News of Sun City Center August 2020

COVID-19 Update On Page 7

of SCC & South County News Line: 813.938.7441 • Ad Line: 813.938.8721 • www.soco.news • August 2020

Roller Coasters, Kiddie Rides, and Animals: Visiting Busch Gardens

By Diane M. Loeffler Does your vision of summer include roller coasters, kiddie rides, and animals? If so, you may wish to head over to Busch Gardens, a unique amusement park that is also a working zoo.

Our plans to visit the park in March and take in a concert were canceled due to the virus.

Finally, it is open again. The first question you may have is, “But, is it safe?” From our experience on July 2, I believe it is as safe or safer than going to the store.

To go to the park involves more steps than it has in the past. In order to regulate the attendance there, the park requires reservations. Go online to “buschgardens.com”. Click on “Visit Tampa,” and go to the reservation program from there.

On the morning of July 2, the parking lot was more than half empty. We boarded the tram which took us to a screening area. Every six feet, big green solid circles marked the pavement along with instructions to stand on them in order to stay socially distanced.

A sign mandated wearing

If you have never been to Busch Gardens before, you might be amazed by all of the birds and animals there.

After watching the train being disinfected, we boarded it for a breezy ride. Each “party” (in our case, just the two of us) was seated in its own row. Guests were seated on every other row.

Many far-larger-than-life “creatures” could be seen all around the park. The others were all made with live greenery.

However, this handsome fellow is made with dried vegetation.

masks. There were stands with hand sanitizer.

When we went into the tent, our temperatures were taken, and then we were allowed to proceed to the entrance where

Silver Platter Supplements County Meal Program

Cynthia Williams, owner of Uniquely Organic, prepares meatballs in her food truck in front of the Ruskin Senior Center.

By Bob Sanchez Hillsborough County has recently launched “Silver Platter” to provide supplemental nutrition to seniors currently participating in the county’s Aging Services home-delivered meals program. Eligible seniors will receive hot, prepared evening meals delivered directly to their homes at no cost.

The Silver Platter program focuses on assisting seniors who live alone in areas where restaurants are scarce, and who

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Sun City Center’s Robert and Claudia Blake are two of the food program’s volunteers.

are sheltering in place to avoid potential exposure to COVID-19.

Aging Services uses funding from the Families First Act and CARES Act. The program is available only to existing meal clients. Hillsborough County residents aged 60 or older who need food assistance may call 813.272.5250 to register. Silver Platter benefits about 450 seniors in area communities including Sun City Center.

The County’s staff dietician works with the chef at partner restaurants and food trucks to ensure menu items meet the state dietary guidelines as well as any special needs of clients.

Each restaurant has a two-week menu cycle which provides a variety of entrees.

Other beneficiaries are some of the local restaurants and food trucks that have struggled during the pandemic. Drivers are hospitality workers who have been affected by the economic situation.

All surfaces of the train were sprayed. Afterwards, three staff members wiped off everything with paper towels.

we were again reminded to wear masks. The only exceptions were “facial covering relaxation zones.” Throughout the park, we saw stands with hand sanitizer.

Without exception, the staff in

the park were very welcoming and also very conscientious.

We did not go on many rides, but we did notice riders were placed with one row between them and the next rider. The one exception was a ride where the seat backs went well above each rider’s head. We noticed rides in the Sesame Street area were open too.

Busch continued on page 2.

Help CARE for Cats and Dogs in Need

Watch out behind you! This beautiful kitten is unaware of an impending sneak attack.

By Bob Sanchez CARE, the Critter Adoption & Rescue Effort, is a privately run Ruskin-based, nonprofit, no-kill shelter for “neglected, abused, and unwanted” cats and dogs.

Besides food and shelter, CARE provides TLC that may include socialization, medical care, or sterilization as needed. Their goal is to find safe, loving homes for each animal they take in.

Usually that means only a few weeks before they’re ready for adoption; but the old, sick, or traumatized animals may live out their lives in CARE. According to CARE president Penny Smith, “We are desperately short of volunteers.

If you can commit to a regular three-hour weekly shift caring for the cats and dogs, they could really use your help. We need people who can socialize with the cats, mornings between 10 and 12. We need volunteers for the mornings and afternoons to

This lucky dog will have a new home soon.

CARE board president Penny Smith shows off a new arrival.

take care of cats and dogs. If you can commit to one threehour shift the same time every week, we could really use your help. The rewards of interaction with the animals cannot be overstated.”

The existing shelter can house between 11-17 dogs and puppies (depending on sizes) and 30-40 cats and kittens.

Animal Manager Gloria Blue said that in one recent 10-day

Care continued on page 15.

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August 2020

The News

A Moment in Line

By E. Adam Porter Editor, The News of SCC & South County “It feels like time is standing still,” he said, and I turned, wondering who he was speaking to. The man was standing roughly six feet away, on the far side of his shopping cart, the eyes above his mask looking nowhere in particular. He seemed about my age. Based on the contents of the shopping cart, he had kids the same age as mine, too. “…standing still,” he repeated, still speaking to nobody in particular. I think, though, that he was responding to a brief snippet of conversation that had just passed between me and the cashier. I had asked how she was; she had sighed the sigh of the retail worker tasked with politely tolerating The General Public.

“Long day?” I asked.

Her eyes were tired, “Yeah… oh yeah… And I’m worried about my mom, and my kids.”

I could relate, so I nodded in what I hoped was an empathetic way. Hard to tell with the masks.

“Well, thank you for all you’re doing.” I grabbed my cart, full of newly-bagged groceries, ready to leave, and stopped, “Hug those kids when you can. It will help all of you.”

This time I was sure of the smile, sad and tired but real, and I knew she was picturing her kids’ faces, imagining herself hugging them. I hoped, for all their sakes, they would still be awake when she got home from her shift.

As parents, we know our kids need hugs, to be reassured and comforted, especially in times like these. But I don’t know if we ever tell them how much those hugs mean to us. Especially when we can’t get them.

I had turned back to my cart when the guy spoke for the first

Busch continued from page 1.

We headed over to the Stanleyville Railroad. The waiting line for this and all other rides, was marked with the green circles for distancing. Before boarding, we waited while each and every seat on the train was sprayed with disinfectant and wiped down with paper towels.

The train took us to the next stop where we all had to disembark with the option of re-boarding.

We always enjoy visiting the animals at the park. We could still see all the animals with outdoor habitats: flamingos, elephants, alligators, primates, penguins, cheetahs, and others. Families could be seen on trucks in the Serengeti Plain area feeding animals.

Areas and activities that would be difficult to sanitize without endangering the animals were closed so we could not go inside Lory Landing, the Kangaroo area, the Bird Gardens or the Animal Care Center. However, we could look into the areas

time. “… like time is standing still…”

I moved my cart up, so the cashier and bagger could start on his groceries, and that’s when I turned to him. His eyes met mine, and I could not read the expression there. Nothing good, though. No hope and no humor.

I greeted him, offered The Guy Nod, a noncommittal chin raise we all pick up at some point in adolescence.

He continued, “Every day runs together, all the same, all bad news. It’s like a nightmare… and now we got school coming up, and that’s a mess.”

I’d noticed he had a few school supplies in his cart, markers and glue. I watched him, the part of his face revealed above the mask and listened to the tone of voice. This guy needed an outlet.

The cashier sensed it too, and, since she was very good at her job, tired or not, she gave him an opening.

“I know what you mean…” she said, “You wonder if it will ever end.”

“It will… It has to, right? ‘This too shall pass…’” he quoted. “And hopefully soon,” he added. “In the meantime, we gotta be here for each other.” His tone offered this not as a promise, more like the hope of a drowning man.

“We will be,” I assured him, “We always are. We’re ornery to a point, but we come together when it matters.”

He smiled, nodded again, “Man, I hope you’re right.”

“Me too,” I said. “Hang in there.

It might get worse, but it will get better.”

“Hey, you too,” he said, and I saw that he and the cashier were still smiling their tired smiles. I was surprised to realize I was too. How long had it been since I smiled in the grocery store?

Wondering that, I was distracted when the bagger asked if I wanted help out. Normally, I decline, because I park close enough to the cart return to make accepting help feel too self-indulgent. This time, though, I just nodded, lost in my thoughts.

The bagger was early college age. She had the quick step of

from the outside.

Places involving a lot of touching were also closed. This included panning for “gold” and some of the contests such as trying to balance on a rope ladder. The Skyride, a favorite of ours, was also closed, probably because it would be difficult to sanitize the overhead cars between guests. In general, attractions and areas that could be safely maintained were open.

Some of the outdoor and indoor eating areas were open, certainly enough to accommodate the much smaller number of people there. We did see a few “facial relaxation zones” where people could take off their masks, but we did not see anyone using them.

The staff of Busch Gardens were all very friendly and were busily cleaning and reminding guests to wear masks. The safety of everyone was definitely a priority.

youth, viewed the world with her chin up, ready for anything.

So, I was a bit surprised when, instead of the typical small-talk on the way across the parking lot, she led with, “My friend’s mom is really sick with this thing.

They’re not sure…” she trailed off, and I waited, not sure what to say. After a beat or three, she continued, “Last spring, you know, when we had to leave school, I came back home thinking, ‘it can’t be that bad, right?’ Thought that for a while… but, I guess, you know, it is pretty bad?”

“It is,” I said, not really wanting to express how ‘The Thing’ as she put it, had affected my own friends and family.

“Scary?” she said, a statement, though adding the questioning tone at the end of the sentence, which is common for young people of her vintage.

“Can be,” I agreed.

“Doesn’t really seem like we’re all in this together,” she said.

And there it was. She had been thinking this ever since she heard what I said inside the store. Her comment wasn’t delivered as an argument though, more of a lament.

“No, it doesn’t seem like we are,” I agreed, “But that will change.”

“You hope,” she said, lifting bags into the back seat of my truck.

“I do hope,” I said. “I try to look at the world as it is and prepare accordingly. And I also hope the best I can as much as I can.”

I paused to heave a case of bottled water in the bed of the truck, “Sometimes that’s hard.”

“Impossible with some people,” she said, horror immediately fleeting across her masked face.

This was not how one spoke to customers. “I’m sorry.” She amended, immediately. “Please don’t… I mean… I’m just sorry…”

“Why?” I asked, knowing full well why. “I get it. People can be difficult sometimes. We all can be.”

At that moment, I remembered something an older, wiser friend once told me when I was a kid.

It jumped off a dusty shelf in my brain and just fell out of my mouth, “With some people, you give them patience. With others, give them distance.”

She laughed, a little, in a way that made me wonder how long it would be before she passed on Mr. Sholine’s little nugget of wisdom to someone else. Not long, I figured.

“Have a good day, sir,” she said, by rote.

“I’ll try,” I smiled, and meant it.

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

Ilona Merritt Reporter imerritt@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 August 2020

The News

3

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COMMUNITY 4

August 2020

The News

COVID and Other Current Scams

By Deputy Jeffery E. Merry Jr., Community Resource Deputy There is a COVID scam circulating that is taking money from our residents. The basis of the scam is the con artist will assist the victim in obtaining grants and additional stimulus money from the U.S. Government. The con artist eventually requires payment for this assistance and for filing fees. The initial contact is usually from social media. Sometimes it is a cloned account of a friend, so there is an automatic trust. They typically ask for payment with gift cards. Gift cards are not legitimate payment for any government agency or service. Research any grant or stimulus money offers.

Other current scams include the grandparent scam, at-home testing fraud, the romance scam, and the stimulus grant scam.

Stimulus Fraud: If you receive a phone call about the stimulus checks, it is an attempt to get your bank account information. It begins by saying they are the Treasury and they need to direct deposit the money.

At Home Testing Scam: There are people going door to door claiming to be with Homeland Security and offering at-home testing. This is a Medicare scam and the cons charge Medicare thousands of dollars for non-existing Medicare services.

Grandparents Scam: The person claiming to be your grandchild or law enforcement holding your grandchild asks you to send money immediately and provides details on how, for example, via prepaid cards or to a particular Western Union office. The call comes late at night, when a person is more likely to be easily confused.

Romance Scam: These scammers find their victims on social media sites. They build trust and create the illusion of an actual relationship by chatting several times a day and crafting their stories and answers based on information obtained from the victim themselves.

Then comes the request for money. The scammers often say they work on an oil rig, are military, or are a doctor with an international organization. They ask for money to pay for a plane ticket or other travel expenses, pay for surgery or other medical expenses, pay customs fees to retrieve something, pay off gambling debts, pay for a visa or other official travel documents.

The scammers will ask for the money to be loaded onto gift cards, deposited into mysterious bank accounts, and purchase bitcoin.

Never send money or gifts to someone you have not met in person.

If it sounds too good to be true or sounds fishy, it is! Contact HCSO if you are a victim of any of these scams.

Congregation Beth Shalom of Brandon Open House

Sunday, August 9 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

706 Bryan Road, Brandon Learn about the congregation and meet our new rabbi, Paul Schreiber, known as Reb Tuviah. Learn about our many social groups, committees, progressive religious school, and other aspects of our vibrant and caring congregation. To remain COVID-19 compliant, we kindly ask that you wear a mask and practice social distancing. The building is currently closed, but we still look forward to meeting you. Subject to change. Check “bethshalom-brandon. org” for updates or call 813.681.6547.

Friends of the Center 4 Life Learning

The Center 4 Life Learning (formerly Community Church College) has cancelled the 2020 Fall semester classes. We want to ensure safety for all who support the Center and attend our classes and trips. We plan to begin the Spring Semester classes around midJanuary 2021. If you would like to share your expertise or have questions, please contact the Center at 813.634.8607 or via email at “ctr4lifelearning@gmail.com”.

Haven of Hope Receives Grant

Haven of Hope is pleased to announce a grant from the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay. Haven of Hope is a faithbased transition home for women released from prison located in Ruskin. Through this program, they hope to help former inmates productively assimilate back into society.

Don’t Miss the AAUW Buck-a-Bag Book Sale

Saturday, August 8, from 9 to noon 1405 Jacobson Road in SCC The Sun City Center/SouthShore Branch of AAUW (American Association of University Women) has for many years sold used books at their booth at the annual SCC FunFest. Due to the pandemic FunFest was cancelled, and that means there are literally hundreds of fiction and nonfiction books in a garage looking for new homes.

These include large print and coffee table books as well. Best of all, these books are going for only a Buck-a-Bag! Get as many books as you can fit in one bag for only one dollar. A few special hardcover books will be $1 each. Please wear a mask. Bags will be provided!

For more information about AAUW, call President Susan Nasrani at 570.401.5346 or email “suenas1@outlook.com”.

Resident Thanks the Emergency Squad

By Mary-Jane Curtis I want to thank Tony with the SCC Emergency Squad for his precious assistance reaching out to my totally deaf spouse while I was hospitalized. Tony went above and beyond relaying messages from different family members while I was hospitalized. My husband was able to stay in the loop as to my procedures and when I would be released.

Interfaith Council Presents Grant to UMC

The United Methodist Church of Sun City Center received a grant in the amount of $6,790.

This grant will be used to provide healthy, well-balanced meals and snacks for South Hillsborough County children and youth.

Team Effort Supports Struggling Young Adult

By Annie Garrison It takes a team’s collaboration, offering a wide range of services and expertise to assist struggling young adults, helping them find their way to positive wellness.

Because of the COVID19 pandemic J.C. (not her real name) found herself jobless and homeless. It was fortunate for J.C. that Campaign Against Human Trafficking and Domestic Violence-SouthShore (CAHT), Success for Kids and Families of Tampa (S4kf), and L to R: Johnny Giovanetti, Brandon Brandon Volkswagen dealership Volkswagen Assistant Manager; Robbie Chaplin, CAHT Vice partnered together to support J.C.; President, and David Rivgra, her during her crisis.

Brandon Volkswagen Technician.

Each team member contributed helping J.C. get back on her feet and headed in the right direction by providing housing, basic needs, employment assistance, mental health counseling, and car repair. “There is power in pulling together expert resources from our social services agencies as well as our business community,” says CAHT President Annie Garrison.

Campaign against Human Trafficking and Domestic Violence is an all-volunteer nonprofit that supports human trafficking and domestic abuse victims by providing financial assistance, shortterm housing, and other support services and referrals. For more information about CAHT contact 813.938.5660.

Community continued on page 6.

August 2020

The News

5

When treating a heart attack or stroke, time is of the essence.

Even during these times.

Don’t hesitate when it comes to getting emergency treatment.

Even during a pandemic, you still need to be treated immediately if you have an emergency.

Debating whether or not to risk going to an emergency room during a heart attack, stroke or other health emergency—waiting even a few extra minutes—could be harmful. That’s

why in all BayCare hospital emergency rooms, patients who have symptoms of COVID-19 are screened and treated separately. This helps keep emergency room patients and our team members safe. So if it’s an emergency, don’t wait. For more information: BayCareEmergencyCare.org

BAYCARE.ORG 20-1146030-0620

6

August 2020

The News

Here to Lend a Hand

Community continued from page 4.

Elks Donate to Emergency Squad

The Elks Lodge #2672 (Ruskin) donated $2,000 to the Sun City Center Emergency Squad. This donation was made possible through the Gratitude Grant awarded to the Elks Lodge.

L to R: Mike Bardell, Chief, Sun City Center Emergency Squad; Jerry Ray, Exalted Ruler for the Elks Lodge #2672; Joyce DominickShafer, Grants Coordinator for the Elks Lodge #2672.

Sun City Center Rotary Inducts New Officers

The Sun City Center Rotary Club held its annual induction of new officers on June 30. The Club owes a debt of gratitude to outgoing President, Steve Overton, for his leadership and fellowship during difficult times.

The pandemic eliminated the weekly club meetings for an L to R: Jim Wilmouth (Secretary), extended period. In the interim, Mark Scholnick, Steve Overton, online meeting sessions were Georgana Collins, Connie Huber, put in place. As guidelines have Tony Badalamenti (Membership), eased, face-to-face meetings and Bill Krueger. with social distancing were recently resumed with online remote meeting access for those who were unable to be physically present.

While it has been difficult to continue club activities, most local service goals were still accomplished, including high school and continuing college scholarships, local food pantry support, Meals On Wheels assistance, third-grade student personal dictionaries, and the student speech contest.

Incoming President, Connie Huber, was inducted by Rotary District Governor, Mark Scholnick. Connie thanked club members for past contributions and asked for continuing support during the coming year. President-Elect for the next year is Georgana Collins. During the meeting, long-standing club treasurer, Bill Krueger, was congratulated on his 89th birthday.

The SCC Rotary Club, in existence since 1964, meets each Tuesday for lunch at an interim location with remote online support (call Tony at 813.642.8715).

SunTowers Retirement The Couples Community

Volunteers to Our Lady’s Pantry come from across the country with a lifetime of experience in countless areas. For Jim Mecsko, that experience is in electronics. With a concentration in computer programming, Mecsko served as test engineer on the sonar section, in the front of the U.S. Navy’s Mark-48 torpedo, at Gould Oceans Systems. He also served as gaming commissions officer, writing inventory software for the Hard Rock Casino.

After retiring almost five years ago, Mecsko learned of Our Lady’s Pantry, and showed up one Saturday. “I like to help others, Jim Mecsko works outdoors on Saturday morning loading boxes if I see a need,” he says. of non-perishables, fresh produce, At the Pantry, Mecsko fit in baked goods, and meat into immediately, working outside clients’ cars. This past weekend doing the heavy lifting with other the Pantry had double rows of cars guys, moving cartons of fresh from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. produce and meats from the cooler and freezer to the porch to share with our clients, and loading filled boxes of food into their cars. Then one day, when things had slowed down outside, Mecsko wandered inside the Pantry to see what was going on behind the scenes. Among other things, he spotted the registration desks, where folks signed in to get food.

He noticed Anita Bullaro shuffling multiple copies of paper as clients gave their names. Our Lady’s Pantry must keep an assortment of records both for the Church and Feeding Tampa Bay because of our U.S. Department of Agriculture order. He thought, “Why can’t this information be computerized?”

Mecsko was able to identify how many clients came to the pantry in a given week, and whether these individuals lived alone. If a household includes a family, he could record the number of children.

These numbers were then retrievable in seconds, whenever needed.

Mecsko’s efforts out front, loading food into clients’ cars is invaluable, but his skill with computers turned out to be an extra special gift to this Pantry. “We can now determine how many men, women, and children are served by Our Lady’s Pantry, these demographics important for a variety of purposes,” he says.

The Pantry is always interested in kind volunteers looking to help any way they can. Right now, we are in special need of volunteers to help with Saturday morning food distribution, from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Come by, and ask for Anita. For more information about how you could help, visit “www.ourladyspantry.com”.

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.

Enjoy your retirement years together, with activities ranging from playing cards to fishing in Sweetheart Lake.

Call to learn more today!

Call the Men’s Club

813-634-3347 101 Trinity Lakes Drive · Sun City Center, FL 33573 www.SunTowersRetirement.com

ALF License #4991

813-633-7091

or stop by our office 1002 Cherry Hills Drive,SCC

August 2020

Adogable Pets Pet Salon & Spa

The News

7

To show our support Adogable Pets is offering Law Enforcement & 1st Responders a 15% discount on all Grooming services for your civilian pets.

K-9 Officers Grooming services are 100% on us!

In lieu of our services, Officers are welcome to use our facility to bathe their own police dog !

For an appointment call 813-419-4972

Quality, Convenient & Dependable

Sun City Center’s Premier Grooming Salon & Holistic Pet Supplies Store

COVID-19 Update

Please continue social distancing until those directives have been lifted. Check with the Florida Department of Health (“floridahealthcovid19. gov”) and Hillsborough County (“hillsboroughcounty.org”), as conditions may change.

Phase 2 Continues Phase 2 of the Plan for Florida’s Recovery took effect June 5, 2020 for most Florida counties, including Hillsborough. According to the order, local governments may adopt requirements directly on businesses, operations or venues, including buildings, beaches and parks, that may be stricter than the state.

Prevention & Protection Health experts believe the virus is spread mainly from personto-person, through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Wear face coverings when in community settings.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick, and wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after you have

been in a public place.

Exposure & Symptoms Symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing. In addition, any combination of these symptoms may indicate infection: fever, chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell. If you develop symptoms, call your healthcare provider.

Getting Tested Hillsborough County has a dedicated testing reservation line. Call 888.513.6321 to make an appointment for a test at any location, including three in South County: •Redeemer Lutheran Church, 701 Valley Forge Blvd., SCC •Wimauma Opportunity Center, 5128 SR-674 •SouthShore Community Resource Center, 201 14th Ave. SE, Ruskin Reservation call center hours are weekdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Individuals arriving without an appointment will not be tested.

You must have your confirmation code, as well as a photo ID with the name and date of birth of all persons being tested, when you

4884 Sun City Center Blvd. east end of Publix Plaza

813-419-4972 Mobile Grooming

813-300-7902

Call for an Appointment

www.adogablepets.com

go for the test. Info: got to “www. hillsboroughcounty.org” and search “getting-tested”. In the results, scroll down to “Testing & If You’re Sick”.

Mask Mandate Face coverings are still required inside all Hillsborough County businesses that are open to the public, when social distancing cannot be maintained. There are exceptions to this rule, including young children and individuals for whom a face covering would cause impairment due to an existing health condition. For additional details, including a list of excepted individuals, and to read the entire county order, visit “HillsboroughCounty.org” and search “Masks” then “Face Coverings & Masks”.

SCC Community Association While some club rooms and outdoor recreational facilities are open for limited use by club members, many other club rooms and CA facilities remain closed.

If you have a question about a club you are interested in, or the status of a specific recreational facility or amenity, contact the club president or the CA office

g n i r o o l F e r o o M n h o J 42

r in g o o l F he t n i s Year

Tra

il y m a F de •

an d e Own

at 813.633.3500.

Hillsborough County Libraries Hillsborough County Library branches remain closed. You can access contact-free curbside holds, pickup and curbside printing, scanning, faxing, and copying at many library locations, including the SouthShore Regional Library.

Book drops are now open to accept returns. For updates: “HCPLC.org” or 813.273.3652.

Hillsborough County Parks Many county park amenities remain closed.

However, several neighborhood parks, conservation parks, nature preserves, and dog parks are now open. For a list, go to “hillsboroughcounty.org” and search “COVID-19 Closures and Reopenings.“ Visiting Hospitals and Care Facilities Before visiting a hospital or care facility as a guest, call ahead to inquire about that facility’s visitor policy. Many hospitals and other medical or care facilities are required to maintain stricter visitor guidelines as the outbreak continues.

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• Hardwood • Laminate • Vinyl Plank • Carpet • Tile • Commercial Flooring Products such as Carpet Tile or Broadloom

Visit Our 5000 sq. ft. Showroom

John Moore Flooring 813-633-7116

Sun City Center’s Oldest & Most Trusted Flooring Dealer • Golf Cart Accessible • Family Owned & Operated

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8

August 2020

The News

Military News

Military Family Support Trust Scholarships

By Jane Keegan, Executive Director Military Family Support Trust Four 2020 high school graduates from our local area have been selected to receive Military Family Support Trust scholarships.

These graduates come from military families and have worked diligently and devoted themselves to their studies. Their dream has been to further their education and MFST is delighted to help. The scholarships range from $2000 to $12,000 and are paid over the period of the four-year college experience.

Alexander Dyer is from Lithia and graduated from Newsome High School. He will be attending Harvard University. Mason Moulton is from Riverview, graduated from Armwood High School, and will attend Warner University. Sean Jackson graduated from Riverview High School and plans to attend the University of Central Florida. Matthew Rodriguez is from Riverview and graduated from Jefferson High School; he plans to attend State University of New York Maritime college. In addition, there were another fourteen scholarships presented to students from Alabama, Kentucky, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Ohio, and Texas.

A special “Thank You” goes to our faithful supporters who contribute to Military Family Support Trust so that these young people are able to continue in higher education. MFST offices are located at 1010 American Eagle Boulevard, Suite 400, Sun City Center.

MFST Outstanding JROTC Award Presented to Newsome H.S. Cadet

By B. Frank Kepley CAPT USN (Ret.) The Military Family Support Trust (MFST) outstanding JROTC Award was presented to Cadet Maggie Coonfare, Newsome High School,

by Eric Deal, LTC USA (Ret.), Senior Army Instructor, Newsome HS JROTC on Thursday, July 16. The award consisted of a certificate, medal, and check. Maggie will be attending the University of Alabama in Huntsville to study cyber-security.

MFST is a 501(c)(3) organization that supports, through their grant programs, military families past and present. If you would like more information on making a L to R: Eric Deal, LTC USA (Ret.), donation to MFST, contact Lori Senior Army Instructor, and Cadet Maggie Coonfare.

Germain at 813.634.4675.

AUGUST 2020

Bill Hodges Voted an Honorary Member of SCC MOAA

By B. Frank Kepley CAPT USN (Ret.) The Sun City Chapter of the Military Officer Association of America (MOAA) has voted to select Bill Hodges, current host of Sun City Center Sun Radio, an Honorary Member of the organization. Bill will be the sixth honorary member of the local chapter. Since his arrival in SCC his achievements, in particular in working with and for veterans, have been extraordinary. Bill has, in one way or another, touched the lives of all Sun City Center veterans.

Bill is a U.S. Air Force veteran, and has been a Florida resident since 2000. He and his wife Phyllis moved in 2006 from Apollo Beach to Sun City Center where he is well known as a passionate veteran’s advocate. Bill works tirelessly to assist veterans and their families in learning about benefits available to them. In recognition of his efforts, in 2019 Bill was presented the “Keeping the American Patriotic Spirit Alive” award from the Hillsborough County Veterans Council. He was also honored by being chosen to serve as grand opening emcee of the new James A. Haley Veterans Hospital outpatient clinic in Riverview.

Bill hosts a radio show that he started on Sun Radio in 2018 which features guests who disseminate information to help veterans and their families deal effectively with the VA and other government agencies. That program now airs on four radio stations throughout south Hillsborough County and has attracted the interest of several others.

Bill’s other veteran activities include a Veterans Video Photo Project for the Sun City Center Community Association, which he initiated six years ago and still manages. Veterans photos are displayed continuously on a television in the SCC CCA atrium building and shown at various military-related community gatherings in SCC’s Community Hall.

Bill began his Air Force career in 1959 as a Bomb-Navigation equipment specialist on B-52s. He then moved to Armament and Electronics Analysis where he received accolades for a chart system he created that was adopted worldwide by the Strategic Air Command. He later moved to Wing Training and began what would ultimately be his calling in life - training others. He became involved in several areas including the design and development of military and NASA electronic systems. He later started his own seminar company and continued working on military bases as a valued contractor.

In fact, by student evaluations, he was voted most effective out of 1,000 contractors.

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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!

August 2020

The News

BOOK REVIEW Expect the Unexpected

By Andrea L.T. Peterson Los Angeles-based writer, comic, singer, and poet Michael Konik (MK) and his wife, “Queen of Jazzipino,” Charmaine Clamor, live a comfortable life in California’s City of Angels.

It’s a quiet morning when Mike is awakened by a visitor at his door. It’s 7 a.m., and Mike isn’t really thrilled. At the door is Fisher King Mike, a homeless streetwanderer MK knows from open mike night at some of the city’s popular nightspots. What could Fisher King possibly want?

“Hey, look. Sorry to bother you, I need to ask… Do you think I could borrow a pair of pants? I had an accident.” And so begins the curious story of “The Unexpected Guest: How a Homeless Man

from the Streets of LA Redefined Our Home,” by Michael Konik.

This isn’t the first time Fisher King Mike has asked for things, small things like a leftover sandwich or a pair of socks, but now he wants to borrow a pair of pants.

Will he keep coming back again and again, asking for who knows what?

MK is a gambler, but first and foremost, he’s a decent, charitable guy, so off he goes to find a pair of pants that will fit his new best friend. Sure enough, it doesn’t end here. The Fisher King’s story is a complicated and convoluted one. It’s a story a few lines here can’t do justice.

Suffice it to say, he appears to be “not quite right,” and it’s hard to tell how much of what he says is

true, how much is fiction, or how much is a mix—that is, when you can follow his train of thought!

Charmaine is a holistic healer who believes she and MK can change the life of Fisher King Mike.

MK has his doubts. Charmaine insists that, if their new friend is going to stay in their guest house, there will be rules. As they attempt to develop a relationship based on trust, they hit some serious potholes along the way. While MK defines the Fisher King as “a homeless man from the streets of LA who redefined our home,” it’s probably more accurate to say that he “redefined” their lives.

While homelessness is epidemic, the story of the Fisher King Mike is in no way your typical. The Unexpected Guest was an unexpected treat. Thanks to The News’ Bob Sanchez for this book!

Konik is the author of a dozen

By Diane M. Loeffler Most of us took driver’s education courses several decades ago. Unfortunately, our memories may not be perfect.

Also, many of us were living in a different state when we learned to drive, and laws differ from state to state. The SCC Traffic Refresher Course is an easy way to refresh your memory and to learn some of Florida’s laws. All you need is a computer and 30 minutes to spare. If you do not have a computer at home, the SouthShore Library has ones you can use when they are

open. If you have a CA card or a membership to the Sun City Center Library, you will find computers you can use there. If you don’t have the time all at once, you can stop at any point and later pick up where you left off.

I recently took the refresher course. It was easy to access.

Type “www.sccpatrol.org” into your browser. Scroll down the page and click on SCC Traffic Refresher Course. The course presents information, videos and diagrams. You read, watch, listen and click on an answer. A

message will pop up telling you if you are correct or not. If you are incorrect, you can try again until you get it right.

Among the many topics covered are when and how to turn right on red, how to proceed at four-way stops, what to do when an emergency vehicle enters the road, the correct way to turn left on a divided highway, and how the laws apply to cars, carts and bicycles. When you are done, you can print out a certificate of completion or request one.

This course was prepared

9 books, including collections of poetry, novels and non-fiction works. In 2016, he completed what he had hoped would be "the one," his favorite and best book yet. “Year 14” is a dystopian novel about a young man, a journalist who collects information for the national newspaper after the revolution that changes his sacred homeland. He believes the revolution’s caring leader has ushered in a utopia. When an odd fellow is given a job at the paper, our narrator discovers that things might not be as they seem.

For three years, “Year 14” was rejected by publisher after publisher. Finally, a small independent publisher gave the book a second read and determined that it was worthy of their press. I encourage you to read it for yourself and see what you think.

by Deputy Jeffrey Merry and Pete Blair. Blair developed an online CPR course in the past and knows how to create an easy-to-use, visually attractive program. He is a former driver for the Security Patrol, an EMT for The Emergency Squad and a retired instructional designer.

His awareness of the differences between laws in other states and the situations he witnessed here in Sun City Center prompted him to work with Deputy Merry to create a program to help us all. Try it. You will be glad that you did.

Are You Up-to-Date on Florida Traffic Laws?

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The News of

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SUN CITY CENTER COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

Sun City Center

August 2020

...an official publication of the Sun City Center Community Association

CA SCHEDULE

AUGUST 3 Board Workshop to discuss Agenda Via Zoom* – 9 a.m.

ID: 826 3360 9960 Password: 865856 12 Board Meeting Via Zoom* – 9 a.m.

ID: 834 5544 5713 Password: 201263 Please note the date change. In the future, all workshops will be held 10 days ahead of the Board Meeting.

Agendas for the monthly Board Meetings will be posted on Official Bulletin Board in the Atrium the Monday 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.

Joining a Zoom Meeting To join a Zoom meeting, at the meeting time, visit “zoom.us/join”, enter the Meeting ID, and follow the prompts.

IMPORTANT! Prior to the meeting, you must go to “zoom.us” online, create an account, and download the Zoom app for your computer and/or your mobile device. Alternatively, you may also call into the meetings via a smartphone.

Dial 1-646-558-8656.

You will be asked to enter the Meeting ID and Password.

Stained Glass Club Opens with Restrictions

By Andrea L.T. Peterson In June, the Sun City Center Stained Glass Club opened with restrictions complying with CDC, Florida, and CA Board guidelines. According to club president, Ted Riley, they will be “underutilizing the club’s space and equipment, because members are hesitant at this time to go into the club.”

For now, the following guidelines apply: Club members only, no visitors, masks must be worn at all times. To conform with CDC social distancing guidelines, only eight members (and two kiln managers or officers) may use the space at one time. Work areas (six feet apart) have been marked off.

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

CA President Sudman Resigns

County Commissioner Sandra Murman presents Sam Sudman with the Outstanding Volunteer Leadership Award in 2017. (News file photo)

On July 1, SCCCA President Sam Sudman resigned, effective immediately, citing personal reasons. Sam has done quite a lot for this community; so, if you have a chance, reach out to thank him for his years of dedicated service to SCC. The CA Board met on July 2 and elected Director Bob Sullivan as President to finish out Sam’s term, which ends January 6, 2021

NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID MANASOTA FL PERMIT NO 157 ECRWSS ******ECRWSSEDDM****** Postal Customer Sun City Center FL 33573

Scan the code with your smartphone to find us online. www.newsofsuncitycenter.com

It is recommended that you select a workstation closest to the machines you want to use so there is less need to walk around the shop.

Members are limited to three-hour time periods (unless the period following has not been reserved for another member). Use Sign-Up Genius or the sign-up sheets posted on the outside of the club’s doors, members may sign up for one of the following time periods per day: 7 -10a.m., 101p.m., 1-4p.m., or 4-7p.m. Members are asked to finish up about 15 minutes before the end of their three-hour allotted time to clean up and sanitize the work area and tools for the next member’s use. Some machines will be out-of-use due to social distancing.

They will be covered.

Riley says, “There will be no functions or anything like that. It’s kind of

difficult. The club is being used, but,” he adds, “Some members have their own set-ups and are able to work at home… People are pretty happy with how it’s working.”

Meet Bob Sullivan, Our New CA President

By Kai Rambow “I love helping the community,” enthused Bob Sullivan. “I like to see more opportunities for community members’ input,” noted Sullivan.

On July 2, Bob Sullivan became our new CA President, elected to complete the remainder of Sam Sudman’s term.

Sullivan, who was first elected to the board in 2017, has been a very active member of our community since he and his wife moved here 7 years ago.

During the Sullivans’ time here, they have lived in three locations, and Bob has served as HOA president in all three spots. Bob was very active in Security Patrol, serving as assistant chief and captain of two teams. He also heads up the Lifeline program run by the Men’s

club. Perhaps the most fun the Sullivans had so far was as Mr. and Mrs. Claus in the golf cart parade.

Moving Forward The board currently holds a workshop meeting before the board meeting.

Sullivan would like to see some changes to allow for more community members’ input. He remarks it’s about working for everyone with good communication.

In 2021, we can expect the board to move forward on the new building.

Initial planning work has just started with details to be developed over the next year.

The new building will replace Rollins row.

Maintenance costs and other issues are becoming excessive. Breaking ground on a new building won’t be until probably late 2021. A new building design, where to place clubs, followed by the demolition of the current building, will involve a lot of work.

Despite the challenges and workload, Sullivan is enthusiastic about serving as our new president.

Sew’n Sews is slowly getting back to normal. Some members have volunteered to monitor the room during the pandemic. They will have no more than eight members at a time who must wear masks and maintain social distance. They will not be open on weekends. Every day, the Community Association maintenance people sanitize the room as well as clean it. Three two-hour sessions may be held each day. Members must sign up prior to attending to ensure that no more than eight will be in attendance.

In addition, they have begun teaching a quilting block each month by Zoom online video conferencing. Members can then follow-up to receive help with

the block by signing up for a slot during the week.

Some Sew’n Sews members are continuing to make masks, which are available during these sessions. They

are also taking new memberships for $5 for the remainder of the year. This will be done by appointment only. For more information call 813.505.9503 or email at “scc.sew.n.sews@gmail.com”.

Sew’n Sews Slowly Open

August 2020

The News of Sun City Center

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: Go to the CA office at 1009 N. Pebble Beach Blvd. and see the Receptionist. Or, send an email to “sccboard@suncitycenter.org” and include: Name, Address, CA Badge number, Your Email address. Subject of the email should be: “Please add me to CA News Blast”.

President’s Report

By Bob Sullivan, CA President The BOD is one shy as a result of the resignation of Sam Sudman. Sam was completing his tenth year of service, and for personal reasons, he decided not to continue. Sam is still very busy in the community, and we thank him for his service. The BOD will not fill this position. We will wait until December when the membership can vote. Applications for Director will be available on August 19 and must be returned by 3 p.m. by October 7, 2020.

It was just a year ago that we would have talked about another successful July 4th Breakfast and Pool Celebration.

We missed our FunFest and the parties, meetings, and club events that filled our days and evenings with friends.

We look forward to returning to those activities. Many of our residents ask why we have not mandated masks. The state and local guidelines are for business and service providers. We are a private nonprofit community not controlled by those restrictions. The challenge, for us, is enforcement; our personnel are not trained for that, and should not be placed in those enforcement situations.

If we can’t enforce it, we don’t need to set the mandate.

However, we do strongly suggest that masks be worn for your protection and the protection of the community and that all CDC guidelines be followed.

We are implementing some operational changes starting with the next board workshop. In the past, we had the workshop two days before the board meeting. This gave little time for membership conversations to be part of the decision-making process. We have moved the Monday workshop date to ten days before the board meeting.

The August workshop will be held on August 3 rather than August 10.

We are also looking into having two workshop meetings using Zoom video conferencing, one in the morning, and one in the evening. This will allow for persons unable to make one meeting, to connect with the other. We would also like to have a regular (monthly at first) open Zoom meeting to receive questions and input from our residents.

I appreciate the Board of Directors for electing me and allowing me to serve our community in this role. I also want to thank the Long-Range Planning Committee members for their combined effort officially starting the New Building Process.

If you have any questions, email me at “bsullivan@suncitycenter.org” or call me at 813.642.2005. If I am not available, please leave a message, and I will get back to you.

APPLICATIONS FOR DIRECTOR Available in the CA Office on Wednesday, August 19, 2020

There are three positions open for 3-year terms

January 6, 2021 - January 3, 2024

There is one position open for a 1-year term

January 6, 2021 - January 5, 2022

Completed applications must be returned to the CA office by 3 p.m., Wednesday, October 7, 2020.

11

Preserving SCC History Matters

By Ilona Merritt History, saved and preserved, is the foundation for future generations.

We allow those who follow a way to build and know what it means to be a member of this unique community by preserving authentic and meaningful documents, artifacts, photos, stories, and places. History is important, and everyone should study it. Our beginning is more than just the living record of our community. It’s also the story of us. It’s packed with tales of how someone stood up for what they believed in or worked hard to make their dreams of Sun City Center come true.

Our community’s history is fascinating.

Everything we like about our community is ours to experience right here in reality when we study our past. Explore the possibilities today and step into a whole new world. The past is not something

obscure or unimportant; it plays a vital role in our everyday lives. We learn from our past to achieve more significant influence over our future. The past serves as a model not only of who and what we are; we learn what to champion and what to avoid.

History paints us a detailed picture of how society and government worked way back when, so that we can better understand how it works now. Good citizens are informed citizens, and no one can be an informed citizen without a working knowledge of the beginning.

Why do we need to be knowledgeable about history? In 1905 George Santayana, a philosopher, poet, and novelist said it best. His words are still relevant today: “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” Winston Churchill paraphrased it in 1948: “Those who fail to learn from history are condemned to repeat it.”

Get Off the Couch: Try Shuffleboard

By Paula Lickfeldt The Shuffleboard Club is one of the oldest sports clubs in SCC. It was started around the time that homes were being built in SCC. There are ten courts behind the Community Association building.

The cost of club membership is $20 per year. The club has around 100 members.

Usually around 20 members come to the social shuffle at a time. Social shuffles occur on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. There is a training group on Wednesday that will teach the rules of play to anyone who would be interested in learning about the club and how to play shuffleboard.

These lessons usually take between one and two hours. Players arrive at 8:45 a.m. to sign in. After sign-in the players have a random draw to find their partner for the day. They each draw one half of a domino chip. Play begins at 9 a.m.

Every day of play, before play can begin, the members have to “bead the course” with little beads that look like ball bearings. This allows the disk to move smoothly across the cement. Twice a year, the cement is waxed. They waxed the cement in June. Every week every disk gets polished.

Shuffleboard is a game that anyone can play. The members of the Shuffleboard Club range from 60 to 90 years old in age. The game does not take strength, it takes mental strategy. It is a game of hide and seek. You learn to hide your

Tidbits from the Vault:

By Cathy Meyerhoff, Sun City Center History Society When Del Webb’s Sun City welcomed its first residents in 1962 Mr. Webb was prepared to offer them local shopping as well as their fine new homes. Fully stocked stores awaited them at the Sun City Center Plaza.

As I explored the archives this month I came across an October 1964 copy of Del Webb’s Sun City Center Newsletter which introduced the businesses and their owners to Sun Citians. Written by Dick Jones, Public Relations Director for Del Webb, the information provided a personal view of the local enterprises.

Following are several of his descriptive introductions to merchants of the Plaza.

Eagle Variety - If it is something for the home, just ask Frank Coleman.

The manager of this enterprise stocks virtually everything but the kitchen sink…and that comes with the house.

Frank and his family live in Ruskin.

He, too, is a fisherman, but sometimes running this business cuts into rod and reel time.

Hubbell’s Nursery - Ed Hubbell knows the nursery operation. He’s been in it for 15 years now, and the flowering beautification of your new home is his forte. Ed does landscaping, plantings, you name it. Ed and Leona have four children and live down SR-674 a short way. Fishing and skin diving are his hobbies. Ed did the landscaping for the islands down Pebble Beach Boulevard and planted trees on the golf course.

Sun City Center Beauty Salon - Art and Ann Fisher operate this popular

disk behind other disks and to hit, seek, out other players’ disks to hit. It is also a wonderful time to socialize with other club members.

In the past, members would touch elbows in greeting rather than shaking hands. Now in response to COVID-19, they touch cue sticks. Every player also wears a mask. They no longer touch the disks either. Instead of picking up a disk to move it, they move it with their cue stick. They want to have a safe way to get out, play shuffleboard and socialize.

If you are interested in learning more about the Shuffleboard Club, you can call Cathy Hamel, club president, at 516.383.7798.

This article is part of an ongoing series highlighting local ways to stay active and have fun. Club activities may be subject to restrictions relative to COVID-19.

Contact the club for more information.

Shopping at the Plaza in 1964

meeting place for the gals. Ann and her assistants are experts and, ladies, you’ll look and feel like a million dollars after visiting here.

Sun City Center Laundromat Aaron and Mary Alice Lanier do the job here. Not only are they the owners, but they are Sun City Center residents, too. Aaron, by the way, is a former comptroller for the New York Yankees.

Some Sun Citians would rather do the washing and drying here than at home.

There are plenty of coin-operated washers and dryers, as well as a dry cleaning service.

Sun City Center Post Office - Our own P.O., and right in Sun City Center!

Howszat! All of the services normally rendered by a post office are available.

This includes home delivery. Mrs. Polly Cage is the Postmaster. A charming lady …you’ll like her.

Sun City Center Barbershop - Another Sun City Center resident is Jules Gervais, who has been barbering since he was 13, and that was 42 years ago, back in New Orleans in the days of 23 Skidoo, the five-cent beer and shave-and-a-haircut, two-bits. In case you have to wait a minute or two or three, there’s the latest keystone magazines plus gabbin’ with Jules. Jules is an avid fisherman, too.

Sweat Appliance - What do you need?

A refrigerator, waffle iron, freezer, TV, stereo? Lowell Sweat has all for an allelectric city like ours. Lowell and his family live in Wimauma, just east of Sun City Center. Lowell likes bowling. Lowell services what he sells, too.

The list contains several more businesses in and around the plaza.

Stay tuned next month for the second installment of Dick Jones introduction to the Plaza merchants of Sun City

BULLETIN 12

August 2020

The News

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.

Computer Club Monthly Meeting There will be no meeting in August.

Lap Pool Now Open

Guidelines as follows: lap swimmers will be limited to four total at a time, due to 50% rule. Inside spa will be limited to four at a time, due to 50% rule. Will be open the same hours as all other CA Facilities, 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Ed’s Note:

Is your club back in action? Are you meeting again regularly? Accepting new members or inviting current members to come share in the fun? Let The News know by sending us a submission and a photo like the one you read in this issue.

Let us know: Your club is back What the hours are Who is welcome Are you accepting new members Let The News help get the word out. Send this information with a photo and a contact name for folks to connect with.

Lapidary Club

By Paula Lickfeldt The Lapidary Club is accepting new members. To join the club, email “MembershipSCCLapidaryClub@gmail.com”. Each Tuesday, the education director, Kelly Freeman, sends out an email to all of the members telling what classes will be offered that week. The email has a “sign-up” tab where you can click to see when the class will be taught, how many spaces are available and to sign up. Only club members are allowed to take classes. CDC guidelines are followed before, during and after all classes.

Shell Crafters are Creating Again

By Paula Lickfeldt The Shell Crafters studio is open from 7:30 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. Members of the club may work at any time of their choosing during that time period. No more than eight members may be in the work area at a time. There is no sign-up procedure, it is first come first served. So far, this has not been a problem because there are usually only two or three working at a time When a club member arrives, they must sign in and wear a mask the entire working time. They must also practice social distancing. When they leave, they are expected to clean up their work area. No new members are being accepted at this time.

Cat Lovers Club Receives $5,000 grant

Cat Lovers Club of SCC is pleased to announce that it received a grant of $5,000 in July 2020 from the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay for the organization’s Feed the Tuna Chest Program. The Feed the Tuna Chest Program provides assistance in veterinary care and cat food donations for low income seniors, pet owners and colony caretakers in our local community. It also promotes reducing the number of community cats through trap, neuter, vaccinate and return.

Stained Glass Club Draws Winning Raffle Ticket

During the 2020 Stained Glass Club Annual Glass Show, raffle tickets were sold for a beautiful stained glass panel depicting hot air balloons in flight. On July 15, the Board of Directors drew the winning raffle ticket. The winning ticket was held by Christine James of Sun City Center. Please join our club, as we Stained Glass Club president, Ted Riley, congratulate Christine on her lucky win. with raffle winner, Christine Riley.

GFWC Woman’s Club Planning

On Tuesday, June 16, the members of the GFWC SCC Woman’s Club held an outdoor planning and final board meeting. The main topic was how to hold meetings, fundraisers and have fun activities while social distancing until it is safe to meet again in large groups. The ReNew Boutique, which was going to be held at FunFest, will be transformed into an Outdoor Yard Sale, hopefully in the fall. Zoom General Meetings are being researched and planned for the members to attend, with interesting speakers on various topics. The Meals on Wheels Committee updated us on how meals are safely being delivered to residents and the numbers of meals delivered monthly are increasing. Board members attended responsibly, staying a safe distance, and wearing masks, and we were happy to see each other in person.

Volunteerism at Caloosa

Volunteerism is alive and well at Caloosa Golf & Country Club. Members (l to r) Ron Peterman, Director of Greens; Jim Brower; Mike Zissler & wife Aileen Engel, driving the John Deere, were busy trimming & clearing on Hole #11. Not pictured, Doug Carlson. (Photo by Nancy Williams)

Men’s Club Donation Supports Audubon Club

The SCC Men’s Club’s recent donation to the Community Association is in support of the trail enhancement on the West Campus. The Audubon Society has undertaken the maintenance of the trails and the protection of the flora and fauna in the trail area. The Men’s Club is happy to contribute to this project so our residents can visit and walk the trails safely.

L to R: Bob Sullivan, SCC Men’s Club President; Mary Duncan, Audubon Club President; and Sam Sudman.

SCC Men’s Club Supports HLAA

The SCC Men’s Club has donated over $1,000 in 2020 to support HLAA (Hearing Loss Association of America’s Sun City Center Chapter. The donations have supported maintenance of the hearing loop, expenses related to ZOOM Meetings, and the sewing of visible face masks used to facilitate lip reading. The SCC Men’s Club mission is to donate and support health and community projects in Sun City Center.

L to R: Vincente Lopez, Men’s Club VP of Men’s Health; Eloise Schwarz, Chapter Leader, HLAA SCC Chapter; and Samuel Badger, Men’s Health Assistant.

Ceramics Club Is Back

By Paula Lickfeldt The work area is open from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. There is not an advanced sign up.

Members may come any time of their own choosing and work as long as there are not already ten members working. So far this has not been a problem. Each member is required to sign in upon arrival and wear a mask. They must space themselves six feet apart in the work area.

There are cleaning supplies on the tables.

When the member leaves the work area they are required to clean the area where they have been working including the chair where they have been sitting. If they have gotten any supplies from the supply closet, they are required to sanitize that area also.

The club is accepting new members. Visit the work area, club room which is by the shuffleboard and lawn bowling area to sign up.

Pat Jones Photos Featured

On Display at the SCC Chamber of Commerce The Sun City Center Photo Club is pleased to announce that member and Grand Master, Pat Jones, invites everyone to view her award-winning photos at the local Chamber of Commerce.

Normally, this display would include our traditional wine and cheese reception, but due to Covid-19 restrictions, this will not be possible. When you knock on the door, you will enter this beautiful, eclectic exhibit illustrating Pat’s artistic flair. For more information about our club, please visit “www. photoclubscc.com”.

Bunka Artists are Back in Action

By Paula Lickfeldt The work area is open from 8:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday.

Each club member has a certain day that they may work in the work area. The members have to pick a day of the week that they prefer to work and sign up for that day. No more than 10 members can be signed up for any given day. If a member is not signed up for the day but would like to work, they may come to the work area and if there are not already ten members working, they may enter and sign in.

Members may also switch days with other members if need be. If a member does not come to the work area on their chosen day for three consecutive weeks, they relinquish their time and have to resign-up when they are ready to work again.

All people working in the work area must sign in when they arrive. They must wear a mask the entire time that they are working and they must practice social distancing. They are also expected to clean the area where they have been working when they leave. No new members are being accepted at this time.

August 2020

The News

13

Answers to Puzzles on Pages 18 and 19

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August 2020

The News

Supervisor of Elections Shares 2020 Election Plans

Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Craig Latimer is reminding Sun City Center that it’s time to get ready to vote, and wants residents to know about some Election Day polling place reassignments. “As always, we will offer Vote By Mail, postage-paid return envelopes for Vote By Mail, and the maximum number of Early Voting days for Hillsborough County voters,” said Latimer.

“But some of our Election Day polling places are unavailable to us due to COVID-19, and I want residents to make sure they know all the options for voting.”

In the Sun City Center

community, on Election Day: • Voters who usually vote at Sun City Center Florida Room and Sun Towers will vote at Trinity Baptist Church, 702 Del Webb Blvd.

• Voters who usually vote at Sun City Center Community Hall will vote at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 701 Valley Forge Blvd.

“When a polling place becomes unavailable, a lot of thought goes into where to reassign those voters. In this case, we’ve been able to reassign voters to other established polling places that are nearby and have room to accommodate more voters,”

said Latimer.

Florida law requires Election Day voters to vote in their assigned polling place. But voters can also choose a more convenient option – voting by mail or at one of 24 Early Voting locations open August 3 – 16, from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., including SouthShore Regional Library.

During Early Voting, curbside tents will be outside each of the 24 sites for voters who want to drop off a Vote By Mail ballot.

Vote By Mail ballots can also be dropped off at any of the four elections offices in Hillsborough County.

In-person voting is expected to take longer than usual because of necessary health and safety precautions, which include limiting the number of people inside the polling place and continuous cleaning of equipment and surfaces.

Voters should allow at least a week for the ballot to arrive by mail. Voters can track their ballot online at VoteHillsborough. org. Election Day: August 18, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Voters must vote in their assigned polling place on Election Day. Info: VoteHillsborough.org or call 813.744.5900.

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News of Freedom Plaza

By Peggy Burgess When the Freedom Plaza Scholarship Fund, Inc. Board of Directors, a 20-member, all-resident group, held their January meeting, they were entering their busiest time of year, February to April. During that time, all employee applications for 2020-2021 scholarships, in the amount of $ 2,000 each, must be submitted to the selection committee for review and interviews scheduled. This would be followed with myriad steps taken by vote of board members to make it all happen by April 1, the annual Scholarship Awards Ceremony event.

Before the February meeting could be held, the (then) president of the board resigned due to ill health. Almost immediately the Coronavirus pandemic hit, and was followed in short order by Freedom Plaza’s lock-down with residents confined to their respective apartments...no group meetings of any kind permitted. VicePresident Jerry Titsworth assumed leadership of a phantom board of directors as contact, even at “social distance”, with more than two fellow residents at a time was prohibited. Interaction had to be by phone or e-mail.

That meant all business of the board must be conducted in absentia.

As well, the Scholarship Awards Ceremony was canceled in accordance with lock-down rules, so all 26 scholarship

The News

15

Care continued from page 1.

Current officers of the Freedom Plaza Scholarship Fund, Inc. Board of Directors. (seated) Jerry Titsworth, President; (standing, L to R: Dr. Ginny Ewing, Vice President; Carolyn Clark, Secretary; Sandy Titsworth, Treasurer.

winners had to be contacted, their Scholarship Recipient’s Responsibilities forms distributed, signed and collected. Not an easy task when there was no opportunity for direct physical contact between resident and employee.

Scholarship Board members stepped right up. Scholarships were awarded, paperwork was completed, and an election was held. A “virtual” Awards Event even took place (thanks to assistance from the Retired Officers Corporation) with scholarship recipients making “selfies” from home for the master DVD shown on Freedom Plaza’s in-house television channel.

This exceptional work, done under trying circumstances, by members of the Freedom Plaza Scholarship Fund Board of Directors, who are all volunteers, deserves plaudits and we are delighted to give them here.

period, the facility took in 17 dogs and cats, released six for adoption and returned three lost animals to their owners.

CARE is raising money to build a larger, modern facility. The projected cost including design, construction, permits and connection to County water is $3.4 million, and they are about halfway to the goal. The new building will not only house more animals but will consolidate everything into one place, including veterinary services.

One way to donate is by purchasing a memorial brick to honor your favorite pet. It’s an inexpensive way to help, but CARE, a nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization, needs all the financial support it can get. It receives no public funds. “That means we make decisions with the animal at the forefront. We

NOW IN SUN CITY CENTER! CALL FOR APPT.

only take new animals if we have the space and resources to take good care of the animal and there is a reasonable chance of adoption.”

CARE is a great place to adopt a pet. “We ask potential adopters to invest some time with the cat or dog before submitting the adoption application. Taking the time to make a good match between the animal and the adopter ensures greater success.”

For those with the resources, Smith writes, “there are opportunities to make sizable donations and have a portion of the new facility named for them. They can also consider being a member of our Legacy Circle, by remembering CARE in their estate planning.”

To learn more, visit “www. careshelter.org”.

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August 2020

The News

Travel

Iceland’s Golden Circle

By Kai Rambow Note: As we slowly emerge from staying at home, we thought it would be fun for you to travel vicariously. Iceland has just reopened with no virus cases.

Iceland requires good planning, so there is no rush. You can save these articles to plan your future trip.

The almost instant rush of hot water when taking a shower was fabulous, one of the pluses of geothermal power. This offset the near freezing, relentless wind experienced several days while exploring Iceland. It is definitely a land of contrasts.

As our flight landed, the view reminded me of Kona, Hawaii: the same volcanic, lava-caved landscape. It might look the same, but there were no warm island breezes or sun-drenched beaches.

The Golden Circle Almost everyone who makes a quick stop in Iceland makes the Golden Circle trip. People are often under the impression that the tour circles the island. It does not. The Ring Road does that.

The Golden Circle takes about three hours to reach three attractions close to Reykjavik; driving the Ring Road takes close to 24 hours.

The first stop is likely to be Thingvellir National Park. This historic site is where Iceland’s parliament met for 800 years.

Most noticeable are the two tectonic plates that meet here.

It’s somewhat interesting, but not fascinating.

Next is the Geysir geothermal area. If you’ve seen Old Faithful or geysers in other places, you might be a bit disappointed. You can however get pretty close to many of the geysers, and that is always captivating.

The final attraction is Gullfoss waterfalls.

Iceland has a profusion of waterfalls, and this is the highlight of the Golden Circle. It takes some time to walk around and soak in the many different views.

Tip: Driving out of Reykjavik to do this trip on your own is relatively easy. Get really clear directions from your hotel as to what exits to take to get back, otherwise it will be a bit of an adventure.

You could opt to take an organized tour. The cost is $100 per person, so if you have a car take advantage of it.

Tips for a Great Trip Planning: Iceland has significantly more visitors than the population. Two-thirds of

Gullfoss waterfalls are the highlight of the Golden Circle route/tour. Be sure to walk around as the views change quite a bit depending on your position.

Iceland’s population lives in the Reykjavik area. Once you travel outside of the capital, it can be a big challenge to find accommodations.

Many tour companies book blocks of rooms. The result is a shortage of accommodation, especially if you’re trying to do a trip on your own. Even planning a year in advance, it was very challenging to secure a room.

Tip: If you’d rather not tackle challenges on your own, it might be worth your while to book a trip with a tour company.

Accommodations: It was impossible to book rooms directly through a hotel’s website.

Almost all use “booking.com”.

Lessons Learned: Be sure to read the small print. (1) Several bookings indicated they could process payment at any time.

I’d never actually had a hotel

do this, but everyone in Iceland processed the payment a full year in advance. (2) Pay attention to available parking, especially in urban areas and whether or not there is a charge for parking. (3) Check that breakfast is included, otherwise it may cost you $30 or more per person to get your day started.

Car rentals: The pricing in Iceland is steep. A compact car was $700 for the week, and a compact SUV would have been $1,400. The roads in Iceland are very good, so we managed fine with the small car.

Tips: When you plan driving and your stops, take the time given as being a minimum. If it shows two hours, count on at least two hours. Anytime you’ve used half your gas, tank up.

It can be pretty far between towns and gas stations.

We’ve Been Here

We’ll Be Here ®

At Sun City Center &The Courtyards

By Discover y Senior Living

Our pledge to the health and safety of our residents has long been paramount.

It has ingrained in us a commitment to preparedness, even for the unpredictable.

That’s why we have an expansive inventory of supplies, allowing us to deliver onsite healthcare services and immediately enact Enhanced Safety Protocols and Operational Procedures.

Through forward thinking, we have long embraced new technologies and are never ill-equipped or without a resource for someone who needs us, when they need us most. That’s why our community allows families and loved ones to schedule virtual visits and why our Senior Lifestyle Counselors offer virtual tours.

That’s why we are still accepting new residents.

Call us to speak with a Senior Lifestyle Counselor or schedule a virtual tour to find out how we can help today.

Prices, plans and programs are subject to change or withdrawal without notice. Owned and operated by Discovery Senior Living. Void where prohibited by law. Assisted Living Facility License #9439. ©2020, Discovery Senior Living, AGSSC-AGCY-0027 5/20

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August 2020

Kings point

The News

17

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.

Feline Folks Says Have a Plan for Rehoming

KP Recreational Facilities Operational Adjustments

“He was my friend and my companion, and giving him up was very difficult for me…” It is very difficult when life changes cause people to move into facilities that will not allow pets. F e l i n e Folks is sensitive to this. We try to help, but that is not the best option. The pet owner must plan for the unexpected. As veterinarian Dr. Jones says, have a plan, it will be a real source of comfort.

The pet owner may consider rehoming with a family member or a friend; they may also wish to speak with their vet to develop a transition plan.

Encourage a smooth transition to the pet’s new home by helping it get settled and familiar with the new environment.

Feline Folks is a 501(c)(3), nonprofit operating on donations and through the kindness of volunteers. Please consider donating by sending a check to PO Box 6294, SCC, FL 33571-6294. Info: email “info@felinefolks.us” or visit our Facebook page: “Feline Folks of Sun City Center”.

Management has made the decision to include temperature screenings at all clubhouses. In addition, all club, group, and meeting participants must access the North Clubhouse via the main lobby entrance. Please have your Kings Point Badge ready, as you will be required to swipe your badge. Contact tracing has been implemented. All clubs and meetings are required to keep logs of attendance in their areas.

The rear parking lot at the North Clubhouse will be closed, with the exception of a few spots for the laundry room and air pump. Access to the main clubhouse will only be available through the front lobby doors. Masks are mandatory in all common areas of the clubhouse and highly recommended while in meeting or club rooms.

•Same Day Crowns •Full-Mouth Rehabilitation Restorations Hours by •Implants and Implant 1601 Rickenbacker Drive, Suite 7 Appointment •Dentures Sun City Center, Florida 33573 (813) 634 -1932 • www.dentistryforsuncitycenter.com

L to R: Dorothy Beck (K.P. Krafters Member), Catherine Yevoli (K.P. Krafters President), Kirk Warren (Samaritan Services office manager), Julie Floyd (Samaritan Services President), Ann Farr (K.P. Krafters Vice President), and Liz Grillo (K.P. Krafters Director).

Krafters Donate to Samaritan Services

Kings Point Krafters donates $1,500 to Samaritan Services. For

Samaritan Services information please call 813.634.9283.

Hours by Appointment

813-634-1932

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Afib? On Medication?

We have an alternative

First in the Region Patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) are often prescribed warfarin or other blood thinners to reduce the possible risk of stroke. The Manatee Heart and Vascular Center at Manatee Memorial Hospital is the first in the region to provide patients with NVAF the option to receive the WATCHMANTM Left Atrial Appendage (LAA) Closure Device.

How it Works Doctors implant the WATCHMANTM device with a catheter through a vein in the leg, where it is guided to the opening of the LAA. The physician uses the delivery catheter to open the device up like an umbrella. The implant helps to close off the LAA and catch harmful blood clots before they enter the bloodstream and potentially cause a stroke.

Based on manufacturer clinical trial data, most people can discontinue blood thinners within 45 days of the implant.

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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 non-discrimination notice, visit our website. 200129-7587 7/20

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August 2020

The News SOLUTIONS TO PUZZLES ON PAGE 13

August 2020

The News

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August 2020

The News

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