YMCA hosts Southern Charm Etiquette party
By Mike Hamson
Special Correspondent
TBO.com
Published: March 23, 2016
TAMPA — In a world of texting, some say young people — glued to their smartphones — fail to be courteous to others. But thanks to several Brandon and Tampa-area volunteers, some area children recently learned table manners, phone etiquette and how to tie a tie at a Southern Charm Etiquette party sponsored by the YMCA.
Jen Packing-Ebuen, a family practice physician for Florida Hospital Physicians Group in Brandon, was one of the volunteers who helped children at Sulphur Springs K-8 Community School, 8412 N. 13th Street, with basic manners and public speaking.
“The etiquette event is absolutely key in teaching kids and young adults how to present themselves in formal situations, especially when searching for employment,” Packing-Ebuen said. “First, job interviews are stressful enough, and knowing you look the part is a huge confidence builder. This is my first time to this event, but other board members have told me that the kids always have fun and love the feeling of accomplishment after learning new skills.”
Packing-Ebuen, of Ybor City, is an advisory board member for the Sulphur Springs YMCA. She liked working directly with children at the event on March 12 in the school cafeteria.
“I’m teaching how to tie a bow-tie today, which is even more specialized and can really help a young person stand out in a crowd,” she said.
She said all of the skills taught were skills vital for professionals and adult life.
“The best part of volunteering for the Y is watching kids forming their personalities and listening to their hopes for their futures. Today is just one tiny step in that direction and I get to be a part of it,” Packing-Ebuen said.
Lakema Massey of Brandon, the director of operations for the Sulphur Springs YMCA, said this year’s event was possible because of the private donations and grants given throughout the year.
“Our main mission is to close the cycle of generational poverty through education,” Massey said. “We are hoping to educate our students with after-school programs, summer camps and community events like the etiquette event.”
Lalita Llerena, the communications director for the YMCA, said it is the third time the Sulphur Springs Y hosted the annual outreach event.
More than 50 community members attended the etiquette event.
“For many lower-income families, etiquette skills may be hard to come by,” Llerena said. “The Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA is hoping to change that through outreach events in underserved communities like this one.”
Special Correspondent
TBO.com
Published: March 23, 2016
TAMPA — In a world of texting, some say young people — glued to their smartphones — fail to be courteous to others. But thanks to several Brandon and Tampa-area volunteers, some area children recently learned table manners, phone etiquette and how to tie a tie at a Southern Charm Etiquette party sponsored by the YMCA.
Jen Packing-Ebuen, a family practice physician for Florida Hospital Physicians Group in Brandon, was one of the volunteers who helped children at Sulphur Springs K-8 Community School, 8412 N. 13th Street, with basic manners and public speaking.
“The etiquette event is absolutely key in teaching kids and young adults how to present themselves in formal situations, especially when searching for employment,” Packing-Ebuen said. “First, job interviews are stressful enough, and knowing you look the part is a huge confidence builder. This is my first time to this event, but other board members have told me that the kids always have fun and love the feeling of accomplishment after learning new skills.”
Packing-Ebuen, of Ybor City, is an advisory board member for the Sulphur Springs YMCA. She liked working directly with children at the event on March 12 in the school cafeteria.
“I’m teaching how to tie a bow-tie today, which is even more specialized and can really help a young person stand out in a crowd,” she said.
She said all of the skills taught were skills vital for professionals and adult life.
“The best part of volunteering for the Y is watching kids forming their personalities and listening to their hopes for their futures. Today is just one tiny step in that direction and I get to be a part of it,” Packing-Ebuen said.
Lakema Massey of Brandon, the director of operations for the Sulphur Springs YMCA, said this year’s event was possible because of the private donations and grants given throughout the year.
“Our main mission is to close the cycle of generational poverty through education,” Massey said. “We are hoping to educate our students with after-school programs, summer camps and community events like the etiquette event.”
Lalita Llerena, the communications director for the YMCA, said it is the third time the Sulphur Springs Y hosted the annual outreach event.
More than 50 community members attended the etiquette event.
“For many lower-income families, etiquette skills may be hard to come by,” Llerena said. “The Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA is hoping to change that through outreach events in underserved communities like this one.”
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