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Marriage Proposal On The St. Stephen's Morning Show

Photo courtesy of St. Stephen Catholic School

Jennisica Rodriguez says, ‘Yes,’ after Charles Siffermann proposes to her March 6, 2009, during the morning program at St. Stephen Catholic School, Riverview, Fla.

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By BARBARA ROUTEN

Tribune correspondent

Published: March 25, 2009

RIVERVIEW - Charles Siffermann of Seminole, a former computer teacher at St. Stephen Catholic School, surprised Assistant Principal Jennisica Rodriguez by proposing to her in front of the entire school during the March 6 broadcast of St. Stephen's morning video program.

Siffermann, a single father who currently serves as assistant to the principal at Blessed Sacrament Catholic School in Seminole, met Rodriguez when she was the kindergarten teacher of his 8-year-old daughter, Grace. The couple began dating two years ago.

Siffermann felt the couple's second anniversary was the perfect time - and the location of their first meeting the perfect place - to kneel and ask her to marry him.

She expected a proposal but was surprised by the way he did it. She accepted.

"The kids in my class and I thought it was interesting, because she's our AP!" said Marissa Hale, a sixth-grade student in Caryl Nolan's class and the daughter of David and Anne Hale of Riverview. "It had a nice feeling to it, because they are getting married, and that's pretty cool.

"Some of the kids in my class laughed, because Ms. Rodriguez was laughing and smiling gigantically," Hale said. "The fourth-grade students think that after the Oct. 31 wedding, Rodriguez should change her name to "Sifferwoman."

Siffermann is the son of Jim and Charlotte Siffermann of Arizona. Rodriguez is the daughter of Hector and Gladys Rodriguez of Valrico.

Celebrate Dean At Retirement Party

SUN CITY CENTER - The public is invited to mark the retirement of Yvonne R. Ponsor, dean of the Community Church College, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Monday in the Great Hall of United Community Church, 1501 La Jolla Ave. The party will include refreshments and a program.

Ponsor's service as dean began in January 1997. She also founded and was president of the Low Vision Club from 1998 to 2003, served as a trustee of the Community Foundation of Greater Sun City Center from 2004 to the present and has been a volunteer at the Sun City Center Library.

"Sun City Center and the college has benefited from this lifelong educator," said Hazel Martin, publicity coordinator for United Community Church.

The college has grown under Ponsor's leadership. More than 1,500 students can choose from among 45 to 50 classes every fall and spring session.

David Lloyd, assistant dean since 2007, will become administrative dean.

For details about the celebration, call Sally Erath at (813) 634-8460.

Songs Men Love to Sing

SUN CITY CENTER - The Sun City Center Men's Chorus will sing a free concert called "Songs Men Love to Sing" at 7 p.m. Friday, at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 1239 Del Webb Blvd. Everyone is welcome.

The ensemble was formed in 1964. Chuck Wirick directs it, and Thelma Roggenkemper, 93, has been the accompanist for more than 25 years.

Vincent Robbio, John Scott, Don Ashton and Bob Garrod will solo. Songs will include "Shenandoah," "If Ever I Would Leave You," "Yellow Bird" and "Santa Lucia."

Donations, which help the group purchase music, will be accepted.

For information, call Don Ashton at (813) 642-0815.

Republican Club To Install Officers

SUN CITY CENTER - The Greater Sun City Center Republican Club will meet at 1:30 p.m. Thursday in the Banquet Room of the Sun City Center Chamber of Commerce, 1651 Sun City Center Plaza.

Deborah Cox-Roush, recently elected chairwoman of the Hillsborough County Republican Executive Committee, will swear in the 2009 officers and discuss ways the Republican Party could regain some Congressional seats in 2010.

Republicans, Independents and prospective members are welcome to attend.

For details, call Dee Williams at (813) 633-1360.

Valentine Queen Helps Others

SUN CITY CENTER - Pat Pelton was recently elected 2009 Valentine Queen by members of Xi Xi Omicron, a Sun City Center chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority, and crowned by Pat Harkins, the 2008 Valentine Queen, at the Renaissance Vinoy Resort and Golf Club in St. Petersburg.

The women enjoyed a three-course lunch and participated in a historical tour of the Vinoy, a vibrant example of the elegant, 1920s-era Florida resorts.

Pelton's career was spent teaching elementary, junior high and college students. She retired to Sun City Center 15 years ago and now tutors children at Reddick and Cypress Creek elementary schools.

"I believe I should help others while I am able," said Pelton. "I try to find time for friends and recognize when one is in need. Someday I may need help. My sorority sisters are very special to me and very supportive of one another. I'm honored to be the Valentine Queen this year."

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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