Government Day at Kings Point was an overwhelming success, showcasing the power of collaboration between the Master Association and Hillsborough County Tax Collector Nancy Millan’s office. We were honored to host this incredible event, which provided residents with access to essential government services, educational resources, and direct engagement with county representatives.
One of the event’s standout features was the mobile ID unit from the Tax Collector’s Office. This service was in high demand, with all available appointment slots booked in advance. Residents took full advantage of the opportunity to update their driver’s licenses and renew IDs —right here in Kings Point. Given its success, we are excited to share that the Tax Collector’s Office has ordered a dedicated bus to serve as a permanent mobile ID unit. Once ready, the bus will return to Kings Point, with plans to establish a quarterly schedule, ensuring continued convenience for our residents.
Beyond driver license services, residents had the unique opportunity to interact with representatives from 18 different county agencies. These departments provided valuable information on services such as Veterans Affairs, Aging Services, Public Works, Cybersecurity, and more. The presence of
The 3rd Annual Disaster Planning Workshop for Association Boards was held on March 20th, bringing together board members, community leaders, and emergency preparedness experts to discuss disaster readiness in Kings Point. The workshop focused on the critical importance of planning ahead, strengthening emergency response protocols, and ensuring that associations have the tools and knowledge to protect their residents.
The event opened with a powerful video presentation, highlighting the devastation caused by Hurricane Milton. The storm resulted in 33 deaths, over $34.3 billion in damages, and left millions without cell service for weeks due to the destruction of over 1,000 cell towers in Florida, including 289 in our county. More than 3.3 million residents lost power, with some without electricity for almost three weeks. The video also showed before-and-after images of stormravaged areas, including damage to Kings Point and surrounding neighborhoods, reinforcing the urgency of disaster preparedness.
While Kings Point was fortunate to avoid catastrophic damage, Hurricanes Helene and Milton were stark reminders that complacency is not an option. The workshop aimed to educate board members on disaster procedures in Kings Point, clarify the roles and responsibilities of both associations and residents, and outline expectations from the Master Association, Federation, FirstService Residential, and Vesta. The ultimate goal is to help each association develop a customized emergency
Government Day at Kings Point: A Resounding Success!
representatives from Commissioner Christine Miller’s office and Florida State Representative Michael Owen’s office underscored the significance of this event. Their attendance demonstrated their commitment to our community and their willingness to listen to residents’ concerns. The engagement of our local officials reaffirms the importance of Kings Point as a thriving and engaged community.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Tax Collector Nancy Millan for selecting Kings Point as the host location for Government Day. Her office’s dedication to bringing resources directly to the community was evident in the event’s success. Nancy was so
pleased with the turnout that she has invited the Master Association’s General Manager and President to be featured on her podcast, Conversations with Nancy. This podcast, available on Spotify and YouTube, aims to bridge the gap between the Tax Collector’s Office and the community by fostering open dialogue and transparent communication. We look forward to sharing this exciting episode once it becomes available!
Events like Government Day are invaluable to our community, as they provide direct access to the services and representatives that shape our daily lives. The tremendous turnout of Kings Point residents showed how much we
2025 3rd Annual Disaster Planning Workshop for Association Boards
plan to ensure resident safety and effective post-storm recovery.
Key Presentations and Takeaways
MaryAnn Meeker, Chair of the Master Association Disaster Planning Committee, kicked off the discussions by introducing the committee members and the extensive work put into the materials. She explained the history and goals of the committee and introduced its’ members and consultants. Diane Daniels, Pete Doxsee, Jim Allen & Cory Carpenter when over what associations could expect from management.
Planning and Preparedness
•Master Deputy Jeff Merry (Sun City Center Community Resource Officer) stressed the importance of having a clear evacuation or shelter-in-place plan and sticking to it.
•Cory Carpenter (FirstService Residential) walked attendees through the disaster planning workbook, covering association responsibilities, emergency powers, and the importance of an Emergency Preparedness Plan.
•Ray Shaw (Federation Director) explained owner vs. association insurance responsibilities and condo loss assessments, which may require condo owners to help cover damages to shared property.
•Rob Davies (Master Director) clarified the difference between a hurricane watch and hurricane warning, explained evacuation and flood zones, and encouraged residents to visit hcflgov.net/ staysafe to identify their zone.
•Jim Allen (Master Association Secretary) detailed safety protocols
during a storm, including the importance of a battery-powered radio, generator safety, and contracting restoration services in advance to ensure priority service.
•Mike Bardell (Emergency Squad Chief) discussed sewer and water conservation following power outages, emphasizing the risks of overloading lift stations.
Communications & Emergency Alerts
•Eileen Bishop introduced the Disaster Radio Program, a voluntary emergency communication service run by the Kings Point Amateur Radio Club (KPARC). This program helps relay emergency messages when phone and cell service is down. Residents can purchase a $15 radio from KPARC in the North Clubhouse.
•Jim Allen discussed the deployment of Starlink satellite internet in case of power and cell outages. Starlink will be set up at one of three designated community locations, with updates and schedules provided by the Master Association.
•The new Mass Notification System was introduced. Residents must sign up to receive text alerts about emergency updates, road closures, and utility outages. To subscribe to emergency SMS alerts, text ‘KPAlert’ to 38276. (can we put a link here?)
Shelter Information and County Resources
•Trey Larson (Hillsborough County Emergency Management) outlined shelter options, including: o General Population Shelters –Bring your own bedding, food, and medications.
o Pet-Friendly Shelters – Require proof of vaccinations and a pet
April 2025
appreciate these opportunities, and we hope our participation encourages officials to continue bringing valuable programs to our community.
Looking ahead, we are excited to collaborate on additional events with Tax Collector Nancy Millan, Commissioner Christine Miller, and Representative Michael Owen later this year. We cannot thank our local government agencies and elected officials enough for their support and commitment to serving Kings Point.
A special thank you to FOX 13 News for covering this fantastic event. Residents can view the coverage on the Master Association’s Facebook page.
Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the success of Government Day. Your participation reinforces the value of these initiatives, ensuring that Kings Point remains an informed, engaged, and well-served community. We look forward to bringing even more valuable resources to our residents in the future!
carrier.
o Special Needs Shelters – Available for residents with medical conditions requiring electricity or assistance (pre-registration required).
Additional Resources and Next Steps
•Disaster Planning Workbooks are available for download on the Master Association website (www. kpmaster.com/disasterplanning)
•A video recording of today’s workshop will be available soon on the Master Association website for those unable to attend in person.
•MaryAnn Meeker is available to meet with associations one-on-one to help tailor emergency plans.
•A special thank you to USI for printing the color disaster guides and providing the coffee and donuts for the workshop.
•The Disaster Preparedness Symposium will be held on April 24th, 2025 in KPNC-Veterans Theater, open to all residents, featuring more speakers and additional information. USI will again provide coffee and pastries.
Kudos to all speakers, volunteers, and attendees who contributed to today’s successful event. Together, we can ensure that Kings Point remains prepared, resilient, and ready for whatever the next hurricane season may bring.
Q. What are the risks and side effects of giving heartworm medication to senior dogs?
Heartworms are internal parasites of dogs, wild canines and rarely of cats, sea lions and other animals. Baby worms (microfilaria) are transmitted by mosquito bites from heartworm + dogs to other dogs, where they transform to the next larval stages until they become adult heartworms that live in the lungs and heart. Adult worms are large but microfilaria are microscopic. DOGS CANNOT GET HEARTWORM ANY OTHER WAY AND CANNOT SPREAD THEM TO OTHER ANIMALS DIRECTLY
Symptoms of heartworm disease are the same as lung or heart disease, including coughing and heart failure. A dog might have heartworms for months or years before showing signs.
Diagnosis. Blood tests for adult female worms are the standard tests. It takes 6+ months for microfilaria to reach heart/lungs and mature into adult worms, which is why puppies are not tested. It is possible for a dog to have heartworms and have a negative test if 1. There are very few worms (often the case in cats) 2. There are very few female worms 3. There are no adult worms
Is your medicine cabinet full of expired drugs or medications you no longer use? Your medicine is for you. What’s safe for you might be harmful for someone else. Keeping unused, expired and unwanted prescriptions and medications in your home can have tragic consequences. The best way to dispose of your expired, unwanted, or unused medicines is through a drug take back program. One of the most successful drug take back programs is Operation Medicine Cabinet, right here in Sun City Center. Another reason for the collection is the improper disposal of drugs when folks flush them
Ask the Pet Vet Questions
by Sandra Yosha DVM, PhD
present (early stages). Microfilaria can be seen under the microscope in blood samples of dogs. However, if there are not enough mature male and female worms, then there will be no microfilaria, but the dog is still heartworm +.
Treatment of heartworm disease requires confirmation by heartworm tests, and evaluation of heart, lung and other organs functions (i.e. full blood tests, x-rays etc) to determine the risk of treatment with a product that contains a small amount of arsenic. Pre-treatments are necessary to remove microfilaria before adult heartworm treatment is done. Dogs are given both heartworm preventative medication for at least a month or two and one month of doxycycline, which makes the treatment more effective. This takes place over
months. Removing microfilaria ensures that there will be no new adult heartworms. Dogs that cannot be treated for adult heartworms will still benefit from prevention medication to be sure that at least there are no new adult heartworms—which is what causes heartworm disease. The old worms die eventually die but can cause more damage and death while they are present.
Heartworm prevention medications eliminate microfilaria and therefore prevent adult heartworms and heartworm disease. Options include monthly pills or chewable, topical products that may also contain flea and tick prevention, or an injection (every 6 or 12 months) that eliminates microfilaria and some intestinal worms.
Opertation Medicine Cabinet
Master Deputy Jeffrey Merry Jr
down the toilet or throw them in the trash. This contaminates our public water supply and county landfills.
On Friday, April 11, 2025, from 8 a.m. until noon, current Sun City Center Community Resource Deputy Jeff Merry will be collecting any and all unused and expired medications. This includes prescription medication, over the counter medication, pet medication, liquid medication, and sharps. Just drive to HCA South Shore Hospital, located at 4016 Sun City Center Blvd, and hand
The Master Association has purchased a Mass Notification System to keep residents informed. This platform is completely voluntary—residents must sign up to receive notifications and can opt out at any time. Notifications will only be sent in cases of urgent need.
Florida’s warmer months mark the beginning of alligator mating season — a time when these powerful reptiles become more active, visible, and territorial. Understanding their behavior during this time can help residents stay informed and safe.
The mating cycle begins in early April with courtship, peaks in May and June with mating, and wraps up with egg-laying in late June and early July. Eggs incubate over the summer and typically hatch in August or September.
As male alligators search for a mate, they may travel long distances — sometimes over 1,000 acres — and occasionally wander into residential areas. It’s not unusual to see a gator strolling down a road, sidewalk, or even
RISKS The risk of mosquito bites in Florida is extremely high--even indoors, although that risk is lower. Senior dogs already may have diseases of the respiratory system (lungs etc.) or heart disease—and heartworms can make those conditions worse. Combination products may have other side effects or warnings (i.e. seizures). If the risk of fleas and ticks (and tick diseases) is low, then just heartworm preventative medication might be the best choice. Monthly prevention products based on a very low dose of ivermectin as the active ingredient are effective and have minimal risk of side effects. RISK versus BENEFIT and best medication options should be determined by you and your veterinarian.
The risk of heartworm prevention with any prescription product is much safer than heartworm treatment or heartworm disease. If the oral product causes diarrhea, then a topical product might be a better choice.
them your medication. It is not even necessary to get out of the vehicle. Put those drugs and drug containers in a grocery bag and hand them over. Everything is accepted as is, you don’t need to remove any labels, and we don’t ask questions. It is completely confidential.
Once drugs are taken into custody, they’re boxed and officially sealed, labeled and transported to HCSO Property and Evidence. They’re securely stored until they can be taken for
Kings Point Emergency Alert System
This alert system will be available to the Master Association, FirstService Residential, and Vesta to ensure all residents receive timely updates regarding utility outages (such as water or power interruptions), disaster alerts, road closures, and other emergencies. It will never be used for advertising events or products. A major focus of this system is to provide critical alerts leading up to and in the aftermath of hurricanes to keep residents well-informed.
These alerts are provided free of charge, but standard text messaging rates and other charges may apply.
*Register for notifications at: https://portal.civicplus.com/FLKingsPointMasterAssociation/ notifications
We strongly encourage all residents to register for the Emergency Alert group as well as their individual Associations. This ensures you receive both community-wide and neighborhood-specific alerts.
If you need further assistance please reach out to Cheryl at the Master Association at 813-8127580.
Key Features of the Alert System:
*Residents must opt in to receive notifications and can customize
Alligator Mating Season: What You Need to Know
through neighborhoods. These roaming reptiles are usually just passing through, so it’s important to keep your distance and never approach or feed them. Most will move on naturally without incident.
One of the most noticeable behaviors during this time is the male alligator’s loud, throaty bellow, which echoes through wetlands as a way to attract females. The deeper and more powerful the bellow, the more impressive the male seems to potential mates.
In addition to bellowing, male alligators also perform a variety of physical displays to show off their strength: vibrating the water with their bodies to create ripples,
tail slapping the surface to make waves, head slapping as another forceful display.
Males become especially territorial during this season and may fight off other males in displays of dominance. This increased aggression and activity can lead to more gators being spotted out of the water and in unfamiliar places.
If you see an alligator: do not approach or engage with it, keep pets and children at a safe distance and allow it to move on naturally, which it likely will. However, if an alligator is lingering in a specific area, such as a porch, lanai, or backyard, or if it’s displaying nuisance behavior (aggression, refusal to leave,
incineration in the same manner as illegal drugs and confiscated guns. This program has kept the community safer from medication errors and actually saved lives, it has also kept drugs out of the hands of contractors, service providers and relatives who either end up personally misusing them or illegally selling them on the street.
The event is open to anyone and is conducted twice a year, in April and December. For more information, call Deputy Merry at 813-242-5525.
which types of alerts they wish to receive.
*Alerts can be sent via SMS text messages, voice calls, emails, and mobile push notifications, ensuring messages reach residents through their preferred communication method.
*Residents can register their specific neighborhood to receive location-based alerts.
*If you wish to subscribe to Emergency SMS text messages only, text KPAlert to 38276. Please note: If you choose this text-only option, you will not be identified by address, so you will not receive location-specific alerts.
etc.), please contact the Master Association or the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) for proper handling. Remember, we share our environment with Florida’s unique wildlife. Staying aware and giving these animals space helps keep both residents and wildlife safe during this active season.
Grants for Kings Point Pond Enchancement
Three grants have been awarded to entities benefitting the Kings Point community this year, with matching funds from the Master Association, donations from the county and from teams of volunteers through their fundraising activities.
The local Audubon chapter, Eagle Audubon, has been awarded two grants to aid in pond enhancement that can attract more colorful birds and butterflies. One is from Florida Audubon Plants for Birds program for $2500. The other is $1000 from the Audubon Cooperative Grant program, with an additional $500 gift from Eagle Audubon Society. They will be applied to high-visibility ponds along major travel ways in our community.
Fundraising activities will enable some small colorful terrestrial gardens to attract birds and butterflies.
The Master Association has been awarded a Bay Mini-Grant that will be used along with matching funds for ponds in the Acadia Greens area. The B M-G grant is primarily concerned with the greater Tampa Bay watershed that Kings Point’s mostly interconnected 87 ponds feed into. You can support Tampa Bay Recovery efforts by purchasing a Tarpon Tag for $17. The tarpon was chosen as a symbol for Tampa Bay because being able to fish, swim or just enjoy beautiful sunsets and glistening waters is a result of healthy bay waters.
Master Association line items
The Brazilian pepper tree is a very invasive non-native plant species in Florida. Attractive as it is, Brazilian pepper is related to poisonwood, poison oak and poison ivy, so use caution if handling it. It can also be toxic to dogs and cats. Many of our wooded areas right here in Kings Point, especially along the sides of the golf courses and along Cypress Creek are being taken over by this tree. No surprise, as it can resprout from roots and stumps and can grow up to 10 feet per year! This shrub-like tree, typically 15 to 30 feet in height, is the most widespread of Florida’s non-native invasive plant species. Although primarily an invader of landscapes in which the soil has been disturbed and fire excluded, it has formed large dense forests in relatively undisturbed areas adjacent to mangroves along the southwestern portion of Everglades National Park and within the coastal areas of West Central and South Florida.
Originating in Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay, it was introduced during the 19th century and has spread aggressively, already covering more than 700,000 acres in central and southern Florida. It produces many seeds (red berries) which are then dispersed primarily by raccoons, opossums and fruit-eating birds. Long-distance spread is facilitated by migratory birds such as American robins.
are budgeted for ongoing maintenance and improvement, including some replanting where natural attrition has occurred.
Over the past few years, with help from Hillsborough County’s Adopt A Pond program and personnel, the Master Association of Kings Point has recognized the need for ongoing maintenance and enhancement of our ponds. The purpose is multilevel, with Stormwater Retention the primary reason for the creation of the ponds originally.
Other benefits of healthy pond plantings are
● 40% of our rainwater leaches into the ground to support our aquifers for water for drinking and other purposes. Filtration of runoff into ponds is healthy for our drinking water supply.
● Re-attracting the wildlife that used to abound in this area before overly manicured grounds wiped out many nesting areas and food sources
● Filtering sediment and pesticides from waters, forestalling ponds devolving into marshlands
● Being responsible for local water flow that helps the greater Tampa Bay watershed
While planting is best done in the Spring, preparation for planting during the winter months is ongoing now. The Kings Point Stormwater committee holds open monthly meetings on the third Thursday at 11 am, in the Culinary Room on the second floor of the 2020 building.
Brazilian pepper berries have been reported to produce a narcotic or toxic effect on native birds and wildlife during some parts of the year. Because of its aggressive growth rate and toxic effects, never plant Brazilian pepper. Possession of Brazilian pepper with the intent to sell or plant is actually illegal in Florida without a special permit.
Brazilian pepper invasions represent a significant threat to Florida’s native plant and wildlife populations. It grows very fast and is extremely difficult to eradicate, which is why it has been so invasive. Typically, Brazilian pepper forms dense forests that exclude all other plant life by producing a dense closed canopy. They shade out native plants like oaks, pines and palms so that nothing else can grow, harming the natural ecosystem.
Homeowners and landscapers alike need to be able to identify this plant so that it can be removed from yards when it is still small and easy to remove. Remember, it grows almost a foot per month. A seedling can easily be pulled out, but anything bigger will probably require a shovel. Be sure to remove all cut branches from property, as any berries left behind will grow into new trees. Stands of Brazilian pepper can be controlled by cutting, burning, flooding and herbicide application. Ideally, a tree is cut down and then the stump is sprayed with herbicide and monitored for at least 6 months to remove new seedlings that are likely to sprout out of the stump. These methods are routinely used in combination to control Brazilian pepper, but the problem is that they are expensive, labor-intensive, non-selective and only provide temporary relief. It’s no wonder the state has outlawed them.
At our UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County office – and in my home landscape – we have several unusual flowering plants. They are so amazingly strange looking that you would want to stop and look again. We thought you might appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of each of the following funky flowering/plants that include Black Bat plants, Prayer plant, Purple Passionflower, Jaboticaba, Jack Fruit and Bromeliad/Tillandsia.
Will’s funky flower/plant selection is the Black Bat Plant. He thinks the Bat face cuphea, Cuphea llavea, is adorable, and the Black bat flower, Tacca chantrieri, is actually kind of terrifying, and it is the most common. The wing-like bracts are a deep purple. It’s best to leave the flowers on the plant because they decline quickly if cut. After 2 leaves are produced, the flower starts to bloom which can occur up to 8 times in a season. This plant is a collector’s item and may be a challenge to find. It does well outdoors in the shade.
Mollie’s selection is Prayer plant, Maranta leuconeura. This small tropical plant has broad oval leaves that fold upwards at night which is why it is commonly known as a prayer plant. Plant in diffused sun, bright, indirect light, warm temps (60-85 degrees) and high humidity. The shallow root system works well when planted in shallow pots. This is a great plant for indoors, as a hanging plant, groundcover in interiorscape, dish gardens or combination planters. https://go.ufl.edu/prayerplant
Kaleena says Purple Passionflower, Passiflora incarnata, for sure. Passion fruit may be propagated from cuttings, micropropagation, or fresh seed. Fresh seeds have a higher germination rate than older seeds. Germination can be aided by scarifying the seed coat, nicking the edge of the seed using a sharp blade, and soaking overnight in water. High-humidity conditions are best, which can be aided by covering the growing containers with plastic or humidity domes. After germination, you should keep the plants in partial shade Move young plants from a partial shade to partial sun for several days prior to planting in full sun. Use a trellis or strong fence for support. HS1406/HS1406: The Passion Fruit in Florida
Michael’s choice is, Jaboticaba, Plinia cauliflora, formerly known
SHREDDING DAY WILL BE HERE SOON!
REMINDER: Shredding Day is Tuesday, April 29 in the Parking lot beside the North Clubhouse between 9:00 AM and Noon. COA Members may sign up using SignUpGenius via your computer or stop in the COA Office to schedule your appointment and get confirmation.
If your Association has not
as Myrciaria cauliflora. This slow growing evergreen is a small tree native to Brazil. It prefers a moist area with slightly acid, rich soil. “Cauliflora” means the fruit is attached to the tree trunk. It has mottled, peeling bark, produces small white fragrant flowers. You can plant this tree in a large container. It rarely exceeds 8-10 feet in height. It grows well in full sun to partial shade.
https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ browardco/2022/08/25/ jaboticaba-a-fruit-worth-the-wait/
Heather chooses Jack fruit, Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam, is an erect, evergreen fairly large tree, ranging from 30-40 feet tall. All parts of the leaves contain a sticky latex. The fruit is moderately large to large and can weigh from 10 to 60 pounds. Time from flowering to fruit maturity is 150-180 days. The fruiting season is from summer to fall. You can eat this as a vegetable when harvested at an immature stage (1-3 months old) or eaten fresh when picked at a mature stage. Wear gloves when handling this fruit.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ publication/MG370
My selection is Bromeliads, and Tillandsia: There are 16 native Bromeliad species and approximately 85 native species of ‘air plants’ in Florida. Bromeliads are slow growing and generally reach a height and spread of 1-2 feet. This plant prefers a slightly acid to slightly alkaline soil pH of 6.0 to 7.2 and sandy soil. Soil moisture should be well drained. Bromeliads have high drought and low to no salt tolerance. Partial shade/ partial sun is preferred, and they perform well in full shade or full sun.
Tillandsia is a member of the pineapple family. They live on other plants but do not live off other plants, so they are epiphytes, not parasites. Tillandsia do not have roots on the ground, although some capture water through their roots or leaves. Some prefer sun, and others prefer shade. Propagation is from ‘pups’ produced by the mother plant. For more information on this lovely native plant, please see the University of Florida publication, “Florida’s Native Bromeliads,” by Barbra C. Larson, J. Howard Frank, Ginger M. Allen and Martin B. Main, at: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ pdffiles/UW/UW20500.pdf.
Originally from Stettin, Germany, Dietrich moved to the United States in 1952. He attended the University of Wisconsin before beginning his career at Collins Radio in Iowa, where he lived full-time until 2003. He and his wife, Helen, became permanent Florida residents in 2014.
For the past seven years, Dietrich has been an active member of the Kings Point Lawn Bowling Club, serving as both treasurer and website manager. He ensures club members and Kings Point residents stay informed about tournaments and social events, maintains necessary supplies, and instructs beginners. To help the club financially, he even created custom Lawn Bowls Pusher Rakes.
Beyond lawn bowling, Dietrich is deeply involved in his community. As a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church, he serves on the finance committee, works as an usher, and assists with building, electrical, and maintenance tasks.
Dietrich also plays a vital role as the point of contact for the Grantham COA, earning the appreciation of his neighbors for his dedication and attention to detail. Even when he returns to Iowa for the summer, he remains committed to fulfilling his responsibilities remotely. Additionally, he assists with organizing card games at Kings Point.
We sincerely thank Dietrich for his hard work and dedication, and we are proud to recognize him as the April Volunteer of the Month!
with Spring Activities for Seniors Source is: eldercarealliance.org
embrace the season is by organizing a picnic. Choose your favorite finger foods and snacks, and head to a local park to soak up some sun. This is a great activity to do with grandchildren.
Set Up for a Tea Party
Watching the seasons change is one of the most reliable pleasures of life. As an older adult, taking advantage of good weather and sunny days is important, especially if you’ve been feeling cooped up all winter. Use these activity ideas to embrace all that spring has to offer.
Plant Starter Seeds for a Garden Gardening is great for your mental and physical health. When you notice the spring thaw, you can begin planting starter seeds for your outdoor garden or greenhouse. Pick out seeds at a local nursery, and spend a day setting up your seedlings at your kitchen table or in your garage.
You’ll want to give your seedlings about three to six weeks to mature before planting them in the ground. In some climates, you need to watch the weather to ensure there won’t be any more nights with a chance of frost. In the meantime, you can enjoy the beauty of nature as your seeds grow inside your home.
Plan a Bird Watching Retreat
As with many other animals, birds become much more active in the spring. Bird watching is an excellent activity for older adults, including people living with a disability, mobility issue, or dementia.
Pick up a bird-watching guide, and ensure you time your excursion correctly. Early morning and sunset are the best times to see birds.
Organize a Spring Picnic
KP Michigan Club
The Kings Point Michigan Club’s last dance of its fiscal year will be Saturday, April 19, 2025 at the NC Veterans Hall. Music for “Let’s Fiesta” will be provided by Mad for Power Band! Doors open 5:30pm. BYOE. Ice and water provided (no glasses). Tickets sales Tuesday, April 1 from 9-12 in the NC Lobby. Members $10; non-members $12. If it isn’t sold out on 4/1 (we sold out in two hours for St. Patrick’s!), we will add another date of Tuesday, April 8.
PS - Save the date for the Kentucky Derby Party on Saturday, May 3tickets go on sale April 15th in NC Lobby from 9am-noon. Tickets are $25 and non members are $27. BubbaQues meal. If not sold out on 4/15, we will add another date of 4/22.
KPCARES is a dedicated group of Kings Point resident volunteers committed to supporting the community and
assisting fellow Kings Point residents. We offer a variety of complimentary non-medical services designed to empower our residents to live independently and feel supported. WouldyouliketoVOLUNTEERorknow more about how we can help you? Email:kpcares4u2@gmail.com Phone: 813-419-7339
Getting outdoors is important for mental health, and one way to
KP Mixed Chorus
Play A Simple Melody, will be presented by our talented vocalists on April 5, 2025, 7:00 at the Kings Point Veterans Theater. Gather your friends and neighbors for an evening of songs from the Great American Songbook! Bring your own beverages and snacks for reserved cabaret style seating. Tickets/reservations are $13.00 and available at the Kings Point Box Office between the hours of 8AM to 4PM Monday-Friday in the North Clubhouse. Tickets will also be available at the door on the night of the performance.
If you prefer to stay home while enjoying the fresh spring air, you can plan a tea party to celebrate the season. Coffee also works for this activity.
Invite your close friends or family and use the tea party to spend time together. Reminisce and reflect on your favorite memories of springtime from your childhood, and discuss what plans you want to make for the coming months.
Get Artsy With Craft Time
Making art is incredibly therapeutic, so what better time to do something crafty than during spring? Consider one of these low-effort, high-impact spring craft ideas for older adults: Pressed flower bookmarks, Recycled mug bird feeders, Handpainted flower pots, or Scrap paper and fabric suncatchers
If you enjoy celebrating seasonal holidays, you can organize an egg-decorating party for Easter or create your own easter basket to gift to a friend or grandchild.
Complete a Cleaning Checklist While cleaning might not be the first idea that pops into your mind when you think of fun spring activities, it’s a great way to boost your confidence and mood. Plus, keeping your home or bedroom free of clutter helps prevent falls. Make this activity more vibrant by creating a playlist of your favorite songs.
Embrace Social Wellness in a Senior Living Community Kings Point has a plethora of activities and events for residents to enjoy. Check out the activities calendar in The Pointer and find what interests you!
