'Why age?' lunch brings out the best in seniors

By EILEEN SCHULTE

© St. Petersburg Times, published October 1, 2000

You've heard of New Age. Now there's Y-age.

At least 25 people turned out for the Y-Age -- as in "Why age?" -- Dynamic Seniors' pot luck lunch pool party Friday at the YMCA of North Pinellas.

The club promoted the party as a wet and wild way for members to get to know each other, but YMCA fitness director Chris Clynes said just two people actually jumped in the pool for a swim.

Everyone else, she said, sat at outdoor tables and "talked to each other and enjoyed our little luncheon."

Clynes is helping organize the Y-Age group's activities, along with steering committee members Toni Citro and Kaye and Walter Evans. They are led by chairman Jim Galloway.

Kaye Evans, 79, and her husband are YMCA members and drive to the facility from their Ridgemoor home three times a week to exercise.

She said she became involved with the Y-Agers because of a lack of activities for seniors in East Lake. Before, she "had to drive clear over to the other side of (Lake Tarpon)" to the Palm Harbor Senior Activity Center for activities there.

"So we thought we'd start something at the Y," Evans said.

The group organizes both social and socially conscious activities.

They meet the last Tuesday of each month. If you would like to become a member, call Clynes at the YMCA, (727) 772-9622. You do not need to be a YMCA member to join.

The Y-Agers are planning a party at San's Pizzeria Nov. 16.

There is also a day trip planned to Cypress Gardens on Dec. 15. The $59 price includes a bus ride, admission to the park and dinner and a show. The trip is limited to 30 people "unless 60 people sign up, then we'll rent another bus," Evans said.

Church offers salvation day for working parents

One day about a year ago, a member of East Lake Baptist Church was in a quandary because a teachers' in-service day was coming up and she did not know what to do with her young son.

With a full-time job, she could not stay at home to care for him while teachers planned their lessons, and she did not have family in the area.

John Guerin, a member of East Lake Baptist Church, listened to her complaint and tucked it away. In response, the church has formed a new group, the Committee for the Immediate Future, and it has created a program for students who have a day off from school.

"The object is for working parents to have a way to get kids in church and learning about Jesus," said Donna Babcock who heads the program.

Each time Pinellas County schools schedule an in-service day, the church plans to hold a free mini-vacation Bible camp geared toward children 5 to 12.

On Friday, the church held its first camp, attracting eight children. After a brief orientation, the kids spent time on the playground, watched a Veggie Tale kids' movie about selfishness and lies and got a visit from East Lake Fire & Rescue firefighters.

The firefighters rolled up in their fire truck, handed out fire hats and coloring books, showed a short film about fire safety and demonstrated their heart monitors.

"They gave fire engine tours, and the kids got to ring the bells," said Babcock. "One of the kids said, "I can't wait to tell my dad about this.' "

Meals were donated by Pizza Hut, Burger King and Chick-Fil-A.

The program was created about two weeks ago. With an in-service day close at hand, Babcock and fellow committee members hurried to make color fliers and hand them out at Brooker Creek Elementary School and Cypress Woods Elementary School.

"We wanted to target teachers, too, because they have kids and they have to work," Babcock said.

Because she advertised at the public schools, she was surprised when a mom who home-schools her three children drove up and dropped them off. Apparently, she took her own personal planning day.

"She needed a break," Babcock said.

The next camp will be Oct. 13. Parents must register by Oct. 11.

For information call (727) 939-0786.

East Lake Fire & Rescue plans pumpkin party

This party is B.Y.O.P.: Bring your own pumpkin.

East Lake Fire & Rescue is hosting a Halloween open house, and everyone is invited to bring a carved pumpkin for a jack-o-lantern contest.

Other activities include a costume contest, haunted house, Shriner's clowns, child identification information courtesy of the Masons, a child safety seat check point, antique fire truck rides andvisits from the Pinellaes County Sheriff's Office, Bayflite and Sunstar.

The event will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 28 at Station 57.

East Lake High School hosts parents' night

East Lake High School will host an open house, and all parents are asked to report to their kids' first period classrooms by 7 p.m. Monday.

Teachers will present an overview of the child's course, homework and grading policies and explain their expectations of each child.

The School Board has asked the staff to show a video explaining the unitary status/choice plan, which will take about 15 minutes. Afterward, first period will begin. The program will be dismissed at 8:40 p.m.

If parents wish to schedule individual conferences, they will have an opportunity to do so through the guidance department.

East Lake High is located at 1300 Silver Eagle Drive.

- If you have news or photos about East Lake organizations, churches, schools, neighborhoods or residents, please contact Eileen Schulte at the North Pinellas Times. You may call her at (727) 445-4229, fax material to her at (727) 445-4206, e-mail information to schulte@sptimes.com or mail it to the North Pinellas Times, 34342 U.S. 19 N, Palm Harbor, FL 34684.

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