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Chamber awards serve up some satisfaction

Craig Sher had a plan for expediting the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce's awards dinner on Wednesday. He and his wife, Jan, had tickets to the Rolling Stones concert in Tampa. The Stones were scheduled to hit the stage at 9:15 p.m., and Sher, who is president and chief executive of the Sembler Co. and retiring chamber chairman, said he wanted things wrapped up by 8:45.

Sher wasn't alone in multitasking: Mayor Rick Baker arrived a bit late, having participated with his opponent, Ed Helm, in a candidate forum. Baker and his wife, Joyce, joined the Shers and Mel and Betty Sembler at a table in the Palm Court Ballroom of the Renaissance Vinoy.

The Semblers recently returned to the bay area after having been in Italy, where he was the U.S. ambassador. He also was ambassador to Australia and Nauru in the late 1980s and early '90s, and his keynote speech focused on the couple's years in both posts.

Awards for outstanding contributions to the betterment of the community went to Ron Hill, founding dean of the University of South Florida St. Petersburg's School of Business, and Larry Newsome, president and chief executive of Urban Development Solutions. Hill has worked on a Midtown survey and with minority contractors, and Newsome has led, financed and managed development of Tangerine Plaza.

Karen White, USF St. Petersburg's regional chancellor, later said: "The chamber's recognition reinforces what I see as Ron's gift, his vision for what socially responsible individuals and businesses can do in a community."

Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar was awarded the Paul L. Getting Chamber Member of the Year; and Carl Kuttler was presented the C.W. Bill Young Award.

First State Bank's Jed Wilkinson, the chamber's incoming chairman, had his own Rolling Stones connection: He was at their 1965 concert in Clearwater's Jack Russell Stadium. "They played four songs before the crowd rushed the stage, and they left," he said.

The West Central Florida Council of the Boy Scouts of America presented its eighth annual Distinguished Citizens Awards on Thursday evening to Florida Attorney General Charlie Crist, Jim Henderson, Bill McQueen and the Rev. Louis Murphy.

Brent Sembler introduced Crist, his Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity brother at Florida State University; Crist is a candidate for governor but was not permitted a stump speech; then again, neither were the other honorees.

Henderson, presented by Jay Fleece, is senior vice president of Acordia of Tampa Bay; McQueen, introduced by Darryl LeClair, is president of Anderson-McQueen Funeral Homes; and Murphy, presented by Emanuel Stewart, is pastor of Mount Zion Progressive Missionary Baptist Church. Members of the event committee are Mary Evertz and Dr. Al Geiger, co-chairs; Angelo Cappelli; John Green; Dr. Robert Kropp; Eric Morris; Craig Sher; Paul Pentilla; and Tracy Jones.

Costumed Star Wars characters mingled with more earthly beings on Oct. 15 at "Under the Stars: An Intergalactic Affair." Clearwater Beach neighbors Dennis and Pat Ruppel and Chad and Hilda Horne were hosts for the third annual fundraiser to benefit R'Club Child Care, with large cardboard cutouts of Star Wars figures placed strategically throughout the properties, and versions of the film playing on the home entertainment centers.

R'Club serves nearly 4,000 children throughout the bay area in before- and after-school care, plus full-day child care and extended learning programs

The organization's Cynthia McGowan said the Saturday night party took in nearly $23,000. Karol Bullard and Connie Whitehead led the event committee, which included Brenda Battaglia, Sue Brett, Margaret Word Burnside, Sharon Clayton, Patsy Dunlap, Ann Foster, Kristina Logiurato, Catherine McGarry, Sally Poynter, Edie Spies and Toni Walsh.

Monday

GOLF MARATHON: 11th annual event benefits Children's Dream Fund. Golfers raise pledges per hole. Awards given for most holes played, most money raised. Emerald Greens Golf & Country Club, 13903 Clubhouse Drive, Tampa. 896-6390.

Tuesday

QUEEN OF HEARTS LUNCHEON: 11:30 a.m. St. Petersburg Yacht Club, 11 Central Ave. $20. 576-6424.

Mary Jane Park can be reached at 727 893-8267; fax (727) 893-8675; e-mail park@sptimes.com P.O. Box 1121, St. Petersburg, FL 33731.