Annual Gold Shield luncheon honors families of fallen officers

Families of law enforcement officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty were recognized recently at the annual Gold Shield luncheon.

The event at A La Carte Pavilion featured Dave Eiland, New York Yankees pitching coach, as the speaker. His late father was chief of police in Zephyrhills.

Eiland spoke about the world championship team, saying, "You pull for one another and you have each other's back. That's what signifies the 2009 Yankees."

The Gold Shield was founded in Tampa in 1981 by Yankees owner and local resident George M. Steinbrenner after a police detective and two firefighters were killed within days of each other. The organization provides immediate assistance to families and guarantees college scholarships. It has about 500 members and serves seven counties.

More than a dozen children and spouses have completed college on the scholarships, and several are enrolled.

Juan Luis Serrano is among those who have attended college through the program. The son of Tampa Police Department Detective Juan Serrano, killed in 2006, graduated this month from the University of South Florida with a degree in foreign language.

"Gold Shield took the initiative to support my education; because of them, I was able to make something of my life," he told guests at the Dec. 9 event.

Cindy Roberts, widow of Tampa Police Cpl. Mike Roberts, who was killed in August, also was among the attendees.

Tom Shannon was re-elected president of the organization; Joe Voskerichian is the executive director. For information call (813) 969-0417.

History Center has course on Tampa

CHANNEL DISTRICT - The Tampa Bay History Center has partnered with the University of South Florida's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute to offer Tampa History Highlights, a six-week program on Tampa history.

The course will be led by retired Tampa Tribune columnist Leland Hawes. Hawes and other local historians, including Gary Mormino and Rodney Kite-Powell, will discuss topics that include Tampa's involvement during World War II; gambling and organized crime; D.P. Davis and the creation of Davis Islands; and the establishment of Tampa's professional sports franchises.

The course will be from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesdays, from Jan. 27 to March 3. Registration is required by calling (813) 974-2403.

Johnny Charro featured at club

YBOR CITY - The Italian Club will have a "Casablanca"-themed New Year's Eve celebration at 8 p.m. Dec. 31 at the club, 1731 E. Seventh Ave.

The event includes cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, a sit-down dinner and dancing to Johnny Charro and the Johnny Charro Band.

Tickets are $100 per person. For information, call (813) 248-4416.

Santa will visit Victorian Stroll

UT CAMPUS - Santa Claus is coming to the Victorian Christmas Stroll from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. today on the University of Tampa campus.

Santa will sit in the Writing and Reading Room of the Tampa Bay Hotel and listen to children's requests. Guests may bring a camera, but flash photography is not allowed.

The Victorian Stroll features a tour of rooms adorned with Victorian-style trees, vintage fashions, antique toys and fanciful ornaments. It is open through today from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Complimentary spiced cider and cookies will be served on the veranda, and soloists and ensembles perform music in the evening.

Admission is $10 for ages 13 and older, and $5 for ages 12 and younger.

The stroll is closed Thursday and Friday.It will reopen Saturday, Sunday and Dec. 31, with hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission on these days is $6 for 13 and older, and $3 for 12 and younger. For information, call Sally Shifke at (813) 258-7302.