A word or two on me before our paths cross

Not long after Lennie Bennett told you I would succeed her in writing this column, you started to call and to introduce yourselves. I appreciate that, and I look forward to getting to know you.

Lots of you have questions about my new role at the Times. To borrow from Dave Barry, I am not making them up.

QUESTION: What is the purpose of a column such as On the Town?

ANSWER: There are several: to acknowledge the contributions of those who support and uphold charitable and nonprofit organizations in our communities; to look behind the scenes at some of those events; and to appreciate the many bright stars in the constellations that distinguish this part of the bay area.

QUESTION: Is the idea of such a column shallow, archaic, even passe?

ANSWER: Judging from the response I experienced before I wrote even this first column, it is well-read. It's my job to keep it up to date and interesting.

QUESTION: Will you write only about rich people?

ANSWER: Rich has many definitions; you can be rich in more than just money.

QUESTION: Are you new to St. Petersburg?

ANSWER: St. Petersburg has been my home since 1983, when I came to the Times, except for two years in Brooksville as Hernando County bureau chief. My byline appears occasionally, but mostly I have been an editor. Editors' names rarely are published.

QUESTION: Where are you from?

ANSWER: I was born in Columbia, S.C. I claim Salisbury, N.C., home of Cheerwine soft drinks, Elizabeth Hanford Dole, Food Lion supermarkets and Stanback headache powder, as my hometown.

QUESTION: Gator or Seminole?

ANSWER: Neither. I earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Appalachian State University in Boone, N.C. The Mountaineers pose little threat in football or basketball.

QUESTION: Are you engaged or married? Do you have children?

ANSWER: Not yet.

QUESTION: Does the Times give you a wardrobe allowance? A driver? Kid gloves? A tiara?

ANSWER: None of the above, but it may be time to buy a new car. Mine is nearly the age of the young women in the Junior Sungoddess Court.

QUESTION: Do you get discounts and free stuff, like the designer clothing and jewelry that movie stars wear to the Oscars?

ANSWER: I'm a paying customer, as is my employer, the St. Petersburg Times. The newspaper supports numerous charities throughout the Tampa Bay area. When I stay for a meal, the Times picks up the tab.

QUESTION: With all those luncheons, dinners and parties to go to, aren't you afraid you'll gain weight?

ANSWER: Yes. However, Times food critic Chris Sherman has trimmed down on the job, and my predecessor, Lennie Bennett, is slim. I seek their counsel in these matters.

QUESTION: What about you might surprise people?

ANSWER: As a youngster, I won some 4-H competitions.

I like to dance to East Coast beach music.

I have every issue of Martha Stewart Living, including the special supplements Baby, Kids and Weddings.

QUESTION: Re: Martha Stewart: Why?

ANSWER: She is a great resource and a terrific teacher. Furthermore, I haven't figured out eBay.

That's enough about me. I look forward to meeting you, on the town.

LOOKING AHEAD

Wednesday

ALL-STAR AUCTION: Benefit for the Suncoast Children's Dream Fund, including sports and celebrity memorabilia. Guest speaker: Terry Bowden, ABC Sports. Cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, dinner, silent and live auctions. 5:30 p.m. Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg. Business casual. $50. (727) 892-6736; www.childrensdreamfund.org.

A MUSICAL AFTERNOON OF NOSTALGIA: All Children's Hospital Guild, Beach Branch, presents Big Band music and history. Lunch. 11 a.m. St. Petersburg Yacht Club, 11 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. $25. (727) 367-7080.

Friday

CASINO NIGHT: Benefits city of St. Petersburg Recreation Department summer teen programs. Buffet dinner; dancing; silent auction; 5,000 starter gaming points; Las Vegas style dealers. Adults 21 and older; BYOB. 7:30 p.m. The Coliseum, 535 Fourth Ave. N, St. Petersburg. $25. (727) 892-6060; (727) 893-7441.

Saturday

44th ANNUAL QUEEN OF HEARTS BALL: Benefits St. Petersburg Free Clinic, Palladium Theater. Silent auction, dinner and dancing, Queen of Hearts presentation. 6:30 p.m., TradeWinds Island Grand Resort, 5500 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach. Black tie. $95. (727) 867-3706.

TOUR OF HOMES: Third annual St. Petersburg Catholic High School tour benefits the school. Nine houses, from the Bayou Club to Coffee Pot Bayou to Tierra Verde. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $10. (727) 528-2270.

March 5

A STAR SPANGLED FASHION SHOW AND LUNCHEON: Infinity, the League to Aid Abused Children and Adults, sponsors this event to benefit Brookwood-Central, Center Against Spouse Abuse and Help A Child. Fashions by D'Mura Fashion, Malindy Elene bridal and Shandra Shoe Fashions. 11 a.m., St. Petersburg Yacht Club ballroom, 11 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. $40. (727) 866-0925.

March 8

TIME FLIES: CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF THE DALI MUSEUM: The Zodiac Group unveils Salvador Dali's The Persistence of Memory, on loan from the Museum of Modern Art, New York City, and The Disintegration of the Persistence of Memory, from the Dali Museum's collection, displayed together for the first time. Hors d'oeuvres, cocktails, dancing. 7:30 p.m. Salvador Dali Museum, 1000 Third St. S, St. Petersburg. Cocktail or surreal attire. $50. (727) 823-3767.

VIVA LA FIESTA: Florida Orchestra Guild's Designer Showcase gala offers tours of two Mediterranean townhomes at the Villas del Verde along the golf course at Pasadena Yacht and Country Club. Cocktail buffet, dancing, live auction. 6 p.m., 5240 Vista Verde W. Black tie optional or fiesta costume. $50. (727) 866-0202.

March 9

THE ANNIVERSARY DINNER: Northern Trust Bank hosts this Order of Salvador event. Cocktails, dinner. 6 p.m., Salvador Dali Museum, 1000 Third St. S, St. Petersburg. Black tie. $175. (727) 823-3767.

-- Mary Jane Park can be reached at (727) 893-8267; fax (727) 893-8675; e-mail park@sptimes.com; P.O. Box 1121, St. Petersburg, FL 33731.

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