The News of
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SUN CITY CENTER COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
Sun City Center
March 2016
...an official publication of the Sun City Center Community Association
COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION SCHEDULE March 9 Board Meeting Rollins Theater – 9 a.m. 22 Community Leaders Meeting (Note: 4th Tuesday of month) Florida Room – 9 a.m. 23 Membership Meeting Community Hall – 7 p.m. 28 CO-AP Meeting Caper Room – 2 p.m. April 13 Board Meeting Rollins Theater – 9 a.m. 19 Community Leaders Meeting Florida Room – 9 a.m. Agendas for monthly Board Meetings will be posted on Official Bulletin Boards the Friday before and on CA website (suncitycenter.org ) – under “Association”). They will also be sent via “What’s New in the CA” email. Every Wednesday: Orientation for new members in the Board Room at 1 p.m.
CA Contact Information Phone: 633-3500 sccboard@suncitycenter.org Website: suncitycenter.org Information Center 813-633-4670
Getting ready for FunFest 2016
Come out for “Fun” on March 19, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. By Ilona Merritt preparing items for FunFest. Forgive me Mr. Moore, but as ‘Twas a month before FunFest and all through the town, Gone Stamping’ will have I contacted club after club and the club members were working for the big showdown. beautiful hand made cards for heard the enthusiasm with which They were busy making beautiful and useful things sale in the Heritage room. they are planning to participate in in the hopes that their treasuries would ring. Should anyone get hungry, the FunFest activities on March 19 Some clubs were planning food with care there are 13 clubs planning this poem just wrote itself. Every in hopes that the visitors would enjoy their fare. to have food for sale. You can art club I contacted has been busy Dancers and musicians and others too, start your morning with Danish for weeks and months making Were rehearsing to show their talents to you. being sold by the Hope Fund. items to sell and special items for And everyone in Sun City Center will cheer, Once again the Men’s Club will a raffle. The Stained Glass group When friends and visitors come here. be selling their famous one has been making lovely angels pound pork chops. Every year a n d b e aut i f u l the Men’s Club sells glass boxes 200 pork chops and which will hold are planning to have lights. Potter y 225 for this year. BBQ Wheel has been chicken will also be busy making sold by the Men’s items very useful club. Other club’s items for the fare includes corned kitchen and will beef sandwiches, hot demonstrate the dogs, kielbasa and use of the potter’s hamburgers. If you wheel. The are still hungry there Needlecrafters, are lots of desserts the Ceramic available. Strawberry club and the shortcakes will be Shellcrafters offered by the Lions also have been Stained Glass club: Pictured are, left to right: Louie Salmoriaghi, Janet Hulme, Secretary, See FunFest on w o r k i n g h a rd Karen Ransbury, Instructor, Darlene Baker, Director of Education and Gerry Coleman, page 8. President.
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 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 p ar t icip at ing in t h e Me m o r i a l D ay 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 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.
Statement of Purpose
The Sun City Center Community Association serves the residents of Sun City Center by providing assistance for the elderly, assistance and essential services to tax exempt entities, and operates in lieu of a municipal government, thereby lessening the burdens of government (Hillsborough County, Florida).
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, 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 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.”
Did You Know?
SCC Community Association members can get guest passes for friends and family at the Fitness Center after CA office hours and on weekends. You must have your CA card with the 2016 sticker to get those passes. Note: Heard something recently your neighbors “need to know”? Send suggestions to “newsofscc.ca@gmail.com”.
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March 2016
The News of Sun City Center
Rocky & The Rollers
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
CLUB/ORGANIZATION AMOUNT APPLIED TO
Lawn Bowling Club $625 Ice Machine for the Eberhardt Building Monday Movies $380 License Fees Softball Club $2,500 Their share of maintaining the Softball Field The Men’s Club $2,400 Defibrillator units in Multi-purpose building and Information Center The Community Association is pleased to announce a special performance by Rocky and the Rollers on Friday, April 1 from 7 – 10 p.m. in Community Hall. The band has over 35 years of experience touring around the world in a wide range of musical situations, such as fairs, festivals as well as conventions and black tie affairs. They have also performed many shows with the late great Wolfman Jack and such well known recording artists such as Chuck Berry, Fabian and Peter Noone to name just a few. It’s an exciting show and is truly one of the great bands in America today. Tickets go on sale March 14 at the Kiosk. The Kiosk is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to noon. The cost of the tickets is $15 each. For more information, contact Lynn Manzi at 642-2001.
SCC CA MEMBERSHIP MEETING WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 2016 7:00 PM in COMMUNITY HALL (Refreshments at 6:30 p.m.)
MEMBERS ONLY 200 REQUIRED FOR A QUORUM -AGENDA-
I. Call to Order/Pledge of Allegiance II. Approval of Minutes of January 6, 2016 Membership Meeting III. Treasurer’s Report IV. Community Manager’s Report V. President’s Report VI. General Discussion by Members VII. Adjournment
NOTICE MEMBERSHIP SHREDDING DAY
TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 2016 9 AM TO NOON PARKING LOT NEAR NORTH COURSE LANE (same as last year) Do you have documents to shred? Please feel free to bring your items to be shredded on the date, time and place noted above. There will be no charge for this service as this is being sponsored by the Community Association as a courtesy to its members.
LIKE TO WRITE OR TAKE PHOTOS? Join the News of SCC team! Email: newsofscc.ca@gmail.com
Newcomers
List prepared by Linda Bowker from CA staff data. Report corrections, additions to CA at 633-3500.
Last First Carpenter James & Susan Powell Kathleen Dickens Randall & Cynthia Grill Barbara Wess Edwin Horn Kim Bruno Deborah Lavallee Judith Mosby Mary Egan Richard & Rena Baumann Glenn 634-3860 Cordle Maryln Bolen Barbara Poe Gail Hitchner Roger Bach James & Liz Wynn Gary & Janet West Daniel & Diane Porr Eric Kitchenmaster Susan Bredesen Tom & Miriam Gomes Louis Correia Brenda Ardinger Kenneth Tovar Cassandra Poorman Judith Sodders Judith Flick Ted Thaggard Jimmy Hurley Carol Hicklin Richard & Dorothy Cieslik Charles & Kay Garrison Ann Merritt Matthew Chamberlain Denise Fish Raymond & Andrea Maher Richard & Orin Pepple Sandra Babinetz Mary Krause Richard Franzen Patricia Lester Alfred & April Branigan Glenn & Amy Stapleton Robert Reintsema Robert & Judith Sole Steve & Lori Musacchia John & Ann Rider Harold Hart Thomas & Margaret Demasso Joseph Failla Michael Ruschke Henry Harris Debra Lofland Mark Zapata Julia Galpin Sharon Wilson Ken & Rose
Num Local Street Hometown 1015 Ardmore Wy Dubois 1717 Atrium Dr Norwood 1434 Bluewater Dr Beckley 704 Brockton Pl W Chicago 704 Brockton Pl W New York 303 Caloosa Woods Ln Hatfield 303 Caloosa Woods Ln Perkasie 1527 Chevy Chase Dr Thompson 635 Chipper Dr Cincinnati 656 Chipper Dr Connellsville 235 Courtyard Blvd Apt 108 409 708 1015 1015 1529 308 742 1809 1809 809 217 217 313 908 1201 1522 705 705 206 1301 505 1706 1706 1706 202 1321 1305 1349 2221 2221 1727 1104 303 2029 2102 920 1919 2105 912 706 706 1236 1624 112 1711 1902
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March 2016
The News of Sun City Center
CA - 3
MEET YOUR
President’s Report
NEIGHBOR
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 By CA President Hampshire. David Floyd They then moved to South Carolina where they resided for 13 years prior to moving to Sunny Florida FUNFEST in April, 2014, finding a home in Pinellas Park, FunFest will take place on Saturday, March 19 from 9 staying close to Jody’s parents who live in Sun City a.m. until 2 p.m. We will have food, prizes, music, and Center. The warmth and the love of his parents and fun. If your club or organization wishes to participate our friendly people convinced them that this could in this community event please see Claudia at the CA be their permanent home and, in October, 2015 took office. that step. NEW CAFÉ He grew up doing ‘manly’ things — skiing, baseball, Staging of materials for the new café will take place the riding motorcycles — fun things with two older end March. Construction will start on March 28 and brothers. In his new community, he enjoys golf, the will take 2-3 months. Our coffee kiosk will be closed beach, and doing small chores, the kind others might during the main construction period. The Board will stay away from. She was adopted at age one and grew evaluate all offers to run the café before construction up in a small railroad town along with two siblings, starts. It is our responsibility to pick a licensee that also adopted. She also enjoyed skiing and playing will provide the best services for our membership. A anything as long as it was outside and with friends. licensee will be selected in the next 30 days. We are Jody owned his own home building company and doing this to insure the café will be in operation as is now a project superintendent for Charles Perry The Fitzgeralds, courtesy of Jeremiah Fitzgerald soon as possible. Partners, Inc., the folks doing the hospital addition OPEN SEATS ON BOARD OF DIRECTORS Members of the United Methodist Church, Jody for us. Maureen was a licensed nursing assistant but, We currently have nine members who are interested after adopting their first child, gave up her career of serves as sound tech while Maureen extends her music in the two open seats on the Board of Directors. Your 17 years to stay home and raise the children, all seven acumen to include the Praise team heard during the Community Association has two open seats due to of them - five adopted and several with special needs. Contemporary Service on Sunday mornings, when resignations. Interviews will be conducted during the They are scattered around the country, living in South she displays her talents in song and guitar. next two weeks and we expect a vote will take place Carolina, North Carolina and Montana with one son, Their 34th Wedding Anniversary will be celebrated at the March 9 Board Meeting. They will be one-year Jeremiah, with them. on April 17. Our congratulations on this occasion appointments only and will expire on January 4, 2017. When the children no longer needed her care, she and in your choice of your forever home. Welcome LIBRARIAN began singing in the local church choir. A few years to Sun City Center! Our Librarian, Elaine Birkinshaw, has given notice ago, she took on the acoustic guitar and loved it. Contact Maureen at nanafitz12@gmail.com for that she will resign her position due to family Becoming proficient very quickly, Maureen now plays information about her gigs. circumstances. We will miss her talents and thank her and sings in several St. Pete Assisted Living facilities We are always on the lookout for Meet Your for all of the wonderful improvements she has made and recently joined the Front Porch Pickers - a fun Neighbor folks. Know someone? Send name/phone in the CA Library. Elaine has offered to help us find a group, for sure! number to “newsofscc.ca@gmail.com”. successor. Elaine, thank you for everything you have done for our community. 2016 PROJECTS As mentioned earlier, we will have the café expansion in 2016. It will be funded from both the Capital and the Replacement Funds. By Elaine Birkinshaw, Library Administrator We have approved the contract to expand and redo To everything there is a season, and the time has come for me to enjoy a new chapter in my life. For the shell lot parking at the south campus. There will thirty years I have enjoyed being a librarian. Yes, I love books, but the best part of my job is meeting and be better parking for events and the sports complex. serving wonderful people like the ones here in Sun City Center. The four years I have been here will always The roads will also be improved. hold a special place in my heart. You have all been so welcoming and encouraging; I am sad to leave but We are currently upgrading our landscaping, happy to start that new chapter, or maybe a whole new book! replacing old bushes, planting more bushes and trees, I’m looking forward to enjoying the amenities I pass by every day on my way to work. There are some and, replacing poorly sodded areas. people in my life who deserve my full attention now and some little people who would like more time We are evaluating the addition of one or more with Blonde Grandma. I plan to read more, sing more, get more exercise, enjoy time with friends and pickleball courts. We will add at least one more squeeze in some travel. (depending on permitting) mid- to late summer 2016. I hope you know how special this library is. There are very few communities that give their support to The café expansion will be completed before we decide build the quality library that we have here. Your board of directors and community manager consider on the new court. the library important enough to hire a professional librarian and well-trained staff; provide a budget to NORTH CAMPUS TRAIL purchase new materials; and pay for a circulation system to keep track of the materials that are available for The work on the trail has begun. A lot of brush and you. To enhance all of those services, the board built a beautiful annex with a reading room and computer weeds have been removed. Signage identifying plants lab to provide a place for you to enjoy the resources the library has to offer. Be sure to thank your board and trees will be placed on the trail. A kiosk about the members for providing this great service to the Sun City Center community. trail will be built. The CA Maintenance staff is assisting The gems of the library are the ready, willing and able team of staff and volunteers that give so generously the Audubon Club with the project. CA funding of their time and talent to keep the library functioning. Mary Jane Blakely, Barbara Hutcheson and Pat support is coming from discretionary funds. The CA Stillson are the paid staff who provide the backbone of support to the librarian. Our forty-two dedicated thanks the club for their support. volunteers include Norma Tuthill who is completing her twenty-fifth year of service to the library. Sheila MEDIANS Borchert has been a volunteer for twenty years. Betty Jones, Elinor Lennox, Sue McBride and James The medians on both North and South Pebble Windle have each given us fifteen years of service. Sally Dittman, Lanna Wheatley and Ann Miller have Beach Blvd will become the full responsibility of the served the library for ten years. They are an extraordinary group! Community Association in 2017. In 2016, under the Our partnership with the Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative (HCPLC) gives us the best agreement with Minto Properties, LLC. and the county of both worlds! They allow us to borrow their books and movies. They provide technical support for the CA is currently paying is paying two-thirds of the the online catalog, Internet access and WiFi and their electronic resources are available on our library maintenance costs. computers. We appreciate all they do for us. VIDEO Thank you for a great four years and keep reading! The video project has been completed. The video will be placed on the new website. It will also be available in the Information Building. It can be sent out electronically to promote our community to potential new residents. We will show the video at the March important influence on policies and future planning. in lieu of a municipal government, thereby lessening Membership Meeting on Wednesday, March 23. The residents can also volunteer, actively participate the burdens of government (Hillsborough County, OUR VISION and play a vital role in the operation of the Community Florida). Sun City Center is recognized as one of Florida’s Association. MEMBERSHIP MEETING most affordable active living senior communities, THE MISSION Mark your calendars for Wednesday, March 23 offering an exceptional range of recreational and social The mission of the Sun City Center Community for our Membership Meeting, which will be held at amenities. It is a safe community where the residents Association is to serve our residents of Sun City Center Community Hall starting at 7 p.m. CA ID Cards are feel secure. The Community Association is responsive by providing assistance for the elderly, assistance and needed to attend. Refreshments are available before to the needs and interests of the members who have an essential services to tax exempt entities, and operates the meeting.
What’s New at the Library?
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CLUBS
March 2016
The News of Sun City Center
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.
Castlebay Comes to SCC
The music and lore of the Celtic lands and New England is alive with imagery. Come to hear Castlebay, a duo that captivates audiences with song and stories played on harp, 12-string guitar, viola, fiddle and Irish flute. Castlebay has released 27 records and has been together for 30 years playing in the US and abroad. Join us on March 23 at the Eberhardt Room (lawn bowling room). 6 p.m. to socialize - 7 p.m. concert begins. Tea, coffee and snacks will be served. BYOB. Suggested donation: $10 per person - 100% of which goes to Castlebay. Call Phyllis (610-533-1365) or Robin (813-380-1038) for more information and RSVP.
Italian Club East Coast Pizza Night
The Italian Club will have its East Coast Pizza & Salad party on Tuesday, April 12 at the KP Veterans Theater. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Coffee and soda are provided. BYOB. You will be entertained by the Tarantella Dancers of St. Petersburg. Full Circle will DJ for your dancing pleasure. Members $14 and guests $16. Tickets will be on sale at the KP North Club Lobby on Mon & Tues, April 4 and 5 from 9 till Noon. Sun City Center residents please have your badges with you. Keep checks together. Only tables of “8” allowed. For info please contact Tom Barba 633-0264. Cut-off date: April 8.
Canadian Club Farewell Dinner Dance
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.
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.
Purple Butterflies To Experience The Calypso Queen Luncheon Cruise
All Aboard!!! Sunday, April 24, 2016, we will be travelling to Clearwater Beach Marina to board the Calypso Queen. This vessel, a 65-foot triple decked ship, specifically designed for cruising in the intra-coastal waterways, offers casual sightseeing, luncheon and dinner cruises. It is colorfully appointed with a Caribbean theme that boasts 2 enclosed decks that are air conditioned and contain guest seating. The third level is an open-air deck that serves a variety of functions and provides beautiful views of the passing waterfront including the beautiful Clearwater Harbor. So, sit back and relax in air conditioned comfort on one of their two enclosed decks or venture out to one of the open-aired observation decks for some soft breezes and warm sunshine. Keep a sharp lookout as dfolphin are commonly seen in the area. Lunch is offered as a Tropical Island Style Buffet and includes dessert, complimentary beer, wine and rum punch. Full bar service in two separate locations is also available OYO. 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. Pre-paid attendees will meet at the SCC South Campus, Community Hall, 1980 S. Pebble Beach Blvd., by 11:15 a.m. to sign in, etc. The bus will leave around 11:30 a.m. and return at approximately 4:30 p.m. $45 includes: two-hour cruise, buffet lunch, entertainment, bus and gratuity. Please bring any personal items you may need as there is room under the bus for storage. 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 April 4, 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.
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.
Polish Heritage Club Events
Tuesday, February 23, 7 p.m. - Monthly meeting in the Florida Room. Saturday, March 19, Fun Fest. Details will be discussed at the February meeting. The club hopes you can help with this important club event. Sunday, March 13, traditional Easter Swenconka Dinner. We do hope you can join us and participate in these exciting club events. For more information, call Ted at 813-642-9374 Thank you for making the Paczki Ball such a success. Everyone enjoyed dancing and listening to the live band The Northern Sounds. Of course, the Paczki donuts were delicious.
Metaphysical Society
Fund Raiser Presentations - 10 a.m. – Wednesdays – in the Heritage Room March 2 “Music, Energy and Healing.” Author, Publicist and Teacher Janalea Hoffman explains the healing power of music and how to discover one’s way to greater wellness. March 9 “Reflexology.” LMT Debi Sanguedolce explains and demonstrates how Reflexology brings healing and balance to our entire system. Debi is available for afternoon sessions. Call 813 331-3193 for appointment. March 12 - Saturday - “New Age Fair” at the SCC Chamber of Commerce - 10 am to 4 pm - Free & Open to the Public - features Spiritual Readers, Intuitives, and Vendors. March 16 “Spring & St. Patty’s Celebration Open Meeting.” Dig out and don your green duds for a joyful celebration of the end of winter! Members are to bring their intuitive talents, cards, stones, etc., to share a “wee bit of a reading.” Love offering requested. Refreshments provided. March 23 “Planetary Ascension – What is Our Role?” Rev. Carl Ortrun explains the Ascension process and what one can do to assist. Call 813 295-3280 for appointment. March 30 “The Akashic Records.” Zahid Hossain explains the ancient Vedic belief of a universal memory where everything is locked within the very fabric of space-time, and shares techniques to access one’s own record. Call 443 745-5015 to reserve a seat. Open to the Public – Admission: $1, with love offering also requested to benefit the Society. Info call Holli at 813-419-4704 or Frank at 813-562-4404.
SCC German-American Club Hosts Two Events
March 6 at 2 p.m. in the Community Hall on S. Pebble Beach Drive the stage will be full of musicians visiting from Germany presenting a program of singing and entertaining with a program called “With Music for Spring”. These entertainers are from different areas of Germany, such as Friesland and Bavaria with a program – not only vocal, but with accordions as well. At the intermission of the program, coffee and cake will be available. The ticket price for this event is $15. April 7 at 4:30, the doors of the Community Hall will again be open for the annual Spring Dance of the local German American Club. This dinner dance will feature a talented duo called Jess-n-Joan, who have come to entertain here in past years. The dinner at this party will be a buffet including chicken marsala, buttered noodles, salad, glazed carrots, rolls & butter and dessert. Party cost is $19 for members and $24 for nonmembers. Both of these parties are BYOB and tickets can be had by sending your check made out to SCC German-American Club and mailed (along with a self-addressed stamped envelope) to Mike Albanese, 1808 Granville Lane, SCC, FL 33573. Please include the names of the people in your party.
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March 2016
CA - 5
The News of Sun City Center
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.
Sun City Center Photo Club
Tuesday, March 8 at 6:30 p.m. The Sun City Center Photo Club will host wildlife photographer and judge, Dr. Lou Newman on Tuesday, March 8 at 6:30 p.m. in the Caper Room. Dr. Newman developed a curiosity about photographic techniques as a teenager, which he devoted to a lifelong hobby. Photography was his favorite leisure time activity throughout his years as a rancher and veterinarian in Montana. After he left his practice to become a veterinary college faculty member, he studied to receive an advanced degree and career in this academic arena. Photography was an integral part of his role of teacher, clinician, professor, pathologist, diagnostician and research scientist and administrator and also provided relaxation. Lou has volunteered as a veterinary pathologist at Mote Marine Laboratory and has taught digital photography and Photoshop on cruise ships. Please join us for this competition. Community members and guests are welcome to attend. At 6:30 p.m., we will begin our program with a short tutorial. The judging of print and digital photographs begins at 7 p.m. For more information on the club and its activities, please see our website at “www.photoclubscc.com” or visit the learning lab at 1203 N. Pebble Beach Dr. Dues for the 2016 year remain at $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.
Audubon Meeting
The Sun City Center Audubon Club will meet on Saturday, March 5, 2016, in the Florida Room. The coffee social begins at 9:30 a.m. and the meeting begins at 10. George Heinrich, Biologist and renowned expert, will present a program titled “Turtles, Terrapins, and Gopher Tortoises.” He will enlighten us about native species and their habitats. For more information, call Lynn at 813-938-1065. Weeden Island Preserve, St. Petersburg, is the destination for the March field trip on Wednesday, March 16. Aquatic and upland ecosystems, numerous species of birds, and a lovely education building are highlights. No charge. For information about the field trip, call Denise at 813-634- 4017.
Sun City Center Patriots Club Press Release
The Patriots Club has given the funds collected on Memorial Day and Veterans Day to the Haley Veterans Hospital Fund that supports our veteran’s recreational activities and rehabilitation. In the photo pictured left to right Cathy Williams, Chief Recreational Therapy at the James A. Haley VA Hospital accepting a check for $656 from Uta Kuhn, former President of the Sun City Center Patriots Club.
DAR assumes SR 674 Flag Responsibilities
Stained Glass Club
The Stained Glass Club of Sun City held their judged show on Feb. 11 and 12. The judge, Julia Larson, of St. Petersburg Fl., chose Sue Wilson’s Spoonbill panel as “Best of Show”.
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.
6 - CA
March 2016
The News of Sun City Center
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. Pre-paid 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.
International Brew Club News
The Sun City Center International Brew Club has an exciting program planned for the 2016 Winter Season. The club meets the last Thursday of the month in the Atrium Building’s Caper Room. Dues are $25 per year, which includes a delicious cup of coffee and an educational experience at each meeting. March 31: Roasting and experimenting with some roasts as well as flavor profile… Coffees tested will come from Costa Rica and Sumatra. Contact the club for more spring meeting dates. Summer meeting agendas are being planned Looking ahead: October /November, possible trip to Costa Rica to visit a working plantation. If interested, please contact suncitycoffeeclub@gmail.com. For questions regarding the club or the agenda, please contact “suncitycoffeeclub@ gmail.com”.
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!
Travelworld SCC Donates to Men’s Club
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.
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. Pictured at the monthly meeting of the Men’s Club are Art Smith, President of the SCC Men’s Club, Jayne Kirse, Manager, Travelworld of SCC, Jim Rottman, Men’s Club VP Special Projects, and Don Oneal, Owner, Travelworld of SCC. 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 Irish Connection Celebrate Robert Burns Night
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”.
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 813-260-3058.
L to R: Roy Johnson blessing the Haggis with Kathryn and John Glynn, Bag Piper Bill Marshall, Larry Vaughan, and Dick Munro looking on.
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March 2016
CA - 7
The News of Sun City Center
Norway Travelogue 23 March
At the March meeting of the Scandinavian Club of Sun City Center on Wednesday 23 March, Club member Don French will present a travelogue from their trip to Norway. The meeting will be held in the Florida Room in the CA Atrium complex. The doors will open at 2:30 p.m. Admission is free and open to all.
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.
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.
Sew ‘N Sews Beginning Quiltmaking Class
Pictured are members of the Sew ‘n Sews enrolled in the “Beginning Quilting Class”. Ladies learned all the techniques on how to make a quilt. They chose their fabrics, coordinating colors, arranging the blocks, sewing rows together, adding the batting to bind the quilt. Members are showing off their “Almost Finished” quilts at one of the lessons taught by Carol Selby. The Sew ‘n Sews is a club open to all residents of the Sun City Community. Front L to R: Marlene McGrath, Lee Besides teaching quilting, embroidery, O’roak, Susan VanCleve, Cathy Killan, and sewing, club members often take Carole Rossi, Sue Fitts, and Back Row trips to purchase fabric, and to visit - Barb Kulig, Sergie Delagado, Carol Selby (instructor) not pictured: Charlene other Quilt Shows. The club has a long Hollars, Kitty Matzkin, Jeanne Nasse, history of service projects throughout the Dianne VanElten. community. They are located in the Arts and Crafts Building at 915 Cherry Hills Drive. For more information call Linda at 813-390-2377 or email scc.sew.n.sews@gmail.com.
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 12th-century 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 German-American 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 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.
SCC Ceramics Club
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.
SCC Ceramics Club is raffling a beautiful Gazing Ball and Pedestal, for FunFest. Elsie Diel pictured above was the artist, she has donated this lovely piece. Tickets are now being sold at the ceramics club. One ticket for a dollar, six tickets for five dollars.
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8 - CA
The News of Sun City Center
March 2016
FunFest memories, come join the fun this year on March 19 from 9 to 2
FunFest from page 1.
club/Writers club, pies, cookies, cannoli and, of course, ice cream. Amidst all this shopping and eating you might want to 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 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 to 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.
at the Rollins Theater Omnivore to Leave SCC Library MOVIES One showing only @ 1 p.m. By Kai Rambow “One day a lady came to my office and asked to speak with me outside because the FBI was directing beams at her. When we stepped outside, I could see aluminum foil in her hat,” recollected Elaine Birkinshaw. The good news is this did not happen here, but earlier in her career as a librarian. B i r k i n s h a w, o u r L i b r a r y Administrator, is a self-described omnivore – the kind that devours books. She loves historical fiction and thrillers with the occasional Carl Hiaasen book for a kick. For the past four years, the SCC Librar y has benefitted for her tremendous experience, first with Sarasota and then for 20 years with the Pinellas library system. Birkinshaw’s time here has been bookended. She quickly arrived here to handle the upgrading of our computer system. “ There are a few things that residents might not know,” explained Birkinshaw. “The SCC library is owned and paid for by our CA dues. It is the most heavily used building on campus with an average of 3,000 visits a month.” “ We’re i n p a r t n e r s h ip w it h H i l l s b o r o u g h ,” c o n t i n u e d Birkinshaw. “Residents can pick up and drop Hillsborough books here. Hillsborough contributed expertise to enable us to have online catalog access. In addition, eBooks and other electronic resources are provided by Hillsborough. We would never be able to afford them on our own. And we’re on their network, allowing us to
The Monday Movies will normally show two movies each month in the Rollins Theater at 1p.m. on the second and fourth Monday. Dates and times may change as required. Seating is limited to 200 per showing and is reserved for current Sun City Center Community Association members and their guests who present an up-to-date member/guest card or yellow ID badge.
March 14 • Where Hope Grows • 1 Hour, 38 Minutes
Elaine B: Elaine Birkinshaw in the new addition of the SCC Library.
access their databases.” Birkinshaw is ending her tenure here with the addition to the library. During her time with Pinellas, she oversaw the refurbishment, upgrading and building of new facilities for every library in their system. She made the case for the addition. “We didn’t have space for people to sit, browse and read. Now we have comfortable seats and spaces for people to research.” The major responsibilities are not what gets Birkinshaw excited though. “I enjoy meeting people and helping them find the right books matching their interests or helping a reader discover a new author.” In addition, she’s taught fiction classes at community college, spoken to young students with a talk entitled, “Everything is Not on Google,” and written a regular column for The St. Petersburg Times. One of the great aspects of reporting is getting to meet many interesting people. In person, Elaine is articulate, warm and funny. She’ll be retiring once a replacement is found. We wish her the best in retirement
Plot: Calvin Campbell was a professional baseball player sent to early retirement due to panic attacks at the plate. Even though he had all the talent needed to play in the big leagues, he struggles with curveballs life has thrown him. Today, Calvin sleepwalks through his days and copes with the challenge of raising his teenage daughter. As his life heads in a downward spiral, it is suddenly awakened and invigorated by the most unlikely person - Produce, a young man with Down syndrome who works at the local grocery store. Starring: Kristoffer Polaha, Brooke Burns, David DeSanctis, and Danica McKellar Director: Chris Dowling Genre: Drama Runtime: 1 hour, 38 minutes Rating: PG for language (brief) and theme involving drinking, teen sexuality
March 28 • Woodlawn • 2 Hours, 3 Minutes
Plot: Tony Nathan lands in a powder keg of anger and violence when he joins fellow African-American students at Woodlawn High School after its government-mandated desegregation in 1973. The Woodlawn Colonels football team is a microcosm of problems in the school and the city, which erupts in cross burnings and riots. Tandy Geralds is at a loss to solve these unprecedented challenges. It’s only when Hank, an outsider who was radically affected by a message of hope and love he experienced at a Christian revival meeting, convinces Coach Geralds to let him speak to the team that something truly remarkable begins to happen. Nearly the entire team, black and white, give their lives over to the “better way” Hank tells them is possible through following Jesus. The change is so profound in them it affects their coach, their school and their community in ways no one could have imagined. Based on a true story. Starring: Sean Astin, Nicholas Bishop, Caleb Castille, Sherri Shepherd, John Voight Director: Jon Erwin Genre: Drama Runtime: 2 hours, 3 minutes Rating: PG for thematic elements including some racial tension/violence