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Trekking Cracker Horsemen Stop At Cow Cavalry Memorial

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By BETTY BRIGGS, Tribune correspondent

Published: March 12, 2008

PLANT CITY - It was only fitting for Billy Ray Hunter and Buddy, his Cracker horse, to pay a visit to the cow cavalry memorial at the historical 1914 Plant City High School Community Center, 605 N. Collins St.

Hunter and Carlton Dudley, both from North Florida, are on a 300-mile trek from Cockroach Bay to Tallahassee, as a way to build support for a bill to name the Cracker horse the official state horse.

Turns out, one of Hunter's ancestors is named on the memorial. The pair spent a few minutes talking history, then mounted their horses and slowly rode down Wheeler Street toward Dade City, their next stop.

During the Civil War, the cow cavalry helped supply beef to Confederate troops.

Farewell To Couple Well-Attended

PLANT CITY - More than 70 guests gathered at the home of Mikie and Dean Snyder to gave Stanley and Susan Kolker a warm send-off Feb. 24. The long-time Plant City residents are moving to California to live near their son and family. The Kolkers have been active in the community for years.

The party was hosted by the Snyders, Marsha and Billy Passmore and the Plant City Arts Council.

Six Decades Later, Kin Reunites

PLANT CITY - Cousins Ann Bates Owens and Glen Johnson recently reunited for the first time in 60 years.

They recently discovered they have lived in the same town for many years.

Johnson's mother, the late Zetta Mae Driggers Johnson, and Owens' grandmother, Hattie Driggers Bates, were sisters.

Woman's Club Wins Big At District Show

PLANT CITY - At the District 8 arts and crafts show held recently at the Woman's Club building in Dade City, the following Plant City members were awarded ribbons:

Jossie Azorin, acrylics painting, third place; Jan Burrows, oil painting, third place and mixed media collage, first place; Ann Cole, pillow, third place and flower arrangement, fourth place; Marilyn Day, basket, first place; Judy Roney, knitted purse, fourth place and charcoal portrait, first place; Nancy Smith, needlepoint purse, first place and beaded collar, first place; Judy Zaring, knitted child's sweater, first place and knitted doll's Santa suit, third place; Roney received best in show in arts for her charcoal portrait and Smith received best in show crafts for her beaded collar.

The six first-place winners will be in the state show.

In other Woman's Club news, the organization will host an Easter party March 20 at Wilson Elementary School. The club will donate gifts and candy.

Local Store Helps With Educational Program

PLANT CITY - Debbie Siebenthal of The UPS Store, 117 W. Alexander St., said it is time for the Toys for Tots Literacy Initiative.

The local store supports the program here in conjunction with UPS Stores across the country. They have teamed up with the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation to offer the nation's most economically disadvantaged children the ability to compete academically by providing access to books and educational resources.

Throughout March, Siebenthal's store and others nationwide will be selling $4 donation cards, and for every dollar donated, a book will be placed into the hands of a deserving child.

For information, call her at (813) 754-5533.

Calling All Former Little Miss Title Holders

PLANT CITY - All former Little Miss Plant City title holders are invited to be guests at the Little Miss Plant City contest March 29 at Plant City High School.

They will be introduced on stage.

They need to register by 5:15 p.m. the day of the contest. They must call Bobbie Ehrenfeld at (813) 967-2597 no later than March 26.

Surgeon Touts Cancer Detection

PLANT CITY - Stephen M. Butler, a Plant City surgeon, said colon cancer is preventable and the key is early detection.

In recognition of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, St. Joseph's Hospital's Cancer Institute is partnering with Publix pharmacies and ABC Action News by offering EZ Detect Tests free of charge. The kits are available through April 9 at Publix pharmacies.

Happy Birthday, No. 40

PLANT CITY - Throughout the year, Hillsborough Community College will celebrate its 40th anniversary.

The college serves more than 40,000 students on four campuses in Tampa, Ybor City, Brandon and Plant City.

All the campuses will hold special events. The Plant City campus, 1206 N. Park Road, will hold a Spring Fling from noon to 4 p.m. April 5, with music, food and games for the family.

For information, call (813) 253-7158.

Have an event you would like to see in this column? Send items to Betty Briggs by e-mail at 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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