achieve why they set out to do, but like
the lotto, you can’t win if you don’t play.
Happy January, Happy New Years and here’s to
hoping you keep any resolutions you made.
Silent Auction to Benefit
Pediatric Cancer Foundation
Pinot’s Palette is hosting the 1st Annual Silent
Art Auction benefiting The Pediatric Cancer
Foundation, a local, nonprofit organization dedicated to funding research to eliminate childhood
cancer.
From 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 17, patrons
may bid on more than 100 paintings by local
artists, taste wines courtesy of Southern Wine and
Spirits, nibble on hors d'oeuvres and appetizers
from local restaurants, and opt for a $1 a minute
massage from Peaceful Warrior Massage with pro-
ceeds going to the foundation. There will also be
live music and face painting for kids.
Pinot’s Palette, 1572 Central Ave. For information call 727-821-3700.
Publisher Betsy Judge
Graphic Design Lorrie Bellinger
Contributing Writers
• Ellen L. Capitosti, Beverage Beat
• Kiven Davidek, Fish Tales
• Carol Hollenbeck, Fitness
• Marianne Kern, Financial News
• Jackie Minniti, Florida Author
Series, Pride & Joy
• Bruce Norris, Cartoonist
• Wayne Shattuck, Weather
• Melanie Coleman Simon,
Ghost Stories
• Dave Smith, The Old Professor
• Sally G. Yoder, News and
Features
Contents of The Island Reporter may not be reproduced or copied
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Editorial expressions herein are not necessarily those of the publisher.
We are not responsible for ads that are late or incorrect. The Island
Reporter, its staff, advertisers, and owners, make no representation or
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Island Reporter are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect
those of The Island Reporter’s staff, advertisers, or owners.
Copyright 2014. All rights reserved.
The Island Reporter
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Communities Served:
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Dolphin Cay, Isla del Sol, Marina Bay,
Madeira Beach, Maximo Moorings, Pass-a-Grille,
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Tierra Verde, Treasure Island and Vina del Mar
and portions of Gulfport and St. Petersburg.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Florida Author .....................................7
Financial News..................................10
Beverage Beat ...................................13
Fitness................................................14
Pride & Joy.........................................15
Ghost Stories .....................................15
Weather..............................................18
Fish Tales...........................................19
Notable Achievements .....................19
Puzzle Page........................................20
Local Events ......................................21
BC Directory / Classifieds ................22
TIR Picture Page................................23
Island Toons ......................................23
The Future of TV
By The Old Professor
I have to it admit it. Iʼve taken up streaming
lately. No, that doesnʼt involve a canoe and the
Withlacoochee River. Nor does it involve singing
about an old mill. It means watching TV using, not
rabbit ears nor a cable company, but an internet
signal.
The big news a few weeks back was that
Amazon had released a new, much faster dongle.
Dongle is not a dirty word. Itʼs like a thumb drive
that lets you receive the wireless internet signal
from your router on your TV. Roku has had a hockey puck-sized version for several years, and more
recently has added its own dongle. Google came
out with one sometime back. They all work well.
Dongles are sometimes called sticks, but that name
isnʼt as much fun.
You can subscribe to services that provide old
movies and TV shows. Some are free. You can get
some Public Broadcasting Service programs, news
programs and the weather without a subscriber fee.
Several of the free services include commercials,
but these are usually much shorter than regular TV
commercial breaks.
It was with great pleasure that I discovered that
60-minute, commercial-filled shows last only about
40 minutes when streamed without ads. And, sur-
prisingly, I donʼt miss the interruptions. The ads
only useful purpose can be replaced by pressing
“pause” for any needed visits to the kitchen or
bathroom. I suppose I will be culturally deprived
not knowing the latest adventures of Flo the
Progressive Insurance diva or the Geico gecko.
I may forget that middle of the night caller is a
State Farm guy not a dirty tricks political campaigner. But Iʼm willing to chance that.
Streaming makes binge watching possible. Are
you eager to see the next episode of “Downton
Abbey,” but frustrated that you must wait another
week? With streaming thatʼs no problem. A whole
yearʼs series awaits; indeed multiple years. You can
watch one right after the other. Some faint of heart
viewers grow weary after five or six hours constantly watching the same show, but then they were
never able to watch noon to midnight college football either. Binge watching takes dedication and
perseverance, along with a soft chair.
Old movies can be great fun. You pick the one
you want, when you want it. We roared with laughter at the black and white “Monkey Business” with
Ginger Rogers and Cary Grant. I was delighted to
PROFESSOR continued on page 10
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RHS Presents $120,000
to Charity
By TIR Staff
Reaching the end of a grocery
aisle can take someone with Post
Traumatic Stress back to the dangerous streets of an urban battlefield in a flash. With a service
dog trained to “clear” the way,
that fear can be managed.
Training a single dog for that
type of duty takes $60,000.
Paying for the college education of a child who lost a parent
can run about the same.
The expense does not deter
the Special Operations Warrior
Foundation, the Gold Shield
Foundation or Southeastern A total of $120,000 was given to three charities by Remember Honor Support.
Guide Dogs from providing Pictured left to right are: Dick Crippen, RHS; Joe Voskerichian, Gold Shield
necessary support for wounded Foundation; St. Petersburg Chief of Police Anthony Holloway; Jo Bower, RHS;
Jennifer Grock, Southeastern Guide Dogs; Tommy Smith, RHS; Titus Herman,
warriors, first responders and
Southeastern Guide Dogs; Col. Bill Smith, USA (Ret.) with his service dog
the families of those killed in
Lucky; and Steven McLeary, Special Operations Warrior Foundation.
Photo by BLively Images.
action or in-the-line-of-duty.
Supporting these organiza… thank you for all your support.”
tions motivates Remember Honor Support
“I can’t tell you how much of a pleasure it is to
(RHS), a 501(c)3 organization, to raise money
be here,” said Steven McLeary, executive director
on their behalf. They are dedicated to keeping
of the Special Operations Warrior Foundation
the memory of the 9/11 events alive and ensur(SOWF), noting that the basis for RHS fits SOWF
ing we remember, honor and support veterans,
too. “We remember all of our fallen operators …
wounded warriors, first responders and the famand we certainly honor each and every one of
ilies of the fallen.
them. And we pledged to each of them that if they
In early December RHS presented a $40,000
lost their life we would remember them, and we
check to each of these groups. The money was
would provide a college education for all of their
raised primarily at RHS events on 9/11 includchildren; that’s where the support comes in …, but
ing their annual Patriot Day Memorial Breakfast.
we couldn’t support them without you….”
“We really appreciate you being here in celeGeorge Steinbrenner started Gold Shield
bration of another successful event,” Jo Bower,
Foundation in 1980 after the death of a detecRHS Vice Chair/COO, told the group. She and
tive and two fire fighters in Tampa. “Since then
her partner and fiancé John Stross established
we've had 38 in-the-line-of-duty deaths,” said Joe
RHS in 2013. “I want to thank each and every
Voskerichian, executive director. “We appreciate
one of you for your continued support …”
what you are doing, … and, probably most of
Dick Crippen, an RHS board member, made
all, we appreciate the vision that John Stross had
the check presentations. First up was Titus
creating this organization.”
Herman, CEO of Southeastern Guide Dogs.
“I want to thank the organization also for
“Southeastern Guide Dogs started 32 years
what
you’re doing for the law enforcement
ago with one trainer and three dogs in a two
community.
… It means a lot to us,” added St.
bedroom home …” he said. Since then they
Petersburg
Chief
of Police Anthony Holloway.
have graduated close to 3,000 guide dog teams.
For more information or to donate go to
“Today we have a 35-acre campus … and 150
www.rememberhonorsupport.org.
puppies and dogs or more at any given moment
Florida Author
‘Cozies’ that Cook
By Jackie Minniti
The Key West Food Critic
Start with a twenty-something
Mysteries took Isleib in a new direcfood critic with a penchant for findtion, so much so that she decided to
ing herself in hot water. Mix with the
write the books under a new name.
vibrant sights and sounds of the
“My editor suggested a pseudonym
Florida Keys. Stir in a cast of characto differentiate the Food Critic
ters as colorful as a festival on
Mysteries from the other two series,”
Mallory Square, and you have the
she says. Isleib describes the books as
makings of the Key West Food Critic
“cozies, much lighter than the othMysteries, a delicious series of novels
ers,” and chose the name Lucy
by Lucy Burdette (pseudonym for
Burdette because it was her grandKey West writer Roberta Isleib).
mother’s. The first book in the series,
A New Jersey native, Isleib earned
Roberta Isleib, aka, Lucy
“An Appetite for Murder” (2012)
a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and
Burdette, (top) used her
introduced
Hayley Snow, fledgling
spent 13 years in private practice. clinical psychology degree
food
critic
for
a Key West lifestyle
When she met her husband, a golf to write articles on golf psychology
then
used
those
magazine. When the magazine’s
enthusiast, she became interested in
articles to write a series of owner dies after eating a poisoned
the psychology of the game.
golf mysteries. An Advice
“In most sports, there’s a lot of Column Mystery series fol- key lime pie, Hayley becomes a susmovement and not much time for lowed. Her latest novel is in pect and must find the real killer to
mental examination. Not so in golf,” her Key West Food Critic prove her innocence. Isleib/Burdette
series about murder and
admits that Hayley has “the same
she says. She decided to use her
mayhem at Christmas
observations to create a series of arti- titled, “Death with All the sense I had at 25 when I was trying to
figure out what I was meant to do
Trimmings” (below).
cles about the psychology of golf.
with my life.”
Isleib describes her transformaThe sequel, “Death in Four
tion from sports psychology to ficCourses,”
has Hayley implicated in
tion writing as accidental. “I was
the death of a superstar food critic.
always a serious devourer of fiction,
In the next book, “Topped Chef,”
particularly mysteries, but I never
Hayley investigates the death of
thought I could write it,” she says.
restaurant owner who was the recipi“In school, I’d heard people say that
ent of her first negative review. Book
I was a good writer, so I felt I could
four, “Murder with Ganache,” cenwrite articles. But fiction evolved.” A
ters on Hayley’s attempt to clear her
friend suggested that she try writing a
step-brother’s name when he
mystery, so she used her golf articles
becomes the prime suspect in a muras the basis for “Six Strokes Under,”
der investigation.
the story of Cassie Burdette, a young
The latest release, “Death With All
woman trying to break into the
the Trimmings,” celebrates Christmas
Ladies Professional Golf Tour. Four
in Key West with Hayley searching
more Cassie Burdette golf mysteries
for
an
arsonist
and a killer who has her in his sites.
followed: “A Buried Lie” (2003), “Putt to Death”
“There are so many neat things happening in Key
(2004), “Fairway to Heaven (2005), and “Final
West at Christmas,” Isleib says, “I thought it would
Fore” (2006).
be a great time for the setting.” She is currently
Isleib’s next three books, “Deadly Advice”
working on “Fatal Reservations,” the sixth book in
(2007), “Preaching to the Corpse (2007) and
the series, due out in July, 2015.
“Asking for Murder” (2008) had a more psychoIsleib enjoys introducing mystery lovers to the
logical focus. These Advice Column Mysteries
people
of Key West and making readers feel like a
center on the exploits of Dr. Rebecca Butterman,
part of that community. As an added bonus, Isleib
a psychologist/advice columnist and amateur
ends each book with recipes for dishes mentioned
sleuth. Isleib did not find the crossover from psyin the story. “I get a kick out of people who say
chology to mystery much of a stretch. “Writing
I’ve made them hungry,” she says. “That’s fun
mystery is a lot like psychology,” she explains.
too.”
“You’re presented with a problem to solve, you
For more about Roberta Isleib/Lucy Burdette,
sort through the clues, and at the end, you learn
visit the author’s website at www.robertaisleib.com.
why the problem occurred.”
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A Stroll Down Historic 8th Aven
Frank T. Hurley wrote that 8th Avenue
was once called “America’s Most
Beautiful Main Street” by Robert
Ripley of “Believe It or Not”
fame. Others remember it
being dubbed “America’s
Shortest Main Street.”
Regardless, the center of the
old Pass-a-Grille (PAG)
section of St. Pete Beach is
still a hub of activity. Its historic background is as diverse
as the multitude of businesses
who have called it home over the
past 115 years.
A block long, it was, according to 1895 plot maps of the This 1903 photo captures early marketing efforts by George Lizotte to
Morey Beach Subdivision,
entice residents and visitors into his Bonhomie Hotel for dinner.
identified as 6th Avenue. Then
for a brief while, the few busiStreet sported four hotels: Buckeye, Mason,
nesses along the street renamed it Oleander, then
Holloway and Bonhomie. The street was not
8th Street, and after the 1957 island consolidation
paved, but oleanders and hibiscus grew everyof St. Pete Beach all streets became avenues.
where, residents loved it, and it was the island’s
Early pioneer George Henri Lizotte built his
main street. Mail arrived at the east end’s Merry
first ten room, one bath Bonhomie Hotel in the
Pier, all supplies came by boat and fishing boats
middle of avenue’s south side in 1901. It was the
docked daily alongside the steamboats arriving
first hotel on the barrier islands. It was so successfrom the mainland filled with visitors.
ful he soon tore it down replacing it with a twoIt was incorporated in 1911 and in April, 1914
story, 60 room establishment - but still with only
the city commission voted to pave the street with
one bath! The dining room staff served the
vitrified Augusta bricks at a bond issue cost of
famous 50¢ shore dinners, and in 1905 Lizotte
$1,900. They charged owners on the street 22¢ a
opened the first post office in the hotel lobby
foot. Everyone got their monies worth as these
where it remained for a few years, then was moved
bricks are still the base under current paving.
to the pier.
In 1918 a closet fire destroyed the Bonhomie,
Between 1905 and 1918, the so called “Golden
the McDuffy building next door and did extenAge of Pass-a-Grille,” the area flourished and 8th
sive damage to Girard’s Grocery and
the Buckeye Hotel. Lizotte never
rebuilt his hotel, but the little block
had become well established as the
town’s main street and many others
bought and sold businesses over the
next 90 years.
In 1911 Kenneth Merry built a
new building at 107 8th St. for his
pier store and the post office, which
remained an occupant until closing
in 2005. Merry started a “building
boom” along the little street. Over
the years more than 50 businesses
came and went, some staying a brief
time, others in for the long haul, and
most of the original structures are in
use today.
To the growing island population
This 1904 photo shows 8th Avenue when it was called 6th Avenue.
nue
By Sally G. Yoder
Photos Courtesy of Gulf Beaches Historical Museum
going to 8th Street to pick-up mail, twice daily,
was a call for a social get-together. Arriving early
was the norm, having coffee or a sundae next door
at the Pass-a-Grille Drug Store was fun, and of
course, town chatter was a must! If you didn’t hear
it on 8th Street it wasn’t happening.
Always on the lookout to sell fish, crabs and
other shellfish, local fishermen also haunted the
street to get a quick sale for their fresh caught
seafood. Cabbage Key’s Silas Dent would row
over the bay to hawk his handmade palm leaf
“sketter switchers,” and shellfish while sitting and
entertaining visitors with stories. He also portrayed Santa Claus at the 8th Street Christmas
party.
After WWII, Wilson Hubbard and his mother
Anna took over the pier operation, and bought
and opened the Hubbard House on the north side
of the street several stores west of the post office.
While making 8th Street their home, Anna often
told fortunes in her hotel lobby and was active in
the local church while Wilson became a renowned
fishing guide and TV personality.
In 1947 the Falkinstein family from Baltimore
built the two-story Keystone Hotel and Lounge
on the west end facing the Gulf. This addition
brought the street’s hotel number back to four.
The family moved the hotel portion to new quarters across to the north corner, then purchased the
Casa Bonita Hotel and built the Hurricane
Restaurant.
On the old Bonhomie site, more stores were
built with living quarters above. Shadrack’s Bar
now operates where The Sugar and Spice eatery
offered ice cream, cakes and desserts in the 1950s.
Home
Marine
Liability
Dental
Cars and clothes of 1941 grace this photo of 8th
Street taken in February of that year.
Johnny’s Barber Shop, Travis’s Shell Shop, Kay’s
Cards, and Nick’s Tackle were all popular businesses in the 1950s and ‘60s.
Today the little one block avenue is still the
main business area of southern PAG and the
buildings are full of visitors, residents and beach
walkers. Evander Preston’s Jewelry is a unique
shop, Bamboozle offers real Florida gifts and
clothes, and all eateries from the famous Seahorse
Tavern on the bay established in 1936 to the
Sunset Grille on the Gulf maintain the ambiance
that make this one block of activity so special.
A lighted evening block party is held every several months with live music, beer and food tables.
The shops are open, dress is beach causal and the
atmosphere friendly.
It is “most beautiful” inside and outside, this
one block between the bay and Gulf - a true island
treasure. Yes, the post
office is no longer a
drawing card, but
things change with
time and today’s owners are doing a good
job of keeping the 8th
“Street” heritage alive
and well. Go down to
watch the sunset, eat
good food, shop, or
take a boat ride off the
Merry Pier - 8th
Girard Bros. was the neighborhood grocery store. Supplies including groceries
Avenue has it all.
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4615 Gulf Blvd., Suite 104, St. Pete Beach, FL 33706
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were ferried from the mainland by boat. Photo circa 1917.
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Financial News
Beware of Phone Scams
By Marianne Kern, CPA
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is warning
tax payers not to be fooled by impostors posing as
IRS representatives in an aggressive telephone
scam being used across the country.
These callers may demand money or say you
have a refund due and try to trick you into sharing
private information. They can sound convincing
when they call; they may know a lot about you,
and they usually alter the caller ID to make it look
like the IRS is actually calling. They use fake names
and bogus IRS identification badge numbers. If
you don’t answer, they often leave an “urgent” callback request.
According to the IRS there are five things these
imposters do that are a tell-tale sign of deception.
Representatives from the IRS will never:
• Call to demand immediate payment, nor will
the agency call about taxes owed without first having mailed you a bill.
• Demand you pay taxes without giving you the
opportunity to question or appeal the amount they
say you owe.
• Require you to use a specific payment method
for your taxes, such as a prepaid debit card.
• Ask for credit or debit card numbers over the
phone.
• Threaten to bring in local police or other lawenforcement groups to have you arrested for not
paying.
If you get a phone call from someone claiming
to be from the IRS and asking for money, here’s
what you should do:
If you know you owe taxes or think you might
owe, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. The IRS workers can help you with a payment issue.
If you know you don’t owe taxes or have no reason to believe that you do, report the incident to
the Department of Treasury Inspector General
for Tax Administration at 1-800-366-4484 or
www.tigta.gov.
If you’ve been targeted by this scam, also contact the Federal Trade Commission and use their
“FTC Complaint Assistant” at www.FTC.gov with
"IRS Telephone Scam" in the comments of your
complaint.
Remember, too, the IRS does not use email,
text messages or any social media to discuss personal tax issues. For more information on reporting
tax scams, go to www.irs.gov and type “scam” in
the search box.
Marianne Kern, CPA and tax specialist, is a
resident of Tierra Verde, and owner of Kern &
Associates CPA, P.A.
PROFESSOR continued from page 5
discover ”Hot in Cleveland” on the streaming service. I never could remember just when it was on the
cable schedule, but with streaming I can watch its
manifest silliness and Betty Whiteʼs sharp nonagenarian tongue at my leisure, several episodes in
succession.
Some weeks ago the professoress and I streamed
an Australian series, ”The Miss Fisherʼs Mysteries.”
A thoroughly liberated 1920s, gun toting heroine in
stunning clothes chases criminals as well as hunky
fellows, sometimes in wonderful period autos.
Great fun. One of our educational cable channels
is carrying the series, but is still showing the first
yearʼs initial episodes, while weʼve finished the second year. We are even likely to read the novels on
which it is based.
Binge watching is not without its perils. I do admit
that we became so engrossed in serial watching that
we forgot one planned evening outing. Yet I suspect
that what we have begun is the future of viewing. It
bears repeating, streaming allows one to select what
one wants to watch, when one wants to watch it. We
are no longer dependent on the TV schedule.
I used to think that satellite services were the
biggest threat to our local cable operators, but now
I think competition will come from streaming.
With alternatives for internet service, consumers
should end up with more options. That doesnʼt
strike me as a bad thing. Would that it were true for
power companies.
Dashed off while holding the pause button by
David H. Smith, Ph.D., retired professor.
TOUR continued from front page
“There will also be three beautifully updated
residences, all just a stones throw away from that
same white sandy beach,” she adds.
105 and 109 20th Avenue: Built in 1949,
these two brick cottages are the homes of sistersin-law and while the one-story exteriors are similar, the interiors are very differently designed.
2502 Pass-A-Grille Way: The third “Cottage
on the Grille” has all the charm of its 1950s origin including a tropical garden. In addition, the
new owner has added updating to make it the
perfect retreat.
1807 Pass-A-Grille Way: Right on the
Intracoastal Waterway, this is the home of a
bachelor with a talent for design who has created a piece of art on the inside and out. Color
and art are the essence of this home, and visitors
will come away having experienced something
truly creative.
2800 Pass-A-Grille Way: This colonial-looking home has been completely renovated on the
inside to a most functional and contemporary
home. There owners saved many elements from
the original design making it even more special.
This four bedroom, four bath home is 70 steps
from the Gulf. Visitors will love seeing how this
home has been transformed.
1306 Pass-A-Grille Way: This latest addition
to the tour is a great example of a true coastal
home. In the style of the south-seas, this house
seems to sway with the tall historical
Washintonia Palms surrounding it. An integral
part of PAG, this home has views of both the
Gulf and the Intracoastal Waterway and has a
completely updated interior.
This coastal home on the PAGWC Home Tour
offers views of the Gulf and Intracoastal Waterway
with a completely updated interior.
The homes are open from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.,
rain or shine. The buses will shuttle visitors from
two free parking lots, one adjacent to the Don
Cesar and Sun Tan Art Center on Cabrillo
Avenue and one at the PAG Community
Church at 16th Avenue.
The busses will also be available to take visitors down to the shops and restaurants on historic 8th Avenue, the Gulf Beaches Historical
Museum and Suntan Art Center. There will be
light refreshments at PAGWC clubhouse and
visitors can enter into drawings for a number of
prizes including a one-day trip to Key West via
private plane.
Tour tickets are $20 in advance and $25 on
tour day, if available. Tickets can be purchased
online or at multiple retailers in St. Pete Beach,
Madeira Beach and St. Petersburg. To purchase
tickets or see a list of retailers selling them go to
www.pagwc.com.
This cottage at 105 20th Ave. is one of two built in 1949.
CLASSIC continued from front page
and volunteers were the cornerstones of a talk he gave a
few weeks ago to a group of triathlon organizers in
Orlando. “City Hall is your trump card, but if you don’t
have sponsors and volunteers this thing doesn’t happen.”
His total volunteer requirement is 350 to 400 people.
The biggest requirement is for course marshals, 100 each
on both race days. Ironically respondents to another survey about races and volunteerism were least likely to sign
up to serve as course marshals.
“Our course marshals don't direct traffic; they make
sure that when people come out of a side street they let
then know what is going on and help them get across the
course without hurting anyone. That’s something the
sheriff is very adamant about.” They also help keep runners on the course and are encouraged to cheer them on.
There are opportunities to help with logistics, set-up
and tear-down, and with post race parties. They also need
volunteers to stuff race bags the Wednesday before and
that group gets free pizza.
Most race organizers only offer volunteers shirts
according to the survey. Classic volunteers are treated to
a post race party the weekend after the event. “I think the
volunteer party is good,” says Johnson. “We’ve been told
we treat our volunteers better than anybody else.”
Anyone interested in volunteering may select a specific job to do along with day and time they can support the
event on the website. Individual volunteers must be
15 years or older and those under 15 have to be accompanied by an adult. Anyone under 18 must have parental
consent.
Last year the classic had 1,800 individual entries and
some of them ran two, three or all the races. Registration
as of early December was up about 30 percent over last
year at the same time.
The race benefits charity too. “Last year we gave away
about $6,000.” The American Diabetes Association,
the American Cancer Society and American Heart
Association were the main benefactors. They also made
a contribution to the One Fund Boston to help those
most affected by the Boston Marathon bombings and to
two local nonprofits. This year’s major recipients are the
American Cancer Society and the Children’s Dream
Fund of West Central Florida.
“Cindy Lake who started the Children’s Dream Fund
was wanting to start a race to raise awareness. She was sitting behind a truck with our advertisement on the back
and decided to partner with another organization. We
started working with them back in August,” adds Johnson
saying they will be heavily associated with the Kids
Classic which starts at 8:45 a.m. on Saturday.
He is currently working with the city on parking and
will post updates on the race website and Facebook.
He laughs when he predicts the weather will be cold.
History is in his favor. “This will be our 11th year and in
’07 we had a beautiful, warm day.”
To see a schedule of events, register or volunteer go to
www.stpetebeachclassic.com.
This map shows the route for the 5K and
10K races on Jan. 17. The 10K starts at
7:15 a.m. followed by the 5K at 9 a.m. The
Kid’s Classic starts at 8:45 a.m. Awards
will be presented at the post race party.
This map shows the half marathon course.
This final race of the weekend starts
at 7 a.m. Sunday and is followed by an
awards and post race party.
Beverage Beat
Whiskey on the Way
By Ellen L. Capitosti
If you were lucky enough to receive a
thoughtful holiday gift in the form of a luscious
and velvety brown liquid, known as whiskey,
you are among the forefront of hipness, as
whiskey is liquor on its way up!
Many new distilleries are popping up in
places people would never imagine as home to
whiskey. “Artisanal” and “hand crafted” distilleries are lending a touch of their own geographic
location to their specific blends.
Some of the whiskeys have catchy names, like
Big Bottom Whiskey from Hilsboro, Ore. and
Big Ass Small Batch, from Bardstown, KY. Most
of the artisanal whiskeys have elaborate back stories of how the owners got from idea stage to the
end product. Some are actually distilled and
aged elsewhere and only bottled at the distillery,
while others spend their entire lives - are born
and age gracefully - at the distillery stamped on
their bottom.
Until recently, brown liquor was perceived as
one of the stronger of spirits. It is available in
various and beautiful shades from amber to
chocolate. It has been seen as the domain of
hunters and cowboys; useful for fortification
during extreme cold or, in some cases, a bar
fight. But the proliferation of artisanal and hand
crafted whiskey distilleries turning out smoother
distillations appeal to a wider variety of palates.
These finer whiskeys are finding a new audience,
even among those who previously would never
think of having a finger of it over a glass of wine.
One such whiskey is Whistle Pig. Catchy
name? Check. Funky distillery location?
Shoreham, Vt. Check. Elaborate back story filled
with characters from diverse backgrounds hailing from all points who converged on Vermont
to distill one smooth sipping Whiskey? Check.
In the fall of 2013, Whistle Pig unveiled The
Boss Hog, their 100 percent rye, 12.5 years aged,
134 proof spirit. The flavor is delightfully rich,
yet spicy rye, while maintaining an incredibly
smooth finish. This well-received combination
was rewarded with the coveted accolade of the
Double Gold at the 2014 San Francisco Spirits
Competition.
This year’s release is 100 percent rye,
13.5 years aged, 117 to 124 proof whiskey and
has very grand pigskin shoes to fill. Sadly,
Whistle Pig had to update its catchy name due
to a barnyard tragedy at their farm. In addition
to a distillery, Whistle Pig is a working farm
with goats, cows, horses, and Kunekune pigs.
Kunekunes are a small breed of pig native to
New Zealand and known for their sweet and
docile nature. The Boss Hog Whiskey was
named in honor of Mortimer Whistle Pig, king
of the Kunekunes at the farm, who tragically
died this past summer defending the honor of
his wife, Mauve Whistle Pig.
So when you are in the mood for a smooth
taste of whiskey this winter, reach for a Whistle
Pig, the spirit of Mortimer and toast the memory of a very special and honorable pig!
Ellen Capitosti is the owner of Tostis Spirits
& Fine Wines.
Emergency Markers Added
to Trail
By Pinellas County Communications
Pinellas County Parks and Conservation
Resources maintenance crews have installed new
markers along the Pinellas Trail for users needing emergency assistance.
Nearly 700 markers are being affixed to the
pavement at 200 to 300 foot intervals along the
trail from downtown St. Petersburg to Tarpon
Springs. Each marker has a unique, easily
readable number which trail users can give to a
911 operator in case of an emergency to identi-
fy their exact location along the 47-mile trail,
allowing for faster response times.
The markers were purchased from das
Manufacturing of Valrico, Fla. at a cost of
$8,000 and are made from a durable, UV resistant material expected to last up to seven years.
Placement of these new markers was
endorsed by the Pinellas Trails Security Task
Force to improve safety along Pinellas County’s
award-winning recreation trail.
Fitness
A Different Kind of
Annual Exam
By Carol Hollenbeck
Most people understand it is good to get a
physical from your doctor on a regular basis.
Generally one is needed every 2 to 3 years when
you are a young adult and yearly as you get
older or if you have a condition that is being
monitored. What many people do not know is
it’s also a good practice to get in the habit of
having an annual exam or health assessment
from a physical therapist (PT) on a regular basis.
There are 12 systems in the body – integumentary, skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, pulmonary, nervous, immune, lymphatic, urinary,
digestive, endocrine and reproductive. Physical
therapists treat mainly the first six systems listed.
They will take the time to extensively evaluate
those systems within their scope of practice and
treat or make referrals as necessary should there
be issues. Physical therapists are experts in the
musculoskeletal system and are thus well qualified to treat many of the aches and pains you
may be experiencing.
Getting a regular health and wellness exam
from a PT is part of being a good case manager
of your own health. Prevention is the key and
finding problems early, can save you a lot of
time and money and, in some instances, offer
relief completely if a condition is caught early
enough.
Part of an annual PT exam should include an
assessment of strength, endurance, flexibility,
posture and balance. There is normative data
based on sound research for every age and gender. If you fall below those norms it may be time
to change what you are doing before you slip
further behind, addressing small issues before
they progress to debilitating joint or muscle
pain.
Here are a two examples of normal average
values on one test for people who are 81:
• An 81 year-old female should be able to
stand up from a chair without using her arms
11 times in 30 seconds and stand on each leg
solo without holding on for 7.4 seconds.
• An 81 year-old male should be able to do it
12 times and 5.6 seconds respectively.
There are also tests to measure how far forward your posture is and can screen for osteoporosis, compression fractures or other musculoskeletal issues.
More people are getting these exams. All the
tests should be performed by a PT. The exams
are noninvasive and take about 30 to 45 minutes. Wear comfortable clothes and good shoes
for the exam and be well hydrated. Most insurance companies won’t pay for this “preventative” exam, but for less than $100 it is worth
your time and money.
Carol Hollenbeck is a physical therapist and
owner of Fit For Life Fitness Center & Physical
Therapy on St Pete Beach.
VET continued from page 3
WINNER OF 12 BOOK AWARDS
A novel by
Jackie Minniti,
writer for the
Island Reporter
Autographed copies available!
Call 727-360-4368
missing. ‘I said I found
of the surgical excelit for you, but it’s not
lence award for his
quite in the same consenior class and graddition,’” he recalled
uated with honors.
laughing.
He was accepted into
two surgical programs
He has a staff of
which would have
12 including Dr. Lisa
meant five more years
Cody who has a passion
of education, but
for feline medicine as
after seven years of
well as two groomers
school, he decided to
that do everything from
get into practice.
basic to show cuts. His
wife Karen helps with
The self-described
administration and marlucky nerd with a pasketing. They treat cats,
sion for internal mediDr. Scot Trefz examines Molly assisted by
dogs and “pocket pets:”
technician Melissa Harper. Molly is one of
cine, is not only smart,
two pups owned by Sherri McWharter.
guinea pigs, hedgehogs,
he loves animals and is
TIR Staff Photo.
even rodents; but not
a pit bull when it comes
birds, hoofed animals or
to helping his patients.
reptiles.
“I’ve got a case right now. I’ve got so many
A new attitude is what Bay Moorings prominternal medicine and infectious disease people
ises its clients. “I think the No. 1 reason people
trying to help and no one can figure it out. I’ve
should come here is because we offer exemplasent in five different tissue samples. It’s one of
ry service, exemplary care and affordable pricthose really bizarre cases that stimulate you, that
ing. Those are buzzwords, but it’s real,” he
keep you going.”
says.“We have a different attitude and our claim
“Just seeing animals that are very sick get well
to fame is our customer service.”
makes it rewarding,” he says about his work.
His staff says they attract neurotics. “I say
Asked for a humorous anecdote, he laughs
we create neurotics because we do a lot of
‘no,’
and says he’s removed almost anything you can
and really try to take care of not
handholding
imagine from an animal.
just the patient, but the client. Because they are
“We had one just three weeks ago; an eldertheir family members (albeit four-legged), and
ly lady, 93 years old. Her Chihuahua had an
when they’re coming here it can be a very emoobstruction, so we took him into surgery, and
tional thing.”
we took out about 100 feet of linear stuff that
He added what he calls a serenity garden
had little blue specks about every 2 inches. I
so when clients are faced with a life-oroutside
called her and asked if she had berber carpet.
they have a place where they
situation,
death
She swore she had no berber carpet and I said,
can go and reflect, think or just relax.
‘It sure looks like that, but we can’t say for sure.’
For information go to www.baymooringsaniShe called back when she remembered she had
malhospital.com
a throw rug out front that was berber and it was
Pride & Joy
A Woman on a Mission
By Jackie Minniti
It all started 10 years ago with a walk on the
beach. Sally McDermott, an Iowa native, had recently moved to Tierra Verde with her husband, Michael,
a retired Air Force pilot. Strolling along the shore in
Pass-a-Grille, Sally noticed a small church. Intrigued,
she decided to check it out. “I was born and raised in
a Congregational church, so I stopped in,” she
recalls. “I picked up a hymnal and opened it, and
there were the songs I knew from childhood. It felt
like home.” So Sally decided to join the Pass-a-Grille
Community Church, and now, ten years later, she
serves as its Mission Outreach Committee chair.
Volunteering is something that comes naturally
to Sally. “I come from a big family,” she says. “We
were poor, but we didn’t know it. We were taught
that you always give and were raised to help everybody. Our house was always open to anyone who
needed a meal. My mom is 93 years old, and she still
does Christmas shoeboxes for kids.”
This tradition of giving continued into Sally’s
married life. “During our first years of marriage, we
opened our home to the Officer Training School
candidates who didn’t have family. There was always
a pot of chili on the stove for anyone who was alone.
Michael and I feel that it’s important to be involved
in giving back. That’s the way we raised out children
and the way they raised theirs.”
Pass-a-Grille Beach Community Church
describes itself as “a local church with a global mission.” The church’s Mission Outreach Committee is
comprised of church volunteers who give of their
time and talents through service projects to local,
national and world charities. These charities include
Habitat for Humanity, the Ronald McDonald
House at All Children’s Hospital, Pinellas Hope (an
emergency shelter for over 250 homeless adults), the
YMCA Family Village (a housing center for families
in transition), and the Good Samaritan Mission in
Wimauma (a center that serves migrant families). In
addition, once each year, a group of adult church
members travels to an area of the country that has
been impacted by a natural disaster to help rebuild
the community. They went to New Orleans after
Hurricane Katrina, and for the last two years, members traveled to Point Pleasant Beach, NJ, to help
with clean-up after Hurricane Sandy.
In addition to these ongoing, long-term activities,
Sally has a few pet projects of her own. During her
two-year tenure as committee chair, she has worked
with Safe Harbor, an emergency shelter designed to
provide a safe haven for the homeless. She has also
developed several projects in conjunction with the
St. Petersburg Free Clinic, an organization that provides assistance with food, shelter and health care to
the underserved in the community. The Mission
Committee has organized ongoing food and toiletry
Sally McDermott, a member of the Pass-Grille
Community Church Mission Outreach Committee,
served as its chair. She got her volunteer spirit from
her mom who taught her children to help everybody.
collections, and members help prepare food for
Beacon House, the transitional residence for homeless men. These programs are near and dear to Sally’s
heart because she feels “blessed” that she and her
husband have been able to provide a stable, loving
home for their children. She hopes the Mission’s
efforts will help others do the same.
Sally’s term as committee Chair will come to an
end this year, but it will not be the end of her volunteer work. She intends to continue her tradition of
helping those in need and serving as an example of
what it means to “Love thy neighbor.”
For more information about the Pass-a-Grille
Community Church Mission Outreach Committee,
go to www.pagchurch.org.
Ghost Stories
Fink Finley of Tampa Theatre
By Melanie Coleman Simon
Scanning the St. Pete Times for things to do in
October, Sara found just what she was looking for: a
Lights Off Paranormal Investigation at the historic
Tampa Theatre on Franklin Street.
Gary and Virginia Waters from Fire and Ice, an
investigation group, guided Sara and about 30
other guests.
The tour began under the theatre’s ‘blade sign’
marquee then into a lavishly styled Mediterranean
courtyard adorned with gargoyle statues, then into
the lobby adorned with cherubs. The participants
could feel the eyes of the cherubs following as they
moved around. Stars twinkled on the ceiling above
their eager heads creating a realistic-looking night sky.
The theatre opened in 1926 at 711 Franklin St. in
the heart of downtown Tampa. This was a time when
moviegoers paid 25¢ cents for two hours of royal
treatment, including movies viewed from velvet lined
seats, and massive bathrooms with attendants.
By the ‘60s, downtown Tampa was changing as
people moved to the suburbs. Audiences declined
and the Tampa Theatre was facing demolition until
the city rescued the place, restoring and reopening it
in January, 1977.
As the group proceeded into the main theatre, the
stage itself with its uncanny low light and a single
baby grand piano was a bit unnerving. Sara and her
party settled into the lavish seats. A guide leaned on
a ghost light in the center of the stage, and said in the
vaudeville days the staff left a light on at night so spirits could come out and perform. He was quick to
note the spirits were friendly; just souls lingering out
of habit more than anything.
Sara had been loaned an EMF meter, a hand held
tool, like those seen in “Ghostbusters,” that picks up
energy levels with electronics to denote an entity. As
Sara listened her EMF went crazy, shooting up to the
top five red bars, it stopped abruptly. Several others
used their gadgets and got some readings as well.
Another patron had a thermocouple which measured
The old projection room is home to the spirit of
Foster “Fink” Finely who was the projectionist
at the historic theater from 1930 until his death
in 1961. Inset: Tour participants could feel the
eyes of cherubs following them around.
a 20 degree temperature drop.
After the story, the guide looked Sara straight in
the eye with a grin on his face and informed her she
was sitting in seat 308; the seat where ‘the man in the
fedora’ has been spotted on numerous occasions.
Sara was the first lucky patron of the night.
The group winded its way up to a dated projection
booth where the theatre’s best ghost story awaited.
Foster Finley (nicknamed Fink) was the projectionist
from 1930 until he died in 1965. As the story goes,
Finley was very dedicated to his job. He would arrive
by bus everyday at 8 a.m. dressed in a suit and tie,
with his customary cigarette dangling out of the corner of his mouth. His joking manner and liveliness
made patrons and coworkers always feel welcome.
After his death, moviegoers and staff reported seeing apparitions across the screen as well as other
“experiences” in the projection booth.
The group took numerous pictures in the booth
desperately searching for orbs in their lenses. Sara
hung back; sure she could get some vibe once the
others left. She had spied a smaller room off the back
of the booth past the large reels and other machinery,
so she slipped back into the darkness to check it out.
She found a door. As she tried the knob someone
tapped her on the shoulder. She figured it was the
tour guide, but no one was there.
“Fink, is that you?” she whispered. Suddenly
one of the reels started to turn. Sara dashed back
to the projection window and peered out. An old
black and white movie was playing on the velvet
curtain. There was Burt Lancaster and an unfamiliar woman in his arms.
The reel stopped suddenly as the projection
room door slammed shut. “Uh oh,” thought Sara.
“This doesn’t feel right.” She dashed the short distance to the door to pull it open. It opened, but
it quickly slammed shut. “Not funny Fink. Open
the door.” This time when she pulled it open the
tour guide was on the other side with a not-sohappy look on his face.
“Please stay with the group,” he said with a scowl.
Sara didn’t tell him what just happened and she
could tell from the reaction no one heard or saw the
film playing on the stage below; the theatre was dead
quiet. As she followed the guide out of the booth
she stole one last look back and saw smoke as if from
a lingering cigarette and, on closer inspection, what
appeared to be a face at the back of the booth.
There were more stories as the group meandered
through the rest of the theatre. No one ever mentioned the film. The tour ended at 2 a.m. The walk
back to her car was quiet. If only these old buildings
could talk. If only we could be better listeners
thought Sara.
Compass Grille Gets New Menu, New Look
By TIR Staff
“I might be the chef, but I like my cooks to shine.
The chefs at the Sirata Beach Resort and
So, when you come in you’re not just eating my
Conference Center have been cooking up some origfood, you’re eating our
inal culinary treats for the grand openfood,” said Colton. “You
ing of the new Compass Grille slated
can’t go wrong with a classic
for Jan. 9.
New York Strip steak,” he
“It’s a whole new dining destinasays when it comes to pertion,” according to the Sirata.
sonal recommendations. “If
The American-style restaurant
you are looking to be a little
serves breakfast lunch and dinner, and
more adventurous, try the
has a small plates menu available at
Tequila Citrus Jerk Chicken
the bar. Rocko Colton, Compass chef,
including fried plantains
and his team worked with Executive
The
Compass
Grille
has
a
new
look
with a little tequila, a lot of
Chef Jimmy Christiano to cultivate
and new menu. A grand opening
citrus
– it’s fantastic.” The
the menu they say takes food in a new
is scheduled for Jan. 9.
restaurant
also features many
direction.
Photo courtesy of the Sirata Beach Resort.
seafood dishes including ones with fresh, local Gulf
grouper and scallops.
In addition to the new food menu, the libations
are plentiful with racks of wine to choose from and
local craft beer including Cigar City Brewing and
Florida Avenue Brewing, both based in Tampa; and 3
Daughters Brewing from St. Petersburg.
The restaurant has been remade as well with a
taupe and cream exterior, new floors, an open-floor
concept and expanded bar area.
“We decided that we needed to branch out and get
a little more of the local flare and local flavors in
here,” said Colton. Just looking for a classic cocktail?
Compass Grille has that too.
For information go to www.sirata.com.
A Reason to Remember
By Betsy Judge
A silhouette of a bowed head, a prison tower
and a single strand of barbed wire in a white circle
on black now grace the flagpoles in Treasure
Island. The POW/MIA flags are a reminder for
people to never forget the 83,000-plus American
Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action.
The first POW/MIA flag was presented to
Mayor Bob Minning on Veterans Day by members of America Legion Post 158 in Treasure
Island. Ike Royster, the post commander, credits
Jim Ostrander, the post adjutant, for coming up
with the idea in October. After receiving the first
flag on Nov. 7, the mayor accepted a follow-on
invitation to receive additional flags for all the city
owned poles.
“The prisoner of war flag is a symbol created by
the wife of Navy Lt. Cmdr. Michael Hoff, who
was listed as missing in action in 1970 in
Vietnam,” said keynote speaker Jim Moyer, chairman of the board for the Central Florida USO,
and founder and chairman of The Ride Home
which honors former POWs and MIAs and their
family members.
Mary Hoff was a member of what was then
the National League of Families of American
Prisoners in Southeast Asia, now the National
League of POW/MIA Families; a group established to spread awareness about the mistreatment
of POWs in the war. She wanted a flag to serve as
a symbol of their organization and a reminder of
those we were captured or missing. She contacted
Annin Flagmakers of Verona N.J., the country's
oldest and largest flag-maker for help.
They agreed and Newt Heisley, a graphic
designer and WWII pilot, was tapped to work
with Hoff on the design. According to Moyer, it
Jim Moyer, chairman of the board for the Central
Florida USO, and founder and chairman of The Ride
Home, (left) explains the history of the POW/MIA flag
to participants at a flag presentation in late November.
Flags were presented by members of American Legion
Post 158 to Mayor Bob Minning, second from left.
Also pictured are Post Commander Ike Royster,
third from left, and adjutant Jim Ostrander.
was Heisley’s son Jeffrey whose silhouette is on
the flag.
“Jeffrey was returning from Marine training at
Quantico, Va. after becoming ill with hepatitis …
If you can imagine Jeffrey’s appearance with hepatitis; he was gaunt to say the least - drawn.” He
was almost unrecognizable to his dad who
thought his appearance could be that of someone
who survived a period of captivity.
The flag was presented to the league in 1971.
According to Moyer it was raised over the White
House in 1988, the first flag beside the national
ensign to fly there. It was also the first flag in 1989
to be mounted and displayed in the capital rotunda. As a congressionally recognized national
ensign it is the only other flag authorized to fly on
the same staff as the American flag.
“Many states have issued legislation to fly the
flag every day as a reminder that we will not forget,” added Moyer, “and we hope that maybe we
can convince the great City of Treasure Island to
consider such a resolution - that it will fly here
every day until all Americans are brought home.”
One by one, members of the legion presented
the mayor with a flag until he had enough for the
city.
“Let me just say as I’m receiving these, that on
behalf of the city, we are privileged and we are
honored to be part of this, and we will be willing
and happy to issue a proclamation to be sure that
the flags fly on our flagpoles proudly from now
on,” said the mayor. “And if we find a few more
flagpoles will ask you for more flags.”
The mayor was also presented with a challenge
coin from The Ride Home and a medal that was
worn by a former prisoner of war during last year’s
POW/MIA Recognition Day in late September.
“When you see the flag, take a moment, please,
and remember those who still wait to come home.
Right now we have over 83,000 Americans who
have not come home, 83,000 American families
wait for them. That’s what the flag represents.
Remember them, please, every time you see the
flag,” Moyer requested.
The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919. With 2.3 million
POW/MIA continued on page 19
It’s Alive…
Not Letting Go…
and More…
By Wayne Shattuck
It’s Alive… Out in space, something has
awakened. After nine years and a journey of 3
billion miles, NASA’s New Horizons robotic
probe was brought out of its deep sleep last
month. Jostled awake it will begin an unprecedented mission to study the icy dwarf planet
Pluto and its sister objects in their Kuiper Belt
home. The scientific observation of Pluto, its
entourage of moons and other bodies in the
solar system’s frozen backyard is scheduled to
begin in mid-January. So what is the Kuiper
Belt? It’s a region of icy mini planets orbiting
the sun beyond Neptune that are believed to be
leftovers from the formation of the solar system
4.6 billion years ago. It is the last unexplored
region of our solar system. Back to Pluto. Since
its discovery in 1930, Pluto has been a mystery.
Scientists struggled to explain why a planet with
a radius of just 740 miles (about half the width
of the U.S.) could come to exist beyond the
giant worlds of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and
Neptune. Maybe now we can begin to find out.
Not Letting Go… A Canadian family lived
with a corpse in an upstairs bedroom for six
months because they believed the deceased man
would be resurrected if they prayed hard
enough. Unfortunately, before that could happen, the body was discovered when the family
was evicted for not paying the mortgage. Kaling
Wald, 50, pleaded guilty to failing to notify
police that her husband had died and was sentenced to probation and counseling. Peter
Wald, 52, died in March 2013 of what authorities believe were natural causes following a foot
infection linked to diabetes. His wife left him in
bed and sealed up the bedroom in their
Hamilton, Ontario home to prevent the odor of
decomposition from disturbing the busy household, which included five of the couple’s six
children, as well as other adults living in the
home. The corpse was discovered in September
2013 when the local sheriff arrived to evict the
family after they defaulted on the mortgage. It
had attracted rodents and was badly decomposed, but the family had packed his things in
preparation for the eviction and did not try to
hide the corpse. Kaling Wald’s attorney said his
client now understands what the law requires
and promises not to do the same thing again.
But That’s Not All…. Back in the Middle
Ages, the cramped living quarters, even for most
nobles, and the lack of central heating did much
to foster togetherness. It was not uncommon
for nobles to have huge beds (12 feet wide) that
allowed the noble, his wife, their children, some
servants, and key members of the lord’s “fellowship” (his knights) to sleep together in the dead
of winter.
For the latest weather information go to…
www.abcactionnews.com/weather.
TRIVIA ANSWERS
1.a 2.b 3.b 4.c 5.a 6.b 7.c 8.a 9.c 10.b
Fish Tales
By Kiven Davidek
The water temperatures should bottom out this
month in the 55 to 60 degree range. With the
water that cold the number of species to target is
minimal, but sheepshead, redfish, black drum and
flounder will still be active in the cold water.
Sheepshead should be the main target for
January. With a strict diet of crustaceans, they are
drawn to the pilings which are covered in barnacles. They will eat fiddler crabs, shrimp, sand fleas,
barnacles and tube worms. Use a small #2 hook
with 24 inches of 20 to 25 lb. fluorocarbon leader.
Add a split shot heavy enough to get your bait
down and fish vertical, right next to a piling down
to the lower third of the structure. You will see fish
eating barnacles off the pilings. They will not take
your bait when they are being watched - if you see
them and they see you. Drop your bait past them
in the water column to other fish out of your view.
The sheepshead’s bite is very subtle. Watch your
line for movement and set the hook. Minimum
size is 12 inches.
We have seen quite a few black drum being
caught lately. Keeper fish are 14 to 24 inches with
a limit of five per day, and you can keep one fish
over 24 inches. Black drum search the bottom for
food using their sense of smell. They will eat
shrimp and crab fished on the bottom. Black drum
over 28 inches should be released for breeding
purposes. Fish that large also have worms in their
meat.
Redfish have also been hanging around the
dock. Sizes range from 15 to 27 inches. Just like
their brothers the black drum, they search the bottom for food using smell. Fish under the docks
using shrimp (live or dead), crabs or any fresh cut
bait. Most fish have been in the keeper slot range
of 17 to 27 inches.
The flounder bite has been up and down. With
each passing cold front, we get a couple of days of
real dirty water due to the high winds. Flounder
are masters of camouflage and ambush passing
bait fish. With dirty water their vision is reduced
which minimizes your chance of getting a bait or
jig in their sight. The cleaner the water gets the better your chances for a bite. When they do bite,
count to ten before trying to pull the fish off the
bottom so the hook gets in the mouth.
Be respectful of all fish. If not within the legal
sizes please release them in a timely manner. It is
your responsibility to know the Florida fish limits,
if unsure please ask us at the pier and we will be
happy to help you out.
Thanks, Merry Pier.
Kiven Davidek - Captains the Shell Key Shuttle
and manages the Merry Pier bait and tackle department.
Notable Achievements
Giving to Others
Members of the Pass-a-Grille
Women’s Club cooked dinner for 40
people at Ronald McDonald House.
They baked and delivered brownies,
and cleaned and filled old prescription
bottles with hair products for Day Star
Life Center. They also clipped and
organized Labels for Education for
Gulf Beaches School.
Photo courtesy of PAGWC.
An Award
Winner
POW/MIA continued from page 17
members, it is the nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization and is, according to their
website, committed to mentoring youth, sponsoring community programs, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and devotion to fellow service members and
veterans.
“To join the American Legion you need to
have a DD 214 (report of separation from the
service) and you have to be a wartime veteran
with an honorable discharge,” says Royster.
“Wartime does not mean you had to serve in
action, but you have had to been a member of the
Armed Forces during a period that the United
States was engaged.”
It is composed of the legion, the Sons of the
Legion and the Legion Riders who perform charitable work benefitting local children's hospitals,
schools, veterans homes, severely wounded service members and families. The American Legion
Auxiliary has almost 1 million women members
and is a separate but related organization with a
broader community focus.
To learn more about the American Legion
go to www.legion.org. For an application to join
Post 158 in Treasure Island call 727-363-8375.
Tampa Bay Watch environmental scientist Martha
Gruber received a Disney
Conservation Hero Award
from the Disney Worldwide
Conservation Fund (DWCF).
It recognizes individuals for
saving wildlife, protecting
habitats and educating communities. Each honoree receives
$1,500 from DWCF.
Photo courtesy of Tampa Bay Watch.
A “Got
Science”
Champ
Eckerd College marine
science Professor David
Hastings, Ph.D., was
named one of five “Got
Science” Champions for
2014 by the Union of
Concerned Scientists. He
was honored for his efforts to educate Gov. Rick Scott on climate change. HBO's John Oliver also was honored.
Photo courtesy of Eckerd College.
Masonic Angels
More than 20 members of the Gulf
Beach Masonic Lodge took shifts at
the Salvation Army Angel Tree booth
in Tyrone Mall. The program is a
community partnership effort that
provides holiday gifts to needy children in the community.
Photo courtesy of Gulf Beach Masonic Lodge.
American Legion Post Adjutant Jim Ostrander, right,
helps hoist the American and POW/MIA flags in front
of City Hall. The legion donated enough flags for all
city poles. Two city flagpoles cannot accommodate
a second flag due to adjacent objects.
Puzzlers can find the
answers to all these
brain teasers at
www.TheIslandReporter.com
under “Puzzles”
ANSWERS ON PAGE 18
Local Events, Activities & Announcements
Gulfport
Jan. 2: Mini Health & Nutrition Fair,
Noon - 6 p.m. JWest Prostate Cancer Foundation.
Register for the 8K Run & Walk on Sat., Jan. 3.
Vendors and cash bar. Free and open to the public.
Casino Ballroom, 5500 Shore Blvd. S. Info at 954615-7354.
Jan. 2 & 17: Gulfport Art-Walk, 6 - 10 p.m.
Beach Blvd. S., Waterfront District.
Jan. 3: 5th Annual JWest Prostate Cancer
8K, 2015 Gulfport New Years Race-Olution,
8 a.m. - Noon. Register at active.com (search: Jwest
Prostate Cancer Inaugural Run 8K) 5500 Shore
Blvd. S. Info at 954-615-7354.
Jan. 10: Gulfport Neighbors Cleanup,
9 -11 a.m. Shelter #4, Gulfport Beach Waterfront
Complex.
Jan. 9: Art Exhibition and Reception, Linda
Worshamt, 4 - 6 p.m. Free. Catherine Hickman
Theater. Info at 727-893-1118.
Jan. 11: Walking Tour of Old Gulfport,
2 p.m. Learn what Gulfport looked like in the early
days followed by an old-fashioned tea party and discussion. $10 includes illustrated guide book
and map. Registration required. Gulfport Historical
Museum,
5301
28th
Ave.
S.
Email
[email protected].
Jan. 13: Clothing Swap to Benefit CASA
during Gulfport Fresh Market, 9 a.m. 1 p.m. 7 p.m. Art Village Courtyard, corner of Beach Blvd.
S. and 29th Ave. S. Info at 727-453-9093 or 727-9022326.
Jan. 16: City of Gulfport Arbor Day, 3:30 p.m.
Free seedlings while supplies last. Dog Park, 2726
54th St. S. Ave. S. Info at 727-893-1118.
Jan. 17: Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service,
8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. This day recognizes service projects that make a difference. Create a team and a
project, learn more and register at http://mygulfport.us/mlkdayofservice/. Info at 727-893-1118.
Gulfport Public Library: Go to events at
www.mygulfport.us/gpl for library events or visit at
5501 28th Ave. S.
Each Week
Gulfport Fresh Market: Tuesday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Gulfport Toastmasters: Wednesdays, 6:15 - 7:30
p.m. Community Room, Gulfport Public Library.
5501 28th Ave. S. Info at 727-537-9098, [email protected] or gulfporttoastmasters.com.
Throughout the Month
Gulfport Casino: Dance Lessons. $5 for members, $7 for non-members. Gulfport Casino: 5500
Shore Blvd. S. Times and other details in the calendar at www.mygulfport.us.
Senior Center Events: Calendar available at
www.gulfportseniorfoundation.org or info at 727893-1231.
Madeira Beach
Jan. 22 & 24: Old Salt Johnny Kellar Inshore
Tournament. Captains Party Jan. 22, Fishing
Jan. 24. Annual Inshore fishing tournament,
food and fun. $25 registration. Info at
www.OldSaltFishing.org.
Each Week
Wednesdays: Madeira Beach Morning Market,
9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Open air market in downtown
Madeira Beach. 80 Vendors with everything from
arts to hydroponic, locally grown produce. Info at
800-992-9023 and www.thebeachmarkets.com.
St. Pete Beach
Jan. 10-11: Corey Area Craft Festival,
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Jan. 24: St. Pete Beach Community Yard Sale,
8 a.m. - Noon. Buy or sell. 10’ x 10’ space, $15 for
SPB Residents, $17.50, non-residents. 7701 Boca
Ciega Dr. For info or to reserve a space, call (727)
363-9245.
Feb. 7: Mark Your Calendars - Valentine’s
Concert – Music for Lovers, 4 p.m. With critically acclaimed Todd William Donovan, BassBaritone, Georgene Williams, Soprano, and accompanist Dale Williams. Tickets $10 w/post concert
light refreshments. Sponsored by the Women’s
Fellowship of Pass-A-Grille Beach Community
Church. 107 16th Ave. Info at 727-360-5508 or
www.pagchurch.org
Feb. 11: Mark Your Calendars - Awakening
Faith, 7 - 9 p.m. Reconnect with your Catholic
faith. Each Wednesday for six weeks. No cost, no
registration, everyone welcome. Info at 727-3601147 Ext. 232 or [email protected].
Each Week
Saturdays: Pass-a-Grille Art Mart, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Treasures by local artists. Adjacent to Paradise
Grille, 900 Gulf Way. Info at www.suntanart.org.
Sunday Market, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Fresh farm
produce, food, plants, flowers, jewelry, art, crafts,
live music and artists. Suntan Art Center,
3300 Gulf Blvd. Info at 727-367-3818 or www.suntanart.org.
Corey Sunday Market, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Up to
75 vendors with an emphasis on local fresh,
hydroponic and organic veggies,gourmet take out
treats, and locally made crafts. Live Music. Info at
www.coreyave.com.
St. Pete Beach Public Library. Check the
library section of www.stpetebeach.org for the latest
events.
Each Month
Pass-a-Grille Shuffleboard Club, Play each
Tue., Thur., & Sat., 10 a.m. No experience necessary. Pass-a-Grille Way btw 9th and 10th Ave. Info
at 727 360-1858 or 612-750-5361.
St. Petersburg
Jan. 8: South Pinellas County Retired
Educators Association (SPCREA) Meeting,
11 a.m. Open to all who have worked in the field
of education. Laura D. Woods, Library Media
Program Coordinator, Pinellas County Schools,
will discuss e-readers, iPads, and Kindles (bring
yours if you wish). Teppanyaki Grill, 391 34th St.
N. Info at [email protected].
Jan. 17: 1st Annual Silent Art Auction for
Pediatric Cancer Foundation, 12:30 - 4:30 p.m.
More than 100 paintings by local artists up for bid,
wine tasting, nibbles from local restaurants, music,
face painting for kids, $1/1 minute massages. All
proceeds for the Pediatric Cancer Foundation.
1572 Central Ave. Info at 727-821-3700.
Jan. 11, 18 & 25: Saint Mary, Our Lady of
Grace, Winter Concert Series, 3 p.m. Jan. 11:
“Operatini” by the Saint Petersburg Opera
Company, Jan. 18: “The Gratta-Mozelle Duo.”
Music for Violincello and Keybaord. Jan. 25: Flute
Festival Three:“Music in Motion.” The Tampa Bay
Flute Choir. Sponsorships available. 515 4th St. S.
Info at 727-896-2191.
Jan. 16: Military Officers Association of St.
Petersburg luncheon, 11 a.m. Social hour followed
by lunch and short program. Retired, active duty
and former officers and their spouses invited. The
Bayou Club, 7979 Bayou Club Blvd., Largo. RSVP
to 360-2936.
Feb. 7: Mark Your Calendars - Localicious,
10 a.m. - 5 p.m. A community celebration of all
things local. Over 100 vendors/participants. Arts &
culture, shopping, eating & drinking, health & wellness + service providers and non-profits. Local
craft beer garden, Local food court, live music.
Williams Park, 330 2nd Ave. N. Info at www.keepstpetersburglocal.
Treasure Island
Jan. 8: Suncoast Dixieland Jazz Society
Concert, 7 - 9 p.m. Bobby Tess and the Dixie
Chaps. $10. Students and military free. Crystal
Sands Ballroom, Bilmar Beach Resort, 10650 Gulf
Blvd. Info at 727-522-6877
Each Week
Thursday Bingo, 6:45 p.m., early bird,
7:45 p.m., regular. Cash prizes. Snack bar and free
coffee. Hosted by the Treasure Islettes. Treasure
Island Community Center 1 Park Place and 106th
Avenue.
Seminars and Classes
St. Pete Sail and Power Squadron Seminars,
Students must be 12 or older and pre-registration is
required. Maximum of 20 students per class.
Classes are held at the St Petersburg Sailing Center,
250 2nd Ave SE, Demens Landing. Class details
and registration at www.boating-st.pete.org under
Seminars.
Jan. 5: Americas Boating Course, 7 - 9 p.m.
Seven week series covers required safety equipment, boat handling, rules of the road, navigation
aids, anchoring, adverse conditions, communications, trailering, PWC operation, knots and lines,
charts and more. Materials: $40 per Family.
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 78 Safe
Boating Classes, 7 p.m., each Tuesday. A 12-week
continuous cycle of classes; start at your convenience; includes 400 pages of materials. Arrive first
time at 6:30 p.m. to register. $45 for 12 weeks ($60
for couples sharing a manual). Call Jim at 727-3604846, Warren at 727-321-7801, or Phil at 727-8652226. 1500 Pass-a-Grille Way, St. Pete Beach.
Jan. 6: Waterway Watch\Trailering Your Boat;
Jan. 13: Boating Safety, Jan. 20: Piloting Your Boat,
Jan. 27: Powering Your Boat
Each Week:
Treasure Island Art Guild Workshops,
Wed. - Fri. Member and Non-Member prices. Info
at treasureislandartguild.org.
All Month:
St. Pete Beach Recreation Center Classes,
Classes in art, dance, self defense for women and a
variety of other topics throughout the month.
Classes for kids too. Go to www.spbrec.com for a
complete listing or call 727-363-9245.
Each Month
Suncoast Hospice Caregiver Education and
Support, Gain new skills, self-confidence and emotional support with Suncoast Hospice’s caregiver
programs. Info at www.suncoasthospice.org/caregivers
St. Petersburg General Hospital Community
Support Groups, Weekly support groups con various areas of concern. Visit www.StPeteGeneral.com
and select Classes & Events under Patients &
Visitors tab.
BUSINESS CARD DIRECTORY & COUPONS
CLASSIFIED ADS
HELP WANTED
HEALTH CLUB JOB OPENINGS. P/T
Front Desk for 10 hrs/wk Instructors for yoga,
spinning, zumba & tai chi. Fit For Life - St
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SERVICES
QUIT SMOKING - Cold Laser Therapy d rug f ree ww w. LaserHeal t hU S A . co m.
Call Holistic Helen 727-341-1200.
JOSEPH LIPINSKI, Attorney at Law, St.
Petersburg, 727-643-8964.
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RESERVE A BUSINESS CARD OR CLASSIFIED SPACE TODAY! Email: [email protected]
Classifieds: 20 words - $20/month or $50/3 months Black/White Business Card Ads: $50 or buy 3, Get 1 FREE
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For information on placing a network ad that will run throughout many of Florida’s community newspapers,
contact the classified department at 727-397-5563, or via email at [email protected]
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The Island Reporter Picture Page
A Merry Jingle Bell Run
Thousands of runners participated in
the 32nd Annual Boley Center’s Jingle
Bell Run which started at Spa Beach.
In addition to the festive run there was
snow, neon face painting, entertainment
and vendors. The race raised money for
Boley Centers, Inc., a not-for-profit
organization serving individuals with
mental disabilities, homeless and youths.
TIR Staff Photos.
Making Christmas Bright
Pinellas County employees rolled 48 new
bicycles out of the county courthouse for
delivery to pre-approved families that are
clients of the county’s Human Services
department. County employees have
donated money throughout the past
28 years to go toward the purchase of
the bicycles, helmets and locks.
Photos courtesy of Pinellas County Communications
Making the Season Bright
Everyone’s eyes were aglow as Christmas arrived
at St. John Vianney Catholic School. The school
community welcomed the season with their annual
tree lighting celebration full of singing, crafts,
jingle bell hay rides, and visits with Santa!
Photos by Heidi Lepley.
A Bella Ball
Let it Snow, Let it Snow,
Let it Snow
More than 150 children and families enjoyed building
snowmen, throwing snowballs and sledding down a
snowy hill at The Littlest Trunk’s Frozen holiday
party. Elsa, Olaf and Santa were also there.
The Belle Vista Community turned out en masse
for their 11th annual Christmas party. Many
new families with children attended and Santa Clause
arrived in his Red convertible. There was
festive music by Levi Higgs of A Plus Productions
and the pot luck contributions took up six tables.
Photos courtesy of Cher Hansort.
Photos by Franco Ripple.
ISLAND TOONS
W. Norris
By Bruce
REDUCED
Coast to Coast
727-867-8633
150 Pinellas Bayway, Tierra Verde, FL 33715
WATERFRONT TOWNHOME $469,900
3 bedroom/3bath 2100 sq. ft., with boat
slip and 13,000 lbs. lift is “move in” ready
and offers all the amenities of a single
family home. Open floor plan invites
elegant living and entertaining. Designer
kitchen with center isle, granite counters
and breakfast bar. First living level
den/office could also function as a 3rd
bedroom with its own Jack and Jill style
bathroom. Master suite has a jetted tub, separate shower and double
sink vanity and large California style walk-in closet. Guest quarters
with full ensuite bathroom. 2 car garage, “man cave”/bonus room
with full bath, great for those wonderful football and boat parties.
To preview, call Gabrielle Bettig, Realtor 727-385-9017
REDUCED
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1. Oceanview Drive. Estate Sized
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Associate/Broker 727-647-0813.
Reduced to $590,000.
2. FABULOUS 1 &1/3 Acre lot in the
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Call Randall Ierna, Realtor,
727-647-0813.
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Beautifully remodeled and tastefully
appointed 2/2 on Isla Del Sol. This 1st
floor unit boasts a great water view,
new kitchen counters, cabinets, water
heater and refrigerator. New bath room
counters, cabinets, and hard wood
floors. Minimum rental is 7 days, unit
has a good history and comes fully
furnished. List price is $305,000. Call Jacqi Dockery, Realtor @
727-424-3700 for further information or showings.
We need more inventory, and would love to add your property to our rental inventory to be featured on our web sites. Our team of professionals have been serving your community for over 25 years. CALL US TODAY!

PAG Homeowners to Share Their Treasures City Hall, Businesses

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