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Square Dance Caller Going Strong At 97

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By BARBARA ROUTEN, Tribune correspondent

Published: October 10, 2007

Updated: 10/08/2007 09:45 pm

BRANDON - Fred Hladik must have managed to blow out all 97 candles on his birthday cake because his wish - to call another square dance - came true Oct. 28 at a Halloween dance at the Brandon Community Center. He had been a professional caller in the 1930s and '40s and is 'a full-time, valued member of the Bay Area Twirlers Square Dance Club,' said Patricia Wells, first vice president.

That evening, Hladik brought to the dance one of his own old records, 'The Rose of San Anton.'

Doc Gray, caller for the evening, set his turntable to accommodate the record and handed over the microphone, and Hladik called the dance.

Afterward, Hladik said, 'I could still be a full-time caller.'

Hladik hitches a ride to the Twirlers' get-togethers with neighbor Alan Wilson.

Hladik 'never misses a dance, he never makes a mistake when dancing and he never slows you down,' Wells said. 'When it is lesson night, he is there to help the new dancers - or a lady without a partner. When we visit other clubs, the single ladies are waiting for him. I expect he'll be at this year's Halloween dance.'

That will take place Oct. 27, three days before his 98th birthday.

New members are welcome at the dances, held from 7 to 9:30 p.m. the second and fourth Saturday of each month. This month's dances will be Saturday and Oct. 27. The cost is $4 per person, per evening.

The Brandon Community Center is at 502 E. Sadie St. For information, call Wells at (813) 659-2434 or e-mail tomn trisha@aol.com.

Methodist Women Selling Pecans

BRANDON - The ladies of the First United Methodist Church, 120 N. Knights Ave., are selling fresh-picked pecans for the 37th year. Shelled halves and pieces come in 5-pound boxes for $32. Specialty items, such as chocolate amaretto pecans, pralines and fancy salted cashews, are available, too.

'Did you know that a handful of pecans every day can significantly reduce cholesterol and heart disease?' said Susan Beecroft, publicity chairwoman for the sale. 'Enjoy the good taste and healthy benefits of fresh-picked pecans and support the church ladies' community projects.'

Orders may be placed by calling Doris Overstreet at (813) 685-8710 or Melissa Voelker at (813) 757-0734, or e-mail Barbara Brooks, pecan sale chairwoman, at bjbrooks @tampabay.rr.com by Nov. 1.

'Only prepaid pecans will be reserved,' Beecroft said. They may be picked up at the church between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Nov. 10 and 12.

Colonial Dames Plan Luncheon Meeting

TAMPA - The Edmund Sheffield Chapter Colonial Dames XVII Century will hold its first meeting of the year at 11 a.m. Oct. 18 at the Palma Ceia Golf and Country Club, 1601 S. MacDill Ave.

Patty Sikes, state president, will share her insights on the state of the Colonial Dames in Florida. Lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m.

The Colonial Dames organization works to preserve the nation's historical records and sites, aid in the education of American youth, commemorate the notable noble deeds of America's founders and maintain virtue, courage and patriotism. The group also is developing a library specific to 17th-century colonial America.

Brandon area residents are active in the Edmund Sheffield chapter.

'We have several members that live in the Brandon, Valrico, Lithia, Riverview areas,' publicity chairwoman Ann Dunlap said. 'Our new president, Dr. Doraine Dorman, lives in Valrico.'

The chapter's new officers for 2007 through 2009 were installed in May. They are Dorman, president; Shelly Jakes, first vice president; Gail Crosby, second vice president; Mary Mixon, chaplain; Sharon Michaelis, recording secretary; Mary Wade, corresponding secretary; Nancy Watkins, treasurer; Virginia Green, registrar; Carolyn Bosbyshell, historian; Jeanne Clewis, li'We always seek new members for the society!' Dorman said. 'We have 55 members and one associate member who is a member of a Mississippi chapter. We have numerous women who attend and are working on their papers to join the Edmund Sheffield Chapter of Colonial Dames XVII Century.'

Qualifications for membership include being a woman of 'good moral character,' according to the Web site www.colonialdames17c.net. Candidates must be at least 18 years old and have documentary proof of being a 'lineal descendant of an ancestor who lived and served prior to 1701 in one of the original colonies in the geographical area of the present United States of America.'

For information about the chapter, call Dunlap at (813) 839-2337.

To Use Library PC, Youth Must Take Safety Class

TAMPA - Children younger than 17 must complete the NetSmartz Internet safety program before they can use a public library to surf the Internet. Officials with the Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative say this will help protect children by teaching them how to recognize dangers online and inform appropriate authorities.

After completing the program, children will receive certificates for free admission to the Lowry Park Zoo, The Florida Aquarium and the Museum of Science & Industry. They also will be entered into a drawing for prizes, including Tampa Bay Buccaneers tickets.

For information, contact the library call center at (813) 273-3652 or visit www.hcplc .org.

Snippets

Congratulations to Thomas M. Ridley on being honored with perpetual membership by the Brandon Masonic Lodge 114 F & AM on Aug. 23 and to Leonard Chambliss upon receipt of a 40-year plaque and recognition pin Sept. 13 from Peter Williams, worshipful master of the lodge. Chambliss has been a master Mason and served as master of the lodge in 1971.

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

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