News of Sun City Center April 2022

The News of

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SUN CITY CENTER COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

Sun City Center

April 2022

CA SCHEDULE

APRIL 4 Board Workshop Rollins Theater - 9 a.m.

Zoom ID: 860 7497 9631 Passcode: 965581 13 Board Meeting Rollins Theater – 9 a.m.

Zoom ID: 825 3639 8584 Passcode: 612137 19 Club Leaders Meeting Florida Room – 10 a.m.

Zoom ID: 845 6030 9833 Passcode: 348525

Agendas for the monthly Board Meetings will be posted on the Official Bulletin Board in the Atrium the Friday before and on the CA website (www.suncitycenter.org – under “Residents” – Upcoming Meeting Agendas). They will also be sent via “What’s New in the CA” email.

CA Contact Information

Administration Office 1009 N. Pebble Beach Blvd, SCC Phone: 813.633.3500 Hours – 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., M-F sccboard@suncitycenter.org Website: suncitycenter.org Information Center: 813.633.4670

ClubLink COO Speaks at Membership Meeting

Discussion about potential land use ongoing; CA Member ideas invited

Caloosa Greens

By Diane M. Loeffler On March 23, over 900 Community Association (CA) Members attended the Membership Meeting at Community Hall from 3 until 5:30 p.m. About 180 households attended the meeting via Zoom. Around 300 people had to be turned away from the meeting because of fire codes.

After the minutes of the previous Membership Meeting were approved, certified public accountants from Carr, Riggs and Ingrams reported the intensive, thorough audit of the Community Association showed

North Lakes Sandpiper These maps of the areas in question include areas proposed to be donated to the SCCCA (red) as well as the planned developments (yellow). Future plans for areas in blue are undecided. Blue areas may be developed or donated to the CA.

everything to be perfectly in order.

The majority of the meeting focused on a presentation from ClubLink, the current owners of several golf courses: North Lakes (closed 2009), Caloosa Greens (closed 2015), Falcon Watch (closed 2016), Club Renaissance (operating), Scepter (operating) and Sandpiper. Members who missed the presentation may watch the video at “suncitycenter.org”. Click on the Residents tab and scroll down to “ClubLink”. Maps and other materials are also available in the SCC Library in the reference area.

ClubLink Chief Operating Officer John Finlayson says the Sandpiper Golf Course has been consistently losing money for years. ClubLink had to defer improvements (irrigation, drainage, club house improvements) because it is losing money.

ClubLink met with CA Directors in February. Firm parameters were set. A few of them were: all residents of the new homes must join the CA (paying the capital and yearly fees), those in a section of land near Club Renaissance must join that club, no traffic from

ClubLink continued on page CA-3.

SCC Residents Win Ribbons At Fair

By Paula Lickfeldt Many SCC residents entered projects in this year’s Florida State Fair. Here are a few of them and the ribbons that they won.

Jan Ring won two blue ribbons at the fair this year. She has been quilting since 1984 when a neighbor took her to a quilting class and she learned the right way to quilt.

Jan also quilted a sunflower in honor of Ukraine. It is hanging at the SCC Library.

Don Erickson has been carving wood for 20 years. He has had entries in the Florida State Fair for 15 years and has “won so many ribbons that he can’t keep track of them all.” This year Don entered three wood carvings and won ribbons on all of them.

Martha Klos won her tenth Best of Show for china painting. She says china painting is hard work that she loves. She goes to the club room on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings to help others. Martha says china painting is a dying art and she wants to help keep others inspired to do it.

Nan Dorsey has been quilting since 2007 when she moved to SCC. Her mother lived with her and they took a quilting class at Calvary Lutheran Church where they made charity quilts.

In this year’s fair, Nan entered eight projects and won a first place ribbon with all but one. The child’s quilted coat will be auctioned at “A Quilters Journey” Quilt Show which will be presented by the Piecemakers Quilt Guild of Brandon on October 14 and 15.

Ian Donnelly worked six months to make his Asian Fusion Kumiko table lamp. He has been working with wood since he was a youngster. In Kumiko, the pieces of wood are cut to fit perfectly with each other. No glue is used. Ian said that the judge said it was the “most complicated project he had ever seen.”

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The News of Sun City Center

OFFICIAL NOTICE

Due to the resignation of Director Ken Bauer, applications for appointment as a Director are now available in the CA office.

This appointment will expire on January 4, 2023.

Completed applications must be returned to the CA office by 3 p.m. on Monday, April 18, 2022.

Important Announcement For SCCCA Members Only

If you want to be sure not to miss any important announcements, sign up for the “What’s New with the CA” news blast via email. Two Ways to Sign up: Speak to the receptionist at the SCCCA office (1009 N. Pebble Beach Blvd.) or send an email to “sccboard@suncitycenter.org”. Include your name, address, CA badge number, email address, and the subject line: “PLEASE ADD ME TO CA NEWS BLAST”.

Art Club Art Show

By Andrea L.T. Peterson On March 2, the Sun City Center Art Club held an art show in the club Gallery featuring the Art of Grethe Lindeman. Lindeman, whose winter home is in Kings Point, is a snowbird from Norway where she and her husband live in a town just outside of Oslo. They spend the winter here pretty much from October to April with a short trip back to Norway for Christmas. Lindeman says “Christmas has to be spent in Norway.”

You may be wondering how a snowbird from Norway ends up in Florida. In 1962 and 1963, she was an exchange student in Ohio. She kept some of those friendships over the years and one of her friends from those days is a Kings Point snowbird. One day while they were playing golf with friends during a visit here, one of the friends said "you really have to look at the new model houses here in Kings Point." So, Lindeman and her husband checked them out and they bought their “winter home.”

No more winters in Norway, says Lindeman, “where there’s snow and ice, and you can break your leg...”

She didn’t draw much before coming to Florida. She says she was introduced to pastels here in Kings Point and “fell in love.” She takes classes once a week, loves them and says, “it’s wonderful.”

While I was perusing the Gallery, more than 30 people were enjoying Lindeman’s artwork, snacks, and drinks.

MONDAY MOVIES at the Rollins Theater

All Sun City Center Community Association members and their guests who present current ID cards are welcome. Since capacity is limited to 145 attendees per the Hillsborough County Fire Code, people showing a Kings Point gold badge may attend on a space available basis.

April 25 at 1 p.m. Only one movie this month

No Time To Die • 2 hour, 43 minutes

James Bond has left active service and is enjoying life in Jamaica. His peace is short-lived when his old friend Felix Leiter from the CIA turns up asking for help. The mission to rescue a kidnapped scientist turns out to be far more treacherous than expected, leading Bond onto the trail of a mysterious villain armed with dangerous new technology.

Starring: Daniel Craig, Lea Seydoux, Rami Malek, Ralph Fiennes, Christoph Waltz Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Action Rating: PG-13 for some strong language, disturbing images, suggestive material

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).

March 9 Board Meeting

By Diane M. Loeffler About 40 people attended the Community Association (CA) Meeting in the Rollins Theater on March 9.

More attended via ZOOM including CA Director Jim Collins. The meeting included information on Capital Improvement Funds, Replacement Fund Projects, Long Range Planning, the Management Company contract, Holiday Closures and KP Fees.

Treasurer Dave Birkett reports 45 homes were transferred (sold) in February generating $135,000 for the Capital Improvement Fund. During the first 8 days in March, an additional 33 were sold. As of the end of February 2022, the Capital Improvement Fund is $3,909,944. As of March 9, the CA was in the midst of its annual audit. Plans were for the results to be presented on March 23 during the 3:00 Membership Meeting in Community Hall.

CA Vice-President Kim Roush and Director Eric Porr are Board Representatives on the Long Range Planning Committee (LRPC). Roush says everyone who receives a What’s New With the CA Email Blast should receive a Survey Monkey in March. This survey asks members how they want Capital Improvement Funds spent.

These funds are strictly for long-lasting items and are not for repairs or maintenance.

Roush says the LRPC has five subcommittees. Each meets weekly. Information on the LRPC is posted in the Atrium and Community Hall. There have been two focus group meetings for CA members to voice their opinions and give recommendations. Additional focus group meetings will be announced. When the LRPC has gathered and organized the data, they will report their findings during a Town Hall Meeting. After that,

April 2022

recommendations will be given to the CA Board.

The Replacement Fund is separate from the capital improvement fund. Community Manager Lyn Reitz says, “We are bidding on multiple projects around the campus.” Repairs or replacement of shuffleboard, pickleball and volleyball courts, painting projects and resealing needs were among the projects named.

Reitz says, “These will be brought to the Board for review and, hopefully, approval. You may see vendors doing measurements. This has nothing to do with the Long Range Planning Committee.” If approved, these improvements will use money from the Replacement Fund.

An agenda item was introduced to review CA facilities being closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day and at 1 p.m. on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. CA Manager Lyn Reitz says, “Right now this is in the employees’ benefit package…

They were hired with that benefit.” She says some of the employees formerly worked in the hospitality industry and came to work for our nonprofit because they wanted to spend holidays with their families. Four members voted against the agenda item and three for it.

Ron Clark introduced a proposal to review the policy on the Kings Point usage fee. Due to COVID, the last two years haven’t been typical years, so there was some discussion if there should be data collected from a typical year first. The proposal failed.

On December 31, the contract with our current management company expires. A committee has been looking at bids from a number of management companies. In May, that committee will give the board its recommendations.

Veterans Photo Shoot For SCCCA Members

The next photo shoot for the Veterans Wall of Honor Project as shown in the Atrium will be held on Saturday, April 16, from 10 to noon. This will take place in the Photo Club Lab in the multipurpose building at 1203 N. Pebble Beach Blvd. (at the corner of North Course Lane and N. Pebble Beach Blvd. behind the bus stop). This is available for all Community Association members who served honorably in any branch of the U.S. Military. Please call Carol Donner in the CA office 813-633-3500 to register, along with your CA membership number, by noon on Friday, April 15 and you will be assigned a specific time.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

CLUB/ORGANIZATION Monday Movies Estate of Karen Holse

AMOUNT $251 $200

APPLIED TO Offset License Fees Sun City Center Library

Newcomers

List prepared from CA staff data. Report corrections, additions to CA at 633-3500. 2/17 thru 3/14, 2022

Local Adress 1801 Allegheny Drive 207 Amesbury Circle 1028 Augusta Drive 1502 Belle Glade Avenue 1511 Belle Glade Avenue 1404 Bluewater Drive 1437 Bluewater Drive 416 Castle Pines Lane 1820 Columbine Place 1601 Council Drive 2019 Del Webb Blvd. E. 1402 Del Webb Blvd. W. 2226 Del Webb Blvd. W. 2008 East View Drive 2415 Emerald Lake Dr., Apt. 203 732 Fairway Ridge Court 632 Fort Duquesna Drive 688 Fort Duquesna Drive 1944 Grand Cypress Lane 2328 Lyndhurst Drive 609 Lively Court - Apt. B 1511 New Bedford Drive 2129 New Bedford Drive 621 Oakmont Avenue 312 Stroll Lane 714 Torrey Pines Avenue 701 Winterbrooke Way 1809 Wolf Laurel Drive 1964 Wolf Laurel Drive

Name Hometown State/Country Phone Douglas & Sandra Berry McMinnville OR 503-867-9433 Steven Ray New Lenox IL 815-274-2999 Jeffrey Hann Westminster CO 303-726-3656 Pamela Gray-Hann Frank Muzio Clifton Park NY 518-365-8277 Kathy Wright-Muzio William Kollenburn Las Vegas NV 702-833-0346 Gil Stephenson 818-437-0965 Alfred & Mary Saia Everett MA 617-593-7662 William & Jean Garner San Antonio TX 678-472-5144 Homer & Brunhilde Worrell Apollo Beach FL 813-457-9940 Lisa Harper Parkersburg WV 304-615-3285 Betty Bettler Springfield OH 937-546-4602 Joseph & Paulette Janucik Avon CT 860-990-5873 Cynthia Amoriello Tampa FL 813-892-8899 John O'Such Pottstown PA 610-207-7856 William & Sjonne Mabbott Tampa FL 813-848-9004 Kay Carlson Elmhurst IL 630-280-9777 Richard & Josephine O'Connor Brooklyn NY 917-453-5459 Mary Coates 215-876-5804 James & Paula Maltby Bellaire MI 309-737-7797 Susan Cintron Brandon FL 813-679-8629 Terence & Grace Strauss Rochester NY 585-415-1844 Willie & Lawreene Hall St. Louis MO 314-358-8565 Dana V. Terry San Francisco CA 415-971-7954 Elizabeth Hinkle Portsmouth NH 603-767-6407 Scott & Jody Holt Dandridge TN 217-918-1502 Yada Fuangbun/David Howard Concord NH 603-770-4826 Jose Ortiz Brooklyn NY 917-554-7004 Kraig Wold Rochester MN 813-404-9693 William & Suzanne Budd Syracuse NY 315-729-3266 Gary & Sandra Johnson Panama City FL 850-866-1273

April 2022

President’s Report

By Bob Sullivan, CA President John Finlayson, Chief Operating Officer of ClubLink, spoke at our very well attended Membership Meeting on March 23. In my column this month, I chose to share a letter I received from COO Finlayson after that meeting: “To the Residents of Sun City Center, ClubLink would like to thank everyone who took the time to attend our presentation both in person and via Zoom. The strong attendance shows us how much you care about your community.

Once again, we want to emphasize that this process is in its earliest stages, and we will work collaboratively with the community to achieve the best win‐win outcome possible. We are learning a lot about what’s important to you as residents, and we recognize that we owe you more information. We will make every reasonable attempt to address your comments, questions, or concerns.

While we may not have all the answers at this time, we will do the best we can to address your concerns as the process evolves.

Once again, thank you to those who joined us and provided the constructive feedback we received. As mentioned before, we plan to host more interactive meetings where we can work collaboratively throughout the process.

With sincere thanks, John Finlayson Chief Operating Officer” NOTE: Watch the CA email blasts and The News of SCC for information about upcoming meetings.

The News of Sun City Center

CA - 3

ClubLink continued from page 1.

US-301, there must be buffers between existing homes and new ones.

ClubLink agreed to donate approximately 190 acres to the CA. Since the CA is a 501(c)(3), we would not pay taxes on the donated property at any time.

ClubLink agreed to meet with the affected community at the very beginning of the process before plans have been made. Common practice is to wait until a builder is hired and tentative plans have been outlined before meeting with the community.

ClubLink will continue to be a part of SCC with golf courses in the CA and in Kings Point. ClubLink also owns and manages Club Renaissance. ClubLink plans to put more money into improving Club Renaissance and then Scepter Golf Course. Finlayson says Sandpiper will remain open until both golf courses’ improvements have been completed.

Finlayson says nothing is “set in stone.”

CA Members have the opportunity to give input. At this time, potentially 305 acres might be developed. This could change after the county and various other regulatory groups make their rulings.

ClubLink is tentatively planning to hold another meeting with residents

ClubLink COO John Finlayson was the primary presenter at the March 23 Membership Meeting.

Over 900 Community Association members attended the meeting. Some were in the main room. Some in adjoining spaces off to the side.

in April. At that time, they will have a builder with them who will already know the parameters which have been set. The discussions at the April meeting will contain more specific proposals as to types and sizes of homes, spacing of homes, types of buffers and berms, green space, new locations for the Security Patrol and Bunkers, locations of lakes and other features, additional roads, etc.

After the April meeting, ClubLink will work on its plans to present to Hillsborough County this summer. The proposed timeline shows the builder receiving government approvals and beginning development and sales during the Summer of 2023.

Community members brought up many concerns. Homes purchased around the golf courses cost more than the same houses in different locations.

Home owners purchased the property because they like the golf course view.

Traffic, especially on South Pebble Beach will increase. Will individuals and groups of golfers have the access to playing times they currently have?

Watch the video to hear all of the comments and concerns.

Long Range Planning Committee (LRPC) member Peter Aluotto says the

community is “constrained by the lack of land.” Acquiring additional land would enable the community to pursue the priorities members said they wanted at the two focus group meetings: space for walking paths, gathering places, a resort swimming pool, and additional courts for games.

Watch your email blasts and listen to SUN Radio (96.3 FM) for the time and date of the April meeting with ClubLink.

A Zoom link will also be available.

We have the unusual and welcome opportunity to offer our input at the beginning. Take advantage of it.

COO John Finlayson, VP of U.S. Operations John Talon, and Director of Operations Paul Ascoti answered questions until around 5:30 p.m.

Why You Should Attend Long Range Planning Focus Groups

By Diane M. Loeffler The Long Range Planning Committee (LRPC) is gathering information on how the community wants to spend its Capital Improvement Funds. One of the ways the LRPC is doing this is through what they call Focus Groups. This is an excellent time to speak up and say what you would like to see done.

The initial Focus Group Meetings were on February 15 at 2 p.m. and February 22 at 6. During the February 15 meeting, the Caper Room was full. Peter Aluotto led most of the meeting. He says, “Our focus group is like a survey, but you can listen to others. There can be a crossfertilization of ideas.” He asked who was 70 or older and who was under 70. He also asked who lived north of 674 and who lived south of it. In both cases, the split was fairly even.

Aluotto defines Capital Improvement as projects with long lifespans. It does not include maintenance issues or county issues. Every person in the room had an opportunity to say what they would like to see funded. Each suggestion was written on one of the oversized white pads.

The suggestions from this meeting were family bathrooms (some with shower and / or changing room capabilities), Rollins renovations, club space, performance and movie space, automated entry for buildings, improved audio for Community Hall, a resort-

On the far right is LRPC Chair, CA Director Eric Porr. LRPC Vice-Chair, CA Director Kim Roush, is not pictured.

style pool, renovation of Community Hall and theater, miniature golf, moveable walls for multi-purpose space, modernization of existing spaces, more pickle ball courts (and improvements to existing ones), improved WiFi, a lazy river water feature, walking paths with exercise stations, land acquisition (possibly golf course property), solar power panels over the parking lots, UV light for disinfection, and useful, outdoor gathering spaces / green spaces.

After brainstorming, each attendee

was given an opportunity to take a blue sticker to place on the item most important to that individual. They were also given five orange stickers to place on priorities. During the February 15 session, pickleball, the Rollins Theater, a resort-style pool, and land acquisition were especially popular choices.

Data will continue to be collected through meetings and surveys. The meetings and surveys are your chance to have your preferences presented to the board. If you have an opinion on

how the board should spend the Capital Improvement Fund, these are your opportunities to say so. Discussions at the dog park, pool or during social gatherings are useful for brainstorming.

Discussions at LRPC Focus group meetings and survey input are what gets results.

The Long Range Planning Committee is not a decision-making group. Its function is to collect information from the community to present to the CA Board. Sixty-eight people applied for 12 positions. In order to best reflect the different areas and views of the community, half the members live north of 674 and half are south of 674.

Half are male and half are female. In order to be chosen, applicants had to be willing to meet once a week until April and to serve on the LRPC for a year.

You can see photos and names of the LRPC Committee members by going to “suncitycenter.org” and clicking on Long Range Planning in the resident’s pull-down menu.

Dear Sun City Center Friends

Thank you to those who took our first survey. The LRPC received 1842 survey results. The second survey will be available April 4 – 12th.

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CLUBS

April 2022

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.

Metaphysical Society Wednesday Presentations

Wednesdays, 10 to noon Heritage Room, Atrium Building Open to Society members and SCCCA residents joining the Club. SCCCA ID required. Free admission, love offering. Info: Patty at 813-263-4232. Want to Zoom?

Email “metaphysicalsociety@gmail.com”.

April 6 • Our Society hosts psychic medium Vincent Genna, April 13 • Cheryl Buchanan: “ Speaking with Spirits” April 20 • Laurie Pawli will bring abundance, take command of your life April 27 • Robert Austin: “Sacred Tones of the Ancient Bowls”

Multi-Cultural Heritage Club

The club is planning a deep-sea fishing cruise in April, a community gathering on May 13, a dance on October 7, and a gala on December 10. The club participates in several different charity activities including bikes for kids, family meals at Thanksgiving, and supporting the SCC Emergency Squad. The club meets every second Friday in the Atrium Caper Room. Info: email “multiculturalheritageclub@ gmail.com”.

SCC Audubon Club April Meeting

Crested Caracaras in the Spotlight Saturday, April 2, beginning at 9:15 a.m.

Adam Kent will give a talk on the crested caracaras. Adam has been studying this species for the past several years and will offer detailed insights based on his observations. Another bird, an anhinga, sparked Adam’s passion when he was about five years old. Since then, he has worked on many different environmental and education projects, including as a naturalist guide. Refreshments served. Bring your own coffee mug. Info: “www.sccaudubonclub.com”.

SCC New England Club Cookout

Broadway ‘n Sync

SCC Swim Dancers 2022 Show On March 12, the Sun City Center Swim Dancers presented their annual show titled Broadway ‘n Sync. The Broadway tunes ranged from “Maria” where the swimmers were dressed as nuns to a tune from Chicago with machine guns and prisoners. Pat McAvey, Announcer started the show by welcoming the Broadway Babes, aka Swim Dancers, to his side of the pool. But they weren’t there for long as they jumped into the pool and made a big splash kicking to the other side.

Later the audience was delighted with the performance by the Swim Dandies, Jon Blanchard and Mark Vietzke, as they wrestled with a 25-foot dragon to the music “C’est Moi” from Camelot. The dragon and costumes for the show were created by Judy McAvey, this year’s show director. At the computer playing all the hit show tunes was Ilona Merritt. A fun number, “Big Spender,” was performed by Barb Rezner and Sue Muise, Club President. The finale was appropriately “Give My Regards To Broadway.”

The SCC New England Club will host another of its popular cookouts on April 21 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Horseshoe Pavilion, S. Pebble Beach Blvd., behind Community Hall. Hot dogs, burgers, baked beans, bottled water, chips, and cookies will be served. Cost is $5 per person paid upon entry for New England Club members. Non-members will pay an annual $5 per person New England Club Membership fee and $5 per person cookout fee. Email Bob Sanchez at “suncitywriter@gmail.com” to reserve. Must wear SCC CA badge for entry. You can bring other beverages and/or lawn chairs if desired. BYOB. If necessary, rain date will be April 22.

Computer Club

Monthly Meeting: Wednesday April 13 at 7 p.m.

Ron Brown, a retired physician and software company owner, will present “Current Medical Problems Seniors Face (www. techforsenior.com).

Computer Club Classes The Computer Club Lab is open from 12:30 to 4:30, every day except Sunday.

Sign up for classes can be done online. Students must be a member in good standing at Sun City Center or Kings Point. Info: Pauline Baker, Education Director “paulinebaker864@gmail.com” or “www.scccomputerclub.org”.

Introduction to Excel • Saturday, April 16, from 9 to noon Buying a Computer • Monday, April 25, 9 to 11 a.m.

Backup! • Thursday, April 14, from 9 to noon Intro to Computers (four sessions) • April 6, 9, 13, and 27, from 10 to noon Microsoft Publisher (five sessions) • April 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, from 9 to noon

Elegant Garden Club Meeting

Ceramics Trip

SCC Ceramics members went on a field trip to a greenware shop in Clearwater Wednesday, March 9. Many items were purchased and the cleaning has begun! If you’d like to join Ceramics, SCC residents may stop by M-F, 9-4, show your ID, and pay the $20 for the year. We’re located between Lawn Bowling and the outdoor pool.

L to R: Denise Duperrault, winner of the best soldered piece; Ted Riley, the Best of Show winner; Jeanie Wolfe, winner of the best fused piece; and Kathy Dunn, winner of the People’s Choice Award.

Stained Glass Club 11th Annual Show

Thank you to the 700 or so who attended the Sun City Center Stained Glass Show and taking the time to vote for The People’s Choice. Forty-seven members displayed 132 unique pieces that were judged by Sue Kutno and Donna Vozza of Sarasota.

By Paula Lickfeldt The Elegant Garden Club had its first in person meeting of the year on March 9 in the Florida Room. The guest speaker was Craig Pittman, columnist, who talked about his latest book “Florida Men, Florida Women & Other Wildlife.”

The next meeting will be on April 13 in the Florida Room and it will be “All About Orchids.”

Sectional Duplicate Bridge Tournament

Duplicate Bridge Association of Sun City Center celebrated its annual, post pandemic Sectional Bridge Tournament in March. The game invites players from neighboring communities to compete for game points to qualify for the next level of Master ranking.

Easter April 17th of Sun City Center & South County News Line: 813.938.7441 • Ad Line: 813.938.8721 • www.soco.news • April 2022

Celebrate Earth Day at the West Campus Nature Trails

On March 8 some of the members of the SCC Audubon Club went on a trip to Palma Sola Botanical Park. You will see some of these people helping with the April 22 celebration of Earth Day on West Campus.

By Diane M. Loeffler Friday, April 22, at 9 a.m. join the Sun City Center Audubon Society for an Earth Day Celebration at the West Campus nature preserve. If you haven’t had a chance to visit the park in the past, this is the perfect opportunity to be introduced to this beautiful natural area.

You will be amazed at all the tour guides will show you about Florida’s birds, insects and plant

life. Separate tours will be offered

by Ray Webb, John Lampkin, and Melanie Higgins. Each of the guides has a different area of expertise, so you might want to arrive early enough to take more than one tour.

Everyone who comes will be given a trail map, an event calendar, and information about the SCC Audubon Club.

There will be displays near the information table. You will have

Residents celebrate Earth Day 2021. (File Photo)

the opportunity to learn about birds of prey and the Audubon Club’s efforts to install an avian pole for nesting osprey.

The SCC Community Association will provide fresh fruit and water for everyone.

Plan to wear closed toe shoes and a hat. Bug spray and/or long sleeved shirts are a good idea as well.

The park is located on 1624 West Del Webb Boulevard. You

will see the sign “West Campus Nature Trails” on the west side of the street between where Vincennes and Seton Hall meet West Del Webb. Golf cart parking is available at the site.

Cars can park on the street. If the weather is bad that Friday, the event will be held on Saturday, April 23 at 9 a.m. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy nature and celebrate Earth Day on our own piece of “the real Florida.”

Calling All Senior Basketball Players

These are some of the South Shore Senior Basketball Players. Rich Shelley, our sponsor, joined the Club and is front and center holding the ball.

By Bob Monahan The South Shore Basketball Club invites all Seniors ages 50 and up to come out and try playing basketball for the month of April for free at Ruskin Recreation Center, Ruskin on Mondays and Fridays 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. inside the Ruskin Recreation Center on SE 6th street.

The Club’s goal is to have two half-court games being played at the same time. One court newcomers are matched with other newcomers in a pickup

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style game. The second court will be our more active senior players. As seniors regain lost conditioning they may choose to stay with those players or move up to the other court which has better conditioned players. Players range in age from 50-90 with most players in between. This is a modern air conditioned facility.

The last five years we have been playing under the name of the Sun City Center Basketball Club, which now has changed its name to The South Shore Basketball Club, aka “Hot Shots,” to represent its current members from Sun City Center, Kings Point, Ruskin, Apollo Beach, Riverview, and Valencia Lakes to name a few. Club membership is free.

However, Hillsborough County has now instituted a monthly

Basketball continued on page 2.

The larger than life artwork will immerse you in Van Gogh’s work. Note the exit door to get a sense of the scale.

Van Gogh Until April 24

By Kai Rambow Experience artwork come to life. “Wow! I had no idea this too is Van Gogh,” commented one visitor. “Beyond Van Gogh” is an immersive art experience with plenty of creativity. Feeling as if you’re part of the art or actually in it is a cool experience whether you’re a Van Gogh fan or new to Van Gogh.

The introduction is a series of background biography and quotes on Van Gogh. Take your time to read through each panel. This took more time than I anticipated because we were pondering and discussing the different insights about Van Gogh. It was worth the time invested. The next room transitions you from reading to

seeing Van Gogh’s artwork in motion. This is on a five-minute loop.

Next you’ll move into a very large space. You’ll be surrounded by / immersed in Van Gogh’s artwork.

If you move around the room, you’ll get different perspectives. Be alert: “Did Van Gogh just wink at me?” queried one visitor.

“Yes,” was the answer.

Parts of the artwork are animated. Sometimes just a little, and at other times large movements.

My personal favorite was watching the trees blossom, followed by the blossoms falling away. In “Starry, Starry Night” the water gently moved. It’s neat to spot the

Van Gogh continued on page 21.

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April 2022

The News

The Editor’s Corner

Shared Joys

By E. Adam Porter Editor, News of SCC & South County Our family cruised down to Manasota Key Beach recently.

The beaches from Venice south to Stump Pass State Park draw shellers and shark’s teeth hunters from all around Florida and, judging from the license plates in the parking lot, across the country.

Shelling is not really my thing, but my wife and kids love it.

And, hey, a day at the beach beats just about anything, so I was all in. We arrived on a busy Saturday, as the sunrise shift fishermen were giving way to the families dragging enough gear across the sand to camp for a week. The parking lot was packed. Cars circled like mall shoppers at Christmas, hunting for any opening large enough to squeeze into. A fisherman heading back to his vehicle saw my truck and waved me over. He, too, drives a big Ram, and spotting a fellow truck guy, offered me his spot.

We piled out of the truck and grabbed our gear. My boys are big enough now to carry their own stuff, so Dad’s workload is blissfully diminished. A chair and our tent, that’s it. As we slogged through the sand, looking for an open spot, I nodded in commiseration to the dads of toddlers, uniformly dragging big-wheeled carts with one hand as they balanced surplus gear on the opposite shoulder while mom did her best to herd her kinetic ducklings toward the shoreline. I flashed back to the many times I’ve arrived at the beach carrying more stuff than the back seat of the Beverly Hillbillies’ Roadster. Sometimes I miss those days. But not right then.

We set up our tent and laid out our blankets and chairs fast, leaving the boys with just enough patience to slap on some sunscreen before they were off to begin their hunt for a fistful of teeth Jaws left in the sand. Their efforts immediately paid off, and the race was on to see who would excavate the biggest and the most. Over the next couple of hours, more tooth hunters arrived, most bearing the shiny new tools of the Serious Tooth Hunter: longhandled basket rakes and sifters equipped with floatation devices. A local beach shop sells them, and, from what I could tell, business was brisk. Those tools definitely seemed to make the work easier. Not that the kids needed them. They were doing just fine with a bucket and their bare hands.

My bride and I went for a dip in the gulf, still watching the action along the shore. Folks of all ages wading side-byside in the wash, digging and sifting, occasionally celebrating a particularly spectacular find together. My smile grew wider as I watched people offer my kids tips on technique and congratulate them on an exciting discovery. No one sternly offered preemptive and unnecessary warnings to my exuberant boys. People focused on sharing the simple joys of discovery together. Watching those connections being made was even more refreshing than the cool, blue-green water.

Sometimes it feels like everywhere you look, someone is trying to divide us for their own benefit. Listen to marketers, politicians, and pop media personalities, and it won’t be long before you hear about how this group or that group is “causing all the problems.”

Sooner than later, someone will harp on how “impossible” it is to “bridge the generational divide.” Sure, we have our differences. We all do. Some of those differences are important, vital pieces of who we are as people. Some of them are trivial, and much less important than

Expect Something to Smile About!

• GENERAL & COSMETIC DENTISTRY • ON SITE DENTURE LAB • SAME DAY DENTURE RELINES & REPAIRS • CROWNS “MADE IN THE USA”

Basketball continued from page 1. charge to use the facilities at $10.75. For the month of April, the South Shore Basketball Club will pay the County fee if you are a new player ready to try basketball. Register online at www.HCFLGov.net/Parks or

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For Details about the Club go to “www.SouthShoreBasketball. com” or call Club President Bob Monahan 401-527-1718.

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813-672-2243

4002 Sun City Center Blvd Ste: 101 • Sun City Center FL 33573

of SCC & South County

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º ORAL SEDATION • “SMILE IN A DAY” TO END PAINFUL DENTAL PROBLEMS

seen how that sausage is made, I am all the more grateful for the opportunity to lead a team putting out a positive news and events publication every month.

There are plenty of people profiting off what divides us.

Personally, I want to experience more moments full of smiles and high fives over a particularly shiny shark’s tooth.

Southwest Florida Rheumatology

E. Adam Porter Editor in Chief 813.938.7441 editor@soco.news

• IN HOUSE ORAL SURGERY

Before

they are presented to be by the folks profiting off them. And, as it turns out, shared joys make a pretty sturdy way to bridge the gap.

Over my career, I’ve written a lot of hard news, and I’ve written a good bit of advertising copy too. I understand why the divisions exist, as well as why and how emphasizing them creates profit streams. Having

Ilona Merritt Reporter imerritt@soco.news

John Wolf Advertising 813.938.8721 newsofsccads@gmail.com

Nancy Jean Design and Layout art@soco.news

Kai Rambow Reporter krambow@soco.news

• IMPLANT SUPPORTED DENTURES

After

CALL 813-633-2636

Diane Loeffler Reporter dloeffler@soco.news

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Expires 5/1/22

“Get the smile that you’ve always wanted.

It’s more affordable than you think!”

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Andrea L.T. Peterson Reporter

Dr. Indy Singh

Bob Sanchez Reporter bsanchez@soco.news

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Contributors: Frank Kepley, Garry Higgins, Bob Monahan, Peggy Burgess, Renee Bray, Debbie Caneen, John Lampkin, Cathy Meyerhoff, and Bob Sullivan (CA President).

A1

April 2022

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3

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COMMUNITY 4

April 2022

The News

"Keep the Flags Flying" Receives Generous Donation

Jan Bassett with the Daughters of the American Revolution and chairperson of the “Keep the Flags Flying on SR-674” was presented with a generous donation from Bill Adkins of the Sons of the American Revolution.

Galaxy Bridge Luncheon

Thursday, April 7, at 11 a.m.

UMC LEC Building, 1210 Del Webb Blvd.

Cost of the luncheon: $15. Reservations: Kathie 410-879-1112 or Gina 813-633-5324. This group is open to all Sun City Center women who are interested in bridge.

KP Italian Club April in Paris

Wednesday, April 13, doors open at 4:30 p.m.

KP Veterans Theater Music by Mike Russo. Buffet provided by Banquet Masters. BYOB. Club provides coffee, tea, soda. Tickets: members $25, guests $28. On sale April 5 and 6 from 9 to noon in the Kings Point North Clubhouse lobby. No tickets at the door. Info: 813-419-4790. Visit “www.kpitalianclub.com”.

SCC Rotary Club Speech Contest

The Sun City Center Rotary Club held its annual high school speech contest in February. This year’s topic is “Serve to Change Lives”. All three winners this year are from Lennard High School.

First place winner, Aleah, will now compete at the Rotary group level, where that winner continues to higher levels.

The SCC Rotary Club meets each Tuesday for lunch at Freedom Fairways. Info: Connie, membership chair, at 813-9576482.

Improve Your Balance Reduce Fall Risk

Wednesday, April 20 at 11:30 a.m.

Redeemer Lutheran Church, 701 Valley Forge Blvd.

Presentation by Dr. Linda Eargle, doctor of physical therapy and a certified exercise expert for aging adults. Injuries from falls are the leading cause of hospitalization for seniors. This program can be a benefit to all of us especially since many of us are in the high risk group. A light lunch will be provided, and it is free. To register, call the church office at 813-634-1292.

South Shore Democratic Club

1st Thursday of the month (April 7) at 1 p.m.

St Andrew, 1239 W. Del Webb Blvd.

Welcome all Democrats, Republicans, Independents, Progressives, and like-minded people. Hear representatives from local, regional, state, and national government and organizations speak on issues that affect our lives in Florida. Info: “SSDmembership@gmail.com”.

GFWC Sun City Center Woman’s Club Bingo

Friday, April 8, from 12 to 4 p.m.

SCC Community Hall, 1910 S. Pebble Beach Blvd.

Admission $10 includes a book of 10 sheets (6 cards per sheet).

Additional books are $5, daubers will be available for purchase.

Light refreshments also available for purchase. Grand prize is a $200 Publix gift card. Open to all!

Commissioner to Speak to AAUW

L to R: Gianni Fillbrunn (3rd place), Jasmine Cheong (2nd place), Aleah Applin (1st place), and Lennard High School Principal, Denise Savino.

April 9, Atrium Building Florida Room Kimberly Overman will speak about county issues relevant to current topics. Commissioner Overman represents District 7 and is ViceChair of the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners.

For time and other information, contact Susan Nasrani, President of our local Branch, at 570-401-5346. For reservations, contact Margie Castiglia at 813-633-8253. $5 at the door for breakfast.

Grand Masters of the SCC Photo Club

The SCC Photo Club recognizes excellence in photography through judged competitions.

Scores can range from 1-15 on any print or image. A score of 15 equals a perfect photo score; it is a rare award. The scores are compiled and averaged each year to determine an individual’s level. In this way, a person has their work compared to others at a similar skill level. A person who has received 10 or more scores of 15 on all of their entries rises to the level of Grand Master.

The Club currently has had 11 Grand Master level photographers.

They are: Rolf Sulzberger (2017), Jackie Hanson (2017), Carol Feldhauser (2018), Bobbie Ray (2018), Gayle Fischer (2019), Robert Miller (2019), Jack Migliore (2019), Pat Jones (2019).

Christina Brittain, Ann Jacques, and Harold Sisken joined this esteemed list as of this year. Their accomplishment was recognized at a ceremony on March 8.

Catherine Yavoli of the Kings Point Krafters hands a check to John Mayoka, President of Samaritan Services.

Samaritan Services Donation

Samaritan Services, a 501(c)3 charity, provides many support services needed by residents of Greater Sun City Center. We will transport ambulatory residents to medical appointments between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. in Brandon, Bradenton and Tampa, with advance notice of 10 to 14 days. SCC Ride provides transportation for intown appointments and shopping, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Samaritan Services also coordinate the Meals on Wheels program, and provide Alzheimer’s respite care. For Samaritan Services information call 813-634-9283. For SCC Ride, call 813-633-6111.

Community continued on page 6.

We Welcome Selina J. Lin, M.D.

813-633-3065

Coastal Eye Institute is pleased to welcome Dr. Selina Lin to our Sun City Center office.

Dr. Lin is a Board-Certified Ophthalmologist and Fellowship-Trained Retina Specialist with expertise in:

1515 Sun City Center Plaza CoastalEye.com

• Macular Degeneration • Diabetic Eye Care • Flashes & Floaters • Laser Surgery of the Retina

Dr. Lin is now accepting new patients!

April 2022

The News

5

Empowerment.

Encouragement.

Support.

The Center for Orthopedic and Spine Surgery at Manatee Memorial is closer than you think.

At the Center for Orthopedic and Spine Surgery at Manatee Memorial, we’re conveniently located, and we’re with you every step of the way. Let the team of orthopedic surgeons and orthopedic specialty staff help get you back to the life you love.

Manatee Memorial’s multidisciplinary team includes specially trained physicians, nurses, physical and occupational therapists, case managers and an orthopedic nurse navigator.

Services Include: • Total and partial joint replacement surgeries for hip, knee and shoulder • Sports medicine to treat sports-related injuries • Foot and ankle surgery • Spine surgery • Coordinated preoperative class and postoperative rehabilitation services

Want to learn more?

For more information or to sign up for the preoperative class, call our Orthopedic Nurse Navigator at 941.745.7417.

206 Second Street East Bradenton, FL 34208 manateememorial.com

A Member of the Manatee Healthcare System

Certified for Hip and Knee Replacement by The Joint Commission

Get social with us

Physicians are on the medical staff of Manatee Memorial Hospital, but, with limited exceptions, are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Manatee Memorial Hospital.

The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the nondiscrimination notice, visit our website.

22821850-840901 3/22

6

April 2022

The News

Community continued from page 4.

SCC Patrol Volunteer of the Month

Congratulations to Ann Gulesian, our Volunteer of the Month. You may recognize her as she has been our Volunteer of the Month three times! Ann volunteered 36 hours in the month of January and has trained many of our new dispatchers. Thank you for your dedication and support to the Security Patrol and our community.

GFWC Woman’s Club General Meeting

Thursday, April 21, at 11 a.m.

SCC Community Hall Beverly Gaussiran will present “Abandoned” by Satellite Education Broadcast Beyond Borders. She will tell about those who are struggling in the Mideast and North Africa. We will hear their stories and learn how education gives hope and changes lives.

All members attending the meeting need to make a reservation in advance by 11 a.m. on Monday, April 18. Email “suncitywomansclub@ gmail.com” if you will be attending and if you are planning to eat lunch, $16 per catered buffet lunch to be paid at check-in. Info: Rosita Rodriguez-Barton, email “rrbwomansclub@gmail.com” or call 703.973.0563. sccwomansclub.org.

Eagle Audubon April Meeting

Monday, April 18, Doors open at 1:20 p.m.

St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 1239 W. Del Webb Blvd.

Daniel Roberts, a scientist from Mote Marine Laboratory, will share about the West Florida Shelf. It is an aquatic shelf, almost as large as Florida, from the Panhandle to the Dry Tortugas, with an amazing history. Eagle Audubon Society meetings are free and open to the public. Community projects, news, and field trips can be found at “eagleaudubonflorida.org” or “Facebook.com/eagle1984”.

New York Club Luau Party

April 5, at 5 p.m.

Kings Point Veterans Theater Food by Banquet Masters. Music by Southshore Cruisers. Members $25, guests $28.50. Info: Frank Gatto at 633-8942.

KPAL Artist of the Month is Joan Baragar

As a painter who has moved many times, Joan has learned to do many kinds of painting.

In Maine, she did portraits. In Georgia, she did some abstract painting; and in the upper peninsula of Michigan, she learned to do Norwegian Rosemaling. Joan says painting has brought her many friends and endless enjoyment.

Betty, Ann, Catherine, Sheila (from the Squad), Cass and Dorothy.

Krafters’ Club Donates to Squad

The Kings Point Krafters’ club has donated $1,500 to the Sun City Emergency Squad. The ladies have been busy with their knitting and crocheting, and they are happy to sell their items and donate all the money right here in our community.

Hearing Loss Association Presentation

Tuesday, April 19, at 12:15 p.m.

St. Andrew, 1239 Del Webb Blvd.

Identity Theft – Debit & Credit Card Fraud presentation by Hillsborough County Deputy Sheriff Jeffery Merry. All are welcome to this free hybrid meeting. For Zoom access, please register with Debbe at “debbe.hagner@gmail.com”. Other info, call Eloise at 414-807-4373 or email “eloise6376@gmail.com”.

Daughters of the Revolution Meeting

April 20, at 12:30 p.m.

Atrium Building Florida Room, 945 D North Course Lane Our program “What the DAV Really Does” will feature guest speaker Mike O’Dell from the Disabled American Veterans.

Anyone interested in DAR is welcome. Info: email Carol Acosta, “carol.r.acosta@gmail.com”.

HCA South Shore CEO Addresses SCC Men’s Club

By Jay Sparkman Sheldon Barr is the Chief Executive HCA South Shore Hospital, formerly known as South Bay Hospital. Barr was guest speaker at the March monthly luncheon of the SCC Men’s Club. She spoke of her career L to R: Vincente Lopez, Jr., President with HCA, the various positions SCC Men’s Club; Sheldon Barr, CEO she has held with HCA, and the HCA South Shore Hospital; Ed Barnes, locations of the hospitals where VP Programs SCC Men’s Club. she has worked. She told of recent changes at HCA South Shore, how South Shore Hospital sees the future of hospital services in the South Shore area.

The Sun City Center Men’s Club welcomes new members and membership is open to residents of Sun City Center and Kings Point.

Info: Jonathan Lehr, VP of Membership, at 813-260-3058.

L to R: Vicente Lopez, Jr., SCC Men’s Club President; Gerald J. Bednarz, Postmaster, Sun City Center Post Office; Ed Barnes, VP Programs SCC Men’s Club; Bruce Shanker, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at USF.

SCC Men’s Club Hears About Federal Debt

By Jay Sparkman At the February membership meeting the SCC Men’s Club members heard Bruce Shanker of Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at USF talk at length about the current federal deficit and debt and how the USA got into the present situation of some $30 trillion in debt. The SCC Men’s Club is open to residents of Sun City Center and Kings Point. Call Jon Lehr, VP of Membership, at 813-260-3058 for information.

This 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air hardtop owned by Gene Rodriguez is the Roamin’ Oldies Car Club March cruiser of the month.

From a Texas Barn to Cruiser of the Month

Carol Frank, Adele Caceci, Karen McInnis, Barbarta Sarner, Cathy Yingling.

KP Mahjongg Club Supports Emergency Squad

The Mahjongg Club of Kings Point recently made a $500 donation to the SCC Emergency Squad. The Squad is funded 100% through donations and is grateful for the support of the members of the Mahjongg club.

A glistening black 1957 Chevrolet restored by Gene Rodriguez is the Roamin’ Oldies Car Club cruiser of the month.

He had long wanted a ’57 Chevy, and found this one 18 years ago in a Texas barn, where it was put 20 years prior by a father who planned to restore it for a son who died before work could begin.

Gene regularly updates that father on the car’s status, and keeps a Texas decal on the windshield in memory of his son.

It took Gene and friends about a year to restore the Bel Air hardtop, which is now fitted with a 455-horsepower 383 “Stroker” engine coupled to a new automatic transmission, a 9-inch Ford rear end assembly and other performance enhancements.

The Roamin’ Oldies host a cruise-in from 1 to 4 p.m. the first Sunday of every month, with a rain date the following Sunday, at the Mira Bay Village Shopping Center on US-41 in Apollo Beach. About 100 of the area’s finest antique and collectible cars take part, accompanied by classic oldies music played by DJ Joey Ferrante.

Info: Frank at 856-373-8497.

April 2022

The News

Photo Club Winners of the Second Competition of 2022

On March 8, Judge Ken Ruben scored submissions from the SCC Photo Club. Winners included: In the Digital Color Master Category, Harold Sisken won three golds with “From the Back,” “Going Down,” and “High Jumper.” Tying his score, Ann Jacques won two golds with “A Thistle Starting to Bloom,” and ``Jolly Beach Sunset.” In the digital color Advance level, Tom Alcumbrack won gold with “Thirsty Bird.” Barbara Klimczak took silver with two entries, “Don’t Touch My Stick” and “Grooming Day.” In the digital color Intermediate category, Stan Lipski won gold with “Snow Moon.” There was a four-way tie for silver, Stan Lipski, with “Three Windows” and ``Umbrella Beach,” Joe Sciafani with “Color Wheel,” and Sherry Kalczynski with “Golden Heron.”

In the digital color Unassigned category , Nick Fader won gold with “Cool Down,” and Fran Beeson won silver with “Do You Want to Know a Secret.” Ronald Banaszak also got a silver for “Majesty.”

In the digital Mono category, gold went to Tom Alcumbrack for “Supervised Nest Building” and silver to Tom Bredesen for “Whistling Icehead” in the Advanced level. Bobbie Ray got a silver for Tulip Array” in the Master Level. In the Intermediate level, Wayne Adams won a silver

for “Long Walk, Short Pier.”

In the digital Creative category, Master Level, gold went to Pat Jones for “Butterfly in the Flower.”

Bobbie Ray took the silver with “Seeking the Light.” On the advanced level, the gold went to Madlyn Blom for “Adamski Forest,” and Dale Dombrowski got a silver for “Flavorful Kiss.”

Dale Dombrowski got a gold in the Digital Documentary category for “Keen Observers,” and Joe Sciafani got the silver for “Drumming.”

Kai Rambow won a gold in the Color Print category for “Cheaper By the Dozen.” In the Mono Print category Barbara Klimczak got a gold and a silver in the Advanced Category with “Flying” and “It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane.” Dale Dombrowski also won two silvers in the Advanced category for “Grandmother” and “The Fisherman.”

On the Intermediate level, in the Mono Print category, Sherry Kalczynski won a gold with “Lotus Glow.” Joe Sclafani got a gold and a silver for “Halls of Learning” and “Maternity Watch.” In the Unassigned category, Kai Rambow won a gold and a silver for “Myakka Morning” and “Na Pali Coast.”

Congratulations to all our winners. The SCC photo club is open to everyone who is interested in photography, regardless of their skill level.

Long Walk, Short Pier by Wayne Adams

It's a Bird, It's a Plane by Barbara Klimczak

Golden Heron by Sherry Kalczynski

Cool Down by Nick Fader High Jumper by Harold Sisken

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A Thistle Starting to Bloom by Ann Jacques

7

8

ARTS April 2022

The News

PERFORMING

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.

Music in the Neighborhood

Saturday, April 2, from 1 to 4 p.m.

CA Bandstand, 958 Cherry Hills Dr. Enjoy a show including The Bluewater Band, The Melodies Band, and AmericanAcoustiC. Gee’s Wings ‘N Things food truck will also be there. This will be a fun afternoon of great entertainment. Bring your lawn chair or come in your golf cart.

German American Club Spring Dance

Pelican Players Present “2 Across”

Kings Point Veterans Theater April 21 at 7 p.m.

April 22 at 7 p.m.

April 23 at 1:30 p.m.

April 23 at 7 p.m.

Enjoy this play written by Jerry Mayer and directed by Jack H. Stevens. Tickets $15 or $12 matinee, available at Veterans Theater, 1900 Clubhouse Drive.

Thursday, May 5, doors open at 4:30 p.m.

SCC Community Hall, S. Pebble Beach Blvd.

Sepp and Heinz will be on hand to provide you with an evening of entertainment. Buffet dinner by Banquet Masters. BYOB. Cost: members $30, nonmembers $35. Reserve by April 28. No walk-ins.

Mail or drop off reservations to Paul Buerkle (813-938-3049), 824 King Leon Drive; Wolfgang Kesselring (860-634-5594), 2042 Grantham Greens Drive; or Lenny Crooks (813-493-1644) 2425 Emerald Lake Drive, Apt 209.

ArtCenter Manatee Presents “Snatch It”

April 9, from 6 to 10 p.m.

Make a difference in the life of a child or an adult with dementia when you support ArtCenter Manatee’s biennial fundraising event: Snatch It, art and more for grabs! This FUNraiser is your chance to grab a prize with a value of at least $250, all while supporting children’s art education programs as well as Arts & Healing for adults with dementia.

Prizes include original art, jewelry, golf packages, gourmet dinners, sports tickets and lots more! Don’t miss the fun and your chance to win big. Food, music, open bar, and a great prize, all for only $125 per person. Or watch the fun and help build the excitement for $45 as a “Cheerer” while you enjoy food, music and the open bar. For tickets, call 941-746-2862 or visit us at “artcentermanatee.org”.

South Shore Concert Band

Monday, April 18, at 7 p.m.

UMC of SCC, 1210 Del Webb Blvd. W. Enjoy the music of the 50s and 60s, as well as some more recent music. Hear the best of Frank Sinatra, the Beatles, Whitney Houston, Marvin Hamlisch, Louis Armstrong, Ray Charles, Michael Jackson, and Carole King. Hear the 30-piece South Shore Concert Band play the most famous works of these music legends in a concert that has been three years in the making. Cost: $5 donation at the door. Info: 813-362-0956 or “www.sccumc.com”.

SCC Men’s Chorus Spring Concert

April 3 at 3 p.m.

St. Andrew Presbyterian Church Hear the SCC Men’s Chorus “Reflections and Memories” show.

Conductor Kevin Goodenow promises a few surprises along the way as he partners with the skillful hand of Carolin Printy at the grand piano. Narrator Bill Turcotte will escort you through an entertaining afternoon introducing songs that are guaranteed to bring back those special musical memories.

South Shore Community Chorus Spring Concert

Tuesday, April 12, at 7 p.m.

UMC of SCC, 1210 Del Webb Blvd. W. Enjoy a wide variety of styles from medieval folk songs to spirituals to Elton John — something for everyone! A donation of $5 per adult is requested. Info: “aohara@southshorecommunitychorus. org” or “facebook.com/southshorecommunitychorus”.

By Renee Bray, SCCCA Entertainment Director Our successful 2021-2022 series is complete!

From Rocky and the Rollers to Tony Pace, Aretha Franklin to Mpire, and Savannah Jack to Shake Baby Shake, this town sure had fun. We implemented a few changes to accommodate social distancing to ensure the safety of our members. Overall, It’s been a great year – including one of our most exciting Renee Bray Talent Shows on record.

The SCCCA kiosk will be closing on April 20, and will reopen in the fall. There is one show remaining, an Adult Comedy Night on April 20 at Community Hall at 7 p.m. The kiosk will be open M-W-F from 10 to noon until April 20.

The shows for the 2022-2023 season are in the process of being booked and we have an exciting lineup coming. Watch for a variety of Sunday performances and outstanding dance bands.

Next season, I am happy to announce that the BOD approved a return back to having a season ticket price: one price for all five shows, either Sunday Show Series or Friday Dances. This is a popular way to purchase tickets and much more convenient for our members. We will not be using the U.S. mail to announce the series, so be sure to watch the News of SCC in August for show dates and ticket availability at the Atrium Kiosk.

After season ticket sales have completed, we begin selling individual show tickets. Ticket sales typically start in October. The show lineup will also be provided to you in this column within the next few months, as well as posted on the SCC website at “www. suncitycenter.org”. If you are a snowbird and wish to purchase season tickets, it is recommended you work with a neighbor or friend that is in the area year-round to assist you in making the purchase. We do not have online ticket sales at this time.

The summer outdoor bandstand series will begin in April. These concerts, for SCCCA members and their guests (with guest passes), are held during the week at 6 p.m. A lively variety of entertainment greets those in lawn chairs and golf carts every month. The addition of a food truck in the past year has been very popular. Watch our website for the summer schedule, and posters at the Atrium “Ticket Talk”.

I would like to thank the many Friday and Sunday volunteers for the past season that made this all possible. They are a great bunch of people, too many to call out here individually, but they deserve a lot of credit for being so reliable and working hard to ensure all guests enjoy the shows.

April 2022

The News

Meet Your Neighbor: “Mr. Fountain” aka Tom Feeman

DANCING

SCC West Coast Swing & Country Dance Club

Free dance lessons for SCCCA, Freedom Plaza, or KP Gold Card residents.

Line Dances Fridays at 6 p.m. April 15, 22, 29 Intermediate West Coast Swing Fridays at 7 p.m. April 15, 22, 29 East Coast Swing (Jitterbug) Sundays at 6 p.m. April 17 and 24.

Lessons held in Dance Studio 1. The studio is next to the walking pool in the CA Atrium. Info: contact Cindy Rohr at 630-235-1277.

Solo Line Dance Club

Every Monday SCC Community Hall, S. Pebble Beach Blvd.

Beginner class: 12:30 p.m.

Improver class: 1:30 p.m.

Socialize, express yourself, and have fun! Info: Susie Tison 813-2991175 or Karen Willis 850-728-2483.

Let’s Dance Ballroom Dance

Saturday, April 2 from 7 to 9 p.m.

SCC Community Hall, 1910 S. Pebble Beach Blvd.

DJs Mike and Peg will get you up and dancing! Dressy casual attire.

BYOB and snacks. Come early at 6:15 p.m. for a line dancing lesson with Cindy Rohr. Bring friends and make new friends! Members free, nonmembers $6. Info: Tom Hart at 810-923-8446 or “tdhart123@ gmail.com”. Open to CA members and KP Gold Card holders.

Do You Wanna Dance Club

Saturday, April 30 from 7 to 10 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 SCC Community Hall, 1910 South Pebble Beach Blvd.

Bedlam will provide the live dance music. They play classic rock, R&B, and soul. Club membership and dance attendance open to SCCCA members, Freedom Plaza members with Access card, and Kings Point active Gold Card members. Membership dues are $40 per person, per year and are good through December 2022.

Dance tickets are $5 per person for members, and $10 per person for SCC resident non-members. Both memberships and tickets may be purchased MWF at the kiosk in the Atrium from 10 to 12noon.

Tickets can also be purchased at the door the night of the dance.

BYOB and snacks. Cups, ice, and napkins will be provided. Info: Ann Savage at “icdocean@bellsouth.net” or 813-938-094.

By Ilona Merritt A fountain, meaning source or spring, is a decorative reservoir used for discharging water.

Fountains were originally purely functional, connected to springs or aqueducts, and provided drinking water and water for bathing and washing residents of cities, towns, and villages. By the end of the 19th century, as indoor plumbing became the primary source of drinking water, urban fountains became purely decorative. Mechanical pumps replaced gravity and allowed fountains to recycle water and force it high into the air.

There are several fountains in the lakes of Sun City Center.

When you enter our community from the west end, there is a fountain greeting everyone.

Sun City Center also has an extraordinary resident, Tom Feeman, who purchased a house on Sola Lane on Blue Crescent Lake. The front of his house faces Shimmering Lake.

Tom’s parents lived on Cactus Flower Lane, and Tom became familiar with many residents.

In the Spring of 2015, Tom moved in, and that is when his dream of a fountain in Blue Crescent Lake started taking shape. Tom moved here from Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He retired from construction maintenance, and was fully aware of what putting

in this fountain would entail. Blue Crescent Lake is serviced by The Lake Doctor, Inc. They worked together to place the fountain in a location so that many of the Lake residents could enjoy the fountain with Tom and his significant other, Connie Kepcha. It runs all day and into the late evening when the lights really enhance the fountain.

The day the fountain was officially put into action, Tom and Connie served coffee and donuts to all the neighbors who had gathered to watch. Tom says this was his birthday and Christmas gift to himself and a gift to his neighbors. Thank you, Tom and Connie, for making our beautiful lake extra special.

Strawberry Festival Photos A few fun photos from the Strawberry Festival.

Pictures courtesy of Pat Jones.

Ballroom And Latin Dance Lessons

April 4, 11, 18, 25 St. John Parish Hall, 1015 E. Del Webb Blvd.

4 p.m. Intermediate II- Rumba 5 p.m. Beginning/Intermediate 3-Count Hustle 6 p.m. Intermediate I Bronze FoxTrot 7 p.m. Beginning Rumba Cost: $30 for a four-week month or $8 per lesson. Everyone welcome.

SCC Dance Club Fundraiser

Saturday, April 9, from 7 to 9 p.m.

SCC Community Hall, 1910 S. Pebble Beach Blvd.

Dance to the music of the 40s, 50s, and 60s with DJ Kevin Brooks.

Spring casual, no shorts. Members free, nonmembers $6 at the door. Meet friends and have fun! BYOB and snacks, water and ice provided. Info: Chuck MacDougall 813-729-3911.

Old timers on a porch.

Trapeze artist

Come Dance With Us

April 12, at 6 p.m.

Kings Point North Clubhouse Veterans Theater Music will be provided by LB & Chloe. Cost $5 cash at the door. All welcome. If you don’t live in Kings Point or SCC, cost is $7.50. Call Ken to leave your name at the gate (513-582-8449). BYOB, water and ice provided.

Moonglow Dance Club

Thursday, April 28, from 7 to 9 p.m.

Community Hall, 1910 South Pebble Beach Blvd.

Moonglow Dance Club will feature “Good Stuff” (aka “Tony & Tricia”) from Lakeland at their monthly dance. All SCCCA, FP, and KP 2022 Gold Card Holders are welcome with ID or photo of it. Members free, guests $6 at the door. Smart casual attire, BYOB and snacks. Ice, water, and cups provided. Info or reservations for tables of six, 813-633-1297 or “gail3357@gmail.com”.

9

Friends Pat Jones (left) and Eileen Bagley

10

April 2022

The News

Military News

Dr. Susan MacManus to Address MOAA May 4th

Dr. Susan MacManus will be the keynote speaker for the local Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) Membership meeting. She will discuss the upcoming elections, describing the important issues from the perspective of both political parties including the Florida and National candidates.

It is a nonpartisan presentation. She will provide information on the various candidates and what they profess to stand for and will not infuse her own personal opinions or relate what the network ‘talking heads’ have to say about them.

Dr. Susan Dr. MacManus is an honorary member of MOAA’s MacManus chapter and is considered one of their best annual speakers. To make a reservation please call the MOAA reservation line at 813924-1983. Please state your name clearly and the number in your party. During the meeting you will be served a three-course meal for $17. For questions, please contact Walt Cawein at 813-340-0533.

Attention All Military Veterans

The next meeting of the American Legion Post 246 will be held on Friday, April 29, at 9:30 a.m. in Room 3, CA Community Hall,1910 South Pebble Beach Blvd., SCC. Our guest speaker will be Lieutenant Colonel Dave Dietz, US Army Retired, who is the Senior Army Instructor for the Sumner High School Stingray Battalion JROTC Program.

Coffee and donuts will be available at 9 a.m. All veterans and spouses are welcome. For information call Paul Wheat at 813-391- 7309 or email at pawheatjr@aol.com.

SCC MOAA Gets Briefed by Estate Planning Attorney

Patrick L. Smith PLLC addressed members of SCC MOAA’s local chapter on the fine points of Estate Planning including living trusts and avoiding probate, wills, powers of attorney and living wills.

Girl Scouts Address MOWW

LTC Michael A. Okin, USA (Ret) MOWW National Commander-inChief

COL Dale Vona, USA (Ret); 1st Lt Kristen Nyquist, (USAR)

National MOWW Commander Visits

The SCC Military Order of the World Wars (MOWW) held their annual dining out event on Thursday, February 17, at the Renaissance Club.

LTC Michael A. OKIN, USA (Ret), MOWW national Commander in Chief (CINC ) was the guest of honor. The CINC was joined by VCINC retired Army LTC Charles R. Conover Jr., a Companion of the SCC Chapter and past Chapter Commander in 2019-2020.

During the event, 1st Lt Kristen Nyquist, (USAR) was inducted as a Perpetual Member and Companion Roberta Troxell, Major USA, (fmr) was presented with a Silver Patrick Henry Award for her dedication and assistance to the Chapter Commander that has been well beyond what is expected of a person in that position.

In addition, the CINC presented a National Citation to COL. Darryl Reyes, USA (Ret.) for his continued dedicated efforts to assist the veteran community. The next morning, the CINC along with a few others, visited the Hillsborough County Veterans Memorial Park.

MOWW SCC Chapter 226 meets monthly at 11 a.m. on the third Thursday of the month, except July and August, at the Freedom Fairways GC Plaza Club on Upper Creek Drive. For information regarding membership contact Col. Douglas Roderick USAF (Ret) 813-283-2941.

RADM Chambers Honored

Recently the Silver Ospreys Squadron #64 of the Association of Naval Aviation, Sun City Center, FL honored its senior member RADM Lawrence C. Chambers USN (Ret.). A presentation highlighting his early life and Navy career included a pictorial history of considerable success as a Naval Aviator and senior Naval Officer.

RADM Chambers was the second African American to graduate from the United States Naval Academy, the first African American to be named Commanding Officer of a jet attack aircraft squadron, the first African American to be Commanding Officer of an aircraft carrier, and the first African American to achieve flag officer status.

In January 1975, RADM Chambers became the first African American to command an aircraft carrier, USS Midway, serving as the ship’s commanding officer until December 1976. After being promoted to Rear Admiral, he later served as commander of Carrier Strike Group Three and later as interim commander of Carrier Strike Group Four. He finished his career as Vice Commander of the Naval Air Systems Command. RADM Chambers is the first African American Naval Aviator to be promoted to Flag Officer.

One highlight of RADM Chambers’ career was his participation in Operation Frequent Wind. This was the name given to the support of and evacuation of American civilians and “at-risk” Vietnamese from Saigon, South Vietnam before the takeover of the city by the North Vietnamese People’s Army of Vietnam (PAVN) in the fall of Saigon.

The Military Order of the World Wars (MOWW) held their monthly meeting/luncheon at the Freedom Plaza Club, Sun City Center, on March 17. The featured speakers were Reilly Weicht and Carrie Alexander.

Reilly is from Girl Scout Troop 3512. She has been an active Girl Scout in her troop and community since the 3rd grade, earning countless badges from “First Aid” to “Geocacher” to “Financing my Dreams.” As a Girl Scout Junior, she also helped her troop earn their Bronze Award. Reilly is now currently pursuing her Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest honor a Girl Scout can receive. Reilly’s presentation centered on finding a project that fit her strong belief that veterans should be honored for their service, whether still alive or deceased, and that one way to do so is to maintain their gravesites.

Carrie is Reilly’s troop leader. Her passion and dedication to scouting shows through her countless roles in Girl Scouts of West Central Florida. Carrie currently serves on several committees at GSWCF: Adult Awards, CEO Roundtable, Board Advisory on Sustainability, Delegate, and Gold Award.

The Men's Club of SCC Offers Peace of Mind!

At Affordable Prices!

Have you ever wondered what would happen if you lived alone and there was an emergency? Or do you like to take your dog for a walk but are concerned about falling and no one being there to assist you?

For Greater SCC residents who think they need a medical alert button and don't believe they can afford it, the Men's Club of Sun City Center would like for you to contact our office.

Because the Men's Club is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit club, we offer the Philips Personal Emergency Response System (PERS) at a more competitive rate than what Philips charges at the national level. Our pricing is comparable to other systems in the market as well – just compare systems with similar capabilities. Installation and all service calls are completed by Men's Club volunteers at no charge to the Subscriber.

The Men's Club was formed in the early 1960's. In 1991, the Men's Club decided to offer Philips Lifeline Personal Emergency Response System (PERS) to residents of Sun City Center and Kings Point with no annual contract.

The PERS offering began with the purchase of four units with installation provided by Men's Club volunteers. This offering continues today with multiple systems from which to choose - including one that will work anywhere in the U.S., a dedicated office staff, and over 25 trained Men's Club volunteers who provide personable and knowledgeable service for our Subscribers.

Get prompt caring assistance at the push of a button, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Call the Men’s Club

813-633-7091

or stop by our office 1002 Cherry Hills Drive,SCC

April 2022

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Resident of Distinction Janet Ditmore

By Ilona Merritt Janet Ditmore is a 20-year resident of Sun City Center. She grew up in Pittsburgh, PA. After high school, Janet went to college, enrolled in pre-med. A year and a half later, she met her husband, who was in the military, and that was the end of medical school. Raising three children, packing, and moving became a part of her life, and during her marriage, they lived in many states in the U.S. Janet went to night school in many different colleges until earning a double Bachelors of Science degree in biology and chemistry. Janet graduated as a virologist, a specialist who is a highly skilled medical expert who manages the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of infectious diseases. She worked at Georgetown University, which ranks among the top universities in the United States.

Janet contributed to innovations in health care by developing vaccines for multiple diseases.

She also did cancer research, taught classes, and worked in the first Viral Diagnostic Center in the United States. When the Legionnaires’ Disease broke out, Janet was there. She also worked on a project with Dr. Anthony Fauci, who is now the Chief Medical Advisor to the

President of the United States.

Janet returned to school and got a double Master’s Degree in Management and Marketing.

She moved into the world of Industry and represented her company with the FDA (Food and Drug Administration.)

Having spent so much time researching, she carefully researched where she wanted to retire. SCC was her choice, and she bought a house here.

Having been very active all her life, she quickly got involved in local volunteerism, which, she says, is one thing that made SCC so attractive. She had already been a weaver and was a volunteer as a docent at historical parks in Largo and Manatee, demonstrating weaving to visitors and school classes.

Anything Janet gets into, she does it with a total commitment.

She has been a past president of the SCC Weavers three times; was a performing member of the SCC Cloggers and their president for five years. Janet joined the pickleball club, took pottery classes, learned the arts of stained glass and lapidary.

She held offices in her HOA and volunteered for many years at the Security Patrol. She was active at Prince of Peace Catholic Church and she sings with the Women’s

Chorus. Janet organized the SCC Dollhouse Miniature Club, of which she is currently president.

Janet also worked with Al and Jean Seifert, raising funds to initiate our wonderful dog park.

She was a friend of Ann Marie LeBlanc and a member of LeBlanc’s highly successful 50th Anniversary of SCC Committee.

After working as a volunteer at the Information Center for many years, Janet took over the management 10 years ago. She is a great organizer and expanded the open hours of the Visitor Center to include Saturdays during the winter season. Janet is appointed yearly by the president of the SCC Community Association as Hospitality Chairperson. The Hospitality Committee’s purpose is to communicate with residents, visitors, and newcomers to Sun City Center about our lifestyle, facilities, and events.

This committee is responsible for the operation of the Community Information Center and the

annual “Hi, Neighbor!” event.

One of Janet’s great skills is proofreading. Proofreading is the process of reviewing the final draft of a piece of writing to ensure consistency and accuracy in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and formatting. Not everyone is good at it but Janet has been proofreading for me for years, and when the History Society put together a new book of the SCC History, Janet volunteered to proofread it and became the copy editor. She also proofreads the Computer Club Journal every month.

Janet recently got involved with Our Lady’s Pantry at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, which provides groceries to those in need in Wimauma, Sun City Center, and surrounding communities. This has been an amazing organization.

They depend on donations from local churches but, with the pandemic shutting down church services, there was a loss of donated goods and revenue. However, the leaders of this all-volunteer group managed to keep the Food Pantry open throughout the difficult times. Janet has volunteered one of her past skills and is writing grants to seek financial aid, since the pantry is in dire need of a new refrigerated truck. Thank you, Janet, for giving so generously of your time and talents to our community.

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April 2022

The News

FAITH&service TRAVEL IS BACK! Communal Second Night Seder

Saturday, April 16, at 6 p.m.

Congregation Beth Shalom of Brandon The Seder will be led by our senior rabbi, Rabbi Lefkowitz. The cost is $45 for adults and $20 for children aged 5-12, free for children under age 5. Gourmet cooks will provide the meal. You will have a choice of chicken or salmon. This Seder is open to members of Congregation Beth Shalom of Brandon. Nonmembers are welcome. The absolute deadline for reservations is April 12. RSVP to Julie Shienbaum at “jul78clint@aol.com”. Info: 813-681-6547 or email “cbs-brandon@outlook.com”.

Call us for all your travel needs!

Cruises, Air, Hotel, Motorcoach We can redeem your Future Travel Credits too!

SouthShore Christian Women Announces Chair

We are happy to announce that Barbara Brown will be the new chair of the SouthShore Christian Women’s Connection. Barbara has served our group for the past two years as Reservations Coordinator and Publicity Coordinator. She has been an active member of the SS CWC for five years here in Sun City Center.

Barbara comes to us with many years of leadership experience and a heart for women to connect with one another. Former Co-Chair, Stephanie Shaw will serve with Barbara as Vice Chair.

Info: email “sscwcflorida@gmail. Stephanie Shaw, Vice Chair, and Barbara Brown, Chair. com”.

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TRAVEL April 2022

The News

13

Sugar Sand Festival in Clearwater

By Kai Rambow Jaw-dropping silence reflects the impressive imagination, creativity and execution at the Sugar Sand Festival. Using nothing but the fine sand of Clearwater Beach and water, spectacular sand sculptures are created. Every year a new theme is the focal point, followed by a dozen master sculptors from around the world taking 10 days or more to complete their visions.

Sand sculptures included accurate reflections, artistic impressions and whimsical additions. Here are some examples from last year’s exhibit, built on the theme of Sea the World: A Journey Around the World. An imperfect Egyptian pyramid accurately showing the uneven surface; an exaggerated Eiffel tower; and the Coliseum in Rome with a large scooter rider in front of it.

Tips: Walk through very slowly.

Study each sculpture. Artists designed all kinds of little details, which are easy to miss, if you rush. Before you exit the tent, get your hand stamped so you can return at any point during the day.

Extras There was a pro/am competition taking place outside. We saw the sculptures under the tent, watched the

competitive sculptors, viewed the tent exhibition again, then returned to watch how the competition was progressing.

The festival has added other activities over the years. They offered sand sculpting courses, which appeared to be a big hit with children.

Tips for a Great Trip Best Time: Normally the recommendation is to go during the week. However, the extra competitions and other activities take place on weekends. So, to see more, plan on a Saturday or Sunday trip.

Drive Time: Plan on a onehour drive. Clearwater Beach is popular almost all the time. If you leave early, you can easily get a parking spot close to the festival tent. You can also park at the North parking deck, but then need to take the trolley or walk. Another parking option is downtown Clearwater. From there take the ferry across to the beach.

Suggested Itinerary: We made the trip adventurous by leaving early and having breakfast in Clearwater Beach. Arrived at the Clear Sky Beachside Café shortly after 8 a.m. Over 70 breakfast choices will await you. Each category appeared to have one intriguing choice.

For example, they offer lobster omelets. An hour later we drove

The pro/am challenge taking place provided an opportunity to watch talented artists develop their creations.

to the exhibit. We were early, but if you have to wait, the beach is a great place.

Clothing: You will be walking on beach sand, so wear something you don’t mind getting sand on.

Remember sunscreen, sunglasses, sunhat and your camera.

Tickets: $12; AAA members can get a 20 percent discount if purchased in advance*; *There is a separate, faster line for advance ticket holders. Parking is a bit pricey, but other costs

are reasonable.

Dates: This year’s festival is scheduled to run from April 8 to 24.

Clear Sky Beachside Cafe 490 Mandalay Ave. Clearwater Beach, FL 33767 (727) 442-3684 www.clearskycafe.com Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival 1 Causeway Blvd.

Clearwater, FL 33767 (727) 403-0517 www.sugarsandfestival.com

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Quite a few sculptures incorporated humor into their works. Some are obvious; others more subtle.

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SPORTS 14

April 2022

The News

LAWN BOWLING • TENNIS • GOLF • SOFTBALL• PICKLEBALL & MORE!

Caloosa Home and Home with Scepter

Front L to R: Linda Suh, Terry Cox and Michelle Morgan; Back L to R: Dennis Humbarger, Joe Cox and Jesse Morgan.

Photo by Nancy Williams.

Sunday Golf Mixer

It was a cool, breezy Sunday afternoon at Caloosa Golf and Country Club. The March Sunday Mixer Coordinators, Joe & Betty Pomponio, greeted the mixer groups. The 1st place team had a 67, five under par for the 18 holes. Congratulations to the winners.

Jim Casper, 2022 “Pebble Beach” Men’s Singles Champion.

By Judy Peterson On February 9 the Caloosa Women’s Golf Association-18 hosted the Scepter Ladies in the Home and Home Tournament. This is an annual event with the two clubs alternating the hosting responsibilities. There were 66 golfers, 33 from each club, and most teams consisted of two Scepter players and two Caloosa players.

Winners: (c) means Caloosa and (s) means Scepter.

1st (120) 3-way tie: Lynne Fandetti (c), Linda Murray (s), Paula Rezoagi (s) Sharon Wallace (s), Judy Walters (c), Rosemarie Bryan (c), Donna Burns (s) Bobbie Cesarek (c), Judy Roberts (s), Kathy Payne (s), Linda Suh (c) 4th (122) 2-way tie: Maryann Mason (s), Mary Taylor (c), Lynn Noyes (c), Grethe Lindman (s) Judy Luce (c), Louise Guerin (s), Joyce Stafford (c), Suzanne Hulse (s)

Lawn Bowling Men’s “Singles” Champion

By Garry Higgins In the final match of the Men’s Singles Championship, it was Jim Casper winning over Joe Mignogna. Both players were crowd favorites, so lots of the spectators were on hand to enjoy an exciting game. Club info: “suncitycenterlbc.com”.

SCC Lawn Bowling Ladies Pairs Champions

By Garry Higgins The “Suncoasters” (women’s) Pairs Championship was played recently. After a week of playdowns, the final match had the team of Susan Finn and Cassandra Furlong winning over the team of Donna Blaine and Ava Casper.

Club info: “suncitycenterlbc. com”.

Susan Finn and Cassandra Furlong

The 2022 CWGA-18 Member-Member Low Gross winners. Back L to R: Kim Moore & Paula McGlothin, Aileen Engel & Joyce Stafford. Front L to R: Donna Rokowski & Akemi Schindler. Photo credit: Mary Taylor.

CWGA-18 Member-Member Tournament

By Aileen Engel The Caloosa Women’s Golf Association 18 hole league (CWGA-18) played their Member-Member Tournament on Monday, February 21, and Wednesday, February 23. Twenty teams teed off for the 36hole tournament.

Winners included: Blue Flight I: Paula McGlothin & Kim Moore Low Gross with a score of 165.

Deb McCanna & Judy Luce won 1st Net with a score of 145.

Lynne Fandetti & Mary Taylor won 2nd Net with a score of 148.

Blue Flight II: Aileen Engel & Joyce Stafford won Low Gross with a score of 171.

Judy Walters & Jaye Carroll won 1st Net with a score of 141.

Gloria Warr & Melissa Kohn won 2nd Net with a score of 142.

Green Flight: Akemi Schindler & Donna Rokowski won Low Gross with a score of 169.

Judy Peterson & Mary Lou Anderson won 1st Net with a score of 140.

Linda Suh & Jodie Allison won 2nd Net with a score of 142.

Mike Keltz, Jorge Alves (2nd place) Joe Norton, Peter Cabral (1st) Jeff Williams and Ernesto Diaz (3rd).

SCC Pickleball Club

The SCC Pickleball Club recently completed its Men’s Doubles Club Championship tournament at their courts. It was a double elimination event with seven teams entered. The tournament was won by Joe Norton and Peter Cabral. Congratulations to the winners and all who participated. The Club Championships continue with other categories finishing throughout March.

Vintage Charity Tennis Event

On Saturday, February 19, 53 tennis players from Sun City Center raised $2,165 for the mission of “Meet Me In the Street.” Many dressed up in outfits to match the era of their learning to play tennis—following fashion favorites like Chrissie Everett or John McEnroe or other heroes and heroines. Michael Irving, the TA tennis instructor, collected 55 vintage racquets, and each person had to play 16 games using these wooden antiques. They also got to play 16 games using their own racquets.

HOLE IN ONE

Accomplished By: Gary Hilt

Gary Hilt scored a hole in one at Scepter Golf Club Falcon #3 (150 yards) with a driver.

Witnessed by Bob Belanger, Bob Miller and Roger Hall.

Accomplished By: George Fenwick

George Fenwick scored a hole in one at Scepter Golf Club Falcon #3 (86 yards) with a 9-iron.

Witnessed by Paul Hunt and Marty Dain.

April 2022

The News

15

Performing Gets into Your Blood

By Bob Sanchez “Hen-reeeeeeeeeeeee!

Hen-ree Al-drich!”

“Com-ing, Mother!”

If you tune into WSCQ on April 29, you can listen to those famous opening lines on an Old Time Radio episode of “The Aldrich Family,” directed by and starring Sun City Center’s own Jeanne Naish and other great voices. You will even hear a classic Jell-O commercial.

Recently Jeanne and I sat down at CC’s Grill over coffee to chat about her lifelong love of the performing arts. Having been a member of the Pelican Players theater group in Kings Point for over two decades, she is not about to quit now. She still performs and directs, and in October she will star as Nana in “Nana’s Naughty Knickers,” a production that had been delayed by COVID.

Many years ago (Jeanne prefers not to say how many), a woman she remembers only as Lady Jane admired the voice of three-year-old Jeanne Elkins and suggested to Jeanne’s mother that she bring her daughter to an audition for a children’s radio show on NBC. “That’s when my mother received a telegram asking her to bring me to the studio. That’s how I started,” she said. “The first song I ever sang was ‘When I Grow Too Old to Dream’.”

Thus she entered the world of radio, “using several small platforms to stand on in order to reach the microphone.”

Several children took part in the show, which was titled “Coast to Coast on a Bus,” she said. “We all played ourselves.”

Her talent caught the attention

of famous actors. “Working with Helen Hayes was an honor,” she recalls, and “Don Ameche was so nice.” In a live performance, she sang “My Old Kentucky Home” with Don Ameche, Al Jolson and Nancy Kelly for the Kate Smith Hour. “At the end of the performance the three main characters were introduced but Nancy Kelly left, and when the introduction came, Don Ameche took my hand and led me onto the stage. I thought that was the nicest thing, and I’ve never forgotten it.”

After she married, her engineer husband’s work brought them both to such far-flung locales

as Ecuador, Hong Kong, and Spain, where she performed in plays on radio and television – and she even dubbed in English for three movies made in Spain.

The couple moved to Sun City Center in 2000, and she soon began her long association with the Pelican Players.

Why does the Virginia native keep at it? Performing is “something that gets into your blood,” she said, “and you’re not happy when you’re not doing it.” After ­­­ her husband passed away a few years ago, she told her theater friends to “just make me laugh, and I’ll be okay.”

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April 2022

The News

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April 2022

The News

BOOK REVIEW

These Troopers Were Real History-Makers

By Andrea L.T. Peterson “Growing up, I didn’t play competitive sports. I didn’t even play softball until I was out of my parents’ house. They were afraid I’d get hurt,” says South Lake resident and former Toledo Trooper, Eunice White. Naturally, they were not supportive when she announced: “I’m going to play for the Troopers!”

“What” they asked, “are Troopers?” When she explained that they were a professional woman’s football team, her mother said, “Don’t expect me to go to a game,” to which Eunice replied, “I’m gonna play anyway. It’s a good thing I’m no longer living here [under their roof, obligated to abide by their ‘no-sports’ rule].”

Her father wouldn’t even talk about it. Eventually, her mother Nell, relented. She attended games, became a team booster, wore a team jacket and Trooper pins, and with Eunice’s sister, Sheryl, who took photos and shot 8mm movies of the team, became among the team’s biggest fans!

But, I’m getting ahead of myself.

#80 Eunice White

“Toledo is a pretty good-sized city,” she explains, “with quite the rec program” and lots of summer leagues, which Eunice joined. As with sports teams in college, these leagues were mostly “just for the satisfaction of

L to R: Eunice White and K. C. Carter

playing sports.” After college she began teaching and working at the high school level, still playing softball in the league, when a rival third baseman, Patsy, who was playing for the Troopers, approached Eunice and said, “You should play for the Troopers.” Her immediate response was, “No way am I gonna play football and put my body in harm’s way!” But Patsy was persistent, and she finally got Eunice to agree to at least come watch the team practice.

Eunice showed up at the practice on a Wednesday evening after school. The coach handed her equipment. Long story short: she played in her first game that Saturday! She was “defensive tackle” the coach told her. “If they go that way, tackle ‘em,” the coach pointed.

“If they go that way, tackle ‘em.

Don’t let them get past you!”

That was the team’s second season, 1972. By the beginning of the ’73 season, White had learned much more about the game: its rules, positions, and plays. From then on, she was a defensive end.

Fortunately for her, White’s supervisor in the school system was a bit of a renegade when she was younger and she was

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supportive of White, saying she could play for the Troopers. “I guarantee,” White pledged, “I will never miss school because of football.” And she never did.

The Troopers, she says, “were all athletes just looking for a sport to play in the fall… No one was trying to make a statement, or pushing an agenda. They loved sports, wanted to play football.”

While all were skilled, some were naturals, like Lee Hollar who could “throw a spiral 40 yards and put it where she wanted it.” Or Linda Jefferson who in her first season “ran more than 1,300 yards and scored 32 touchdowns. Over the next four years Linda averaged more than 14 yards per carry on her way to five undefeated seasons.”

The team’s head coach, Bill Stout, was a perfectionist. He kept them drilling until they were doing everything right. And their assistant coach, Carl Hamilton, a large but soft-spoken man, was a man they didn’t want to ever disappoint!

It was a time of racial unrest nationwide, but the team—a family—was a mix of “Black, White, and Chicana” players.

Ages ran from 19 to the late 30s. There were single women, married women, women with kids, gay and straight women.

There were lawyers, teachers, postal workers. And nobody cared. “We were family!”

White stressed. “We had each other’s backs.” That family, she says, “was as important as birth family!” It was probably more of an issue, she says, “who was offense and who was defense!”

The team was undefeated, 47-0, before losing their first game. They were too good.

Eventually there wasn’t any real competition. The team and the league struggled. By 1980, after Bill Stout’s move to league commissioner in a failed attempt to save the league, the teams were done.

In 1982, there was talk of a new team, the Toledo Furies, trying to get off the ground. About half of the former Troopers, including

White, joined the Furies. South Lakes’ K.C. Carter was among the new team’s members. She remembers living “out of the trunk of your car, dressing and wrapping whatever need to be wrapped [for support] in the parking lot.”

They began competing with the ’83 season. When the Columbus Pacesetters, an old Troopers’ rival team defeated the Furies (many of whom were new to the sport), a Pacesetter team member whispered to White: “I told you the Toledo team was never worth crap.”

Well, that lit a blazing fire under White, who from that moment on had just one goal: silence that woman, once and for all! She recruited more former Troopers and begged a couple of their old Trooper coaches (Carl Hamilton and Jerry Davis) to step in and help. The newly beefed up and coached team was more than ready for the ’84 season. Securing their place — Trooper style — the Furies won the championship!

Guinan book cover art: Copyright Hachette Book Group

“I think most of the Troopers would say that playing football was the most important thing they ever did,” says White.

“For me,” she stresses, “the attitude, techniques, and the importance of ‘team’ I learned as a Trooper, I used when I coached. Coaching/teaching was the most important thing I ever did.”

The Toledo Troopers, “The best team you never heard of,” is proud to be the winningest team in professional football history.

For a more thorough history of the national women’s football league, Hail Mary by Britni de la Cretaz and Lyndsey D’Arcangelo is a great place to start. In August, Steve Guinan’s book, We Are the Troopers, will also be available (you can preorder it now on Amazon).

Thanks to Steve Guinan for the team photos.

April 2022

Full Throttle

By Kai Rambow When they told John “Lites” Leenhouts they were training him for carriers, he had no idea there were specially trained pilots for aircraft carriers.

“I didn’t realize there was a niche.

I’d never seen the beach. I thought I might be in over my head. The next thing I knew I had four carrier landings behind me. I said, ‘Okay here we go.

I’m in for the ride of my life.’ I went from not knowing anything to the start of a Navy career.

Fortunately for many, Leenhouts, President and CEO for Sun’n Fun, continued to dive in and learn. Sun’n Fun is one of the world’s largest aviation events right around the corner from us. It has also transformed from a major event to an education corridor for those interested in aerospace. For example, over 50 students have received major college scholarships, and over 139 students have earned their pilot’s licenses thanks to the support from Sun’n Fun. Lites, his Navy pilot call sign, is about to retire from Sun’n Fun. His career paths did not develop in either a straight line or smoothly. Lites was at an air show: “I started talking to a Super Sabre pilot about the airplane, how did you get to do that? He said, ``Well, kid, if you want to do it, you need to go to college and have good eye-hand coordination.” That planted the seed that it was within the realm of possibility.”

“I went to Oklahoma State University, and paid my way through there by working in the oil fields, road construction, all those miserable jobs that make you think, ‘I really need to get an education.’ While there I got a student loan for $1,500 and I was able to get my pilot, commercial and certified instructor ratings all in one year, and got college credits for it. Those were the only courses I got A’s and B’s in. Everything else I got C’s and D’s. All that mattered is that I graduated.”

Lites enrolled in the Aviation Reserve Officer program. “I had about 300 hours of flight time and now I was learning how to fly jets. About the third flight, the instructor said, ‘Something’s suspicious here. You’re doing way too good. Do you have any previous flight training? Well, let’s get this done because you’re way past your peer group.’”

Lites’ original call sign was

The News

“Lights out.” He recounts, “I was a poorly prepared naval aviator. A lot of energy and not enough intellect. Joining up on the wrong side of the formation, missing a frequency change, having your target bombs fall off target. Little bitty things that don’t seem like much, but result in you looking like you’re not paying attention.”

Attention to detail matters in navy aviation. “Naval aviation is not very forgiving if you’re not paying attention. My boarding [landing] rate was 95 percent during the day, but only 85 percent at night, way below expectations. Every landing in your Navy career is graded.

There are no freebies. If your grade point goes down, you go home.”

Navy pilots all have other jobs, because they have to function as a completely autonomous unit. Lites was tapped to be the public affairs officer. “I took a camera everywhere I went, writing stories for Navy publications. So I became ‘Lights, camera, action.’”

Lites was selected for the A-7 Corsair in 1975 and flew it until 1991. He also qualified to fly the F-14 Tomcat. In a very unusual development, Lites flew Corsairs during the day and Tomcats at night. It’s one of the contributing factors to him holding the American record for aircraft carrier landings.

Lites has many memories of great experiences while flying: “Flying low level in Europe, racing through the Alps, it was a never ending array of big kid Adventure Island. I got to do things that people would salivate over just one piece of it. It was 27 years of it. I was gifted with an opportunity that rarely comes into people’s lives.

There’s no one thing because they were all spectacular.”

Downsides included near misses with other aircraft.

Transition Almost all of Lites’ career in the Navy was in the cockpit. After 27 years, he retired as a Captain.

Boeing and Northrop Grumman offered him jobs. Northrup offered a position nearby in St. Augustine. That choice meant he was home when his wife suddenly passed away from an aneurysm at age 50. It was traumatic.

“I wouldn’t be here [Sun’n Fun] if it wasn’t for her. At that moment, I realized I had been

19

John “Lites’’ Leenhouts will be retiring after an 11 year run as the CEO of Sun’n Fun. He previously retired twice, once from the Navy, after 27 years, and once from Northrop Grumman after 11 years.

a taker all of my life. I was just in it for me. I had not spent an appropriate amount of time with my family, as I should have.

When she died I realized, I could die tomorrow. I need to do something more selfless.

A friend of mine was doing a fundraiser, so I became involved.

Then I received another request.

‘Would you like to put on a motorcycle fundraiser?’ ‘I’ve never done it, but I think I can.’

Five years later we had over 1,000 motorcycles participate and had raised over 3.5 million dollars.

In the Navy I learned how to take risks. At Northrup I learned human resources, profit and loss. With nonprofits I learned about fundraising, working with volunteers.”

That combination of experience

has benefited many. Sun’n Fun has gone from almost 3 million in debt to completing a dedicated 5 plus million education facility, debt free.

The airshow’s attendance has grown by 8 to 15 percent every year, even during the pandemic.

Lites credits his current spouse, Nancy Green, as being an integral part of his tenure at Sun’n Fun. She’s been a dedicated volunteer on some big projects.

When you buy a ticket to the air show, it raises funds to help youth learn about and become involved with aviation as a career. We’ve featured some of them here.

We wish Lites the best in his retirement. Sun’n Fun, featuring the Thunderbirds, runs April 5 to 10 this year: www.flysnf.org”.

YOU’VE ALWAYS TAKEN CARE OF YOUR FAMILY.

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Call us today and we’ll take care of you and your family.

F-18 Hornets of the Blue Angels. The F-18 was the last type of aircraft Lites flew before leaving the Navy. The US Air Force’s Thunderbirds will be the headliners at this year’s Sun’n Fun.

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20

south County Events

By Debbie Caneen South County Events is provided

by Debbie Caneen, Director of Admissions, Sun Towers from items submitted for publication.

To submit events for future publications, send them by the 15th of the prior month. Debbie also publishes Ads and Events, a weekly e-mail containing information about what’s happening in 33573. Your event will also appear in the weekly Ads and Events e-mail and on the website www.SCCAdsAndEvents.com.

Send all events by e-mail to sccfreeads@tampabay.rr.com.

You only need to submit your Event one time each month for it to appear in both The News of Kings Point and SCC Ads and Events.

SPECIAL EVENTS Please include all basic information, especially Price (or list it’s Free) and Contact Information (phone, e-mail, or website). Six lines maximum. Send to: sccfreeads@ tampabay.rr.com. As soon as space permits, we will put it in the weekly e-mail and it will run until event date passes. You do not need to submit it again.

PLEASE NOTE: This area is for SPECIAL EVENTS only. WEEKLY, MONTHLY, or ONGOING EVENTS are listed on our website under WEEKLY & MONTHLY MEETINGS at www.SCCAdsAndEvents.com which is updated every weekend.

FRI. APR 1 and SAT. APR 2 - SPRING GARAGE SALE SPONSORED BY FELINE FOLKS 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon at 1305 New Bedford Drive in Sun City Center off Pebble Beach Drive at CVS. Donations, other than clothing and furniture, will be accepted 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 30, at 1305 New Bedford Drive in Sun City Center. There will be lots of gently used treasures for the home and for your furry friend. All volunteer help is appreciated.

SAT. APR 2 - (Rain Date Apr 4) NEARLY NEW CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SERVICE 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. In the Sun City Center Shopping Plaza at 1515

April 2022

The News Sun City Center Plaza (behind Cali Nail Salon) where the Interfaith Social Action Council will be celebrating 50 years of Community Service “Times have Changed, Our Purpose has Not!” THU. APR 7 - HANDS-ONLY CPR 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. in the church’s Conesa Center at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 702 Valley Forge Blvd in cooperation with Hillsborough County Fire and Rescue is offering a free hands on CPR course. The course will take place from 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. We will also be demonstrating how to use the AED defibrillator. Come learn how to save a life. If you have already taken the course, come back for a refresher! Registration is required via www.popcc.org/ health-ministry-event.

WED. APR 6, 13, 20, 27 THERAPEUTIC TAI CHI FOR HEALTH 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. at Sun Towers Retirement Community, 101 Trinity Lakes Drive, Sun City Center. Our therapists have advanced training in therapeutic Tai Chi for Seniors and will provide guidance in this healthy exercise. Tai Chi has been proven to increase strength and balance! This class is offered every Wednesday. FYI, You will be required to wear a mask to protect our residents.

For more information, contact Debbie Caneen at 813-8922990.

FRI. APR 8 - LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. at Sun Towers Retirement Community 101 Trinity Lakes Drive. Do you wonder how others with low vision advance through their day? Do they receive care from outside sources? What adaptive vision devices successfully assist them?

Be sure to bring your phones, tablets, and other devices for us to assist in using your services.

Learn what assistance there may be for you if you have low vision in order to maintain your independence. If you have low vision, then this meeting is for you! Free valet parking available at entrance. For more info call Debbie Caneen 813-892-2990.

THU. APR 14 - FREE BALANCE SCREENING 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. in the Culinary Room at the 2020 Centre, Kings Point. Are you at risk? Our therapists from Sun Towers Retirement Community

are on a quest to reduce the risk of falls BEFORE they happen.

Have your fall risk screened at no cost to you! This simple screening takes less than ten minutes. See the results before your eyes through biofeedback.

Interested in knowing more now? Call to schedule today!

(813) 331-3035.

MON. APR 18 - PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP OF SUN CITY CENTER 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. at Sun Towers Retirement Community 101 Trinity Lakes Drive, Sun City Center in the theater. Speaker to be announced. Jennipher Lenoir, COTA with Sun Towers Outpatient Therapy Department will facilitate. With the influx of many newly diagnosed group members, the request for seasoned members to assist is needed and appreciated! If you have had success with any treatment you have tried, please come to share. Complimentary valet parking available at entrance. For additional info, call Debbie Caneen 813-892-2990.

TUE. APR 19 - HEARING LOSS ASSOC. OF AMERICA (HLAA) CHAPTERS 12:15 p.m. at St

Andrew Presbyterian Church, Fellowship Hall Presentation by Hillsborough County Deputy Sheriff Jeffery E Merry Jr. Come see him in person or via Zoom.

Meeting format: Hybrid – All are welcome. RSVP NOW: Debbe.

Hagner@gmail.com or Text (727) 271-0770. Plan to attend our monthly hybrid meeting and have your questions answered by our experts in person. Our chapters are local and encourage meeting year round to provide information, education, support, and advocacy.

THU. APR 21 - FREE BALANCE SCREENING TO TEST YOUR BALANCE 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon at Sun Towers Retirement Community, 101 Trinity lakes Dr. Sun City Center. Are you at risk?

Our therapists at Sun Towers Retirement Community are on a quest to reduce the risk of falls before they happen. Have your fall risk screened at no cost to you! This simple screening takes less than ten minutes. See the results before your eyes through biofeedback. Call to schedule today! (813) 331-3035.

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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”.

April 2022

News of Freedom Plaza

By Peggy Burgess More than a song title or a weather forecast, “April Showers” at Freedom Plaza refers to the downpour of appealing activities that residents can look forward to this month. The Easter season always brings a distinctive, festive meal served in all campus dining rooms on Easter Sunday; likewise, our Jewish residents are feted with a private Seder dinner in recognition of their Passover tradition. Several regular social events, such as the monthly “Mixers & Melodies” cocktail parties and “Monday Wine Downs,” are being revitalized with a spring spruce-up of themed entertainments and novel refreshments.

April will be duly celebrated as National Poetry Month when Freedom Plaza resident John Foster, a nationally recognized poet, shares the spotlight with professional singer/songwriter Carolyn Curry, daughter of resident Tom Alshulter. The duo will present “Coffee House Music and Humor” with each of them offering samples of their art.

As well as looking forward to current April activities, residents

The News

can look back to April of 2001 and the eighth production of Freedom Frolics, an annual stage show that ran for 25 years.

Each year’s show offered an original (always comedic) script, stage set, musical background and song parodies. Some of these shows were preserved on DVD and one of them is to be shown as a Freedom Frolics in Review on April 22. This will be the Best Little Horse Town in Texas.

It is set in (fictional) Deadend, Texas, and the Poison Pit Saloon where “Stumpy,” a one-eyed, one-armed, two-fingered piano player entertains, and Brunhilda, the bartender, rules. Wandering into the Poison Pit are characters like the Crisco Kid, salesman for Greasy Kid-stuff Hair Tonic, and Angina Derriere... a lady who always lives up to her name!

There is no admission fee for this event, but donations at the door benefitting the Freedom Plaza Scholarship Fund, Inc. (original sponsors of the “Frolics”) will be appreciated.

Freedom Frolics in Review is open to the public with health measures observed. For more information call 813-634-8046.

Family Connections to SCC

By Paula Lickfeldt Miriam and Don Quast were on their way from Ohio to Ft. Myers to look at homes. They were tired of snow! A cousin who lived in Bradenton asked them if they had ever heard of Sun City Center. They had not, but on the way to Ft. Myers, they saw a sign for SCC and they took the exit. While in SCC, they talked to a Realtor and looked at several houses. They got back on the highway on the way to Ft. Myers and Miriam said, “We should have made an offer on that house that we both liked.” They pulled into a roadside rest area, called the Realtor and made an offer on the house. The offer was accepted, and they had a home in SCC. Miriam and Don bought that home in 1999. They lived in several different homes in SCC and KP and now they live in Freedom Plaza.

Jan Ring, Miriam’s sister, lived in Wesley Chapel where she was a nurse in the hospital there. She wanted to live close to her sister and brother-in-law so she came to SCC to look at the homes that were for sale. There were only two homes for sale in her price range but she was able to purchase one of them. She worked in the ER at South Bay Hospital until she retired. Jan

Don Quast, Jan Ring and Randy Early.

always loved sewing.

After retirement she joined the Sew’n Sews, where she does a lot of quilting and the Front Porch Pickers where she plays the bass.

For a while she had a garden at the Tillers and Toilers.

Brother Randy Early still lived in Ohio and wanted to come to SCC. In Ohio, he dabbled in real estate and found SCC to be a very stable community. He looked for about two years before he was lucky enough to buy the Twin Tree that connected to his sister, Jan’s. He likes SCC because he can get most everywhere he wants to go on his bike, golf cart, or walking. He loves to dance, so he has joined several different dance groups and he spends a lot of time at the fitness center.

Randy is a snowbird; he travels back and forth between SCC and Ohio.

Van Gogh continued from page 1. movement; fun to experience it.

The time for the large loop runs about 35 minutes.

Best Tip for Beyond Van Gogh The art historian of this experience, Fanny Curtat, succinctly expressed the artwork this way: “Monet painted what he saw and Van Gogh painted what he felt.” Feel the experience and you’re likely to get more out of it. This is a limited

engagement until April 24.

Tickets need to be bought online. If you need help, call.

The location is close to parking lot 4 near Dillard’s at University Town Center in Sarasota.

Beyond Van Gogh 195 University Town Center Drive Sarasota, FL 34243 (800) 441-0819 www.vangoghsarasota.com

21

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813-384-4324 www.ImageLift.com facebook.com/imagelift

youtube.com/imagelift

patient and any other person responsible for payment has a right to pay, cancel payment, or be reimbursed for payment for any other service, examination, or treatment that is performed as a result of any within 72 hours of responding to ad for the free, discounted fee, or reduced fee service, examination, or treatment.

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April 2022

The News SOLUTIONS TO PUZZLES ON PAGE 17

April 2022

The News

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MARY & MARTHA HOUSE Fashion and Home Goods Shop and Make a Difference!

New Store Hours

Tuesday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Donation Hours: Tuesday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Clothing and Accessories, Housewares, Furniture, Home Decor, and so much more!

You can help to sustain our programs by shopping with us and by donating your gently used items.

312 S. Us. Hwy. 41 • Ruskin, FL 33570

New Address

Turn on 3rd Ave. SE

813-645-7874

www.marymarthahouse.org

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The News

April 2022