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Teacher Celebrates His Big Win On TV Game Show

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 24, 2007

PLANT CITY - The honeymoon isn't over for Ryan and Erin Haczynski. The couple married in the Bahamas in March and he just won $50,000 on the television show 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire.'

The Rhode Island native was one of three contestants out of 12 who got to a six-figure question but chose to walk away rather than risk it all.

'Everyone said I didn't seem nervous, but I was,' he said. He has taught English honors at Durant High for four years and his wife is an elementary school teacher at Shiloh Charter School.

'We have a great family at Shiloh,' Erin Haczynski said, 'Thirty-five of our faculty and staff had a viewing party the night the show aired Oct. 16. Ryan, of course, knew the outcome before it aired, but couldn't say a word or he'd lose the money.'

Mel And Pam Tillis Host Plant City Relatives

PLANT CITY - Louise McClelland and daughter Johanna Wetherington have returned from a visit to Branson, Mo., where they were guests of entertainers Mel and Pam Tillis, father and daughter with roots in Plant City.

McClelland said they had a wonderful visit and enjoyed the 'Tillis Family Reunion' in concert at the Welk Theater.

Mel Tillis' mother, Burma Rogers Tillis, and Louise McClelland's mother, Erma Rogers Simmons, were sisters.

Historical Society Hears About Cow Cavalry

PLANT CITY - At the 33rd annual East Hillsborough Historical Society banquet, guest speaker Martha Sue Hawkins Skinner of Plant City, past president of the Plant City Chapter 1931 of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, shared the story of the Florida Cow Cavalry.

One of the cavalry companies was led by Capt. John T. Lesley, who was stationed in Plant City.

A memorial honoring those soldiers, including Lesley, will be presented to the historical society on Pioneer Day, Nov. 17, at the 1914 Plant City High Community Center. Some of the 173 local names that will appear on the $20,000 sculpture are Wilder, Platt, Alderman, Brown, Collins, Futch, Hancock, Hollingsworth, Moody, Nettles, Raulerson, Summerall, Sparkman and Thomas.

The United Daughters of the Confederacy raised money for the memorial by selling their cookbook, 'Suppertime in the Old South.'

Individuals wanting to honor a loved one can purchase an engraved brick for $50. Call Skinner for information, (813) 752-4938.

Officers of the historical society were installed during the banquet. They are President Shelby Bender, Vice President Marsha Passmore, Treasurer Beryle Buchman Wolff, Secretary Marlene Sanchez, Parliamentarian Jack Wolff and Historian Geraldine Demming. Board members are Jose Sanchez, Lee Carder, Roberta Jordan, Roy Wise, Pat Young, John Briggs, Jimmy Wise, Doresa Young and Jim Cain. Roy Wise entertained on the piano before the dinner began.

Plant City Residents Enjoy Trip To Mexico

PLANT CITY - It was off to the Mexican Riviera recently for a group of Plant City residents and a former resident.

Before sailing on the Dawn Princess from San Diego, they stayed at the Horton Grand Hotel, a 'haunted' hotel that is part of the city's ghost walk and former home of Wyatt Earp. Ports of call included Cabo San Lucas, where the guys caught lots of fish, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta.

While on board ship, Marsha and Billy Passmore celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary and Vicki Hawthorne celebrated her birthday.

GOP Executive Featured At Meeting

PLANT CITY - Melane Byrd, president of the Plant City Federated Republican Women's Club, sends word that the club will host Jim Browne, executive director of the Hillsborough County Republican Party, at its Nov. 8 meeting.

A buffet dinner will be held at the Red Rose Inn and Suites at 6 p.m. for $15, and the meeting starts at 6:30. For reservations, call Byrd at (813) 754-0424.

Have an event you would like to see in this column? Send items to gabylee@tampabay.rr.com or mail to The Tampa Tribune, 101 N. Wheeler St., Plant City FL 33563 or fax to (813) 865-4441.

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