News of
Happy Merry s a m t s i r h C
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December 2011
Opening Day Ceremony For The SCC Softball Club
Submitted by John Kirkland On October 25, 2011, the Sun City Center Softball Club celebrated the beginning of the fall season with their annual Opening Day Ceremony. Club President, Jim Blackstone, gave opening remarks and welcomed members and guests. All present then removed their caps, covered their hearts, and recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Roy Gardner was asked to sing our National Anthem. As Roy began to sing, others spontaneously began to sing along with him. You could tell the singing was heartfelt. One by one the many voices combined to become one. It was a very powerful and moving chorus, sung by proud citizens who love this country and all it stands for. Joe Adkins gave the invocation. The honored guest was CA President, Ed Barnes. Ed was recognized for his exceptional leadership throughout the SCC community and his continued support to the Softball Club. Ed
was asked to throw out the first pitch. At the conclusion of the ceremony, players took the field, and the first game of the season began. The ceremony was more than just a celebration of the beginning of softball season. It was a celebration of what makes this country great ….our love of God, family, and country and recognition of the love and respect we have for one another. It was a good day. If you are a resident of either Sun City Center or Kings Point and are interested in playing softball, join us for batting
and fielding practice on any Monday, beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the softball field. The SCC softball field is located behind Community Hall in the South Campus Sports & Activities Complex. The parking lot is off Weatherford Drive and adjacent to the tennis courts and horseshoe pits. If you find that you really enjoy playing and want to play in a league, SCC
Softball Club membership and league play is open to men (55 and older) and women (50 and older) who are residents of either Sun City Center or Kings Point. If you have questions about the Club, contact Walt Drugan at (813) 642-9135 or visit the Sun City Center Softball Club website at www.suncitycentersoftball.org for further details. Come give us a try.
A Military Man Encourages You to Get MOAA
Submitted by Brenda Wiseman What do you expect from a man whose mother loved life so much, she married again at the age of 86? If you answered, a man who also has a zest for life, you would be correct and that man would be Frank Kepley. Whether you are talking with Dr. Kepley the oral surgeon or Captain Kepley of the United States Navy, you will soon find they are one and the same and you will hear many educational stories and learn of many wonderful accomplishments. Most recently Capt. Kepley has been deeply involved with helping high school seniors from military families secure scholarships for college and Youth Leadership Programs. This help is offered through three organizations, which Dr. Kepley holds dear to his heart: Military Officers association of America (MOAA), The Military Order of the World Wars (MOWW), and Military Family Support Trust (MFST). His role in disseminating information to the general public and to members of these three helping organizations is greatly
CARE....................................... 6 Spotlight with Brenda Wiseman................... 6 Debbie Caneen 33573 ........................ 8, 9 & 10 Deputy Chris ....................... 11
Frank Kepley
enhanced by his comprehensive computer skills. His computer knowledge has played a major role in his life. When the first little Mac came on the market, Capt. Kepley’s wife, Sandy, suggested getting a computer for their sons, Kirk and Kyle, believing they were way of the future. What a visionary she was. Buying that first computer so influenced the boys, it highlighted career choices. Kyle writes computer programs for fireworks shows. Telling the computer when to shoot off which rocket when, what music to play, and any other details involved. His programs have been used by Disney and Sea World. Kirk is a
website project manager who enjoys being with people while assisting in the selection of the right products. Dr. Kepley learned the operation of computers side by side with his sons and later proved Mrs. Kepley was not the only visionary in the family At the Great Lakes Naval Training Facility where he was stationed for many years, Dr. Kepley began using the computers to schedule and track surgeries. At first, other officers were leery of this “new” idea, but as Dr. Kepley continued using this method of tracking surgeries, it proved to be so beneficial, computers were adopted throughout the entire facility. The Great Lakes Naval Station was not the only port of call for Capt. Kepley and his family. Although he spent most of his Naval career working in hospitals, he also served on aircraft carriers. Capt. Kepley was on the Enterprise in the waters near Vietnam and when it traveled around the world as the first nuclear surface ship to do so, proving to the world it was possible. One of his
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Golf............................... 12 & 13 Hard Knox............................. 15 Bulletin.............. 18, 20, 21 & 22 Faith Bulletin................. 24 & 25 Contract Bridge................... 29 Dixon’s Destinations............ 27 Horoscopes.......................... 31 Crossword & Sudoku........... 29 Solutions to Puzzles.............. 31
The hand stitched Navy Seal by Frank’s father.
fondest memories is docking in Sydney, Australia and the loving reception they received. At that time the Australians were still so thankful for how the United States stopped the Japanese in the Coral Sea, they showered the sailors with gratitude. Another fond memory is meeting Admiral Morrison -the father of rock-star Jim Morrison--while in Guam. The Kepley family enjoyed their nomadic life living in the Mediterranean with a two year old and then living in their favorite cities of Pensacola, San Diego, and Oakland. They felt Pensacola was a good family Continued on Page 2
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