Amvets Post 301 collects state honors

A salute to Ellenton’s Ralph A. Bantle Amvets Post 301, which received several honors at last month’s state convention in Orlando.
Among them were the Department of Florida Amvet of the Year to Post commander Stacy Rhodes, the Department of Florida Son of the Year to Tim Hutton, and the Community Service and Americanism Awards to the Ladies Auxilary for the third straight year.
Also, the newly elected Department of Florida Commander for the Sons of the Amvets is the Post’s Ken Barber.

Good luck to Ellie Ohlman at the 2012 Miss Florida Pageant finals Saturday in St. Petersburg. The Lakewood Ranch High alum was the past DeSoto Queen.

Next time Jose Luna takes a tennis lesson in his wheelchair at El Conquistador Country Club, the 10-year-old might be paired with Xavier Malisse, a Bradenton resident who recently lost to Roger Federer in the fourth round at Wimbledon.
Malisse is best friends and former doubles partner with Hugo Armando Jr., who helps his father work with Jose, who has cerebral palsy.
They do it for free, too.
“We love this boy,” said Hugo Armando Sr.

Manatee High’s Class of 2002 holds its 10th reunion July 13-14.
The event begins with a Friday evening cookout at the Anna Maria Bayfront Park pavilion, 310 North Bay Blvd. Then that Saturday evening alums will gather at the Gulf Drive Cafe & Tiki, 900 Gulf Dr., Bradenton Beach.
For tickets, visit: www.eventbrite.com/event/3083461717.
Or contact Whitney Shapiro Ricci at Whitney.Shapiro@gmail.com.

Funeral services for surfing legend Rich Salick, who grew up on Anna Maria Island, are 1 p.m. Saturday at the Club Zion Community Church, 830 S. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach.
Call 321-799-4340.

Read more Friday in Vin's People on Bradenton.com.