Print

Email story

Comment

Email editor

On the town

He raised his voice and united a nation

By MARY JANE PARK
Published April 23, 2006

Is there anyone who doesn't know "America's tenor," Daniel Rodriguez?

The former New York City police officer who became nationally known after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, now lives in Land O'Lakes. On Thursday, he performed at Resurrection House's annual New Beginnings breakfast, held in St. Petersburg's Coliseum.

With "a voice so beautiful it would be a pleasure to be arrested by him,'' according to master of ceremonies Dick Crippen, Rodriguez brought lumps to throats and tears to eyes with his performances. So did his personal story.

"Most people thought I just woke up one day and started singing," he said.

Rodriguez began his musical studies at age 12 and had his Carnegie Hall debut at 17, he said. Two years later, he fathered a son and took jobs to support his family, among them short order cook, catering manager, taxi driver and cabinetmaker "for about a day and a half". He worked at the post office, then joined the Police Department. There, he delighted numerous audiences.

Through an introduction by former Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, he studied with Placido Domingo for several years.

After the attacks on New York, he and other rescue workers helped people leave the area now known as Ground Zero, "but we couldn't leave,'' he said.

People brought them food, clothing, money and other necessities to help them through those difficult times.

That was an apt segue into describing the mission of Resurrection House, a faith-based organization that focuses on education and work force development, said Ford Kyes, chairman of the Resurrection House board of directors. Kyes, who is also the chief executive at St. Anthony's Health Care, said the hospital has employed numerous Resurrection House graduates.

Executive Director Cynthia Sinclair remembered the late Joe Chambers, a St. Petersburg lawyer and generous Resurrection House donor who died last year.

Members of his family - sons Joey, Jeff and Lance Chambers and daughter Dr. Danelle Chambers - announced a $50,000 family contribution toward a new building on the Resurrection House campus. To be named the Joseph H. Chambers Center, it will house a new program designed to teach middle and high school students about budgeting and investments.

A number of women attending the event wore head wear in keeping with the morning's theme, "A Place to Hang Your Hat."

Hennessy Construction Services was the presenting sponsor; other major sponsors were Highway Safety Devices, the Hough Family Foundation, DEX Imaging and Lisa Smithson & Co.

* * *

Mary Love Egerton is understandably proud of her son, Charlie, who is a law partner in Dean Mead Egerton Bloodworth Capouano and a vice chairman of the American Bar Association's tax section.

On Friday, he was one of the presenters at a meeting of the Florida Bar Association's tax section, held in St. Petersburg's Renaissance Vinoy Resort. His topic: tax planning for real estate that is ripe for development.

Egerton, who lives and practices law in the Orlando area, grew up in St. Petersburg and is married to the Rev. Karen Egerton, an assistant rector at All Saints Episcopal Church in Winter Park.

He is spending some family time with his mother this weekend. Many remember her as a longtime civic activist and the widow of Gray Egerton, one of the founding partners of the now-closed Egerton and Moore men's clothing stores, a founding member of the Suncoasters and a onetime Mr. Sun.

* * *

Interested in joining the Junior League of St. Petersburg? The volunteer organization will conduct an open house from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. May 25 at Great Explorations: The Children's Museum. For reservations, call 895-5018.

* * *

If art inspires or perplexes you, here is a chance to become better educated: The Museum of Fine Arts is seeking volunteers to lead informational tours for visitors. Classes begin in the fall.

Call Lisa Kirksey, 896-2667, or e-mail lisak@fine-arts.org.

Social calendar

Saturday

MAYOR'S PANCAKE BREAKFAST: YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg event features all-you-can-eat pancakes and free activities and demonstrations for children and families from D.A.R.E., the St. Petersburg Fire Department, St. Petersburg Canine Unit and Family Service Centers. 8:30-11:30 a.m., Harbordale YMCA, 2421 Fourth St. S, St. Petersburg. $4 adults, $3 children. Advance ticket purchases encouraged. 821-9348.

SANDFANDANGO: Benefits Academy Prep Center of St. Petersburg. Cocktails, dinner, program, auction, dancing, Jack Painter Hawaiian Shirt Contest. 6 p.m., TradeWinds Island Grand (north beach), 5600 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach. $175. 322-0820; www.academyprep.org.

May 1

GREAT FRIENDS TO KIDS: Luncheon, award ceremony honor Great Friends to Kids, Junior League of St. Petersburg. 11:30 a.m., Great Explorations: The Children's Museum, 1925 Fourth St. N, St. Petersburg. Free; donations requested at the event. 821-8992, ext. 217.

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.

[Last modified April 25, 2006, 08:10:16]