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Letter to the editor

From On Top of the World to Celebration

By Times Staff Writer
Published January 3, 2008

Robert and Dorothy Cole of Clearwater celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with family on Dec. 22 in Celebration.

They were married Dec. 22, 1947, at Central Methodist Church in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., and lived in Windsor Locks, Conn.

Mr. Cole is a veteran of World War II who flew missions over Germany with the 8th Air Force. He is an ex-POW. After the war, he worked for the state of Connecticut Department of Social Services.

Mrs. Cole worked as a secretary in the guidance office at Windsor Locks High School.

Both retired in 1978 and moved to On Top of the World retirement community in Clearwater.

They volunteer at the Religious Community Services food bank in Clearwater and Mease Dunedin Hospital.

They've been active members of Skycrest United Methodist Church for 28 years.

The couple have two daughters, Helen DeVere of Celebration, and Lois Cole of Glastonbury, Conn. They also have two grandsons, Brian DeVere of Santa Cruz, Calif., and Paul DeVere of Austin, Texas.

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Alan Bomstein, president of Creative Contractors in Clearwater, recently received the "Class of 56" award from the University of South Florida.

The award was presented by USF president Judy Genshaft at a luncheon during homecoming weekend. Bomstein was introduced on the field during the second quarter of the USF homecoming football game.

The distinction is presented annually to a non-alumnus who has rendered distinguished service to the university and the community.

The award is named for the year the university was founded and the recipient is made an honorary USF alumnus.

Bomstein has served on the university foundation board for 12 years and currently is its treasurer and chairman of the investment committee.

* * *

On Nov. 30, Dr. Mike Hopkins, of Hopkins Aesthetic & Reconstructive Dentistry in Dunedin, celebrated the 30th anniversary of his practice by donating a day of dentistry to needy members of the Pinellas County community.

Hopkins was joined by Dr. Mark Mitchell of Coastal Jaw Surgery and Dr. Patrick Lepeak, a retired dentist from Belleair, as well as volunteer hygienists and dental assistants. Members of the community also volunteered and served homemade meals to the patients.

Twenty-seven patients from Religious Community Services, Fresh Start, the Haven, Metropolitan Ministries, Bay Area Teen Challenge and St. Vincent De Paul were treated to fillings, extractions, deep cleaning and sealants worth approximately $23,500.

Several area businesses, as well as private donors, made contributions to cover the cost of supplies and food.

This was Dr. Hopkins' first donated effort at home. Previously, he has donated dental services in Haiti, Bosnia, the Dominican Republic and Peru. He plans to return to Peru in September to continue his work there.

* * *

Michelle Calicchio, a senior at Countryside High School, received the Doorway Scholar award from Pinellas County schools and the Doorway Scholarship Initiative Program.

Scholarships are funded by businesses, civic groups, organizations and individuals, and matched dollar-for-dollar by the State of Florida, giving low-income students the opportunity to work toward the attainable goal of a college education.

In mid-December, Michelle starred in Countryside High School's production of HONK! The Ugly Duckling. She is an honor student and a member of the National Honor Society.

Because of this scholarship, she plans on attending college next year and hopes to become a certified public accountant.

[Last modified January 2, 2008, 21:14:20]