News of www.newsofkingspoint.com
October, 2015
Kings Point Marks Historic Transition
Full Resident Control and the Completion of Homebuilding
By Michael Crook Communications, Kings Point Suncoast With the final developer ending their new construction in Kings Point Suncoast at Sun City Center, FL, full control of this active retirement community of nearly 5,600 homes now rests with the residents. The milestone came with the turnover of control of the “Sun City Center West Master Association, Inc.” at a Board Meeting Tuesday in Kings Point. Representatives of Minto Communities, which purchased and developed the last available land zoned for homes, stepped down from the Master Association board and a resident board of directors was appointed to take immediate control Photo by Jim Kulp of the Master Association on behalf of Members of the new Kings Point Master Association Board. the unit owners in the community. “This moment comes during one L to R: Eileen Peco, President; Jim Haggerty, Vice President; Dick Holgate, SEC Chair; Bill Richards, Treasurer, and Ray Glover, Secretary. of the most exciting years in over four decades of Kings Point history,” we wish Minto continued success going dynamic future. A beautiful fitness and said Bill Richards, Master Association forward.” wellness facility, the 2020 Centre, opened Treasurer. “We have been fortunate to As for Kings Point, the mood is all earlier this year, along with a welcomed work with outstanding developers, and about “going forward” into an active, expansion and enhancement of the
Kings Point South Club. Continuing improvements are in the planning stages. The Master Association is a not-forprofit corporation with responsibility for infrastructure property maintenance, which includes Kings Point roads and sidewalks, storm water drainage systems, irrigation pumps and pipes, lakes, lake-water overflow systems (weirs), bridges, gatehouses, and the irrigation and landscaping along the Kings Point main roads. Some 114 Associations in Kings Point are members of the Master Association. Kings Point is an exclusive active adult community located in West Central Florida 20 miles south of Tampa in Sun City Center, FL. Nestled between the Tampa-St. Petersburg metropolis and the white sands of Sarasota’s beaches, Kings Point on the Suncoast is an ideal place to retire. With nearly 5,600 homes, 9,000 residents, 45 holes of golf, 6 indoor and outdoor pools, theatre, TV, and hundreds of social groups, Kings Point in Sun City Center is a great place to really live.
Our Elegant Community Hall
By John Bowker Our South Campus has a new look! What began about a year ago when it became clear our Community Hall was in need of some serious upgrading, became a true gem in our remarkable facilities collection at 9 a.m., on Tuesday, September 1. The grand entryway has plenty of room for vehicles to come in, let out their passengers at the front door under the cover of the all new Portecochere day or night and then pull into the adjacent repaved parking lot with all new intensified night lighting. The lobby has all new brightly colored plush seating with playful designs to encourage a happy entrance into the newly decorated main room of the building. Just to the left is the newly expanded ladies room with more booths and all new automatic fixtures, washing positions and repositioned mirrors. To the right, the men’s room has been upgraded with all new fixtures and new washing and table surfaces. We have all been waiting to see the inside work and it has certainly been worth the wait. The most remarkable new feature is the all hardwood floor. The parquet flooring that was replaced had become so worn due to regular cleaning, that a year ago the maintenance staff reported they were down to waxing the concrete under floor – and that’s what got this all started! As you enter the main room your attention may be drawn to the new curtains along a sidewall. Parting those deep black curtains shows the new home for all 900+ chairs when not in use; they replace the lighter-duty chairs that provided show seating in Community Hall for many years (and that have been re-assigned to the Rollins Theater on the
Central Campus). The new chairs are much deeper and just ‘feel’ better. You should notice improved sound in the room with more loudspeakers to give a surround sound atmosphere when appropriate. The new spotlight compartment should give us improved lighting of speakers’ podiums or other highlights in the front of the room from left to right and from floor to ceiling. Access to the stage on the left side is much nicer now, with a small waiting area for upcoming speakers, and steps leading up to the stage that are now all the same height! Unseen by many, the kitchen area has really undergone the most remarkable changes. There are two new refrigeratorfreezers, with a smaller unit that should serve the refreshment needs for our invited entertainers and their staffs. Three new warming ovens are in place to help organizations that have caterers providing a meal for a large number of people and with new convection ovens, burners, a four-position griddle and
high-speed coffee machines will help in the preparation of just about any menu. This report would be incomplete without mentioning all the work to replace the roof with new energy efficient materials, and the new paint that brings the building into the now familiar Sun City Center color scheme.
There is a lot more to be done around the building; plans to enlarge the parking lot were delayed by the incessant rains in July and August, and the CA Board decided to go with what we already have for the rest of this year, and to enlarge and repave that area once the snowbirds have flown north next spring.
Dancers Appreciate the New Community Hall Floor By Phyllis Hodges Probably no other group in Sun City Center values the new wood floor at Community Hall more than dancers. The new engineered hardwood floor replaced the parquet floor that was installed in 1986 when the building was first constructed. It is expected to provide many years of wear and enjoyment.
See Community on page 4.
Did You Know?
On September 10, 11 and 12, the SCC Security Patrol inspected and registered or re-registered over 800 golf carts. That’s a record and compares dramatically with last year’s 147. Registration, with serial numbers verified and recorded, helps to speed the process of returning carts that have been stolen to the proper owners. Note: Heard something recently that might be of interest for this feature? Send your suggestions to hodgespress@gmail.com.
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The News of Kings Point
October 2015
EVENTS 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.
Emergency Squad Gets 8 New EMRs
Open Enrollment to The Kings Point Ohio Club
Effective Immediately The Kings Point Ohio Club will open up its membership enrollment to ALL Kings Point and Sun City Center residents. Dues are $10 per person a year. From October to April its members meet on the second Tuesday of the month at 11 a.m. The locations vary, provide a email and you will be notified as to the location. Kings Point watch The Wheel 733 to get the current location of that meeting. Our first meeting is 10/13 at the Gazebo in the outside pool area of the North Club House. BYOB and mixers. For further information contact: Sandie Basham 614-216-4240.
Empire State Club Thanksgiving Dinner
L to R: Barry McKee, Instructor, Dustin Hewett, Bob Burns, Lloyd Banfield, Lou Ballance, Manya Ogle, Larry At. John, Rose Rife, Walt Bowers, Instructor.
By Jan Huber Eight students have successfully completed the intense 52-hour “Emergency Medical Responder” course given at the SCC Emergency Squad Training center. Students are first trained and certified in CPR. Following this aspect of the course, the students studied medical and environmental emergencies, airway management, the human body, bleeding, shock and poisoning. Students also learned the proper technique for splinting, bandaging, back boarding and scooping a patient. Each student has now been assigned to one of eight teams and will begin a period of mentoring with an experienced ambulance crew. The Squad has 440 members and is growing. If you are interested in finding out more about this all-volunteer organization, please call 813-633-1411 or visit our website at www.scc-ems.us.
The New York Empire State Club will be having their Thanksgiving dinner dance on Tuesday, November 3, 2015 at 5 p.m. in the Veterans Theater in Kings Point. Food by Banquet Masters: sliced turkey with dressing & cranberries, sliced sugar glazed ham, sliced roast pork loin, mashed potatoes, salad, dessert, coffee and soda. Members $20, guests $25. Music by Gari. For further information please call Frank Gatto at 633-8942.
No Sleeping on it for the Sew ’n Sews
SCC German-American Club Presents
Oktoberfest – October 16 The very talented band called The Alpine Express will once again share their varied musical talents in Sun City Center on Friday, October 16 in the Community Hall on S. Pebble Beach for one of the happiest parties of the year – Oktoberfest. The doors will open at 4:30 with the catered buffet dinner ready at 5:30. The price for this often sold-out party is $22 for members and $27 for non-members. Where else can you go to eat, dance and drink German beer! Now is the time to put on your dirndl or lederhosen and meet your neighbors and friends to sample a glass of German (or local) beer, as well as a knockwurst, bratwurst dinner with potato salad, bean salad and dessert! There’ll be plenty of time for dancing and singing from a printed song sheet, oh, and schunkelling too. Schunkel means to link arms with your neighbor and sway in time to the music. For tickets, please send a check made out to the German-American Club of SCC to Mike Albanese, 1808 Granville Lane, SCC FL, 33573. Please include the names of the people you are ordering tickets for, and also please include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Wisconsinites Unite
Now is the time for all Wisconsin Club of SCC/KP members to mark their calendars with the following dates! Caution….there will be fun doncha’ know! And you don’t want to miss out! You remember last year, doncha’? K den! November 15, 2015 – Welcome Back/Tailgate Party 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Borini Theater in KP. Traditional tailgate party before the Packer vs. Lions game on the Big Screen. There will be food. Participants will bring a dessert to share. $5 charge per person. And other fun and surprises. More details coming. January 21, 2016 - Traditional Potluck at Community Hall/SCC. Plan on start time of around 5 PM. More details to follow. March 16, 2016 – Community Hall/SCC. Evening event. More details later. These dates are firm, if not all the details. If you know of recent Wisconsinites who have relocated to either SCC or KP who may not be on our email list, you can contact Club Prez, Art Droege via email, artdroege@aol.com or our Membership Chair and Communications Director Extraordinaire, Bev Hetzel at jbhetzel@gmail.com. Looking forward to seeing you all again and welcoming new members, too! News of Kings Point Declaration The News of Kings Point is not affiliated with Kings Point, Kings Point Management LLC, Minto Properties or the Federation of Kings Point Associations, Inc.
Standing L to R: Jan Ring, Liane Dufek, Barbara Baker, Patty Godfrey, Dixie Stevens, Carol Rossi and Gloria Smith. Seated L to R: Jane Sanfilippo and Mary Lou Bogdan.
No Summer off for Sew ’n Sews as they continue to team up to be a blessing to others, this time by making pillowcases for Con Kerr Cancer (and its recent name and mission change to Ryan’s Case for Smiles). They join thousands of volunteers across North America providing hospitalized children with whimsical pillowcases, giving them an emotional boost and reminding them they are not defined by their illnesses. With every stitch; every yard of fabric and every pillowcase; kids with life changing illnesses or injuries, feel better to heal better. At the end of October about 50 cases will be delivered to Quilts on Plum Lane in Dade City, one of many distribution sites. Want to learn more about Sew’n Sews? For more information, call Linda at 813-390-2377 or email scc.sew.n.sews@gmail.com.
SCC Metaphysical Society Club
Join us for various metaphysical presentations and events that deal with the exploration of reality and how this knowledge may benefit human life on earth - a spiritual philosophy of life! Meetings - Wednesdays - 10 a.m. - Heritage Room - Main Campus: October 7 - “The Mystery of Life After Death, Part 2,” presentation with Frank Valentin. October 14 - “The Journey of the Soul,” presentation with Robert Brown, a United Spiritual Fellowship Certified Medium. October 21 - “Talking with the Animals,” presentation with Animal Communicator Sky Heartsong. Info call Sue at 540 840-3781. October 28 - Open Meeting: “Halloween Gala.” Bring your intuitive talents (cards, crystals, insight, etc.) to share. Costumes optional. Prize awarded for Most Original and Most funny costume! Refreshments provided. Join in the fun, food, and fellowship! Presentations and Open Meeting are open to SCC residents and their guests, and reciprocal communities. Love offering requested to benefit the Society for Presentations. Open Meeting free admission. Info call Holli at 813 419-4704. Activities - Heritage Room: Sunday, October 4 at 2:30 p.m., Metaphysical Movie Sunday features “Hearts and Souls.” 1993 film starring Robert Downey, Jr., and Kyra Sedgwick, about a bus crash leaving four souls behind, as a baby boy “Thomas” is born at the same moment and the four find themselves tied to the baby. Open to SCC residents and their guests, and reciprocal communities. Free admission. Facilitator: Vicky at 813-398-7033. Mondays, October 5, 12, 19, and 26 at 1 p.m., Book Group features “Spontaneous Healing of Belief,” by Gregg Braden. Group reads aloud and discusses as they go. Open to SCC residents and their guests, and reciprocal communities. Free admission. Facilitator: Alice at 813-634-9065.
October 2015 The News of Kings Point
Irish Connection Movie Night
Monday October 12 6:30 p.m. at the Rollins Theater Feature: Her Majesty Mrs. Brown Starring: Judy Dench, Billy Connolly and Gerald Butler Grieving the death of her consort, Prince Albert, Queen Victoria is tended to by a lowly Scot servant which develops into a passionate friendship that scandalizes a nation. A fascinating story based on true life circumstances. A rewarding film with outstanding acting. All in SCC welcome. You don’t have to be Irish.
The British Connection
November Brit Flick event: “Her Majesty Mrs. Brown.” At the height of Victorian England, a scandal rocked the monarchy when John Brown arrived at Court to take up employment as the Queen’s Highland ghillie. Brown became the Queen’s most trusted companion and rumors of an affair scandalized polite society. A true story of a passionate friendship between Queen Victoria and a lowly servant! Judi Dench and Billy Connelly give riveting performances in this delightful movie. Come and enjoy hot mulled cider and apple pie on Sunday, November 8, 1:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. in the Florida Room at the Atrium. Tickets are $5 for members, and $6 for guests. Make checks payable to “The British Connection” and send to: Margaret Davis, 1605 Weatherford Drive, Sun City Center Florida 33573. To become a member, add an additional $5 with your check. Questions? Call Margaret Davis at 201-674-6101 .
Computer Club Classes
Monthy Computer Club meetings resume on October 7, 2015 at 7 p.m. in the Florida room. Come and learn about the new Microsft Computer Store in Sarasota and the many services and products which they offer. Sign up for your choice of class in the Computer Lab, (Atrium Building) Monday through Saturday, 12:30 - 5 p.m. Tuition is payable upon registration. For additional information email: Diane Hall, Education Director at dhall2117@gmail.com. Introduction to Computers Four Weeks: Oct 8th, 15, 22, and 29. Time: 9 – 11 a.m. Members $20, Non-member $25 This class will cover hardware: internal/external devices. Software: creating, saving and transferring files; as well as operating systems. Some basic word processing. Using the internet (web browsers, search engines, and how to do a search. Storage devices: permanent/temporary. Windows 10 October 7, 13, 21, 27 and November 6. Time: 9 a.m. – 12 noon. Members $10, non-members $15 This class is designed to familiarize you with Windows 10. We will discuss upgrading and setting up. We will customize the start screen and play with some of the preinstalled apps. Among other subjects, we’ll cover antivirus, Microsoft accounts, Cortana, Edge, the Store, keyboard shortcuts, Control Panel vs. Settings, and snap & shake. Basic iPad/iPhone for Seniors Monday, Oct 19. Time: 9 a.m. – 12 noon. Members $10, Non-member $15. We will go through the iPad setup. Prerequisites: You need your own iPad at the workshop, along with the charger and USB cord. You will need a Hillsborough County Library card to download a book. We will customize the start screen and play with some of the cool apps that are included. Other subjects we’ll cover are antivirus, Microsoft accounts, search, and hot corners. Rod Rodriques is the instructor. How to Backup your Data with “Synctoy” Friday October 23. Time 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Members $10, Non-member $15. Synctoy is a free backup tool that can make backing up your data so easy that you might actually do it. Synctoy is a free application, from Microsoft, that can be downloaded and used with Windows 7 or 8. Synctoy provides much of the basic data backup and synchronizing features found in commercially available applications. This class will show you how setup and use Synctoy in order to create an easy to use process to back up your data.
Italian Club Roma Holiday
By Annette Macdonald The Italian Club will present Roma Holiday on Monday, November 16, 2015 at the Kings Point Veterans Theater. The doors open at 5 p.m. Dinner will be at 5:30 p.m. Ferraro’s will be the caterer and feature salad, sandwiches (meatball, eggplant parmigiana, sausage & peppers or Italian deli with no sauce), dessert, coffee, tea and soda (BYOB). Entertainment will be by “Full Circle” with dancing from 6:30 p.m. till 9 p.m. Members $13 and Guests $15. Sandwich selection must be made at the time of ticket sales. Ticket sales will be held at the KP North Club on Tuesday, November 3 and Wednesday, November 4 from 9 a.m. till noon. SCC members please remember to bring your badges. Tables of 8 must include the list of all names and food selections when you send in your checks. Any questions, please call Tom Barba at 813-633-0264. Cut-off date is: November 8.
Empire State Club Oktoberfest
Dinner Meeting Monday, October 5, 2015 at 5 p.m. in the Kings Point Veterans Theater. Music by The Dukes. Food by Banquet Masters. Buffet menu including bratwurst, sauerkraut, chicken marsala, crabbed stuffed filet of sole, oven roasted red bliss potatoes, vegetable du jour, bread basket with butter, dessert, coffee, tea and soda. BYOB. Members $20 per person, guests $25 per person. Makes checks payable to The New York Club and send or drop off at Frank Gatto, 1925 New Bedford Drive in SCC or Phyllis Scali, 2030 Heathfield Circle in Kings Point. Call 813.633. 8942. If you need reserved seating of 4, 6 or 8, mail all checks together. As of our last talk with Kings Point, we can have no more than 8 people at a table.
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The Irish Connection Hosting Fun-filled ‘Finnegan’s Wake’
By Robbin Stratton-Upson The Irish Connection Club is hosting a ‘Finnegan’s Wake’ for their first fabulous event of the fall on Friday evening, October 16, 2015. Come celebrate the infamous Tim Finnegan’s life and mourn his passing followed by dinner, jovial games, a wee bit of Irish whiskey, and vivacious dancing to both mournful and high-spirited music! For those inquiring minds, the story of ‘FW’, based on Irish novelist James Joyce’s book, celebrates the mock death of Tim Finnegan. The theme comes from the old Irish tradition of ‘celebrating a death’ as death was deemed freedom from a life of poverty. Keening, with somber music, begins at the Atrium Parking Lot Entryway at 5:30 p.m. with dinner following at 6 p.m. in the Florida Room of the Atrium Building, 945 N. Course Lane, Sun City Center, FL, 33573. Please bring a potluck dish to share: (A-H Dessert, I-P Salads, Q-Z Casseroles) to accompany a spiral ham courtesy of the IC Club. 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) and mail to Kathy Lyons-2003 Wedge Ct, SCC, FL 33573). Festive black attire is encouraged. RSVP REQUIRED ~ call Kathy Lyons 813.633.2951. No table reserving; come early for your selection. Bring your adult beverage of choice and your CA/KP membership badge, per the CA/KP rules, for entry. For membership information, please contact Joan Weening 813.633.5274. For additional party detail, go to www.sccirishconnection.com.
Rockin’ Thru The Years Dance Club
“Join us for a rockin’ good time!” Johnny Charro and his band will provide our dance music at the Rockin’ Thru the Years Dance on Sunday, October 18, 7 pm to 10 p.m. in Veterans Theater in the Kings Point North Clubhouse. The doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Johnny Charro is known as the “Dean of Tampa Bay Entertainment”. For more than 40 years, Charro has been entertaining audiences throughout the south, giving them the kind of musical selections conducive to dancing and high energy entertainment. Charro’s musical roots are based in rhythm and blues and rock and roll, and he is excellent in delivering ballads that touch the heart. Johnny Charro and his Band do amazing work with a wide variety of music including Rock & Roll, Oldies, Latin Music, Country, Soul, Contemporary, Easy Listening, and Current Popular Hits! During intermissions they will play our favorite line dance music. Tickets are $5 per person and may be purchased on Tuesday, October 6 and Tuesday, October 13, 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the ticket table in the Kings Point North Clubhouse Lobby. You may reserve a table when you purchase your tickets. Please note the tickets are NOT being sold at the Kings Point Box Office. You may bring snacks and BYOB. The Club provides cups, napkins, ice and water on each table. Please contact Sandi at the following email address rockinthrutheyears@ gmail.com for more information.
Kings Point Duplicate Bridge
The Kings Point Duplicate Bridge Association (KPDBA) announces a class in bidding to begin in October. Competitive Bidding will be taught by ACBL trained instructor Marion Winsor. Classes will be held in the Kings Point North Club Card Room on Friday mornings. Classes will start the morning of October 16 from 9-11 a.m. and meet for six consecutive weeks. The cost is $40 for instruction and $10 for the book. Area bridge players are invited to participate. For information and to register call 938-3154.
Jazz Lovers Meeting
The Jazz Lovers are ready for fall. On October 16th from 2:00 to 4:00 PM the Jazz Lovers will be meeting in their Jazz Club in the Ripple Room of the KPNC. On October 16 we will be listening to the jazz artists we never get tired of hearing. If you love jazz come on in and enjoy yourself. For more information contact Bill Ferron: bill.ferron.SCC@gmail.com or 938-3571.
Kings Point Duplicate Bridge
Win gold points at the Kings Point Duplicate Bridge Association and maybe more! The ACBL Instant Matchpoint Game will be held in the Kings Point North Club card room starting at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, October 16, 2015. Please arrive by 11 a.m. Play against American Contract Bridge League (ACBL) players in the United States, Canada, and wherever there is an ACBL participating club. The cost is $5.50 per person ($11 per pair). All players will receive a booklet of expert analysis by Larry Cohen. Refreshments will be served. For information contact 813-938-3215.
Irish Connection Casual Fall Social
By Robbin Stratton-Upson The Irish Connection Club invites you to join us for an Appetizer Social on Friday, November 6, 2015, 6:30 p.m., in the Florida Room, Atrium Building, 945 N. Course Lane, SCC, FL, 33573. The 2016 slate of officers will be presented by President Paddy Cooney. Anyone interested in running to serve in a board position is welcome to participate in the re-election process by contacting the President, at 813.938.5345, with your information. RSVP REQUIRED for the free social gathering; call Kathy Lyons 813.633.2951. Finger foods will be provided courtesy of the IC Club. Bring your adult beverage of choice and your CA/KP membership badge, per the CA/KP rules, for entry. Anyone who is Irish, of Irish 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. The renewal of your 2016 IC Membership Dues ($5 per person) has a firm deadline of December 31st, 2015. Please make your check payable to ‘SCC Irish Connection’ with your ‘CA/KP Badge Number’ listed on your check, and mail to 706 Ward Circle, SCC, FL 33573, Joan Weening, 813.633.5274. For additional IC club info, go to www.sccirishconnection.com
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The News of Kings Point
News of Freedom Plaza By Peggy Burgess It’s autumn at Freedom Plaza and the leaves are turning. This has nothing to do with trees, but with residents turning the leaves of books, for the fall semester of their Graduate School for Seniors has just begun. They have notes and handouts to pore over, and suggested reading lists to ponder. Conspicuously absent from those turning “leaves” are any homework assignments, and neither are their report cards or grades to be concerned about. Freedom Plaza’s “Grad School”, as it is frequently called, is one of this country’s growing number of study courses designed especially for senior citizens who are interested in “learning for learning’s sake”. Their days of seeking college credits or furthering a career have past and education is a leisure pursuit, not a requirement. The idea of “no credits, no grades, no homework” educational programs for seniors is certainly not a new one: colleges and universities have been opening their doors, and their dorms, to older students—usually during the slack summer semesters—for decades. Elderhostel (now called Road Adventure) has been around a long time. More recent is the concept, and the creation, of complete leisure –time educational programs designed exclusively by and for seniors. The first such institution in this locale was the Sun City Center Community Church College, the model for Freedom Plaza’s
Graduate School for Seniors. In 1976 Dr. Robert Gingery, then pastor of Sun City Center Community Church, recognized the need for a senior educational program and founded the Community Church College. When Gingery retired from the ministry and moved to Freedom Plaza he responded to the requests of his fellow residents to set up such a program there. Thus, in 2009, the Freedom Plaza Graduate School for Seniors was born. The organization is administered by a board of resident trustees. There is a nominal charge for registration to cover fees and instructional materials, with any overage donated to the Freedom Plaza Scholarship Fund. The search for qualified instructors for “Grad School” rarely goes further than Freedom Plaza’s own resident directory. Numerous residents have college degrees, many in education, some with impressive pedagogic credentials. Others have had exceptional career experiences and not a few are published authors in their various fields of expertise, or in the noteworthy events of their lives. They are all generous in sharing their time and efforts. According to one news agency (seniorsource.com) taking a class in just about anything can improve cognitive ability and rejuvenate memory. Freedom Plaza residents add that classes offer social opportunities to meet people who share their interests. Mostly they say that attending Freedom Plaza’s “Grad School” is just plain fun!
Freedom Plaza residents dressed as characters from the movie livened up a “Wonderful Kingdom of Oz” party when Freedom Plaza recently celebrated its 23rd Anniversary. Left to right they are: Joe Birnbaum as Lion; Diane Turcotte as Dorothy; Sue Stephens as Tin Man and Bill Turcotte as Scarecrow.
October 2015
Community from page 1.
Photo by John Bowker The Sun City Line Dancers were the first to initiate the floor Tuesday evening, September 1. They were delighted to get back into the Community Hall after holding their sessions at the Central Campus Dance Studio #2 this summer. The group’s reaction was summed up by President Kathie Koren. “It’s great to be back. We love the floor and the new sound system,” she said. The club has 103 members and dances twice a week (Tuesday night and Wednesday afternoon).
Photo by Bill Hodges Members of The Academy of Ballroom Dance members and guests enthusiastically made their way to the South Campus a few days later for their monthly dance. They held their summer dances in Dance Studio #1 in the Atrium which made them appreciate the Hall venue even more. At the dance, members were reminded how fortunate our dancers are to have free access to such a great facility. President Charlie Brown applauded the CA for considering the needs of the dancers in selecting the wood floor as opposed to other options such as tile or carpet.
Coalition Teams up with USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute, SCC Emergency Squad and Sun Towers Retirement Community
The South Shore Coalition for Mental Health and Aging, has teamed up with the USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute, Sun City Center Emergency Squad and members of Sun Towers Retirement Community to offer free memory screenings for seniors in South Shore and Sun City Center. Led by Eileen Poiley, director of education at the Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute, members will attend four weekly training sessions on the community-based approach to providing memory screenings for Alzheimer’s and other diseases causing memory loss. Once completed, participants will be USF Health volunteers trained to serve as memory screening administrators of the Byrd Institute’s Community-Based Memory Screening Program. This expands a program that is currently successful in Tampa and The Villages, FL, making it available to residents of the SouthShore area. Each training session is recorded and then shared with members of
the community who are willing to serve as voluntary memory screening administrators. Interested volunteers must demonstrate a willingness and ability to commit to all training sessions. Some prior knowledge of HIPAA requirements is recommended, but not required. Once trained, memory screening administrators will commit to volunteering one day each month to provide screenings to South Shore community members who are concerned about their memory. Beginning in October, the South Shore Coalition will host free memory screenings at Sun Towers Retirement Community, the United Methodist Church of Sun City Center and Gannon University with other locations to follow as volunteers increase. If you are interested in scheduling a free memory screening, please contact the Coalition office at (813) 419-4902. To become a volunteer, please contact Debbie Caneen at (813) 892-2990 to find out more about classes in Sun City Center.
Front Row Lelf to Right: Theresa Crocker, Ph.D., M.S., R.D., Assistant Director of Community-Based Research USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute; Debbie Caneen, Director of Admissions, Sun Towers Retirement Community and President of the South Shore Coalition for Mental Health and Aging; Eileen Poiley, MS, Director of Education USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute; Kris Buelna, LPN, Wellness Nurse for Sun Towers Retirement; Darian Williams, Program Director, Memory Care Sun Towers Retirement, and Jennipher Lenoir, COTA, Sun Towers Outpatient Therapy. Back Row Lelf to Right: Judy Myette, Robert Leonard, Andrew “Mick” Hebel and Patsy Monk, all with the Sun City Center Emergency Squad.