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On The Town

By Mary Jane Park
Published December 31, 2006

1.1.07

You won't be able to recognize him, but St. Petersburg's Scott Will will be among 200 Star Wars stormtroopers marching in Monday's 118th Tournament of Roses Parade.

George Lucas, who filmed the original movie in 1977, will be the grand marshal. Thirty years ago, Will was a kid celebrating a birthday with friends during the movie's first run. He became a huge fan.

He has a full-time job in creative marketing at Raymond James Bank and spends many, many off-duty hours heading the Florida Garrison of the film's fan club, which is known as the 501st Legion of Stormtroopers.

Many of the group's appearances are for charities such as the Make-a-Wish Foundation, St. Petersburg's Santa Parade and various hospitals. Will himself volunteers for the Great American Teach-In at his mother's school. Frances Glisson Doyle works at Sawgrass Elementary.

Will, who has created 10 costumes, made one for son Ben, who will stay home with his sister, Emily, and their mother, Mary Ann.

The Rose Bowl appearance involves five days of rehearsals with a professional Army sergeant to ensure that the stormtroopers' moves are perfectly coordinated for Monday's parade, which airs at 11 a.m. locally on ABC affiliate WFTS-Ch. 28.

12.06.06

Members of the All Children's Hospital Guild Beach Branch named Connie Davis of Madeira Beach their 2006 Mrs. Santa at a luncheon held in the St. Petersburg Yacht Club.

Four hundred guests attended the event. Davis, who has worked for the organization for 20 years, was Angel of the Year in 2001.

[Last modified December 30, 2006, 22:09:24]