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First Tee Golf Program In Full Swing

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 18, 2009

EAST TAMPA - A youth golf program at Rogers Park got into the swing last weekend at a grand opening of a renovated clubhouse.

The clubhouse will be the headquarters for the First Tee program.

About 300 boys and girls teed off on the golf driving range or played in a two-hole match game. Among those attending Saturday's ceremonies was Raheem Morris, coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

On Monday, about 50 children met with three golf professionals at the Rogers Park course to ask questions and watch the pros demonstrate their talents.

First Tee is a nationally recognized program that teaches golf and life skills to young people. More than two years ago the city contracted with Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA to operate the program for 10 years rent-free from Rogers Park, 7911 N. 30th St. In return, the YMCA invested $250,000 to renovate the clubhouse.

A community group, Citizens Who Support Keeping Rogers Park Public, has criticized the arrangement, maintaining it should be more specific about public access to the course and regarding First Tee's goals.

The YMCA and Mayor Pam Iorio say the contract does not need amending. The YMCA has provided letters explaining the program's purpose and goals.
Kathy Steele
S.R. 60 Project Means Delays

TAMPA - Get ready for major delays on Adamo Drive.

Starting about 5 a.m. Friday, Adamo, also known as State Road 60, will be closed in both directions between North 34th Street and North 26th Street to allow workers to replace a railroad crossing.

The closure is expected to last about seven days. Local traffic will be permitted to travel to the work zone, and area businesses will be accessible.

Motorists, however, will not be permitted to cross the railroad tracks. Message boards will be posted to direct motorists.

For information, contact operations supervisor Mark Jackson of Semper Fi Services, (941) 845-0128 (941) 737-3562.

Rich Shopes
Ghostly Tour On Tap Friday
YBOR CITY - The GFWC Tampa Junior Woman's Club is hosting its second annual Cigar City Ghostwalk on Friday to raise money for its Tiger Scholarship.

The scholarship - "Tiger" stands for The Individual Growth in Education Recipient - helps provide continuing education to Tampa Bay area students. It is awarded based on an applicant's high school grades, merit, financial situation and essay.

This year's applications are being reviewed; scholarship winners will receive checks at a ceremony May 20 at the Woman's Club clubhouse.

The Ghostwalk fundraiser will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a happy hour at Rock 'N Sports Grill, 1600 E. Eighth Ave., with the tour by Historic Guides of Tampa afterward. Admission to the event is $20 per person, which includes a two-for-one drink ticket.

For information on the GFWC Tampa Junior Woman's Club or to buy Ghostwalk tickets, visit the organization's Web site at www.gfwctampajuniors.com.

Jamie Pilarczyk

Annual Event Is All Sewn Up

TAMPA - The Original Sewing and Quilt Expo running Thursday through Saturday at the Tampa Convention Center will leave you in stitches.

Those who sew, quilt, machine embroider, knit or embellish can look for creative inspiration in quilts, trunk shows and doll displays and access more than 80 vendors who will display the latest tools, patterns and notions.

Two stages will feature fashion shows of wearable art. Nationally recognized sewing educators will lead classes and workshops.

Expo hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday. Admission is $10 for adults. Children younger than 12 admitted free. For details, call (813) 426-5630.

Kathy Vance

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