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Plantable Pumpkin Proves Pleasing

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By BARBARA ROUTEN, Tribune Correspondent

Published: November 21, 2007

Updated: 11/19/2007 06:34 pm

GIBSONTON - Students in the Project Butterfly Wings/Junior Master Gardeners class at the Seeds of Hope Learning Center at Gibsonton United Methodist Church, 6104 Marilla Ave., participated in a "plantable" pumpkins project Oct. 20.

The project was "done as a learning experience on many levels," said Laura Iuzzolino, the class's instructor and Gibsonton's honorary mayor. "I have 10 wonderful kids this year, and I am so excited that they are really enjoying everything so much."

The students, Melanie Couturier of Riverview and Gibsonton residents Tyler McGowan, Javier Trevino, Daniel Cruz, Amairani Nunez, Leslie Nunez, Medina Aleyandra, Ezequiel Rodriguez, Edgar Rodriguez and Victor Rodriguez, cut a large hole in the top of the pumpkins and scooped out the pulp and seeds (which they saved). Then they filled the cavity with potting soil and planted a flowering plant in it.

"When the pumpkins start to rot, the kids simply plant the entire pumpkin with the plant still safely inside," Iuzzolino said. "This way they learn about composting as well as taking care of their special plant in their yard."

The students' project Oct. 27 was roasting pumpkin seeds for snacking. They made pumpkin pie, too, "which again teaches them about using our resources to make new things, as well as using all parts so that we don't fill up our landfills with stuff that we could reuse," Iuzzolino said.

For information, contact Iuzzolino at (813) 846-6416 or liuzzolino@verizon.net.
Thanksgiving Service To Include All
SUN CITY CENTER - An interfaith Thanksgiving service will be held at 7 p.m. today at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 701 Valley Forge Blvd.

Clergy, singers and members of various houses of worship in the greater Sun City Center area will participate.

The Rev. Julian N. Graham of the United Methodist Church will officiate and preach. Dwight Thomas of Prince of Peace will direct the combined choirs. All people of faith are invited to join in giving thanks.

For information, call Prince of Peace Catholic Church, (813) 634-2328.

Club's Tea Theme Is White Christmas

RUSKIN - The Ruskin Woman's Club will serve its annual Christmas tea from noon to 2 p.m. and again from 3 to 5 p.m. Dec. 8 at the group's clubhouse, 503 S. Tamiami Trail.

Doors will open 15 minutes early.

"This year we will be transforming our Swiss chalet into a winter wonderland," said Sonja Council, president of the club and chairwoman of the event. Tea sandwiches, cakes, pastries, scones and several teas will be served. Guests will be given party favors.

The price will be $17 per adult and $8.50 per child. Reservations are required in advance. For tickets, call Council, (813) 634-1656 or (813) 244-1015. Proceeds will go to the club's scholarship fund and its other charitable works.

Women Who Have Made A Difference
SUN CITY CENTER - The American Association of University Women, Sun City Center branch, will meet at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 1 in the Sandpiper Room of the Atrium Building, 955 N. Course Lane.

A business meeting at 11:15 a.m. will precede lunch at noon. Patricia Renfroe will speak after lunch about "Women Who Have Made a Difference."

Lunch is $14. Reservations and payment must be made by Monday. Checks may be made payable to AAUW, SCC, and should be sent to Maryellen Thomas, 835 Oakmont Ave., Sun City Center FL 33573.

Invitation Issued To Christmas Dinner Dance
SUN CITY CENTER - St. Anne Catholic Church in Ruskin invites the public to a Christmas dinner dance at 6 p.m. Dec. 1 at Club Renaissance, 2121 S. Pebble Beach Blvd.

Dinner, dancing and entertainment provided by Gigante Productions will be included in the $50 per person price.

For information, call the parish office, (813) 645-1714.

Snippets

South Shore United Methodist Church invites "people who like to sing Christmas music" to join the praise choir, said Linda Legg, publicity chair. Rehearsals will take place at 6 p.m. Wednesdays at the church office, 435 Apollo Beach Blvd., Apollo Beach. Worship services are at 10:30 a.m. at East Bay High School, 7710 Big Bend Road, Gibsonton. For details, call director Kristen Franzen at (813) 649-9462. ... American Legion Post 246 will meet at 9:30 a.m. Nov. 30 in Room 3 of Community Hall, 1910 S. Pebble Beach Blvd., Sun City Center. Doughnuts and coffee will be available at 9.

Send news and photos of community interest to Barbara Routen at The Tampa Tribune, 505 W. Robertson St., Brandon FL 33511, e-mail neighbors@tampa bay.rr.com or call (813) 657-4531.

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