BuzzWorthy I T E M S O F N O T E
Townsend Tarapani and his father John held a reception for the sponsors and 25 artists who
participated in the Tarpon Springs Invitational Paint Out at their Tarapani’s Fine Art and Antiques
on Tarpon Avenue in downtown Tarpon Springs. The exhibit included all the works that had
been painted on location during the six-day event.
Josh Bomstein of Creative Contractors
has announced the completion of the Holy
Name Monastery in Saint Leo for the
Benedictine Sisters of Florida. The $3.4
million facility is 16,000 square feet.
Jim Parish, the marketing and events
director at the St. Petersburg Museum of
History, hosted a viewing party for the
premiere episode of the History Channel’s
new show, Museum Men, that features
the Museum’s “Lady of the Nile,” a 3,000-
year-old Egyptian mummy.
Michael Pastreich, the president and
CEO of The Florida Orchestra, has been
recognized by the national publication
Musical America as one of the 30 music
industry professionals whom they found
to be noteworthy for their courage and
innovation. He was chosen based upon
having taken a risk, stepping up for the
cause, and having spoken out where others
were silent, all to the measurable benefit
of The Florida Orchestra.
Mary Ellen Elia, the superintendent of
the Hillsborough County Public Schools, has
been given Florida’s 2015 Superintendent
of the Year Award by the Florida Association
of District School Superintendents.
She has been the superintendent of
Hillsborough Schools since 2005. The school
system is the 8th largest district in the
was presented with the John E. Stross
Victory Over Violence Award at CASA’s
(Community Action Stop Abuse) annual
Peace Breakfast.
nation with 205,000 students at 270 school
sites and centers and is the largest employer
in Hillsborough County. She has also been
selected as one of the four finalists for the
2015 National Superintendent of the Year
by the American Association of School
Administrators, due to her leadership for
learning, communication, professionalism
and community involvement.
Paul Wilborn, the executive director
and artistic director at the Palladium
Theater at St. Petersburg College, was
featured by the St. Petersburg Arts
Alliance as an artist whose hands express
their art. Paul is a multitalented pianist
and singer whose fingers fly over the
keyboard, as he combines song stylings
with stories and anecdotes.
Rhea Law of Buchanan, Ingersoll and
Rooney PC Fowler White Boggs has been
appointed the chair of the Florida Council
of 100, an organization that promotes the
economic growth of Florida.
Lorna Taylor, the president and CEO of
Tampa Premier Eye Care, was presented
with the distinguished Light of Sight Award
by the Lions Eye Institute for Transplant
and Research in recognition of her advocacy
and philanthropy.
Kerry Burke, clerk of the Circuit
Court and comptroller of Pinellas County,
Bob Glaser, president and CEO of Smith &
Associates Real Estate, congratulated managing
broker Nikki Phillips at the Grand Opening of
the Walsingham Office in Largo, which will serve
the Coastal Community and the Beaches.
68 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015