News of
Easter • March 27th St Patrick’s Day • March 17th
www.newsofkingspoint.com
March, 2016
Getting ready for FunFest 2016
Come out for “Fun” on March 19, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
By Ilona Merritt Forgive me Mr. Moore, but as I contacted club after club and heard the enthusiasm with which they are planning to participate in the FunFest activities on March 19 this poem just wrote itself. Every art club I contacted has been busy for weeks and months making items to sell and special items for a raffle. The Stained Glass group has been making lovely angels and beautiful glass boxes which will hold lights. Pottery Wheel has been busy making items very useful items for the kitchen and will demonstrate the use of the potter’s wheel. The Needlecrafters, the Ceramic club and the Shellcrafters also have been working hard preparing items for FunFest. Gone Stamping’ will have beautiful hand made cards for sale in the Heritage room. Should anyone get hungry, there are 13 clubs planning to
‘Twas a month before FunFest and all through the town, the club members were working for the big showdown. They were busy making beautiful and useful things in the hopes that their treasuries would ring. Some clubs were planning food with care in hopes that the visitors would enjoy their fare. Dancers and musicians and others too, Were rehearsing to show their talents to you. And everyone in Sun City Center will cheer, When friends and visitors come here. have food for sale. You can start your morning with Danish being sold by the Hope Fund. Once again the Men’s Club will be selling their famous one pound pork chops. Every year the Men’s club sells 200 pork chops and are planning to have 225 for this year. BBQ chicken will also be sold by the Men’s club. Other club’s fare includes corned beef sandwiches, hot dogs, kielbasa and hamburgers. If you are still hungry there are lots of desserts available. Strawberry
Thank You Patriots Club
By Uta Kuhn The Patriots Club came into being on September 11, 2003. It’s main objective was to instill patriotism in the community by promoting national loyalty to our country and by sponsoring and supporting patriotic projects and/or activities in and around Sun City Center. The Club’s main project was to insure the periodic display of US flags along State Road 674 during patriotic holidays, which include Memorial Day, Flag Day, July 4th, Memorial Day, September 11th and Veterans Day. The display of US Flags along SR 674 had previously been handled by American Legion Post #246 under the direction of Commander Len Perry, with representatives from various military groups and the Chamber of Commerce, who was at the time the repository for THE FLAG FUND. In July of 2003, with funds being diminished, and staffing in decline to continue the project, the Chamber asked that the monies and responsibilities be turned over to another organization. That is when CA Scan the code with your Smart Phone to find us online at www.NewsOfKingsPoint.com
President Walt Cawein and CA Secretary Paul Wheat started working with some committee members, to organize the project. By-laws were established, and officers were elected. From that day forward the Club did more than just have US flags installed along SR 674; as a matter of fact the number of flags being flown was increased to 102, stretching from Cypress Village Blvd. to Hwy. 301. As the President of the Club, Uta Kuhn and other Board members worked on promoting patriotism in the community by participating in the Memorial Day Observance, The Chamber Business Expo, FunFest, Hi Neighbor and the Veteran’s Day Observances each and every year. For Memorial Day and Veterans Day, the club provided stick flags to all who attended the event. After learning that the the Therapeutic Recreation Program at the James A. Haley Hospital was underfunded, the Club set up special collection boxes at these events to collect monies which would then be donated to the VA’s special program. Over the years the Club was able to donate thousands of dollars to this worthy cause. In the past, fundraisers had been held for this program, but
shortcakes will be offered by the Lions club/Writers club, pies, cookies, cannoli and, of course, ice cream. Amidst all this shopping and eating you might want watch some demonstrations. It takes many hours of practice for groups to put on demonstrations. After all, everyone wants to put their best foot forward. The Swim Dancers will give a demonstration of synchronized swimming at noon in the lap pool. (they practice because of lack of manpower, these fell by the wayside. That is when the club held at least four fundraisers over the years, to offset the shortfall. The club was also instrumental for the installation of two permanent flagpoles with flags, in front of the SCC Service Sign on the south side of 674. These were installed to honor our veterans, past and present, and to pay tribute to them for the sacrifices they made. With continued publicity, the club also encouraged SCC residents to remember to dispose of their torn/tattered/faded flags by dropping them off at the CA Office, where they will be picked up for proper disposal by a local Boy Scout Troop. And of course also reminded them to fly their flags, and surround their neighborhoods with stick flags in front of every home for patriotic holidays. This practice, which started rather slowly, but has picked up steam over the years, and is a pleasure to see as people ride through these areas. As President of the Club, it has been my pleasure to make sure that we stand by the Club’s Motto: “KEEP THEM FLYING.” Being an immigrant, who came to the United States in 1951, enjoying the freedoms and opportunities in this great country, are my greatest joys, and seeing those flags displayed along our beautiful boulevard,
all year) The ballroom dancers and the solo line dancers will put on an exhibition and have been practicing a lot for this occasion. Then there are clubs who invite you discuss their programs and activities which might be of interest to the visitors. The computer lab will be open for anyone to stop by and monitors will be on duty just in case you have a question. If you ever wondered what a 3D printer is like, there will be a demonstration in the Computer Club lab. Many of the craft clubs will have demonstrations of their art as well. So, save the date and come to the FunFest and experience the enthusiasm and excitement first hand. There is a complete list of vendors in this issue of the News of Sun City Center. Come and have fun, eat, drink and be merry at the Sun City Center 2016 FunFest. makes me proud and thankful to live in the greatest country on God’s green earth. I am proud of what the Patriots Club has accomplished over the years of its existence, and I am sad to announce that the club will be disbanding. Having to give up leadership of the club is bittersweet, but I happy to announce that our cause to “KEEP THEM FLYING” will be taken up by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). It would be tough to choose a more fitting group to continue our cause and our tradition. Thank you DAR, for stepping up and continuing this wonderful tradition in Sun City Center. And of course at this time I would like to also say THANKS to the Board Members, Dick Person, Don Renwick, and David Floyd, who worked diligently all of these years to help make the mission of the Club better from year to year. Two of these gentlemen shared their perspectives regarding the Patriot’s Club. Dick Person: “Flying the flag shows respect for both the flag and the people who have served our country. I’ll miss working with the members to keep the flags flying and to raise money for our veterans. As a veteran and a friend to many veterans, it is important to remember their service,” Dick Person said. David Floyd: “I got involved in the Patriots Club because I wanted to continue the flying of the flag along SR-674. I love seeing Continued on Page 4
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The News of Kings Point
March 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 Billiards Unclaimed Property
The Kings Point Billiard club recently updated the list of residents utilizing billiard lockers for their equipment, and in the process found unclaimed property from former residents who have moved or passed away. The list of property is posted in the Billiards Room and can be found on the web at “www.kingspointbilliardclub.com”. If you have any information about the current address or heirs of the former residents listed please contact us at “billiardguys@ kingspointbilliardclub.com”. The property will be held until August 31, 2016; we would like to be able to return it to the families before that time.
Travelworld SCC Donates to Men’s Club
By Jay Sparkman The Sun City Center Men’s Club was presented with a check for $4,211.22 as a donation from Travelworld of SCC, FL. Through the years of booking and managing the member cruise program for the Men’s Club, Travelworld of SCC has donated more than $22,000. to the Men’s Club. Membership in the Men’s Club is open to residents of Sun City Center and Kings Point. For info call Jon Lehr at 260-3083.
The Computer Club Monthly Meeting
March 2, 2016 — 7 p.m. — Florida Room Explore the South Shore Library The South Shore Public Library is so much more than books. Principal Librarian, Chely Cantrell and her assistant at the library will show us the many features at the library. How to use File Explorer Friday, March 4, 9 – 12 noon. $10 Members $15 Non-Members This class is a must for all Windows users. 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. You will learn how to use the Explorer search features. Introduction to Computers A Four-session Class on Thursdays, March 10, 17, 24, 31 9 – 11 a.m. Members $20, Non-member $25 This class will cover hardware - internal/external devices. Software - Operating Systems, creating, saving, copying and transferring files. “Upgrade” to Windows 10 Workshop March 15 or March 23, 9 - 12 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. Tune-up Your PC Wednesday, March 30, 8:45 – 12 noon. $30 - Computer Club Members Only This workshop will teach you how to remove spyware, viruses, browser add-ons, bad registry, junk files, and other problems that slow down your system. Bring your own laptop computer to class and see the results immediately. WINDOWS 10 Same Class – Two dates, March 8 and March 22, from 9 - 12 noon Members $10 Non-members $15 This class is designed to familiarize you with Windows 10.
Canadian Club Farewell Dinner Dance
Needlecrater’s Club Donation
The Needlecrater’s Club donated 12 much needed afghans and lap robes to Life Path Hospice in SCC. Needlecrafter’s is a yarn and craft club. If you like to knit, crochet, do plastic canvas, etc., come join us on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9 -12 and Wednesday from 9 - 3. If you are looking for a hand crafted gift, please visit our shop which is located next to shuffleboard and lawn bowling. The profits from all sales are donated to local charities.
The Irish Connection Celebrate Robert Burns Night
By Alf Doherty The Canadian Club of Kings Point will host a dinner dance in the Veterans Theater on Tuesday March 29. All Canadians residing in Kings Point and Sun City Center are invited to attend. Live entertainment will be provided by “Toni and Trish”. The theme for this year will be “Spring Fever” and spring dress is encouraged. Catered meal will be provided by Banquet Masters. Doors will be opened at 5 p.m. for hors d’oeuvers and dinner will be provided at 6 p.m.. Tickets are $25 per person and will be available at Kings Point North Clubhouse March 11 and 14 between 10 and noon. Book your table soon. The deadline to book your tickets will be Tuesday, March 22. For more information phone Barb, 938-3832.
In tribute to the life and works of the great Scottish bard Rabbie Burns, the Irish Connection hosted an evening of food and entertainment, including the Toasting of the Haggis, on January 21, 2016, in the Florida Room under the direction of Scotland-born Ian Donnelly. Bag Piper Bill Marshall led the kilted procession and the evening ended with a group circle singing Burns’ infamous ‘Auld Lang Syne’. A wonderful time was had by all. Anyone who is Irish, of Irish/Celtic extraction, or anyone who has an interest in Ireland, are welcome to join the Irish Connection Club which was formed with the object to promote all things Irish, including culture, history, and music. For membership info, call Joan 633-5274 or go to “www.sccirishconnection.com”.
DAR Assumes SR 674 Flag Responsibilities
The Colonel George Mercer Brooke Chapter in Sun City Center, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, is proud to succeed the Patriots Club’s role to display and maintain the Flags of the United States of America along State Route 674 during these important national days: Memorial Day, Independence Day, Patriots Day September 11 and Veterans Day November 11. DAR’s three goals are dedication to historic preservation, education and patriotism. To continue to fly the Flag in our community is a fitting way for our residents to commemorate our national heritage and patriotism. The Photo shows Patriot Club founder, Uta Kuhn presenting the Club’s funds to Mary McIntyre, Regent and Jan Bassett Chair of the DAR SR 674 Flag Project.
March 2016 The News of Kings Point
It’s Grand Prix Time Again At The British Connection
Following upon the success of last year’s event, the British Connection is hosting its second “Grand Prix at Brands Hatch”. This not-to-be missed evening of excitement, laughs and good food, will be held on Tuesday, March 22, between 6 – 9 pm in the Florida Room, Atrium Building, Sun City Center. We will be serving traditional British shepherd’s pie and chicken curry, along with salad, dessert, tea, coffee and soda. Tickets are $15 for members and $18 for guests. Checks should be made out to The British Connection and sent to Terry Harris, 2303 Oxford Center Place, Sun City Center, FL 33573, no later than March 15. If you would like to become a member of the British Connection, please include $5 per person annual fee. If you have any questions, please call Terry Harris at 813 922 6304.
SCC Apple User Group Announcement
The Sun City Center (SCC) Apple User Group is celebrating its tenth year as an official SCC Club. Celebration activities are being planned for the week beginning March 14 and culminating on Saturday, March 19, in conjunction with FunFest. When the schedule and list of activities is finalized, it will be displayed on the Club’s website sccaug.org and on the Group’s bulletin board outside the Apple lab. The Club is currently planning to raffle off an iPad. Tickets for the raffle will be $1 per ticket or six for $5. They can be purchased from the members of the Club or in the Apple lab. The drawing will be held on March 19 at 2:00 p.m. at the lab. Winners will not need to be present to win. Our celebration is not only for our 10 anniversary but in celebration of our new lab in the new CA Building at 1203 N. Pebble Beach. Please stop by and see what we have to offer. Special prizes, raffle tickets, information about our Group and active members will be present. Sun City Center and Kings Point residents using Apple iPhones, iPads, iMacs, MacBooks, Mac Minis, or any other Apple products, as well as the general public are encouraged to stop by our lab at 1203 North Pebble Beach Blvd. and to participate in our celebration activities. Watch our web site for the schedule of activities. For further information email info@sccaug.org.
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Irish Connection Movie Night
Monday Mar. 14 at 6:30 p.m. in Rollins Theater Feature: Far and Away Starring: Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman Young pugnacious Joseph Donnelly runs into legal trouble in his native Ireland and travels to America with a landowner’s daughter in search of a new life and a dream of land ownership in Oklahoma in 1873. All in SCC welcome. Sub titles available.
Purple Butterflies To Visit Herrmann’s Royal Lipizzans
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 Lipizzans can be found at www.hlipizzans.com. Open to the public. Once again we are inviting men as well as women guests to join the Purple Butterflies for a fun filled trip. Prepaid attendees will meet at the SCC South Campus, Community Hall, 1980 S. Pebble Beach Blvd., by 8:15 a.m to sign in. The bus will leave around 8:30 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 at1704 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.
Audubon Club Takes Over Trail
Recently the SCC Audubon Club entered into an agreement with the Community Association Board to be stewards of the Nature Trail. The trailhead is located on West Del Webb across from North Lake. Conservation committee members have been diligently removing exotic vegetation and grooming the trail for the use of Sun City Center residents. In late March, the club, with the assistance of the CA maintenance crew, will install an information kiosk at the entrance to the trail. Look for it when you visit! The kiosk will display an aerial map of the trail and timely information of what you might expect to see. Look for the great horned owl that has been seen on several occasions by visitors to the trail. The club will soon be announcing a naming contest for this beautiful aerial predator. Stop by the SCC Audubon Club booth at Fun Fest for more information on the Trail, and on our Club!
FDOT Managers Speak to Men’s Club
By Jay Sparkman Art Smith, left, President of the Sun City Center Men’s Club, is pictured with guest speakers Romona Burke and Mark Mathes, both of Florida Department of Transportation, and Don Murphy, President-Elect of SCC Men’s Club, at the January membership meeting of the Men’s Club. Mr. Mathes is the Intelligent Transportation Manager of District 7 of FDOT and Ms. Burke is the Intelligent Transportation Systems Operations Support Manager for District 7. They combined for an interesting presentation about traffic incident management, Smart Work Zones, Road Ranger Services Patrol, and Rapid Incident Scene Clearance. Membership in the Men’s Club is open to residents of Sun City Center and Kings Point. For more info call Jon Lehr at 813260-3058.
Sew ‘N Sew President Mary Lou Bogdan Featured in an International Quilting Magazine
Mary Lou Bogdan, President of the Sun City Center Sew ‘N Sews, was featured in the December/January 2016 issue of Quilters Newsletter Magazine. Mary Lou and her husband planned a trip to Hawaii a few years ago. To commemorate her visit, she collected colorful fabrics from several different quilt shops all over the islands. Mary Lou was inspired by a number of quilt patterns, as she machine pieced together the beautiful flowers creating her own design. It’s a king size quilt that was machine quilted by long-arm quilter Nan Fishpaw of Wimauma. Mary Lou continues to share her enthusiasm by encouraging new members to join the club and learn how to quilt and sew.
Sawdust Engineers Article
Ted Verzino, one of the earliest members of Sawdust Engineers, passed away late last year. In Memoriam, friends of Ted and members of Sawdust Engineers made donations in his name. These were used to purchase a 30th Anniversary Edition Grizzly 17” Band Saw. This was another step in improving and constantly growing the Sawdust Engineers Club. Until his death Ted was active in all phases of our club. He started making “Clinging Crosses”. To this day they are one of our most popular items. He made and donated many items, which were sold through our gift shop. The proceeds are used for supplies and equipment which helps keep our dues low. With Ted’s help the Club increased making items for schools, which we donate to teachers for use as “Teaching Aids”. These are aids to help children learn colors, numbers, shapes, time, etc. While we honor Ted’s memory, we look forward to many more years of helping our community and enhancing our skills. Stop by our gift shop at 919 North Course Lane and view some of our many items for sale to the public.
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The News of Kings Point
March 2016
So Long, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, Goodbye... German American Club Singers Say Farewell
By Ilona Merritt Germany claims some of the most renowned music composers, producers and performers of the world. Germany is the largest music market in Europe, and third largest in the world. The beginning of German music can be traced back to the 12thcentury compositions of mystic abbess Hildegard of Bingen, who wrote a variety of Christian music. In the 12th century to the 14th centuries singing in German, spread across country. Germans have played a leading role in the development of classical music. Much of this great music was composed by such as Bach, Beethoven, Brahms and many more. Beginning in the 16th century the intertwining of multiple melodies, arrived in Germany. Chorale music is vibrant and energetic and quickly became popular with the German People In the fall of 1999 eleven people met to form a GermanAmerican Club here in Sun City Center, so it was only natural that a Choral group would be an important part of this new organization. Since a number of those present at the first meeting where experienced singers and had been active in choral groups up north it took less than two month. The first performance was at the club’s first Christmas party in December 1999 with five singers. Shirley
Carroll, Elfi & Kurt Nolden, Judy and Dieter Quitsch presenting German Christmas Carols. Out of these five it was Judy Quitsch who took responsibility to recruit singers, directors, pianists, find rehearsal halls, and locating music. Inspired by her personal love of the German music, Judy did this for 17 years. Any resident of Sun City Center who loved to sing was invited to join the group. Teaching the German language was challenge and even some of the choral directors and pianists needed some lessons in German. George and Sandy Gundacker, from Redeemer Lutheran Church, led the group for the first year until they could find a director and accompanist who would take over full time. Shirley Hayden and Thelma Roggenkemper agreed and arrangements were made to
rehearse at the SCC Community Church. In time Judy had to find a new location for rehearsals and they moved to Redeemer Lutheran Church. Circumstances arose and Directors changed. When Shirley Hayden moved to Rochester, NY Mr. Pat Raimondo took over, followed by Lynn Hirschfeld. Thelma stayed on as accompanist until her eyesight failed and her good friend Claire Hadley took over the position. Through this affiliation with the SCC Community Church, they met the SCC Fiddlers, and the two groups presented a Christmas concert in the Great Hall of the church two consecutive years. Then the South Shore Concert Band joined the Choral group and together they presented seven annual concerts at the Community Hall to sold out houses. Each December the chorus participated from 2005 to 2015 in an Advent Service at Redeemer Lutheran Church, with Pastor Peter Stiller doing the entire service in the German language. They also did a beautiful Christmas concert at the Lutheran Church Hall. Locally the Choral group participated in the SCC FunFest for the first time in 2001, with many years to follow. Over the years, the Singers went caroling at Sun Terrace, performed for the Shrine Group luncheons, the Audubon Society, Palm Gardens Nursing Home, Homewood Residence, Freedom Plaza, and
Meet Your Neighbors: Jody And Maureen Fitzgerald
By Agnes Baker Both born in Vermont with Jody from Norwich and Maureen from White River Junction, spending most of their years in the snow states of Vermont and New Hampshire. They then moved to South Carolina where they resided for 13 years prior to moving to Sunny Florida in April, 2014, finding a home in Pinellas Park, staying close to Jody’s parents who live in Sun City Center. The warmth and the love of his parents and our friendly people convinced them that this could be their permanent home and, in October, 2015 took that step. He grew up doing ‘manly’ things — skiing, baseball, riding motorcycles — fun things with two older brothers. In his new community, he enjoys golf, the beach, and doing small chores, the kind others might stay away from. She was adopted at age one and grew up in a small railroad town along with two siblings, also adopted. She also enjoyed skiing and playing anything as long as it was outside and with friends. Jody owned his own home building company and is now a project superintendent for Charles Perry Partners, Inc., the folks doing the hospital addition for us. Maureen was a licensed nursing assistant but, after
The Fitzgeralds, courtesy of Jeremiah Fitzgerald
adopting their first child, gave up her career of 17 years to stay home and raise the children, all seven of them - five adopted and several with special needs. They are scattered around the country, living in South Carolina, North Carolina and Montana with one son, Jeremiah, with them. When the children no longer needed her care, she began singing in the local church choir. A few years ago, she took on the acoustic guitar and loved it. Becoming proficient very quickly, Maureen now plays and sings in several St. Pete Assisted Living facilities and recently joined the Front Porch Pickers - a fun group, for sure! Members of the United Methodist Church, Jody serves as sound tech while Maureen extends her music acumen to
include the Praise team heard during the Contemporary Service on Sunday mornings, when she displays her talents in song and guitar. Their 34th Wedding Anniversary will be celebrated on April 17. Our congratulations on this occasion and in your choice of your forever home. Welcome to Sun City Center! Contact Maureen at nanafitz12@gmail.com for information about her gigs. We are always on the lookout for Meet Your Neighbor folks. Know someone? Send name/ phone number to “newsofscc. ca@gmail.com”.
FunFest
Rice Creek RV Park. Traveling was also part of their activities. The United German American Society of Florida invited them to perform at their annual Heritage Fests held in various locations around Florida. In 2004 some members of the Choral group formed an Opera and Operetta Ensemble under the tutelage of Kurt Gunther, retired Opera singer from Austria who lives in SCC. Their first performance was held in the Kings Point Auditorium. When they moved to the Methodist Church the entire Choral group joined them in their performances. In 2014 the Choral group varied their programs to be part German Choral music and for the second half they presented music based on Mardi Gras and in 2015 they went wild ...“Wild West”. Their next show would have been based on Sailor songs ... but alas, it was not to be. The 2015 season began with Mr. Chuck Wirick, (from St. John’s Episcopal Church) as Director and Accompanist. However, Chuck’s health was causing him to be unavailable. Sadly the group was unable to find a new Director so they disbanded on January 5, 2016. At the end of my interview with Judy Quitsch, she expressed the hope that others would step forward and make it possible for this fine group of singers to raise their voices in song once again. Continued from Page 1
the flags fly in our community, and I will miss working with the club to raise money for the flag and for veterans, especially wounded veterans at the Haley VA Hospital. As a veteran, I’m concerned about the lack of support for our veterans as they seek to rejoin society. We need more support for our military members and for those who were injured in support of our freedoms. I’m pleased that DAR is taking over the mission.” LIKE TO WRITE OR TAKE PHOTOS? Join the News of Kings Point team! Email: newsofscc.ca@gmail.com
Stained Glass club: Pictured are, left to right: Louie Salmoriaghi, Janet Hulme, Secretary, Karen Ransbury, Instructor, Darlene Baker, Director of Education and Gerry Coleman, President.