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Community Steps Up To The Plate At Fundraiser

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 20, 2009

TAMPA - Patrick Smith read a newspaper article about the Italian luncheon and fundraiser held each year on St. Joseph's Feast Day and knew he had to help.

So on Thursday, Smith, 55, walked among tables offering drinks to the people who came to eat meatless spaghetti and support Tampa's MacDonald Training Center, a nonprofit group that helps developmentally disabled adults.

"This is my first time and I am going to do this forever," Smith said. "I see nothing but smiling faces. This is what America needs - today, especially."

Al Noto of Tampa started the benefit 34 years ago. After a prayer came true, he kept a promise to St. Joseph to give back to the community. St. Joseph is the patron saint of workers.

The event now attracts up to 1,000 people and raises about $15,000 annually for the training center. It draws people from many walks of life, including politicians and judges. This year's lunch was at the West Tampa Convention Center, 3005 W. Columbus Drive.

"Today's event is the best I have seen," said Jim Freyvogel, MacDonald Training Center's president and chief executive. "In tough times we get great support. People just step up to the plate."
Jose Patino Girona

Texas Baptist Minister To Lead Plant City's Largest Church

PLANT CITY - A 40-year-old Austin, Texas, minister will become the senior pastor of Plant City's largest church.

The membership of First Baptist Church of Plant City voted unanimously to hire the Rev. Michael S. Lewis to replace the Rev. Ron Churchill, who is retiring in April after 21 years in the church's pulpit. Lewis will preach his first sermon May 17.

Lewis, who was recommended by a pastor search committee, has been senior pastor of Great Hills Baptist Church in Austin since April 2003. Lewis and his wife, Liliana, have been married nearly 18 years and have three children, Charity, 15; Faith, 14; and Hope, 11.
Dave Nicholson
George W. Bush Pays Visit To Bay Area

Former President George W. Bush was in the Tampa Bay area Thursday looking to garner support for his proposed presidential center at Southern Methodist University in Dallas.

The ex-president met with longtime Republican supporter and former Ambassador Mel Sembler at his Treasure Island home.

Earlier Thursday, Bush was in Jacksonville meeting with supporters.

Details about Bush's Bay area visit, including how long he would be here, were kept to a minimum.

"He's meeting with potential supporters of the presidential center in the Tampa area," said Rob Saliterman, a Bush spokesman.

It was hard, however, to keep private the heavy security outside Sembler's house, and a small crowd of residents lined the streets hoping to catch a glimpse of the former president.

Sembler was U.S. ambassador to Italy from 2000 to 2005.

A staff report

Citrus Park Hindu Temple Hosts Community Health Fair

CITRUS PARK - Vishnu Mandir is offering an afternoon of health and entertainment.

Its second annual community health fair is from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday at 5803 Lynn Road.

Vishnu Mandir, a Hindu temple, will offer screenings and educational seminars. Attendees can choose from six free health screenings and seven seminars.

While learning about health, children can enjoy a carnival from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Bounce houses, clowns and balloon artists will be part of the festivities.

Jessica Balanza

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