Big loss for dignitaries

It was a hot and hairy day and the razors were flying when Fort Pierce Mayor Bob Benton, Port St. Lucie Vice-Mayor Jack Kelly, County Commissioner Joe Smith and Veterans Services Director Paul Hiott gathered at Denny’s Barber Shop in Fort Pierce. The quartet had come to make good on a gentlemen’s wager they made prior to Big Brothers Big Sisters recent Bowl for Kids’ Sake, which raised nearly $130,000. Paul Hiott was first to lose the mustache he’s proudly sported since the ninth grade (he said they grow mustaches early in Okeechobee), with Commissioner Joe Smith assisting barber and former commissioner Denny Green with the honors. This small group that gathered for the mustache removal applauded and cheered loudly and then offered Paul some much-needed sunscreen for his upper lip. Then it was Mayor Bob Benton’s turn, who said that having Vice-Mayor Jack Kelly hovering over him with a straight razor was a pretty harrowing experience. Vice-Mayor Kelly said the only thing more enjoyable than going after the Mayor with a set of clippers was the opportunity to do the same thing with a straight razor. Fortunately, the finishing touches were left to Denny, the lone professional barber among the group. When all was said and done, two of the four local legends had lost their mustaches and all four had raised more than $8,600 to help support Big Brothers Big Sisters programs.

It’s all about cats and dogs

The owners of Lafferandre Gallery in downtown Fort Pierce kicked the season off with a gallery opening that also featured a fundraiser for the Humane Society. “Paws and Claws” is an array of functional pottery for pets and people by ceramicist Cynthia Zmetronak. One of her pieces was raffled during last week’s “Second Wednesday Artwalk.” It’s a fun way to explore downtown, so if you’d like information on next month’s event, give them a call at (772) 489-4255.

Walmart and ARC make match

Amber Lazaro, from the ARC of St. Lucie County, tells Glamour & Grit that a perfect match was made when employees from the Walmart Distribution Center came out to help tidy up the agency’s administrative office by applying a new coat of paint. Jeff Rutter, Christie Goldson, Sandy Gosciniak and daughter Alexis, Joe Wallace, Karen Dione, Ray Mancil, Patricia Mancil, Nathan Swindler, Jimmy Moss, Yvette Torres and Frank Boodram (12 managers and a daughter) donated their time and talent, while Walmart donated an addition $1,000. Kudos to Walmart for its community spirit.

Cultural Affairs accepting applications

The St. Lucie County Cultural Affairs Council is accepting applications for its 2007-08 season. Cultural mini-grants, in maximum amounts of $2,000, are available to St. Lucie County nonprofits that provide cultural programs for the public to enjoy. Grant applications are due this Friday, so hurry and contact Jody at (772) 462-1767 for more details.

Fashionetta features fashionistas

Alma Russ tells Luminaries that the Eta Eta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. of Fort Pierce will host its biennial Fashionetta at 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 4. The Sunrise Theatre in downtown Fort Pierce will be the setting for the gala affair. Appearing on the venue will be the Hamilton Vogue Esquire Models of Chicago. Admission is $20 for adults and $10 for children. Tickets may be purchased from any member of Eta Eta Omega or you may call (772) 462-6636 for additional information. Proceeds from this project will provide scholarships for area students and other chapter community service activities. For other information, call Alma at (772) 567-3892

On the horizon...

Committee members for the Fort Pierce Relay for Life to benefit the American Cancer Society are having a Halloween costume party tomorrow night at 6 p.m. at Dan McCarty Middle School. This sounds like great fun for the entire family. Prizes will be given for the cutest, scariest and best overall costumes. For information, call Janice at (772) 475-5001.