TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Guild Members Like To Stitch And Talk About Quilts

ADVERTISEMENT

By BARBARA ROUTEN

Tribune correspondent

Published: July 2, 2008

BRANDON - BRANDON - The Piecemakers Quilt Guild invites anyone interested in quilts and quilt making to join them July 14 and the second Monday of every month in the gym at First United Methodist Church of Brandon, 120 Knights Ave. N. Socializing starts at 6:30 p.m., and meetings start at 7.

Members' ages range from the 20s to nearly 80. Some are beginning their first quilts, while others, like guild founder Claudia Ingram of Valrico, are seasoned experts.

Ingram's home is decorated with many quilts of myriad designs, including one fashioned to look like an American flag.

She said she and her mother, the late Jeanne Fritz, formerly of Valrico, and her best friend, Nancy Mitchell, also of Valrico, wanted to make something for the fourth of July one year. Her father, the late Lt. Col. Frederick Fritz, was in the Air Force, and her husband, Col. Walter C. Ingram, was in the Army, she said.

"I found a flag pattern that should have been a one-day project but turned into a one-and-a-half-week project," Ingram said. "I keep mine up year round. Nancy displays hers between Flag Day and the Fourth of July."
Piecemakers Quilt Guild meetings are educational, and their quilting bees are as social as they are functional.

Dues are $15 per year for members. Guests may attend a meeting at no charge. For information, call Ingram at (813) 689-9172.
Piano Recital is Finale For Teacher, Author

SEFFNER - After years of lessons and months of preparation, four of Debora M. Coty's piano students performed in a final recital June 1 at Coty's home in Seffner. Coty is retiring after teaching 20 years to pursue a writing career.

The musicians, Kelly Barton, Jessica Eaton, Jessica Squitieri and Hope Plourde will continue studying music with other instructors.

Coty, who also has worked 29 years as an occupational therapist, said she is not ready to let go of that career. However, two of her books have been published and she has contracts for seven more - historical novels, women's humor and devotionals.

"Heavenly Humor for the Woman's Soul," released in May, "is a collection of the writings of a dozen inspirational humorists, including Patsy Clairmont, Anita Renfroe and Martha Bolton," Coty said.

"Patsy and Anita tour with the Women of Faith conferences," she said. "Anita's rendition of a hilarious ode to motherhood set to the tune of 'The William Tell Overture' on YouTube set all kinds of records for hits ... and made her a national sensation.

"Martha Bolton is the author of more than 50 humor books ... and was a comedy writer for Bob Hope," Coty said.

"I consider it a major honor for me to be included in that elite group. Ten of my funny stories are featured in 'Heavenly Humor,' and I was surprised and thrilled to find one of mine won the coveted first position," she said. "I wish I could continue teaching, but alas, something has to go to free up more time for my ... book contracts."

For information about Coty and her book release dates, visit www.deboracoty.com.

Boy Scouts Honor Adults

VALRICO - The Timucua District of the Gulf Ridge Council of the Boy Scouts of America realizes many adult leaders are needed to make a successful Boy Scouts program and holds an annual adult awards presentation.

Outstanding leaders were recognized May 8 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Valrico.

The District Award of Merit, the most prestigious award a district can present, was awarded to Earl Richardson, Michael Van Hoek, Dean Snyder and Daniel Kelly, all of the Timucua District.

Garden Club Taps New Officers

RIVERVIEW - The Riverview Garden Club welcomed a new president, Marlene Kirst, and vice president, Nancy Dulin, at its meeting June 11 at the Riverview Civic Center. Cathy McDaniel will continue serving as secretary and Mary Wilson as treasurer for another year.

The scholarship committee, made up of Wilson; Eileen Foley, chairwoman; Gale Lee, retiring club president; Rose Gibson and Susan Miller, chose Alan Franck to receive the club's third annual scholarship award of $1,000.

Franck, who is majoring in botany at the University of South Florida, attended the luncheon meeting.

The club will take a hiatus in July and August, then resume its regular meeting schedule Sept.10. Members meet at 10 a.m. the second Wednesday of each month.

For information, call Kirst at (813) 653-1459.

Ready To Explore Becoming A Teacher?

TAMPA - Anyone with a bachelor's degree in any field who might consider becoming a teacher is invited to attend one of two free information sessions hosted by Hillsborough Community College's Educator Preparation Institute from 10 a.m. to noon July 19 and Aug. 16.

The sessions will be held in Administration Center rooms 116-117 at HCC's Brandon campus, 10414 Columbus Dr. E., Tampa.

The college offers a 21-credit-hour educator preparation program that provides an alternative way of starting a teaching career. Information about course requirements, descriptions, schedules and fees will be discussed at the sessions and is available at www.hccfl.edu/epi/.

The college also has campuses in Tampa, Ybor City and Plant City and learning centers in Ruskin and on MacDill Air Force base in Tampa. For information, call (813) 253-7983 or (813) 253-7945 or write twalker29@hccfl.edu.

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

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT