3/12 Vin's People: MHS softball benefit game for late coach

Manatee High’s girls softball team will play the MHS faculty in a memorial benefit softball game at 5 p.m. March 17 for former Hurricanes baseball coach Scott Taylor, 54, who died March 1.

Taylor, who taught physical education at Sugg Middle School since 1978, was widely respected by his peers and proteges.

One was Matt Kitchie, a former Southeast quarterback Taylor coached when he was the Noles’ offensive coordinator.

“Even though I was not one of the better players, Scott coached me the same as all the stars we had at the time,” wrote Kitchie, now head football coach at Land O’ Lakes High. “He has been a factor in my career path as well as the success I might have.”

Then there’s Jacob Beard, a Sugg student.

His mom Jeanne wrote, “Let’s not forget the impact this man had on his current students. He meant something to these kids — not just the adults.

“I know my son looked up to Mr. Taylor. And after seeing some comments on the Facebook page he created to honor him, my son is not the only one.”

The game will be played on the MHS south campus athletic field.

Tickets are $3.

For details about donations, call Coach John Carlock at 737-7648.

n Oh, no! Patricia Bushee hit the Big 5-0!

n Ever seen an elephant and camel in a St. Patrick’s Day Parade?

Then join us at 4 p.m. Sunday for the Beach Bistro’s 12th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Holmes Beach.

“I’m always amazed at the chaos we create without getting thrown in jail,” joked Bistro owner and parade impresario Sean Murphy.

n That’s 52 years of wedded bliss for Sue and Jim Manring, who is 72 years young.

n A bow to Pat Bishop, Pirate Booster Club member and McKechnie Field usher.

At last Saturday’s home opener, she tied a single long-stemmed rose to the railing by the seat Mary Dillman occupied for 30 years as a spring training season ticket holder.

Mary passed last July at 91.

n Anna Zirkelbach is 106 years young.

n And Braden River Care Center’s Frieda Kroog is 105.

n When Jarod Wingate celebrated his ninth birthday, the St. Joseph School third-grader did something noble.

Instead of getting presents, he asked his friends to bring clothes for Haitian children.

His proud family are parents Marty and Suzie, sister Tia and grands Yvonne and Harry, and Steve and Mary Reuschel.

n MHS Sugar ’Cane Marissa Austin is “Sweet 16” on Tuesday. Cheers from Michelle and Brian and Devin.

n MHS cheerleader McKinna Anderson is “Sweet 16,” too. Cheers from Mark, Joanie, Sam and grands Larry and Barbara Van Winkle.

n Speaking of MHS, “Smokin’ Joe” Kinnan turned 65 Tuesday, but on Wednesday night the Manatee Hurricanes football coach brought the heat, firing a strike on his ceremonial opening pitch before the O’s-Pirates game at McKechnie Field.

n Remember the second annual “Yes We Can Dance,” our county’s school dance teams showcase, 7:30 p.m. March 19 at Neel Performing Arts Center.