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Church Women United Awards Annual Scholarships

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By BARBARA ROUTEN

Tribune correspondent

Published: May 28, 2008

BRANDON - Three scholarship winners from Brandon churches were announced at a Church Women United program May 17 at First Presbyterian Church in Brandon. They were Rachel Lynn Parejko of St. Andrews United Methodist Church, Victoria Castrillo of Nativity Catholic Church and Kathryn Gower of First United Methodist Church.

Church Women United awards scholarships every year to female high school seniors affiliated with churches associated with the women's group, which has donated $7,000 in scholarships during the past six years.

This year, five applicants battled for the three scholarships by writing and presenting essays on the theme "Through God's Grace We Are Given the Gift of Hospitality," based on a passage from the book of 1 Peter. Each winner received a certificate, and $500 will be sent to the college of her choice.

Sue E. Amason, president of the women's group, and the Rev. Michelle B. Gutowski of Grace United Methodist of East Tampa, welcomed the students and their families. Past president Virginia McAbee shared Scripture readings about hospitality. Group Vice President Patricia Holt led the program and presented the awards.

The girls read their essays at the ceremony.

"It was great. Their essays were excellent," McAbee said. "We enjoy doing it. All the girls seem to be so appreciative, and their parents are so nice."

Church Women United is an international, nondenominational organization. The local group has 14 churches, including Lutheran, United Church of Christ, Methodist, Presbyterian and Catholic denominations. Although each church has only one key woman in the organization, that connection makes women from each church members.

The group donates to eight charities, including Steppin' Stone Farm in Lithia and the Brandon Care Pregnancy Center. Every December, members collect peanut butter for the Emergency Care Help Organization in Brandon and socks for migrant workers served by the Good Samaritan Mission in Balm and Beth-El Farmworker Ministry in Ruskin.

For information, call McAbee at (813) 685-5429.

Brandon Elks Award Scholarships

BRANDON - The Brandon Elks awarded 11 students scholarships and savings bonds at their annual Youth Awards Banquet on May 4 at the lodge. Kim Martinez, scholarship chairwoman and a past exalted ruler, conducted the event.

Terry Henhouse, a Nelson Elementary School teacher, was the guest speaker.

"His talk held everyone's attention, as he did a juggling act during his talk," said Len Brown, past exalted ruler.

Scholarships of $1,000 were given to Daniel Barousse of Durant High School and home-schooled student Garret Deruss.

Lydia Aycrigg of Riverview High School, Juston Brewster of Newsome High School, Colleen Herrera of Bloomingdale High School and Nichole Schoen of Durant received $500 scholarships.

The Brandon Ladies of Elks gave $1,000 scholarships to George Conner of Bloomingdale, Drew Davis of Newsome, Melissa Larsen of Brandon High School and Stephanie Vance of Bloomingdale.

The Lodge also presented a $100 U.S. savings bond to Nichole Hurst of Newsome, the Elks' Teenager of the Year.

Beth Shalom To Hold Movie Night

BRANDON - The Adult Education Committee of Congregation Beth Shalom, 706 Bryan Road, Brandon, will hold movie night on Saturday. The evening will begin at 7:30 p.m. with a Havdalah service, a traditional celebration of the closing of the Sabbath at nightfall. Then the film will be shown, and popcorn and soft drinks will be available.

After the movie, "issues in the film relevant to our congregation" will be discussed, said Larry Greenfield, committee chairman.

The event is free. Contributions for refreshments are not required but will be accepted. Reservations are not necessary.

For information, call Greenfield at (813) 431-9451 or the synagogue at (813) 681-6547.

Marine League Helps Vets With Car Wash

RIVERVIEW - The Marines are looking for a few dirty cars.

Members of the Riverview detachment of the Marine Corps League will make autos shipshape at a car wash from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the American Legion Post 148, 7240 U.S. 301 S., Riverview.

Money raised will benefit veterans' programs, and there is no set price for the cleaning.

"We do it for donations," said Jack Skelding, commandant. "Whatever the person thinks it is worth to them to have their car washed."

AARP Luncheons Are Coming Up

The AARP will hold meet-and-eat luncheons at 11:30 a.m. Monday, and July 7 and Aug. 4 at Mimi's Cafe 617 Providence Road, Brandon.

For reservations, call Mary Starling at (813) 689-2890, at least 48 hours before the luncheon.

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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