Plastics booster honored at convention

By Times staff writer

© St. Petersburg Times, published May 24, 2000

ST. PETERSBURG -- Pinellas County's unofficial "Mr. Plastics" has received another award for service to the industry.

Ben Bush, who started a plastics education program at Pinellas-Technical Education Center in 1996, was honored earlier this month at an international convention of industry representatives in Orlando.

Several organizations, including the Society of Plastics Engineers, the American Plastics Council and the Florida Plastics Council, recognized Bush for furthering education about the industry and its opportunities.

Besides setting up the P-TEC vocational training program, Bush has been encouraging young people to seek careers in the field.

He is a mentor in high school math, physics and chemistry classes, and speaks to civic clubs whenever possible, spreading the word about training and the jobs available for those who complete it.

Bush, 81, has retired from coordinating the P-TEC program but has not slowed down otherwise. He said he is on the verge of taking his outreach program statewide.

Clearwater Bombers to bring back vintage models

CLEARWATER -- The Clearwater Bombers, billed as fastpitch softball's oldest men's team, celebrates its 60th anniversary Saturday with games, a barbecue and the appearance of former stars at Bombers Stadium.

Softball Hall of Fame pitcher Herb Dudley, who threw the first pitch when the Bombers played their first game in April 1940, is scheduled to toss one Saturday. Receiving will be Harry Hancock, Dudley's catcher in the 1940s and 1950s.

The Bombers have won more than 4,000 games and 10 national titles, while placing 20 players in the Hall of Fame, according to team records.

The barbecue starts at 6 p.m., with introductions at 7 p.m. and games at 7:30 p.m. The Colt 45s are the opponent. Admission is $3 for adults, children free. The barbecue is $6.50 for adults, $5.50 for children. Parking is free.

The stadium is behind the Carpenter baseball complex at 651 Old Coachman Road. For tickets, call 546-1951 or 393-5046.

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