News of January 2010
Return of the Cart Parade Gets SCC in the Christmas Spirit
The annual Christmas Cart Parade made its triumphant return to Sun City Center on December 12th
Story by Adam Porter, Photos by Shelba Porter
with Christmas cheer when the annual Christmas Cart Parade made its triumphant return to Sun City Center on December
12th. Once a revered holiday standard, the parade had been consigned to Christmases Past for four years. The revival and spectacle were a smashing success, a delight to the eyes the heart and the spirit.
The day felt custom ordered. Scores of festively decorated carts lined the lots and streets near the community center. A crystal blue sky shone overhead. The air was crisp and carols were on the breeze, courtesy of the enthusiastic PacKids children’s ensemble from SCC’s Performing Arts Club and the
of the angelic ladies ensemble, South Shore Sound. Owners, drivers and parade watchers mingled with Santas of all shapes and sizes as the lines of carts were judged for creativity and overall holiday spirit. Soon, the parade was underway and carts swathed with Christmas cheer, civic responsibility and ethnic pride made their way along the parade route. Santa’s many helpers and at least one stuffed monkey rode shotgun, waving and calling out holiday greetings. Lines of folding chairs at the end of the parade route ringed the bandstand where the Front Porch Pickers, a band of local musicians – including many Kings
Point residents – were picking out Christmas tunes. Though the group of 30-plus performers, normally plays bluegrass or country songs, the Pickers were handling the holiday hits with ease. As the parade came to an end, eager participants awaited the judges’ verdict, delivered by the one and only Tropical Santa, aka Lannie Cardwell. As Florida’s answer to Saint Nick announced the names, excited parade
different entry categories came forward to accept their prize – an elegant Lenox crystal trophy. The winners of each category, in no particular order were, as follows: Individual Marilyn Bohl and Ted Wilson Club or Organization The Irish Connection, Paddy Cooney and Elaine Chicone Church or Religious Group First Christian Church, Bill and Betty Moore of Radison Avenue in Kings Point Cart Parade To Page 7
Neighbors Helping Neighbors A Conversation With the Sun City Center Emergency Squad There are several factors that make community possible, but what holds it together? What makes a community feel like home? One of those qualities would have to be neighbors helping neighbors. If you agree with that, then there is a place for you on the Sun City Center Emergency Squad. This allvolunteer group has been providing Basic Life Support for residents of Sun City Center and
years. Recently the News of Kings Point sat down with incoming Chief Mike Jackson and his incredible staff of Assistant Chiefs, Noreen Schramm, Diane Simon, and Linda East. These amazing folks shared their passion for helping others and how much the Emergency Squad has meant, personally, for them.
Sun City Center Volunteer Emergency Squad Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Inside Crossword .................... 21 Just Ask Anne.......... 3 & 8 Jim & Nell Taze Horticulture Column 33573............12,13,14 &15 Contract Bridge ........... 21 Deputy Rob ................... 6 Day Trip ..................16 &17 Sudoku .......................... 21 Community Alert Ed Dixon Golf .......................10 & 11 CARE ............................. 18 Horoscopes .................. 23 ? for Catherine ............. 11 Bulletin ............18, 19 & 20 Solutions to Puzzles ...... 23
“Just neighbors helping neighbors. That’s what it’s all about.� Says Jackson, “It’s been that way since 1964. Since day one.� Just neighbors helping neighbors? Last year the Emergency Squad responded to approximately 7,000 requests for assistance, an average of 20 calls per day. Forty percent of those calls came from Kings Point. To put a cost on that service, according to Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, the Emergency Squad saved the taxpayers of Hillsborough
And they did it with an allvolunteer force of just over 400 dedicated neighbors. So, how does an all-volunteer force, many of whom have limited prior medical experience maintain
Neighbors Helping to Page 2
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