News of www.newsofkingspoint.com
February, 2016
Kings Point Breaks New Ground in Pickleball
Resident leaders of Kings Point Suncoast broke ground on a new athletic complex on January 18. When the project is complete Kings Point will have eight new pickleball courts as well as stands to watch the action, making it the area’s Pickleball facilities leader. “We have listened carefully to our neighbors throughout Kings
Point and we are delivering what they want: More and better fitness and wellness options,” said Liz Argott, president of the Federation of Kings Point Associations, which budgeted $450,000 for this project. “The Pickleball Complex fits into our long-range plan for enhancing the quality and variety of recreation amenities in this 55+
Members of the Pickleball Club are excited about the groundbreaking for their new courts.
community,” Argott said. Officials and project planners said the project should be complete no later than April 2016. “We are very excited about this project,” said Ginger Anzalone, Vice President of Vesta Property Services, Inc., who oversaw the project on behalf of Kings Point. “The Pickleball League began in
2001 when we built courts at the newly-opened Kings Point South Club,” she said. “Through the efforts of their passionate and dedicated players, this group has grown to over 200 fans of the sport. We look forward to their continued enthusiasm for the game with this new beautiful Pickleball Complex!” Continued on Page 4
Residents, pickleball players and guests listen as President Liz Argott speaks about Kings Point’s commitment to give residents what they want.
Community Church College Celebrates 40 Years
By Larry Piechoski An Educational Institution “That is Old But Acts Young”, The Community Church College on North Pebble Beach is currently celebrating its 40th anniversary. It is one of the longest-existing institutions in Sun City Center. It was started in 1976 when this whole area was mostly farm country and had far fewer people. Back then, the founding minister of the Community Church, Robert Gingery, had the idea that people want to keep learning when they retire. He decided to form a place where people of all kinds and denominations could come for entertainment, inspiration, and information on every subject. Even though the church, quite a large building, would provide offices, classrooms, and school equipment, the offerings would be secular and on every topic of interest - practical, self-help, entertainment, academic, hobbies, health. In all those
Scan the code with your Smart Phone to find us online at www.NewsOfKingsPoint.com
Pictured College Board and Staff, L to R- Jan Kopische, Judy Stevens, Anne Ginevan, Dean, Barbara Brtva, Muriel Akroyd, Ann-Mary Kapusta, Lisa Ushman, Wiley Mangum, Roxann Seeley and Office Manager Larry Piechoski along with picture of Dr. Gingery.
years, the school has been as steady as the warm Florida winters, always there and never missing a year or a “minisemester”. Just as the church was the first church in town and would welcome and provide a gathering place for every religion (hence the name “community” church), the school would provide a venue for every interest, for everyone who wanted “lifelong learning” of whatever kind. It would be a service to the community. Last year for the first time courses began to vary in length from as short as one week or as long as six weeks. This year there will be some offerings at entirely different times from the traditional two six-week terms. In the discussion stage are plans for a possible “single lecture day” (a smorgasbord of one hour lectures all taking place during a single day so people can get sort of a “Whitman’s Sampler” of the kinds of things
the school offers) and some “skills workshops” which, if there is community interest, may appeal to working people as well as retirees interested in improving communications, persuasion, problem-solving and other skills in a hands-on and interactive manner. This term there will be sixty different classes. Courses range from retirement planning, Medicare, and nutrition to dealing with finances, to how-to and hands on classes such as photography and conversational Spanish, to a slide presentation on great works of art, to dealing with emotions, to entertaining subjects such as “naughty texts of the Bible” taught by the church’s senior minister. The school has long been a serious operation, run
professionally by people with a background in education and administration. Many of the instructors and students come back year after year as well. The Winter/ Spring term runs from February 8 through March 18. Each class meets for 90 minutes and the cost is $25 for a six-week course or $6 per session if you want to attend on a class-by-class basis. Walk-ins (someone who has not registered for the entire course, but wants to try out or attend a single session) are welcome. And in fact, that’s a good way to “test the waters” - to drop in on the first of several classes and then decide which ones to attend all the way through. Full descriptions, times, and classrooms for every course (as Continued on Page 4
LIKE TO WRITE OR TAKE PHOTOS? Join the News of Kings Point team! Email: newsofscc.ca@gmail.com
EVENTS 2 Page
The News of Kings Point
February 2016
NOTICE: Each community and club in Sun City Center and Kings Point has specific rules about membership and attendance. Unless specifically stated or posted, most venues, meetings and events hosted on the Community Association campus and in Kings Point require attendees to bring their SCC CA or KP ID or come with a resident member. When in doubt, contact the club in question - not the venue or association - prior to arrival. Thanks.
Kings Point Valentines Day Dance
Wear you Valentine red colors and dance to the music of Dan Fugazotto on Tuesday, February 9 in the Kings Point Veterans Theater. Doors open at 7 p.m. for guests and members not attending the dinner. Dancing 7:30 - 9:30. Members and guests attending the dinner, doors open at 5:30, dinner is served at 6 p.m. Cost for guests attending the dance is $5 a person. Proper dress for the dinner is jacket and tie for the men; dress or dressy pants for women. Contact Theresa at 634-0812 if you are a guest. SCC guest names will be emailed to the gate. See you on the dance floor.
SCC & Southshore Author Meetup
Wednesday, February 10 from 2 – 3:30 p.m. in the Community Room at JSA Medical Group, 733 Cortaro Drive (plaza behind Taco Bell). Meet and network with other local authors. Learn about writing, publishing and book promotions. Whatever your experience level, if you are interested in writing and publishing, this is the place to be.
Kings Point Jewish Club
Wednesday, February 10 at 6:30 p.m. in the Kings Point North Clubhouse Banquet Room. Please join us for a potluck dinner. Everyone brings something to the table! The cost for this event is free for members and $10 for nonmembers. Please send your reservation and money to Nina Block (1907 Canterbury Ln # 5, Sun City Center). All reservations and money must be received by February 4. If you wish to become a member, it is $12 a year. Membership money is also sent to Nina. For additional information contact Annette Bruno at “arbruno2002@yahoo.com” or 813-6597377. We would also appreciate if you contact Annette with your food selection.
Scandinavian Club Holds Folk Music Performance
The Scandinavian Club of Sun City Center will meet on Wednesday, February 24, at 2:30 p.m. in the Eberhardt (Lawn Bowling) Room. Karen Solgard, an accomplished performer, will play the Hardanger fiddle and talk about this national instrument of Norway. It is similar to the violin and each fiddle is a handmade work of art, as shown above. The instrument probably originated in the area around the Hardanger fiord of Norway. Light refreshments will be served; there may be an admission fee. For questions concerning the program please contact Sandra Andel, 813-690-1359. Anyone interested in becoming a member of the Scandinavian Club should contact Fritz Brinck at 813-260-3422.
Computer Club February Meeting
Kings Point Lawn Bowling Celebrates Christmas
King’s Point West Lawn Bowling Club (KPWLBC) held their Annual meeting and Christmas Party December 16. President Jim Ferguson welcomed our new bowlers, thanked outgoing officers and congratulated the incoming officers. The membership enjoyed a buffet dinner and a gift exchange host by our special guests, Santa Claus (Joe White) and his Elves (Judy Boyer and Irene Williams).
L to R: Beverly Gentry, Mary McIntyre, Regent; Marilyn Campbell, Vice Regent, and Kathe Echlin.
DAR Celebrates Colonial Christmas
By Jo Prater The Colonel George Mercer Brooke Chapter of DAR enjoyed a “Colonial Christmas” on December 16. The program speaker was Beverly Gentry, Outstanding Docent from the State Of Florida and Regent of the Fort Cooper Chapter. She presented a slide show of items that are in the DAR museum and the State Period Rooms in Washington DC and brought items to decorate a small tree with ornaments and lights from the Colonial era. Chapter members also brought antique ornaments to adorn the tree.
February 3, 2016 — Wednesday — 7 p.m. Florida Room Drone Presentation Over the past few years, drones have become a very hot topic. At our February meeting GetFPV equipment, a supplier of sophisticated drone equipment will demonstrate some new drone technology. CLASS SCHEDULE: Windows 10 Same Class – Four Dates from 9:00 - 12 noon, February 8, 18, 22, 25; members $10, non-members $15. Upgrade to Windows 10 Workshop February 11 or February 24, 9 to noon, $20 members, $25 non-members. Upgrades can only be done if you are currently on Windows 7 or Windows 8.1. Participants will bring their laptop or desktop tower to the computer room and we will help you upgrade to Windows 10. If you don’t have a current backup of your files, bring a flash drive or external hard drive to class. Tune-up Your PC Tuesday, February 9, 8:45 – 12 noon, $30 Computer Club Members Only. Is your PC or laptop running slow, long boot times, do you wait forever for web pages to come up? Bring your own laptop computer to class and see the results immediately. Only six slots will be available, so register early. An Introduction to EXCEL 2013 A four-session class from 10 – 12 noon, February 16, 19, 23 & 26 Members $10.00, Non-members $15.00 This is a class for beginners who are interested in spreadsheet development; from design to implementation. Prerequisite: ‘Introduction to Computers’, given by the Computer Club or equivalent. This class is an 8-hour class. Home assignments and quizzes will be presented as challenges to the student. Introduction to File Explorer Friday, March 4, 9 – 12 noon, $10 members, $15 non-members. Windows File Explorer is the Windows built-in application that displays the contents of hard drives and folders. You use it to navigate all the folders and files on your computer. In this class you will learn to find, to save, to move, to copy, to delete and to rename files and folders on your hard drive or memory sticks. Learn more about storage, retrieval, file types and folders. You will learn how to use the Explorer search features. This class is a must for all Windows users. You must pay for the class when you register. Register at the Computer Lab (Atrium Building) - Mon. through Sat., 12:30 - 5 p.m. Diane Hall, Director of Education, diane@scccomputerclub.org.
February 2016 The News of Kings Point
Purple Butterflies To Visit “Herrmann’s Royal Lipizzan Stallions”
Saturday, March 12, 2016, we will be travelling to Myakka City to visit with the Royal Lipizzans and to watch these beautiful white stallions perform their rare and breath-taking “Airs Above the Ground”. Information regarding the Royal Lipizzan’s can be found at www.http://hlipizzans/.com. Once again we are inviting men as well as women guests to join the Purple Butterflies for a fun filled trip. Pre-paid attendees will meet at the SCC South Campus, Community Hall, 1980 S. Pebble Beach Blvd., by 8:15 a.m. The bus will leave around 8:30 a.m. and return at approximately 2:30 p.m. $20 includes $5 required donation for the care of the stallions, bus and gratuity. Lunch, OYO, will be held at Miller’s Dutch Kitchen in Bradenton as we return from our visit. Please prepare for March weather and bring any personal items that you may need. There is room under the bus to store your items. Details and sign-up sheet for this event are located on Queen Debbie’s porch at 1704 El Rancho Drive (look for the Purple Butterfly mailbox). Make checks payable to “The Purple Butterflies”. If you cannot afford to pay for the trip at this time, but want to attend, feel free to sign up and date your check for February 27, 2016. Checks won’t be deposited until two weeks before the event. Any questions can be directed to Queen Debbie at (813) 633-2306. Once again, for those that have travelled with us in the past, please note new sign-up location and contact information.
Metaphysical Society
Fund Raiser Presentations - 10 a.m. – Wednesdays – in the Heritage Room February 3 “Managing Diabetes and Stress Related Illness with Service Dogs, Meditation, and an Ayurvedic Lifestyle.” Deepak Chopra certified instructor and Sugar Dogs, Int’l., worker Paula Nunnery shares life-saving techniques of service dogs and meditation. February 10 “Merging with your Soul.” Coptic minister Rev. Carl Franklin explains how we can be “At-one” with our Soul here on Earth today – the ultimate level, as He did. Call 813 295-3280 for an appointment. February 17 [in the Sandpiper Room] “Prayer and Meditation.” Psychic Medium Tony Todesco shares that prayer and meditation are fundamental keys to claiming our Divine goodness. Call 813 419-4704 for an appointment. February 24 “How to Make Spiritual Decisions.” Speaker Ed Foote shares how to make life’s decisions based on spiritual principles and provides specific ways to do this based on A Course in Miracles, and other sources. February 28 at 2:30 p.m., “Sunday Metaphysical Movie Presentation” features “Time is Art – Synchronicity and The Collective Dream.” Admission is $1. Fee waived for Society members wearing SCCCA/ Kings Point ID. Love offering to benefit the Society is also requested (except for Sunday Movie). Info call Holli at 813-419-4704 or Frank at 813-562-4404.
A Celtic Celebration In Song
The lads, lassies, colleens, boyos, dynes, dyns, ladies and gents who comprise the St. Andrew and Friends community chorus have begun their weekly rehearsals for a Celtic celebration in song under the direction of Mr. Doug Westlake. Doug is the new Choir Director at St. Andrew’s. You are cordially invited to attend the Friends concert on Sunday, March 13 at 3 PM, St. Andrew Presbyterian Church located at 1239 Del Webb Boulevard West in Sun City Center. Their repertoire will have you clapping, smiling, toe tapping, and, maybe a tear or two, doncha’ know. So put on the tartans, plaids, kilts and wear your green as we celebrate all things Celtic!
Page 3
Audubon Club Member Earns Calendar Spot
The Environmental Lands Acquisition and Protection Program (ELAPP) of Hillsborough County sponsors a photo contest for their calendar, John Lampkin, a member of the Sun City Center Audubon Club submitted some of his excellent photos of birds. Two of his photos were chosen to appear in the next calendar. The Florida Scrub-Jay is Florida’s only endemic bird species and as such is sought after by birders worldwide. Acorns are the dietary staple and sometimes make a mouthful. This female Rainbow Scarab is digging her nest in an open patch of sand. She will provision it with some dung and lay eggs on it and seal the burrow.
Interfaith Council Grant to The Lord’s Lighthouse
By Jay Sparkman. Leo Pelzel, left, a member of the Sun City Center Interfaith Council and volunteer at the Nearly New Shop, presented Pastor William Cruz, The Lord’s Lighthouse Ministry, with a grant check in the amount of $10,000. The grant will help the Lord’s Lighthouse provide food, clothing, and school supplies to needy families in the South Hillsborough County area. The Interfaith Council uses monies from the sale of donations at the Nearly New Shop to fund grants and scholarships. Organizations in South County wishing to apply for a grant have until January 31to do so. Information can be obtained by calling 813-642-9099 or going to “InterfaithCouncilofSunCityCenter. com”.
Michigan Club Pizza Party
By Stephanie Casey Time for the Michigan Club to host its tremendously popular Pizza party. Tickets are on sale in the Kings Point North Clubhouse lobby every Tuesday morning, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Because this social gathering is a perennial favorite, it has been moved from the KP Banquet room to the KP Veterans Theater, to accommodate all the partygoers. The Club will provide pizza, beer and pop for your enjoyment. It will be held on Tuesday, February 23, doors open no earlier than 5 p.m. To secure your spot at one of the reserved tables, Michigan Club members will pay $10 per person. The cost for nonmembers is $12. Special entertainment is also on tap for this delightful evening. For more information, you may contact Paul at (813) 634-8506. You can also just stop at the Michigan Club table in the corner of the KP North Clubhouse any Tuesday morning. Tables go fast so act now and don’t be left out in the cold. What sounds more comforting than pizza and beer on a February evening? This is one party you don’t want to miss.
Fasching, Karneval, Mardi Gras
Whatever name you give it – it means “Party Time” with the SCC German-American Club. This year’s celebration of the pre-Lenten event will be on Thursday, February 4, 2016 in the Community Hall on S. Pebble Beach in Sun City Center. Manny Daum is bringing his band from Cape Coral to provide the happy party music for this once-a-year costume party. That’s right! This is a “costume” party, with cash prizes for singles, couples and groups. And your ticket includes a catered dinner of Hungarian beef goulash, with spaetzle and red cabbage, dessert and coffee. The dinner will be catered by the Old Castle German Restaurant will be available at 5:45 p.m. Door open at 4:30 p.m. The price for this BYOB event is $22 for member and $27 for nonmembers. Checks to be made out to the German-American Club of SCC and mailed, along with a self-addressed envelope for return of tickets, to Mike Albanese, 1808 Granville Lane, Sun City Center, 33573.
Stained Glass Club
Karen Ransbury made the panel that the Stained Glass Club will raffle on Fun Fest. Members invite the public to come by the club to get your tickets and see the many different stained glass items as well as slumped and fused items that are for sale. Events on Page 4.
4 Page
Continued from Page 1.
Anzalone said the complex will include eight courts, bleachers, a protective fence and other amenities – “all state of the art.” No one is more thrilled than Cathy Drinkard, president of the Kings Point Pickleball Club. “We’re so excited,” she said, “and the Federation and the Recreation Board have been so great.” The complex will make Kings Point an even more attractive place to live, Drinkard said. “Oh, it’s going to bring people in. I already know people who have bought in because of Pickleball. I’m telling you we’re looking
The News of Kings Point
at tournaments, senior games, clinics and much more.” Pickleball is one of the fastestgrowing sports in the country, with more than 100,000 active players in all 50 states. There are folks of all levels of athletic ability, ranging in age from 30 to 80. The pickleball court area is one-third the size of a tennis court, with play similar to that of tennis, without the intensity or speed. Like tennis, it can be played with two or four players. The USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) promotes the growth and development of the game on national and international levels.
Board members break ground on the new courts, expected to be finished in April. Pictured: President Liz Argott, Treasurer Bill Piper, Secretary Mary Ann Meeker, Vice President Mike Bardell, Director Tom Murphy, Director Wayne Mushold and RFEC John Robeck. College continued from Page 1.
well as many one-day bus trips) are on the school’s website: “4lifelearning.org”. Course catalogs and in the church office or the church lobby and available around town. For example at the SCC library, the South Shore Regional Library on 19th Avenue, the CA gym, and the Kings Point South and North Clubhouses. Classes are held at the United Community Church, United Church of Christ. It is a huge
building with a red and white steeple about two hundred yards north of the Community Association complex on North Pebble at 1501 La Jolla Ave. If you want to register in person, the college office is in the church. It is open Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to noon for the next several weeks and during the school term. Phone is: (813)-634-8607. Email is: tri-c@verizon.net. There is a form on the school’s website for online registration.
Lions International
By Ilona Merritt For nearly 100 years, Lions Club members have worked on projects designed to prevent blindness, restore eyesight and improve eye health and eye care for hundreds of millions of people worldwide. Their success is known all over the world, and so it is no wonder when we hear the words “Lions Club” we think of the organization which works to prevent blindness and saving sight for millions of people around the world. However, the Lions stand for so much more. Lions perform handson community service and, around the world, Lions demonstrate their commitment to the environment. When a natural disaster strikes, Lions are among the first to offer volunteer disaster relief. The Lions Clubs International has a long tradition of helping children, the world’s future generation. And the list of services goes on. Therefore it is no wonder that our local Lions Club is very active in raising funds to support local organizations. Recently, the Sun City Center Lions Club made a donation of $500 to My Warriors Place. The money will go towards the building of a ramp into one of the buildings on the grounds at My Warriors Place. The Lions donated to the Good Samaritan Mission, Reddick Elementary School, Wimauma Elementary School, and Boy Scouts Troop 204, which meets at the United Methodist Church in Sun City Center. Members are invited to make suggestions of organizations needing help and the Board makes the final decision. I had the opportunity to spend some time with President Gloria Rodzielowicz and her four-legged companion Billy, a well trained and groomed black Labrador. She has a vision problem, but it has not slowed down her enthusiasm for the Lions Club. At this years Christmas party they did away with the gift exchange, instead everyone brought food to be distributed to local food banks. The Sun City Center Lions club is a very supportive group consisting of 49 members. Anyone is welcome to join; all it takes is a willingness to serve. The Lions meet the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month at the Sandpiper Grille, 1702 South Pebble Beach Boulevard, 11 a.m. All are welcome to come visit, and see what the Lions are all about. If you have any questions, please call Lions Gloria Rodzielowicz 419-4187 or Ellen & Terry McGovern 633-4202.
February 2016
Events from Page 3.
Sawdust Engineers
Ever heard of the Sawdust Engineer’s Club? It’s a SCCCA Club which offers an excellent facility for woodworkers in SCC. It has about 300 members with expertise in about every phase of woodworking. One of our members, Phil Baker from New Hampshire, is an expert at fret (scroll) work. Phil started woodworking in High School shop class. During his married/business life Phil only built “need based” woodwork. After retiring he started making “feel good” items. He defines these as items others appreciate and enjoy. This then makes Phil “feel good”. Some of the most popular items Phil makes are Military plaques for the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines. These make great gifts for retired and active duty Military personnel. His religious items are also in great demand. Having been a resident of SCC for two years and also a Sawdust Engineers member, Phil asks, “Where else can you have so much fun for $30 per year? You only need wood and an idea. Everything else, including training and assistance is available in the club.”
Men’s Chorus Prepares for the 2016 Season
Like to sing? The 30-member Sun City Center Men’s Chorus always has room for a few more voices. The chorus has been making music for over 50 years, and its members still enjoy the camaraderie that comes from singing together and sharing good-humored fellowship. The chorus recently completed a seven-engagement Christmas season. It’s now working on a broad spectrum of music for 2016 that includes religious/spiritual, musical comedy and barbershop pieces. The group performed at a variety of venues in 2015, including Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, where it sang the national anthem before a Rays/Red Sox game. The 2016 schedule is filling up fast, but two open dates in March and April remain. Rehearsals are held Wednesday afternoons from 2 to 4 at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 1239 Del Webb Boulevard West. Anyone who has sung in a church choir, college glee club, community chorus or just the nearest shower stall is welcome to join the fun. No auditions are required. Call President Bob Garrod at 813-634-4110 for further information.
Irish Connection to Celebrate St Patrick’ with Potluck Dinner and Celtic Entertainment
Toot the horn! Bang the drum! It’s a party! Can you come? St Patrick’s won’t be cheery without you! Come celebrate with The Irish Connection at their annual Emerald Isle dinner party with entertainment on Wednesday, March 16, at 5:30 p.m. in the Florida Room of the Atrium Building, 945 N. Course Lane, Sun City Center, FL, 33573. The potluck is no charge for IC members and $5 for their accompanying guests (make checks payable to ‘Irish Connection’ with name of guest(s), NO CASH accepted, and is payable at the door. RSVP required by March 10 for a head count; please leave a message on Kathy’s machine at 633.2951 or by email to Kathy at “kathymdfl1@verizon.net”. Singles/group tables available upon request. Festive St Patrick attire is encouraged. Bring your adult beverage of choice (BYOB) and your CA/KP membership badge, per the CA/KP rules, for entry. For membership information, please contact Joan 633.5274 or go to www.sccirishconnection.com.
SCC Photo Club Meets Tuesday, February 9 at 6:30 p.m. in the Caper Room
At the Sun City Center Photo Club Meeting, award winning professional photographer, Jack Winberg will teach how to capture video clips using your video capable still camera. He will also demonstrate trimming and editing them with Photoshop, Lightroom or Pro Show Gold. Winberg will describe assembling the clips into a “story,” adding titles and sound, then rendering the final masterful output. Example clips of a wedding will be shown, as well as a finished video that enabled significant grant funding for an organization. Come and meet, Jack and experience this technical side of photography. At 6:30 p.m., we will have a tutorial video and the results of the Challenge, Monochrome Numbers, followed by the regular program at 7 p.m. This is an open meeting and you do not have to be a member to attend. Dues for the 2016 year are $20 per person or $30 per household couple and provide access to club activities, competitions and classes as well as the photo lab with computers, scanners and large format printers. For more information on the club and its activities, please see our website at www.photoclubscc.com or visit the learning lab at 1203 Pebble Beach Blvd.