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Park Event Helps Santa

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By JOYCE McKENZIE, The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 27, 2007

Updated: 10/25/2007 09:15 pm

TEMPLE TERRACE - It's heartwarming to help fulfill the heartbreaking requests children write in their letters to Santa, say members of the Temple Terrace Garden Club.

To that end, the organization will host the third annual Sunday in the Park on Nov. 4 at Woodmont Park, featuring an afternoon of environmental and gardening exhibits, a silent auction, drawings, food and entertainment.

Proceeds will benefit Sincerely, Santa, a Hillsborough County public elementary schools holiday program for disadvantaged kindergarten through third-grade students.

'To me, Christmas is about kids, and all kids need a happy Christmas,' said garden club President Mary Grevencamp.

Club member Maryrose Owens concurred.

'Sincerely, Santa is a wonderful program because, in addition to adults buying gifts for the children, it's about kids getting gifts for kids who would not necessarily get gifts,' Owens said. She has given her time to the Sincerely, Santa program for several years during the holidays at the Westfield Brandon mall, where patrons of all ages select letters and shop for items on the children's wish lists that often consist of basic necessities such as shoes, clothes, school supplies and toys for their siblings.

Since the start of the school year, Sunday in the Park coordinator Al Latina has visited area elementary schools to enlist students' support for Kids Helping Kids, an initiative he developed in conjunction with the event. In return for a child's donation of any amount, he presents a personally signed certificate of appreciation.

'I think it's great for our children to tune into other kids' needs,' said Latina, who has collected close to $100 in student donations.

Latina hopes to raise more money during Sunday's affair, which he stressed is geared toward families.

On tap for the afternoon's festivities are Herb Sanders and the Sunshine Express, playing traditional country music, and Temple Terrace artist Terry Klaaren, who plans to paint an on-site canvas piece he will auction.

'I really enjoy doing public events where I can meet and talk with the people,' said Klaaren, who is best-known for his metal dinosaur creation at the entrance of the Museum of Science & Industry. 'This one is special, though, because Sincerely, Santa is a fantastic program.'

Representatives from Nature's Classroom, Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary, the Florida Bat Conservancy and Tampa Bay Parrot Rescue will be on hand with their creatures.

'It teaches children about them and how to have respect for animals of all kinds,' said Jennifer Underwood of the Tampa Bay Parrot Rescue.

Jean Grace of Grace's Hydro-Organic Garden Center in Temple Terrace will show hydroponically grown plants and samples of environmentally safe fertilizers. Master gardener Sydney Park-Brown will answer visitors' questions, and master gardener Lesley Fleming plans to discuss the therapeutic benefits of gardening.

'Plants and garden activities can improve people's lives physically, psychologically and emotionally,' Fleming said. 'It can be used in so many populations to help with so many needs.'

Kids Corner is also planned, where youngsters can have their faces painted, make sock puppets that emulate the process of butterfly metamorphoses and do crafts. The Temple Terrace Parks and Recreation Department will provide the equipment for miniature golf and a beanbag toss.

'It's going to be a wonderful day for people of all ages that will benefit a wonderful cause,' Latina said.

There will be hot dogs, hamburgers, cold drinks and baked goods for sale, as well as native plants. Massages and blood pressure checks also will be available.

The event will conclude with a special treat for children: Santa's arrival by way of a Temple Terrace firetruck.

There is no admission charge to the event, but check contributions should be made payable to Sincerely, Santa. Donations also may be sent to the Temple Terrace Garden Club, 415 Woodmont Ave., Temple Terrace FL 33617.

The Tampa Tribune is a sponsor of Sunday in the Park.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Sunday in the Park
WHERE: Woodmont Park, 415 Woodmont Ave., Temple Terrace

WHEN: Noon to 4 p.m. Nov. 4

HOW MUCH: Free admission; donations accepted

INFORMATION: Call (813) 988-6794

Reporter Joyce McKenzie can be reached at (813) 865-4849 or jmckenzie@tampatrib.com.

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