The News of
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SUN CITY CENTER COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
Sun City Center
December 2015
...an official publication of the Sun City Center Community Association
COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION SCHEDULE
December 1 Membership Vote Sandpiper Room 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. 2 Membership Vote Community Hall 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 6 Lawn Concert with the Kegg (Kelly Emerson/Gary Garbleman) Band Stand – 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. 9 Board Meeting Rollins Theater – 9 a.m. 15 Community Leaders Meeting Florida Room – 9 a.m. January 6 Annual Membership Meeting Community Hall – 7 p.m 13 Board Meeting Rollins Theater – 9 a.m. 19 Community Leaders Meeting Florida Room – 9 a.m. 25 CO-AP Meeting Caper Room – 2 p.m.
Hi, Neighbor! - A Sun City Center Tradition!
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.
By Phyllis Hodges “Hi, Neighbor!” has become an annual event that certainly gives new residents “food for thought.” It exposes them to the sense of community exuded by SCC residents. It also gives residents who have been here a while a chance to reacquaint themselves with the variety of activities that make up the active lifestyle we tout. Janet Ditmore, Hospitality Chairman, who has organized the event for the past three years, said, “I was very pleased with the turnout (nearly 700). I spoke with several folks who were new to the community and they were very impressed with the club offerings. They appreciated being able to find out more about the clubs in so convenient a manner.” Janet credits the event’s success to the enthusiastic participation of many of SCC’s 150+ clubs, the event volunteers and unfailing cooperation of the SCC maintenance and office employees.
CA Contact Information Phone: 633-3500 sccboard@suncitycenter.org Website: suncitycenter.org Information Center 813-633-4670
More Hi, Neighbor! Pictures On Page 5
Estimated attendance was about 700.
SCC Veterans Day Ceremony features RADM Larry Chambers
Stage: On left, Service Organization Leaders; right, Trinity Singers; at podium Vernon Bartz.
By B. F. Kepley, CAPT USN (Ret) T h e A n nu a l Su n C it y C e nt e r Veteran’s Day Ceremony, sponsored by the combined military veterans org an i z at i ons , w as hel d at t he Community Center on Wednesday, November 11, 2015. Legionnaire Janet Taylor, introduced the Grand Marshal, Edward Mahoney, USMC WWII Veteran. The Drummers, were Mr. Edmund James, U. S. Navy (Vet) and Mr. Robert Lohr, SCC Shriner Club, USMC (Vet). Presentation of the Colors was by the East Bay High School JROTC Color Guard. The Invocation and closing Benediction was carried out by Pastor Julian Graham, United Methodist Church and the
Pledge of Allegiance was led by Lt. Col. Gordon Bassett, USAF (Ret). The National Anthem followed by a musical interlude was led by the Trinity Singers directed by the Rev. James Feist. A veteran’s service tribute was also led by the Rev. Feist. The honored speaker, retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Lawrence C. (Larry) Chambers, was introduced by Legionnaire Janet Taylor. RADM Chambers graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1954 and became a naval aviator. He received a degree in aeronautical engineering in 1959. He flew combat missions in Vietnam
See Veterans Day on page 6.
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).
World War II armored vehicle.
Freedom Plaza Holds Veterans Day Festival
Story by B. F. Kepley, CAPT USN (Ret), Photos by Kepley and Adam Porter O n Ve te r ans D ay, We d ne s d ay November 11, Freedom Plaza held a Veterans Day Festival and hometown Honor Flight. The Retired Officer‘s Corporation, Freedom Plaza, and Flight to Honor of Polk County invited all citizens to join them in thanking our wonderful Veterans. A Hometown Honor Flight provided the opportunity for Veterans,
who are physically unable to attend an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., a “virtual” Flight of Honor. The festivities kicked-off at 9 a.m. with the soldiers of the 181 Infantry Division Reenactment and 82nd Reconnaissance Battalion Groups. They are non-profit groups of amateur WWII historians and enthusiasts. They portrayed the lifestyle, uniforms, and combat tactics of a US Army Soldier during the WWII years. Their displays
Did You Know?
See Freedom on page 6.
Prior to the parking lot changes made on Central Campus, the golf cart parking spaces along the Atrium building were available for cars after dark. Be aware that is no longer the case, and you could get a ticket by parking there. Because cars are longer than golf carts, they would create a hazardous situation by extending into the path of cars moving through the area. 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 Sun City Center
CANDIDATE BOB BLACK WITHDRAWS FROM DIRECTORS ELECTION
At November’s Board Meeting Candidate, Bob Black withdrew from the Directors Election. He cited personal issues as the reason. We wish Bob well in his future endeavors. Any votes cast for Mr. Black will be voided. We still have five candidates for the three open Board positions: Mike Killian, John Luper, Lynn Mooney, Neil Rothfeld and Jim Schwartz. BE SURE TO VOTE!
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
COMMUNITY HALL WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2016 7 P.M. (Refreshments at 6:30 p.m.)
SCCCA MEMBERS ONLY 200 REQUIRED FOR A QUORUM -AGENDAI. Call to Order/Pledge of Allegiance II. Approval of Minutes: October 28, 2015 Membership Meeting III. Treasurer’s Report IV. Community Manager’s Report V. Awards & Recognition VI. Installation of newly elected Directors VII. President’s Report VIII. General Discussion by members IX. Adjournment
LAWN CONCERT
Please join us on Sunday, December 6, 2-4 p.m., at the Gazebo (located on Cherry Hills, across from Arts and Crafts Building) for a free lawn concert featuring The KEGG .. The Reunion Performance .. with Kelly Emerson and Gary Garbleman. This is a free event and is sponsored by the Entertainment Committee. Bring your own chair or sit in your golf cart. Info 813-642-2001.
ADOPT A CAT OR DOG EVENT
Four cats were adopted last month, here are two: Margie is holding Layla; Bill Sabin is holding Mattie.
Have you been thinking about adopting a dog or a cat? The Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center is bringing adoptable pets to Sun City Center on Friday, December 18, 9-11 a.m., to make it easy for you! The dogs will be located at the North Campus under the Big Ole Oak Tree (near the Shuffleboard Courts). The cats will be located in the Palm Room (in the Old Town Hall Building, across from Bandstand). The dogs and cats will be available for adoption that day for FREE. All adoptables come fully spayed/neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and more. So come check these critters out and maybe you’ll see a tail awaggin’ or hear some purring and know you want to take that dog or cat home with you now! Info 813-642-2001. Or for more information about the Pet Resource Center, visit HillsboroughCounty.org/Pets or call (813) 744-5660.
December 2015
GOLF CART PARADE
Our Golf Cart Parade will take place on December 12. Applications are now available at the Atrium Kiosk, the CA office and on the CA website “suncitycenter.org”. Don’t be late or hesitate. Get registered for the Holiday Golf Cart Parade NOW. The Parade starts at 10 a.m. Saturday, December 12, 2015. This year’s decorating theme is “Sun, Sand, and Surf ”. Registration check-in, staging, and judging starts at 8 a.m. Let’s make this an end of the year happy and fun-filled community event. Minto’s 5th Annual Winter Festival that includes music and entertainment, food, holiday shopping, a pet contest, and more. Starts at 11 a.m. and runs to 2:30 p.m. Registration forms and instructions are available at the CA office. There are three juried categories (judge’s decisions are final): Individual, 10 prizes ranging from $100 to $800 Clubs/POA’s HOA’s non business groups 5 prizes ranging from $100 to $800 Businesses, 3 prizes ranging from $100 to $300 Special raffle for decorated carts that just start and finish the parade, 5 prizes ranging from $100 to $400. You have to be present to win a raffle prize, and winning a juried prize does not preclude you from winning a raffle prize. For question or information you may call Jim Schwartz at 633-0346 or visit the CA office. The parade will be followed by our WinterFest sponsored by Minto.
What’s New at the Library?
By Elaine Birkinshaw If you would like to be part of a library book discussion group, please call us at 813-634-1315 or leave your name with us the next time you are in the library. We would love to get a group (or maybe two) started in the new year. Let us know what day and time you prefer and that will help us to pick a time that suits the most people. It is hard to believe we are at the end of another year. We have enjoyed the opening of our new addition and have seen more than 70,000 items borrowed by our library users. I always like to take a moment to thank our library patrons for their continued support but this year our staff and volunteers deserve special recognition for keeping the library running smoothly. Thank you to each one of you for carrying on and making sure that our customers were served without a hitch. We have once again received two generous donations of movies on DVD and Blu-Ray and are busily cataloging them for your enjoyment. Among them are the first three seasons of the HBO series Boardwalk Empire starring Steve Buscemi and Michael Pitt. This award-winning series is a period drama set in Atlantic City during the Prohibition Era. The scenery, costumes and music take you back to the heyday of the city by the sea with its gambling and crime where many of America’s most famous gangsters used the new law prohibiting alcohol to increase their power and their fortunes. Main character Nucky Thompson is based on political boss Enoch Johnson who ruled Atlantic City as treasurer of Atlantic County. As the alcohol and the money begin to flow, everyone wants a piece of the action including rivals Al Capone, “Lucky” Luciano, “Big Jim” Colosimo, and Meyer Lansky. Meanwhile, the government swears in hundreds of alcohol agents to try to stem the rising tide of booze and corruption. The series is based on Boardwalk Empire: The Birth, High Times, and Corruption of Atlantic City by Nelson Johnson. Debbie Reynolds’ new book Make ‘em Laugh: Short Term Memories of Longtime Friends is a delightful collection of anecdotes involving many Hollywood stars, as well as her encounters with world leaders such as Prince Philip and the king of Belgium. Burt Reynolds’ memoir, But Enough About Me, has a different tone as he reminisces about the good and the bad in his long and checkered career. As we head into the holiday season, the library staff and I wish you holidays filled with love and joy and a healthy and happy new year.Happy Reading!
Newcomers
List prepared by Linda Bowker from CA staff data. Report corrections, additions to CA at 633-3500.
Last First Cannon Pam Lemoine Roland Senter Gayle Madsen Alpha Mertens Kenneth & Catherine Mattia Joseph & Terry Plunkett Kevin Wright-Plunkett Stacey Swift Donald & Arleen Schumacher Roy Curts Stephanie Verrecchia Paul & Meredith Lee Shun & Rose Miller Robert Cote-Miller Marilyn Church Paula Dastous Maureen Jorgensen Neil Ohrt Marquita Dazet James Berkun Edward Hammond Donald & Kathy Barnett Alex & Sue Fletcher Lorraine Hendrich Howard & Patricia Schluntz Beverly Nation James Tiger Madeline Allen Patricia Knight Joe & Susan McHargue Joe & Sue Allen Maxine Armstrong Lanny & Georgia Alford Judy Mecklenburg Robert Cesario Martha Shelton Edward & Judith Lundy James & Elena
Num Local Street Hometown St 1811 Allegheny Dr Bainbridge GA 702 Augusta Dr Pembroke NH 1711 Aura Ct Plymouth MA 1711 Aura Ct Plymouth MA 1019 Bluewater Dr Schererville IN 316 Caloosa Palms Ct Sunbury OH 628 Chipper Dr Long Beach CA 628 Chipper Dr Long Beach CA 629 Chipper Dr S Yarmouth MA 633 Chipper Dr Wittlich Ger 633 Chipper Dr Indianapolis IN 650 Chipper Dr Providence RI 2336 Del Webb Blvd E Brooklyn NY 1712 Del Webb Blvd W Buffalo NY 1712 Del Webb Blvd W Buffalo NY 1004 Desert Hills Dr Pelham NH 1545 Emerald Dunes Dr Providence RI 1545 Emerald Dunes Dr Chelmsford MA 713 Fairway Ridge Ct Bourbonnais IL 713 Fairway Ridge Ct Winter Haven FL 721 Indian Wells Ave Chicago IL 1206 Jasmine Creek Ct Detroit MI 1214 Lakehouse Ct Southwick MA 2226 New Bedford Dr Berkeley CA 2215 North Creek Ct Avon IN 2232 North Creek Ct Melrose MA 607 Ojai Ave North Beach MD 607 Ojai Ave Bloomfield NJ 735 Ojai Ave Niagara Falls NY 316 Siena Vista Pl Rochester NY 329 Siena Vista Pl Central City NE 203 Stoneham Dr 702 Ward Cir Lincolnton NC 1011 Warwick Ct West Carrollton OH 1817 Wolf Laurel Dr Elkhorn WI 1817 Wolf Laurel Dr Lakehurst NJ 1951 Wolf Laurel Dr Hamilton OH 1977 Wolf Laurel Dr Wayne WV
Phone 229-220-4881 603-731-6058 508-414-9575 508-414-9575 219-743-9620 614-588-7883 909-992-2535 909-992-2535 973-897-6254 317-627-4858 317-627-4858 401-487-7963 772-370-5628 716-570-5180 716-570-5180 603-440-9563 633-0485 633-0485 922-4497 922-4497 419-4633 239-738-8685 413-362-0032 808-446-4739 765-481-0728 781-789-2891 973-723-3421 973-723-3421 850-687-4327 366-7508 402-429-6788 938-4591 633-8653 937-313-3508 720-231-9263 720-231-9263 513-607-9761 390-0998
December 2015
President’s Report By CA President David Floyd SURVEYING OF CA FACILITIES We n e e d a c c u r a t e information about clubs and organizations and their room usage. We have begun to collect information on club membership, room usage, schedules, and specific club needs such as special equipment, utilities or other accommodations. We are introducing a “sign in” process for clubs using CA space in order for us to get a more accurate picture of how our facilities are being utilized. Sign in sheets will start on December 1. They are not a club option. This project will take a year to complete and allow us to better accommodate our clubs and plan for the future. MEMBERS IDENTIFICATION CARDS Just a reminder to all - your CA ID card is required for all club meetings and CA sponsored events except for open events, entertainment shows and National Organization Meetings. Kings Point and Freedom Plaza members of clubs must display their Kings Point ID or Freedom Plaza Access ID. Persons without identification may be asked to leave. NEW CAFÉ Plans were finalized for the new café and. We are looking at “value engineering” to reduce the café costs. TPO will review the bids received and make a recommendation to the Board. We plan to start construction in early 2016 with expected completion in mid 2016. DECEMBER’S HOLIDAY BREAKFAST Joanne and Sam Sudman will again host our Holiday Breakfast on December 5 from 7 a.m. until 12 noon $5 for a full breakfast. Many of our clubs in the central campus will be open for Holiday shopping. DIRECTOR’S ELECTION We have 5 candidates for the Directors Election. They are: Mike Killian, John Luper, Lynn Mooney, Neil Rothfeld, and Jim Schwartz. Absentee ballots are available in the CA office and were printed in the NEWS of SCC in the November issue. Voting will take place December 1 in the Sandpiper Room from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., and in Community Hall on December 2 from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. VETERANS PHOTO PROJECT Bill Hodges has an ongoing project to photograph our veterans. If you are a veteran and wish to participate call Carol Donner at the CA office at 633-3500. TREES ON NORTH PEBBLE BEACH BLVD A number of our members have noticed that several of the newly planted magnolias have died on NPBB. The trees died from root rot. We had to resolve a wetness issue before we could replant. They have been replaced. We have installed Crepe Myrtles to replace them. FAREWELL JUDY SCHINGS For those who do not know; I am very sorry to report that our Entertainment Director Judy Schings is leaving us to be closer to family in Michigan. Over the past 10 years Judy has provided our community with great entertainment. We have enjoyed concerts, shows and dances, all contracted and supervised by Judy. She has been a tremendous asset to our annual FunFest. We are sorry to learn that she is leaving us and will be greatly missed by all. We wish her well.
Scan the code with your smartphone to find us online. www.newsofsuncitycenter.com
The News of Sun City Center
Photo Contest October Winner
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We are pleased to announce the winner of this month’s photo contest is: “The Perfect Bowl”, submitted by Terrie McNamara, 1610 Faxton Drive in SCC. Do you like to take photos? If so, you could win cash prizes and see your work featured on the SCC website and NEWS website! Members of the SCC Community Association and of the SCC Photo Club are being asked to enter their photos of what’s great in SCC in a series of monthly photo contests. Each month the top entry will win a $100 prize. If your photo is used on the website, you will be awarded $25. The theme for this month is: “Celebrations” – SCC Events and Entertainment. This theme begins on December 1 and runs through January 11. Eligibility: Entries must be from members of the Sun City Community Association or the Sun City Center Photo Club. To be eligible for any category, a photograph must have been taken in Sun City Center by the entrant after January 1, 2014. How to Enter: 1. Submissions must be made by email (jpeg only) 2. Each entrant is limited to a maximum of five submissions per month 3. Each email submission may only contain one photo entry 4. The photo being entered must be in JPEG format and must be ATTACHED to the email (not embedded in the email) 5. The body of the email must contain: YOUR NAME YOUR ADDRESS YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS YOUR PHONE NUMBER THE TITLE OF THE PHOTO (You must create your own unique title for each submission) 6. The entry must be sent to photo4scc@gmail.com For more information and to get a complete set of the rules and regulations go to the Sun City Center website, www.suncitycenter.org/photocontest. NOTE: All photos depicting persons must include SIGNED photo release forms, which are available here: www.suncitycenter.org/photocontest.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
CLUB/ORGANIZATION Monday Movies Merry Makers Japanese Tour Group
AMOUNT $284 $110 $200
MEET YOUR
APPLIED TO To offset license fees Hardship Fund Information Center
NEIGHBOR By Agnes Baker Meet Michele Hannigan, our flamingo lover… Her husband Joseph and children: Dennis, Suzanne, Stephanie, Jimmy, Timothy, Colleen and Kelly plus nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren! Her birthplace - Dorchester, Massachusetts. So, they retire to Sun City Center and she immediately joins various groups, including the Art Club, South Bay Genealogy, the Emergency squad, and the MiniBus Group. She has traveled to over 40 countries. Name the place and she has probably been there. Michele excels in baking, with a $500 check from Better Home and Gardens for her “Morning Glory Muffins” to show as a measure of her success. She can also lay claim to other awards: The annual Christmas mailbox decoration challenge; dance contests; ministry of beauty, which shows her zest for life. In the past, she planted a Christmas Garden with a picket fence for the SCC Emergency Squad, spoiled three groups of Veteran Pen Pals with a Christmas pizza party, fed migrant workers at Thanksgiving in Immokalee, and worked at St. Anne’s food pantry in Ruskin. Michele has been a pen pal with an Australian buddy for over 60 years, surprising her with a visit on her 65th birthday! They visited the Great Barrier Reef and had a memorable time. Flamingoes are everywhere as she decorates for the holidays - at her entrance, in her windows, and throughout the garden and home. As you make your tour through Sun City Center, enjoying the holiday sights, remember the address: 386 Club Manor Drive. Give yourself a treat; drive by and let the love of Christmas invade your heart.
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CLUBS
December 2015
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.
Archery Club Celebrates Halloween in “Characteristic” Style
November Bridge Birthdays
The Duplicate Bridge Association of Sun City Center recently celebrated club member November birthdays with birthday cake at their regular Saturday game. Pictured above are L to R, Sue Blumenfeld, Rosalie Murphy, Chuck Roth, Jean Cox and Anne Skinner. Also present but missing from the picture was Mike Molinari. Duplicate bridge will be in full swing during the fall and winter months, Monday Night Bridge is back with 6:30 p.m. start time in the Horizon Room. Now there is EasyBridge! 1 directed by Jim Heston on Wednesday evenings at 6:30, it is still not too late to join us. Beginning on Dec 1, the Wednesday morning social game will be suspended but there are many more games for all levels of play. For more information on these and other events please check the website at “sunccbridge.com”.
News of Freedom Plaza
By Peggy Burgess On the afternoon of December 7, 2015 the Atrium of Freedom Plaza will be packed with people and filled with familiar sights and sounds: punch bowls brimming with eggnog and ornaments gleaming on the tree; the “clink “ of cups as a toasts are exchanged; excited chatter mingling with the piano music and greetings of the first “Merry Christmas!” of the season. At a designated time Freedom Plaza’s Executive Director will extend his welcome to everyone, then, on a count of three, proclaim , “Let there be light!” A triumphal chord from the piano will sound as hundreds of lights –from the Atrium tree, from trees on the four balconies, from swags of holly draping stair railings—all explode into brilliance simultaneously and voices sing out, “O, Christmas Tree, O, Christmas Tree, How brightly shine your branches!” The Tree Lighting Ceremony will have been enacted, following the same pattern for over two decades, and Freedom Plaza will officially begin its 24th holiday season. Conversation will continue to flow with the eggnog and one topic will be the elegant Atrium Christmas tree, how quickly it was erected and adorned. These comments will, inevitably, lead to some resident who was present in 1992 recounting the now-familiar story of Freedom Plaza’s first Christmas and the treelighting that almost didn’t happen … it goes like this: Freedom Plaza opened its doors in July of 1992 and, although totally sold out, was still in the process of moving residents in as the Christmas holidays approached. It was decided that holiday decoration be centered on the Atrium, other areas to be considered in coming years. Therefore, an enormous,
25-foot artificial tree was ordered— from a company in Maine-- and an enthusiastic group of new-resident Christmas crafters went eagerly to work creating ornaments. With a Victorian theme selected they bought ropes of pearls and beads; they utilized paper doilies and flowers; they fashioned lace angels, miniature umbrellas and tiny dolls. Wallpaper samples were gilded and folded into fans and donated costume jewelry converted into dazzling ornaments. One thousand tiny lights waited to be attached to tree branches, stand by strand. But where was the tree? A mere two weeks before the tree-lighting date, a frantic phone trace revealed that it had been mistakenly shipped to Ohio; redirection would take days. The big boxes finally arrived, yielding “miles” of metal poles plus a sea of enormous-- some 5-feet long—branches in which the Christmas crafters’ hopes began to sink. Then the Holiday Heroes, gentlemen residents with engineering experience, came to their rescue. Freedom Plaza Maintenance brought in lifts and ladders, long poles with hooks (for placing ornaments from the second-floor balcony) were quickly devised and work went forward, dawn to dusk. From the top, down, the tree went “up”, lights, beads, bows and decorations went on and all was finished just hours before the words, “Let there be light!” were spoken...right on schedule. That tree, gradually deteriorating along with its fragile handmade ornaments, has since been replaced with one pre-lighted, smaller and easier to access, and it is always magnificently trimmed. Yet memories of “The Big Tree”, its problems and its pleasures, add a rich, resonate note to Freedom Plaza’s tree-lighting tradition and give the refrain, O, Christmas Tree, special meaning.
Take the Bus and Leave the Driving to Us
By Sam Sudman If you are new to Sun City Center you may not be aware of the service that is available to SCCCA residents. HART, the regional transportation arm of Hillsborough County government, commonly referred to as “bus service”, has offered our residents discounted passes to “take the bus and leave the driving to us”. Yes, the standard one-day fare is $4, but you can purchase a pass for $1. The CA purchases the passes and sells them to you at cost, as a service. You may buy as many as you want. There is no refund for unused passes but you can carry them over to future months. With the holiday season approaching, imagine going to Brandon or anywhere that HART travels to do your shopping and not having to find a parking space. Carefree transportation is easily accessible. Drive your car or golf cart to the parking lot on N. Pebble Beach Blvd. located at North Course Lane, park it in any of the vacant spots, board the bus and relax. Oh, there is a HART shelter provided to keep you out of the elements while you wait. Once your trip to Brandon or anywhere else that HART travels, is completed, get back on the bus (no additional cost with transfer) and return to SCC, to where you boarded the bus. This applies to HART Flex as well as the regular buses. Bring cash or check and your ID card to the CA office to acquire the passes. Questions? Call the CA, 633-3500.
Competitive Tennis Greets Their “Neighbors”
Club members, residents and guests had a blast at the recent “Hi Neighbor” annual event featuring our clubs & organizations including the Competitive Tennis Club (CTC). Their special guest tennis star was “Rosie,” who made “her” rounds throughout the Community Hall that night. The CTC has two teams of SCC tennis players on the 24 team A League of Our Own Tennis (ALOT). The age range on these Hillsborough County teams are from 20s to 70s. Currently our 2 teams are in fourth place in their divisions. Every Wednesday from 9 - 11:30 the community is invited to watch their home matches on three courts at the South Sports Complex where bleachers are provided. Pictured are CTC Board Members (l to r) Nancy Williams, Debbie Zieg, “Rosie” & Rolande Poulin.
Do you Facebook?
Get “social” in Sun City Center. Share your favorite SCC pictures and news and view pictures from fun SCC events. “LIKE” the News of Sun City Center Facebook page at “www.facebook.com/NewsofSCC”.
December 2015
The News of Sun City Center
Hi, Neighbor! - A Sun City Center Tradition!
Tina Schwartz was on hand with golf cart parade information and registration forms.
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Eileen Bagley kept busy at the coffee pot. Here she serves Bill Dias.
The Horseshoe Club is actively seeking new club members. Shown are Jane Valois, Bob Tatem and Mike Wassenberg.
Rick Czachor explains the Lawn Bowling Club to Doug Niehouse. Doug moved here this summer from Pittsburgh.
Rusty Seiden and George Lott man the History Society display.
Dee Kelly (R) talks to Jeanne Wadlin about the Nearly New operation. Shown with Jeanne Wadlin.
Linda Anderson (center), Jim and Kathleen Kistler.
Carl and Cam McGary informed visitors about Human Trafficking.
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The News of Sun City Center
from the carriers USS Ranger and USS Oriskany. In 1975 then captain Chambers was in command of the carrier USS Midway, which evacuated more than 3,000 U.S. personnel and South Vietnamese citizens following the fall of Saigon. He was subsequently made commander of Carrier Group 3, which was comprised of six ships, 85 planes, and 6000 personnel. In order to refresh the memory of the audience relative to the huge sacrifices of life and limb our country
Veterans Day from page 1.
has had to endure, Admiral Chambers provided a historical overview of those losses reaching all the way back to the Revolutionary War. It was indeed a sobering reminder of the immense sacrifices our veterans have made, and are still making, to preserve our cherished freedoms. Subsequent to the presentation, God Bless America was led by the Trinity Singers, Taps was played by the bugler, Rev. James Feist, and the ceremony was closed by Legionnaire Vern Barts, a US Navy veteran.
RADM Larry Chambers, USN (Ret) (speaker).
Drummers from left, Edward James, Robert Lohr.
Freedom from page 1.
included WWII era vehicles, weapons, tents, equipment crates and supplies of Infantry and Reconnaissance units, the individual soldiers’ gear, and of course WWII soldiers in period uniforms. Soldiers at the event interacted with the public at the various displays. Various local vendors were also in attendance from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jen’s Market brought farm fresh produce, eggs, honey, organic based skin care products, and more. They also displayed local unique arts and crafts, and provided hot food. A short parade to cheer on our Hometown Honor Flight Honorees
December 2015 began on American Eagle Blvd/Upper Creek and ended at the heart of the festival. (Golfview Terrace Recreation area on Freedom Plaza Circle), took place at 11 a.m. Following the parade, honorees were awarded and recognized at a special ceremony featuring the beautiful Harmony Belles and the talented Gary Vidito, a published songwriter, playwright and actor/singer. There were reserved tables present for the various patriotic organizations/clubs. It was a beautiful day for the festivities and all who attended seemed to enjoy themselves. This program will be an annual event.
Gary Vidito, published songwriter, playwright and actor/singer. MOWW table left Jim Warchol, Charles Connover.
SCC Service Organization Leaders: Front row from left Rev. Julian Graham; Legionnaire Janet Taylor; RADM Larry Chambers; and Legionnaire Vernon Bartz, CDR USN (Ret).
East Bay High School Color Guard.
MOAA table left, Gene Morris, Benny Blackshire.
Trinity Singers. World War II Veterans.
East Bay JROTC Color Guard.
Harmony Belles from left Jennifer Eddy, Jennifer Hill, and Robin Miller.
December 2015
The News of Sun City Center
Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11, 2015 Freedom Plaza Veterans Day Festival and Hometown Honor Flight
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December 2015
The News of Sun City Center
Then and Now: A Work In Progress MOVIES at the Rollins Theater One showing only @ 1 p.m.
PLEASE NOTE: ONLY ONE MOVIE WILL BE SHOWN IN DECEMBER 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.
December 14 • Ricki and the Flash • 1hr. 41 min.
Fifty-something rocker Ricki abandoned her family years ago when she left home to pursue her dreams in Los Angeles. Years later, she dates her guitarist but still fears commitment. But when she gets a call from her ex-husband that their daughter is going through a difficult time after the collapse of her own marriage, Ricki returns home to try to make things right. Starring: Meryl Streep, Sebastian Stan, Kevin Kline, Mamie Gummer, Ben Platt Director: Jonathan Demme Genre: Comedy, Drama Studio: Sony Subtitles: English Runtime: 1 hour, 41 minutes Rating: PG-13 for thematic material, brief drug content, sexuality and language.
Down with the old ...
Wow, What a Show!
... and up with the new!
By Susan Muise When John Bowker moved the SCC History Society from the little house on Cherry Hills Drive to the brand new Information Center building, he brought his memories and history with him... boxes and boxes of newspapers and photo albums from all the way back to 1961. He put out a call for volunteers to give him a hand to sort through all this history. Ten new volunteers have been spending a lot of time going through the days from the past, dividing and subdividing historical information and finally dividing themselves into several “Works In Progress”. One “Works” project is the large “Days in the Sun...” display board in the Atrium Bldg. next to the Ticket Kiosk. It was originally decorated by residents Nan Baytos and Maggie Pliska with History Society photos for the 50th Anniversary celebration. Since these photos have been up for several years, and hopefully have been seen by everyone in town, and because the History Society has so very many more wonderful photos, new volunteers Jim and Jody Johnson are working with Susan Muise on regularly-
changing displays that will include CA clubs, CA facilities and community locations. They have begun with the “Hi, Neighbor! Club” which was the very first club formed in Sun City Center. The first display highlights the changes from then,1962 to now 2015, and also provides some interesting historical tidbits. The displays will be changed every few months giving folks plenty of time to enjoy them. Many thanks to Nan and Maggie for beginning this project even though they did not have that intention, to Lyn Reitz and the CA Maintenance staff especially Scotty and Floyd, for their help and support while always smiling and offering their positive ideas, to the Art Club for preparing new mats for the project, to Sawdust Engineers for their help with the new sign and to Phyllis Hodges for providing some of the newer photos. Make sure to drop into the Atrium to see just one of the new “Works in Progress” by the History Society, and stay tuned for more. Comments, positive suggestions and offers to help can be directed to the History Society at 633-3038 or by email to “jimjohnson291@gmail.com”.
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By Ed Feder, Director & NEWS Liaison The Community Association periodically updates our members via email. Keep up to date with current news about Sun City Center. Sign up for your free subscription to “What’s New With The CA” by simply sending an email to sccboard@suncitycenter.org. Simply enter the word “subscribe” in the subject line.
By John Bowker There is a new way to catch up on things in Sun City Center. The 55-inch TV display in the Atrium Walkway is showing photos of recent events in town on a 24/7 basis, and now there is even a comfortable place to sit and enjoy the show! This is the brainchild of Bill Hodges who, in 2012, found a way to organize his huge collection of photos of current community events and to assemble them into meaningful stories of our lifestyle. The 50th Anniversary Committee that year learned of his work and provided the Community Association with the wall-mounted TV and computer equipment so it became possible to display his photos covering a variety of events that year. Bill and his wife Phyllis are both avid photographers and soon learned that the only sensible way to keep track of what they had captured was to store them as computer software – and when Andy LeDoux of the Photo Club had a chance to see what they had assembled, he immediately pitched in with his expertise and outstanding camera equipment. Lenny Crooks has frequently offered his support to help provide even more perspective on how to capture the tone of our club events that make Sun City Center the dynamic community it is. Bill’s first public program in the Atrium was a display in 2012 of the fantastic presentation of the 50th anniversary events provided by the SCC Photo Club. Since then on a
regular basis, Bill, Phyllis and Andy have produced photo stories of most major events held in the community. At the time of this writing, the display consists of some 200 photographs of the Hi, Neighbor! Program held during the first week of November. They are looking forward to the big community breakfast to be held in the Florida Room on December 5 with the Holiday Walk later that day, and then the golf-cart parade scheduled for December 12 and the “Winterfest” event that afternoon. Most recently, the CA has recognized the contribution of these three by installing the comfortable seating shown in the photo that provides just the right atmosphere to enjoy the 10-minute programs. In fact, the next time you are walking a visitor around town, make it a point to stop for a few minutes just down the hall from the coffee shop in the Atrium Building and see how these seasoned photojournalists have captured the people and tone of a recent event. And don’t be surprised if, when you return the next day, the story on the screen is entirely different portrayal of this remarkable lifestyle we call home. Bill is just beginning to assemble some aerial photos of Sun City Center within which he will show how the Community Association’s properties and facilities fit in to the larger landscape. He recognizes how this will help orient visitors and new residents alike to our arts, crafts and recreational properties that we all enjoy