News of Sun City Center August 2023

JULY

The News of Sun City Center

CA SCHEDULE

31 Board Workshop Rollins Theater – 9 a.m.

Zoom ID: 861 9263 3802

Passcode: 694884

AUGUST

9 Board Meeting Rollins Theater – 9 a.m.

Zoom ID: 882 4894 3120

Passcode: 189929

24 Supplemental Board Meeting Board Room – 1:00 p.m.

Agendas for the monthly Board Meetings will be posted on 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

Pancake Breakfast Back With a Bang

By Kai Rambow

“This was great!”

“The organization was impressive.”

“This was a great way to meet people in our community!”

These were some of the comments at the July 4 pancake breakfast.

“We really didn’t know what to expect,” remarked Joanne Sudman, one of the co-chairs for the breakfast. Thankfully all of the hard work by over 140 volunteers paid off. Even though we hadn’t had this event in several years due to the pandemic, attendance

came close to breaking records. Even more impressive considering there were many people attending for the first time.

The execution was challenged but everyone worked through. Unlike previous years where people were more spread out throughout the morning, the event was slammed for over 90 minutes with lines extending out of the building. Most understood and patiently waited. Several mentioned that the line moved quickly. Overall, this was a great event enjoyed by many.

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

POOL PARTY

August 12, from 1 to 4 p.m. Free popsicle treats. Music and karaoke. Rain or shine. Open to all SCCCA members and guests with a guest pass.

Hot Family Fun Day, Cool Pool Party

By Bob Sanchez

On a hot 4th of July, after hundreds had attended the morning breakfast at Community Hall, many moseyed over to the North Campus pool for a refreshing dip or simply relaxing in the shade. Residents plunked down their own chairs or parked their golf carts under the trees and listened to the Jenny & Joey Duo and the 3-Dom Band perform in the gazebo. Right next to it, a busy food truck served burgers, hot dogs, fries, and cold drinks.

It was all part of the Sun City Center Community Association Family Fun Day, which included free ice cream sandwiches while they lasted. Judging by all the smiles, residents enjoyed a fantastic pool party.

News reporter Gezil Andrews taking some time to enjoy the July 4 pancake breakfast.

One of my favorite sights at these events –generations.

For almost two hours the hall was packed. Everyone was fed and had a place to sit.

LRPC August News

The Final Report for the Long Range Master Plan Concept is available on the website: “suncitycenter.org/residents/long-rangeplanning” and in the library. In June, members of the LRPC, the CA club liaison Carrie Blaylock, and Adam Fritz from PI Architect met with clubs to determine their needs if they are relocated. Based on prior community and club input PI Architect worked on the Schematic Design for Phases 1A and 1B. The LRPC and Adam Fritz again will meet with impacted clubs to get further input. The CA Board heard recommendations from the LRPC and PI architects on which clubs to move to the new building. Once the proposed club movements are approved by the Board in August, PI architects will design the interior of the new Applied Arts building.

Again we thank everyone for their input and support over the past year and a half. Though there’s still a lot of work to be done, we wouldn’t have come this far without it.

President’s Report

APPLICATIONS FOR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

are available in the CA office beginning August 16

There are three positions open for a 3-year term

January 3, 2024 – January 6, 2027

There is one position open for a two-year term to complete former Director Eric Porr’s term of office.

January 3, 2024 – January 7, 2026

Completed applications must be returned To the CA Office by 3:00 p.m., October 4, 2023

Board Talks Pools, Parties, and Dances

By Mike Lee

The SCCCA Board of Directors has approved two contracts with Bohler, one for survey and utility services and the other for civil engineering, so that a detailed survey can be completed to exactly establish metes and bounds for all CA owned property and to begin engineering for construction to be completed in phase 1A and 1B if funding approval is gained from residents in the vote that is to take place later this year.

By Ron Clark, CA President

The July 4 Community Breakfast was a tremendous success with 1239 meals served and $7,540 net profit from meal receipts and advertising revenue. More important was the fellowship between community members at the event. The July 4 pool party was also a fun event. We appreciate the challenging work of our volunteers and CA staff on these events. They were the key to success.

We are also receiving reports that the Board’s modification of club policies is resulting in more fun for the Clubs. Dance Clubs report that their attendance is up, and several sports clubs are enjoying the increased reciprocal play.

The summer may seem like a slow time, but the Board is hard at work on moving the process forward on Phase 1 for the Central Campus upgrade project. In June, the Board approved the contracts for architectural design and construction monitoring. In July, the Board approved the contracts for the Civil Land Survey and for Civil Engineering. These were the last contracts needed to allow the design of Phase 1 to begin. The Board will also review the recommendation of the Long Range Planning Committee (LRPC) regarding what clubs will need to be relocated or have their facilities improved as part of Phase 1. The timing for this was not fully determined at the deadline for this article, and the Board will continue to seek member input about the club location plans as well as the design plans for Phase 1. Member input will be critical in developing a plan that will result in member approval at the upcoming vote on construction funding. Again, this project will be debt free, and the Board will hold off on any new Capital Fund expenditures until we know the cost for Phase 1 later this fall.

It was with deepest regret that I accepted the resignation of Eric Porr from the LRPC and the CA Board due to a personal decision he made regarding time constraint issues with his other responsibilities. Eric served the CA Community well, but we are in good hands with Kim Roush who has served as Vice Chair of the LRPC and will now step up to the Chair role.

The Board has established the SCCCA-Future Facilities Fund where individuals interested in contributing towards the cost of our facilities can donate. It is hoped that this fund can accelerate our building process for future master plan phases. In July, the Board approved documents that formalize how individuals can provide a major donation to have a facility named after them. This would be a great legacy to have. Please contact me for more information about the SCCCA-FFF.

Board President Ron Clark discussed the success of the July 4 breakfast at the monthly Board of Directors meeting, stating that 1,239 people were served in the event, and that the CA profited $7,540. He said that “More important was the fellowship between community members at the event. He went on to say, “The July 4 pool party was also a great success. We appreciate the hard work of our volunteers and the CA staff, because they’re really the key to making these events successful.”

Clark went on to talk about the new modifications of club policies has had a positive result. “Dance clubs report that their attendance is up.” Other

clubs are benefiting as well.

the pickleball courts construction is virtually complete and that they are being fully utilized at this time. The construction has a warranty period of three years, so outstanding issues are being resolved quickly, and will continue to be moving forward. Final drawings for the volleyball court construction have been submitted, and the hope is that they will be approved soon, so construction can begin. She also reminded residents that there is another pool party scheduled for August 12, from 1 to 4 p.m.

Reitz wanted to remind residents that the indoor pool project will take place from July 3 to August 21. A schedule has been developed to help indoor pool users share the outdoor pool. She said, “Everybody will get a little time. The schedule will be sent out to all the clubs that will be affected.”

Board meetings are held on the second Wednesday of every month, at 9 a.m. in the Rollins Theater. All CA members are welcome to attend, either in person or on Zoom.

Magnolia Lakes POA President and community gardener, Ron Nelson.

In an effort to learn about community resources, Ron Clark, President of the Sun City Center Community Association, and Debbie Caneen, SCCCA Corporate Secretary, toured Samaritan Services.

“I am impressed with the number of services being coordinated on behalf of our residents in Sun City Center,” said Ron Clark. “Pat Rapach, VP of Samaritan Services, gave a detailed explanation of each service provided: Samaritan Ride (local), Out of Town Ride, Meals on Wheels, and Samaritan Alzheimer’s Auxiliary which demonstrates the coordination of volunteers in our community. The level of volunteer services being provided under one roof is astounding.”

Pat explained the process to receive free local transportation, care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s which offers relief to a caregiver and the Meals on Wheels program where meals are delivered to the doors of Sun City Center residents.

“I encourage members to volunteer with Samaritans.” said Debbie Caneen.

“When I hear the phrase, Neighbors helping Neighbors, Samaritan Services is a perfect example.

Western Connecticut State University shares: “Reducing the risk of depression is another important benefit of volunteering. A key risk

factor for depression is social isolation. Volunteering keeps you in regular contact with others and helps you develop a solid support system, which in turn protects you against stress and depression when you’re going through challenging times.

Have you just had surgery and are finding it difficult to cook now that you are home recovering? Just call Samaritan Services at (813) 634-9283 and for a small fee to cover the cost of the meal, you will receive a delivery at your door that was created at HCA and delivered by volunteers coordinated by the Woman’s Club of SCC in partnership with Samaritan Services. Truly a wonderful example of community connections. Be sure to visit Samaritans today. Receive the help you may need or connect with those who need you!

Quilts Donated To Hospice House

SCC Sew’n Sews Club members have been busy cutting and sewing fabric to make quilts for the Hospice House located on Upper Creek. This charity project is headed up by Sew’n Sews Club member, Margaret Mustion who is a volunteer at the Hospice House. The fabrics used to make the quilts are bright and cheerful – feminine patterns for ladies and masculine patterns for men. All of the quilts are meant to provide a ray of sunshine and joy as well as relay a message of caring. Sewing items for charity is one of the ways Sew’n Sews give back to the community. Three of the main charities are “The Kids’ Place”, “Cases

for Ryan”, and Veterans Patriotic Quilts. Club members can also submit the name/purpose of a local charity to the board along with a description of the suggested project. Once the board approves the project, club members work together to complete the charity project using fabric that has either been donated by the community or purchased by the club.

Sew’n Sews is located in the Arts and Craft Building on Cherry Hills Drive. Membership is open to SCC residents in good standing as well as Kings Point card holders. For more information stop by the club or call 813-505-9503 or “ scc.sew.n.sews@gmail.com”.

Family Connections: Kathleen and John Zegras

By Paula Lickfeldt

Fasten your seatbelt and get ready for the ride. Frank and Eileen Ruehl started a progression of people to Sun City Center that has covered several generations and lots of different families. It all starts here: Frank and Eileen Ruehl came to SCC in 1991 and lived on Captiva Ct. until 2012. Eileen’s brother Tom English came to SCC in 2005 and rented until 2007. In 2007 he bought a home in Kings Point and lived there until 2016. In 2017, Tom’s son Kenneth moved to KP where he still resides. Eileen’s other brother Ed English and his wife Mary came in 1992 and lived on Westminster until 2001 when they also moved to KP where they lived until 2013. Ed and Mary’s daughter Ellen and her husband Jeff Dolan lived in KP from 2005 until 2015. Mary’s sister Grace and her husband Jim Ryan moved to KP in 2003 and they still reside there. In 2011 Eileen’s daughter Kathleen and

her husband John Zegras, known to all as coach, moved to SCC. John’s brother Pete and his wife Joan bought a home on South Pebble Beach in 2021 and Kathleen and John’s best friends from New York, John and Debby Antonecchia, bought in Verona in 2018. Debby’s sister Cathy Coshal bought a condo in 2018. Kathleen’s brother Frank Stanley and his wife Frinee plan to move to SCC in two years.

John Zegras had thought he wanted to live on the Atlantic side of the state when they moved to Florida. When he went there to look around, he did not like it because it was too crowded. He went to visit Kathleen’s parents in SCC, liked what he saw and decided to look around for a home. They bought the first contract that Minto sold in the Renaissance area and have enjoyed making friends and entertaining in their home.

Kathleen and John came to SCC from Rye, New York, in 2011. Kathleen was a Director for Human Resources at NY Presbyterian Hospital. She was still working when they bought their home on Siena Vista so she was a snowbird until 2015. John taught math at Rye High School for 37 years and he coached ice hockey at Rye for 20 years. Kathleen met John when her nephew started playing on John’s ice hockey team. John did not start playing golf until 2008.

Comfortably settled into retirement, both Kathleen and John have gotten involved with activities in SCC. Kathleen plays golf at Club Renaissance, plays Mah Jongg there and drives for the Security Patrol. She wanted to do that because her mother had done it. John spends as much time as he can at Tampa Downs where he has a box to watch the races. He owned thoroughbred horses in Kentucky that raced in Saratoga, Chicago, Churchill Downs, and Keeneland, KY. When he is not at the race track, he likes to play golf and watch sports on TV. They both enjoy traveling and of course going to racing events.

Both Kathleen and John love living in SCC. They like to spend time with friends and family. They think it is remarkable that so many people have ended up living in SCC because Frank and Eileen moved here in 1991.

HEALTH ARTICLE Ladies Making Things Happen in the Fitness Center

By Gezil Andrews

“Health and strength is above all gold,” says Oscar

Auliq-Ice author, “Secrets of Greatness.”

This intention is shared by Susie Watkins, an 85-year-old fitness female warrior in Sun City Center. Susie has lived in SCC for 18 years and has been working out on her own in the fitness center for 10 of those years. She worked out at home during Covid, but she is right back at it now.

When I asked how many friends she has who also work out, she said none: “Most are couch potatoes, but I follow my own goal! I moved to Sun City Center from California because my two sisters live here, but neither one of them works out so I get on with it on my own.” She is a dynamo at 4’9” and 90 pounds. She has had two back surgeries, but that doesn’t stop her. She uses exercise to support her bones.

Susie dedicates three days to her fitness schedule, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 6 a.m. She wants to make sure she doesn’t have to wait in line for a machine or a weight, so she starts out early. This also gives her plenty of time to do her gardening. Susie lives on the

lake so she can sit enjoying her flowers and watch the breeze over the water.

Eileen Ballingall celebrated her 47th wedding anniversary working out at the gym on the day I first met her. Her husband Bill also works out, so it’s a couple’s activity. She focuses on free weights and machines. Eileen also works out three days a week because she finds that discipline and consistency make a difference. She doesn’t take any formal fitness classes, but she walks

the inside reverse pool and swims in our outdoor pool. Eileen shared with me that one of the reasons she and her husband moved here from West Virginia is because of all of the great activities and facilities we have. She said, “Our gym is wonderful; we have all that a commercial gym would have.” Eileen loves Sun City Center because it matches her energy and believe me, she has plenty of it! There are many other ladies who work out at the SCC Fitness Center. We are

an active community and as we grow, we will become more active. New residents are pulled here by our beautiful property and vibrancy. These two Women Warriors are beautiful and vibrant.

Kathleen and John Zegras

L to R: Galya Mentis (Secretary), Ron Clark (President, SCCCA), Pat Rapach (Vice President), Jim Gundry (Treasurer), Debbie Caneen (Corporate Secretary, SCCCA).

Susie Watkins, in yellow, does pull ups and then lunges with weights.

Julia Macek, Hospice House Volunteer Coordinator, received 15 quilts.

Eileen Ballingall: Free Weight arm ropes, one of her favorites.

CLUBS

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, 10 to 11:45 a.m. • 951 North Course Lane

August 2 • “Vajrayana Buddhism” presented by Kristin Geeslin.

August 9 • “Seniors Versus Crime” presented by Rose & Bill Pogash assisted by Kay Loebel & Cindy Ciciora.

August 16 • “Bach Flower Therapy” presented by Trisha Kirby.

August 23 • “Exploring Birth Numbers” presented by Sally Menniges.

August 30 • “Grief Yoga, a new unique stress relief” presented by Robin Trotter. The mission of the Metaphysical Society is to inspire and empower others to explore and discover their highest expression of spiritual self-awareness. Info: Roger 813 326-3697, Vicky 813 398-7033, or Nancy 813 541-1945. Zoom link available by mailing “MetaphysicalSociety@gmail.com”.

SCC History Society

July 4 was a busy day for the History Society members. Members spent the morning at Community Hall during the very well attended Holiday breakfast, monitoring the History Society display tables filled with posters, pictures and information on the history of SCC. Many residents paused and enjoyed the information that was available, asked questions and several took applications to fill out to be included in the Family Connection section of the SCC history.

The Family Connection section is information from current residents who became familiar with SCC while visiting parents, grandparents and other relatives that currently live here or had lived here in the past. The Society encourages all residents that have moved here because of family connections to share the information with us. Some of our members did the early shift at the history display tables and then moved over to the breakfast prep and serving lines to assist with whatever was needed to help serve the residents and keep the long lines moving as quickly as possible. Again, the donations for the Historic Marker have almost reached the goal, and many are looking forward to seeing it after installation and unveiling outside the CA offices in January 2024.

Stained Glass Club members are beating the heat this summer by working on stained glass projects for themselves as well as projects for sale. Membership in the club is open to all members in good standing of the SCC Community Association. We are open and you’re welcome to stop by and see what we are all about. Classes resume in September.

Bunka Club News

The Japanese art of silk embroidery is this picture made with threads. We are a year-round club that meets Monday through Thursday 9 to noon in the arts and crafts building next to stained glass. Stop in to see and understand what we are doing.

Multicultural Heritage Club

For the 2023-24 year, the meeting times remain the same: noon until 2 p.m. on the second Friday of each month, September thru May. Those dates are: September 8, October 13, November 10, December 8, January 12, February 9, March 8, April 12, and May 10. Join us for a photo discussion of the culture of Ancient Egypt at our upcoming meeting on September 8 in the Caper Room of the Atrium building. We look forward to exploring and celebrating the many complexities of our shared cultures.

SCC New England Club Cookout

Thursday, September 14, from 5 to 7 p.m.

Atrium, Florida Room

Hot dogs, burgers, baked beans, water, chips and cookies will be served. Cost is $6 per person paid upon entry for New England Club members. Non-members must pay an annual $5 per person New England Club Membership fee and $6 per person cookout fee. Email us at “nectickets@gmail.com” to reserve. Must wear SCCCA badge for entry. You can bring other beverages if desired. BYOB. RSVP by Saturday, September 9, 2023.

Shell Crafters of SCC

By Paula Lickfeldt

SCC Woodcarving Club Scores Big

The SCC Woodcarvers are always eager to show their works of art and put a lot of effort into preparing for both the regional and state woodcarving shows and competitions. The 2023 Southwest Florida Wood Art Exposition and Competition was held in Punta Gorda, Florida. This is one of the largest shows and competitions in Florida attracting participation from carvers throughout the state. Eighteen carvers entered 38 beautiful pieces of work for judging. Carvings are judged in four skill levels, novice for beginning carvers, through master carvers. Thirty of our entries were awarded ribbons, including 22 first-place blue ribbons. In addition to the regular competition, two carvings were awarded Best of Show in their categories.

The Florida State Fair Woodcarving competition was held in February 2023, in Tampa. Club members always look forward to entering this statewide competition as it is one of the largest and most challenging. Twenty-one carvers entered 50 carvings and were very successful winning 43 ribbons, including a Best of Show for a Bellamy Eagle carving. The club is proud of the accomplishments of their carvers and has examples of their work on display in the window outside the woodcarving workshop.

Our club offers many opportunities for people interested in woodcarving. Classes and personal coaching are available for the beginner to the advanced person. For more information call Club President Punky Fedora at 417-299-3121.

What do shell crafters do? They make things with shells of course. And what beautiful, interesting and unique things they make. Visit the Shell Crafters shop in the Arts and Crafts building on Cherry Hills Dr. any Monday, Wednesday or Friday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. to see what they have made. You will find all kinds of practical and fanciful items made by club members and on display at the shop. They have great gifts for weddings, graduations, birthdays and Christmas. They also have many items for home decoration. Everyone is invited to come and take a look.

The club has about 30 members who pay $15 each year in dues. The club members work on projects in the craft area of their shop. When working on a project, the crafter may bring shells from home or they may buy them at a very reasonable price from the club. Each member is asked to donate two items to be sold by the club. The shop is open for sales on Golf Cart Parade day, the Holiday Shopping Walk, FunFest and Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. With the money they earn from the sales

in the shop, they make donations to nonprofits each year. The club members will decide which charities they want to support at their Fall meeting this year. In the past they have made donations to the Emergency Squad, Sawdust Engineers, DAV in SCC, Human Trafficking, Good Samaritans, Athena House and A Kids Place in Brandon to name a few. Once in a while a club member sees something in a craft magazine or at a craft show that she feels other members would like to make. An email blast will go out telling everyone what will be made and when it will be made. Anyone in the club may come to make the project. The last workshop was to make starfish trees.

As well as working in the shop with other members, the club has parties. In October they will have a “welcome back” party for all of the snowbirds and this year the Christmas Party will be in November.

For more information about the Shell Crafters Club you can stop in the shop when it is open or you can call April Ganch at 847-791-1577 or Sue Jobson at 231-492-6679.

Michele Horvath and Susie Brown

Club members J.Z. Zintel, Sue Jobson and Cathy Collier

Pickers Celebrate Dylan’s 82nd Birthday

By Andrea L.T. Peterson

Recently, during their regular Wednesday jam session, the Front Porch Pickers celebrated Bob Dylan’s birthday with a playlist of Dylan hits. A crowd of more than 100 enjoyed the tribute. A handful of Pickers were highlighted with solos on the harp, the harmonica, guitars and fiddle/violin. All that was missing was a birthday cake and candles. Safe to say, a good time was had by all. The Pickers welcome guests during their regular weekly rehearsals/jam sessions in the Rollins Theater, Wednesdays from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

AAUW Sponsors Campers

Each year Florida AAUW (American Association of University Women) has two Tech Trek camps at Florida Universities for qualified seventh grade girls to encourage them to go into math and science careers. This year the local AAUW Sun City Center SouthShore branch is sponsoring six girls. Four attended Tech Trek camp at Stetson University in Deland the third week in June, and two attended Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton the second week in June.

The whole process started last fall when science and math teachers recommended girls with an interest in those fields. Each girl had to fill out an application and write an essay on the importance of math and science. Then this spring each local AAUW branch interviewed their candidates and recommended those qualified.

Our local AAUW found all six of our candidates qualified and excited about math and science and recommended them for acceptance to Florida AAUW. Rhadi Ferguson, Khiley Thomas, Kanique Lewis, and

Izabella McDonald went to Stetson University in Deland, Florida, the week of June 1117 while Gabrielle Bradshaw and Saramyia Simpson went to Florida Atlantic University in Jupiter, Florida June 18-24.

SCC Rotary Humanitarian Aid Grant for the Ukraine

Last fall David Wolfe visited the Sun City Center Rotary Club to give a presentation on the impact of the Russian war on the Ukraine. This presentation led to a $50,000 Rotary Ukrainian Disaster Response Grant.

David is an American living in Prague in the Czech Republic. He has a connection with Sun City Center via his mother, Idalea Rubin, who resides in Freedom Plaza. Idalea was married to Bob Rubin, a prior member of the Sun City Center Rotary Club who passed away some years ago.

David has spent much of his adult life in Europe, including six years in Russia. While in the US Army he functioned as a Russian expert while residing in West Berlin. Following his military career, he worked as an investment banker, specializing in increasing East/West trade activities. David’s home in Prague is close to the Ukrainian city of Lviv, which is the largest city in western Ukraine. At the start of the Russian invasion, David had to cancel business plans in Odessa on the Black Sea due to the war. At that point David and his associates shut down their business and began working full time to provide needed equipment and supplies to those resisting the Russian incursion. As the huge scope of the effort was recognized, they realized much larger sources of assistance were

needed. While he hadn’t been part of Rotary previously, he was aware of the international support structure of Rotary International. At that point, he joined the “Ukraine Unity“ Rotary Club in Lviv, Ukraine.

Following David’s SCC presentation, Bill Cox, SCC Rotary President, contacted him to further discuss the possibilities for Ukraine humanitarian aid. David put Bill in touch with Borys Bodnar, President of the “Ukrainian Unity” Rotary Club in Lviv. Borys himself grew up in

Ambulance with Ukrainian Rotarians

Speaker David Wolf with Mother Idalea Rubin

Marie Everett and Harold Davis

David Lickfeldt

Stephen Spurling and Paul Letendre

Sherm Kohler and Ron Hatfield

Gary Pate

Rotary continued on page 2.

The Editor’s Corner

School’s In Forever

By E. Adam Porter Editor, News of SCC & South County

Every place I go these days, the “Back 2 School” (always spelled this way) signs are up, and the sales are on. As a kid, I loved the beginning of a new school year, and I loved shopping for supplies even more. We would get all the necessities—pens, pencils, pouches, folders, paper, and notebooks, all of that—but, if I was “good,” and I dropped the right hint at the right time, some new art supplies might find their way into the shopping cart as well. At that age, I burned through art supplies like crazy— pencils, charcoal, markers, and paints—all of which I used to create comics and posters and all manner of characters and stories.

Later, my “bonus buys” during the school supply rush would be spiral notebooks and pens that didn’t smudge—I’m a lefty, so pens that don’t smudge are like spun gold. Eventually, I would learn to type, but I would prefer notebooks until… well… until always… I still have a stack of notebooks on my desk right now, and I still carry at least two pretty much everywhere.

There were other less enjoyable aspects of “Back 2 School” shopping: dress code appropriate clothes and shoes, haircuts, covering books with brown paper shopping bags we were not (“under any circumstances”) allowed to “scribble on.” Of course, we did, but that fun came later.

What Back 2 School never meant for me was “back to learning.” I was one of those lucky kids raised up around curious adults. For them, learning something new or interesting was a constant

Rotary continued from page 1.

England after his family migrated there from Ukraine. When the war started, Borys chose to move back to Lviv to facilitate Rotary aid to Ukraine. Since the beginning of the war, his Rotary club has been the focal point for distributing almost a million dollars of humanitarian aid to the Ukrainian people.

Rotary has clubs in over 200 countries, with 1.4 million members in 46,000 Rotary clubs all around the world. Ukraine itself has more than 90 Rotary-related clubs. Given Rotary’s purpose as a service organization, the war has actually increased the amount of Rotary club activity within the Ukraine.

For more information on how Rotary is continuing to organize Ukraine humanitarian aid see: www.rotary.org/en/rotary-

pursuit, an expected and important part of being a thinking, caring, responsible person. Thinking back on this example, I’m reminded of a quote by the esteemed and prolific crime novelist, John D. MacDonald. “J.D.” put a lot of things very well, but his thoughts on education are eloquent and timeless:

“

Education is something which should be apart from the necessities of earning a living… It needs contemplation, fallow periods, the measured and guided study of the history of man’s reiteration of the most agonizing question of all: Why?”

MacDonald was speaking through one of his novel characters at the time, so there’s a bit of melodrama attached to the tone of that idea, but it’s well said, regardless. Education is a lifelong pursuit that does— and should—have ebbs and flows. There will be times when we are learning, times when we are doing, and times when we’re doing both at once. My favorite bit of wisdom in this is that we should be intentional about contemplating what we know and testing how we know it. We should ponder, rather than only process. Tinker with ideas, poke at them, look for holes, and scrape off the dross to get to the gold.

One of my mentors said this even better, I think. John Sholine was a retired engineer who, when I knew him, owned and operated a cattle ranch right down the road from our small horse ranch. We sold him horses, and I spent a lot of summers sitting on his front porch sipping Dr. Pepper, reading Louis L’Amour—he had a long shelf in his bunkhouse chock full of dogeared Westerns—and talking about learning, about history, and about life. One time, when I was maybe twelve, I asked him why he went from engineering to ranching. He grinned from the side of his mouth, and, after a long pause, said:

“

It was something I was curious about, so I decided to try it. When I tried it, I liked it. So I stuck with it.”

Looking back now, through the decades, I’m certain there was an iceberg’s worth of subtext to

that statement, but, at the time, the simple truth of it sunk deep in me and sprouted: Don’t be afraid to try new things. You will find some new things you enjoy, and some of those things may surprise you. I’m grateful for that advice every time life decides to take me on a detour, when change comes knocking, or when the comfortable status quo is upset. And I’m grateful for the through-line that connected his perspective with others who have invested in me over the years: Curiosity

About curiosity, author James Stephens said: “Curiosity will conquer fear more than bravery will.” He was right on the money. The desire to learn more—and the attitude of openness that

comes with it—destroys fear and all of its ill-begotten children: prejudice, hate, shunning, and the trap of missed opportunities. The need to know more and to test that knowledge is a powerful aphrodisiac. Honest questions should never be treated as a luxury or—as they sometimes are, even in formal educational settings—as a reason for derision and dismissal. The pursuit of knowledge—not just what, but how and why—is a lifelong one, and its riches are available to everyone. I’m grateful every day for people who chiseled this truth onto my heart; and, if they learn anything from me, I hope my sons—and my new grandson—learn this: School is always in.

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

responds-ukraine-crisis. If you would like to provide monetary support to assist the Ukraine, it can be done through Rotary. Please contact the SCC Rotary President, Bill Cox (813-6343936).

The SCC Rotary Club meets each Tuesday for a lunch meeting and topical presentation at Freedom Fairways. For more information visit its Facebook page at www. facebook.com./RotarySCC/ or call Connie (membership) at 813-957-6482.

Paula Lickfeldt Reporter plickfeldt@soco.news

John Wolf Advertising 813.938.8721 newsofsccads@gmail.com

Kai Rambow Reporter krambow@soco.news

Bob Sanchez Reporter bsanchez@soco.news

Andrea L.T. Peterson Reporter apeterson@soco.news

Nancy Jean Design and Layout art@soco.news

Ilona Merritt Reporter imerritt@soco.news

Mike Lee Reporter mlee@soco.news

Gezil Andrews Reporter gandrews@soco.news

Contributors: Frank Kepley, Garry Higgins, Bob Monahan, Peggy Burgess, Tiffany Rivers, Debbie Caneen, John Lampkin, Cathy Meyerhoff, and Ron Clark. (CA President).

Examples of assembled first aid kits.

SCC South Shore Lions Club

The Sun City Center/South Shore Lions Club recently held their Installation and President’s Appreciation Luncheon. District Director Jimmy Gregory installed the new officers for 2023-2024. Many awards were given out by current Lion President Harry Eberle. The Lion of the Year Award to Ellen McGovern and Melvin Jones Fellow Award to Jim Townsend.

New Board Members for 2023-2024 will be as follows:

President Bob Jenkins, Immediate Past President Harry Eberle, 1st Vice President Dana Schroeder, 2nd Vice President Patrick Soja, Secretary Pat Schumacher, Treasurer Rich Bothroyd, Membership Chair Kathy Lawless.

Directors are Iva Jenkins, Martha Delgado, Jim Townsend, and Ellen McGovern.

The Lions meet the first and third Tuesday of the month at Sun Towers Auditorium. Meeting begins at 11:30 and lunch is served. If you would like lunch a reservation must be made with Lion Pat Schumacher at “bpsch@gmail.com”. Cost of the meal is $12.

SCC Photo Club Winners in the FCCC

The Florida Camera Club Council (FCCC), founded in 1959, is a nonprofit umbrella organization under which members of camera clubs throughout Florida can benefit by the interchange of ideas and the experience of other photographers. There were two SCC Photographers that won ribbons in the recent FCCC print competition. Marcia Timmins and Sherry Kalczynski both won yellow ribbons, indicating that they were in the top 25% of all the entries.

Kindred Spirits August Meeting

August 2, at 3:30 p.m.

Kings Point Banquet Room

Come meet other women to enjoy life with and build friendships. In August we are throwing an old-fashioned swap meet. Bring three items and take three items. If you are from outside of Kings Point, let the guard at the gate know you are coming for Kindred Spirits. Questions call Michelle Mason at 813-492-8920 or “mmason@ seniorsinservice.org”.

Seeking Vendors for Arts & Crafts Show

The South Hillsborough Elks Lodge #2672 of Ruskin, 160 S. US HWY 41, is accepting vendor applications for an upcoming indoor Fall Community Arts & Craft Show on Saturday, September 23, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Only handmade crafters need apply. The fair will feature one-of-a-kind items. Booth fees will begin at $25, and table provided.

Applications accepted through August 15 and must include photos that depict what will be displayed. Vendors will be notified by August 20 of acceptance of the show. For more information and an application, either phone: 813-340-1516 or email: Lodge#2672@

CAHT Delivers Rescue Backpacks

Volunteers from the Campaign Against Human Trafficking (CAHT) delivered 30 rescue backpacks to the Tampa Bay Human Trafficking Task Force at the St Petersburg police station this week. CAHT’s mission is to actively support the fight against human trafficking. Rescue backpacks are provided to the survivors of human trafficking who very often are rescued with only the clothes on their backs. So far in 2023, 116 rescue backpacks have been delivered to the Human Trafficking Task Force and other organizations that provide safety and assistance to survivors, 719 over the past five years.

Valencia Lakes Golf Cart Parade

Valencia Lakes Golf Cart Club and the lifestyle team had a spectacular 4th of July Golf Cart Parade. Twenty-five carts were decorated in the holiday tradition of red, white, and blue. Music was also a highlight. Many spectators were on hand waving flags and cheering on the parade. This was the 11th year that has always kicked off the beginning of summer.

Ceil Permenter, Team Leader Bonnie Doll, Ann Fenimore, and Linda Bennington

L to R: Lion President Harry Eberle; Lion Jim Townsend, Melvin Jones Fellowship Award recipient; and District Governor Jimmy Gregory.

Photos are provided by Francis Fedor.

Community continued from page 4.

SCC Rotarian of the Year

The Sun City Center Rotary Club presented awards for Rotarian of the Year for 2022-2023. Ann Hammond was recognized for her significant contributions as Service Projects Chair, which doubled the number of community projects undertaken during the year. Also recognized was Rea Cantwell who has taken on multiple roles, most currently as Club and Foundation Secretary, as well as running the Pecan Sale which is the primary source of funding for the High School Scholarship program. The SCC Rotary Club meets each Tuesday for lunch with a topical speaker at Freedom Fairways. Info: 813-957-6482.

Kim Kordalski is Seniors in Service Volunteer of the Year

Gals and Games Ice Cream Social

GFWC SCC Woman’s Club, Inc. hosted a Gals and Games Ice Cream Social in mid-July in the Sandpiper Room in the Atrium. Attendees enjoyed the variety of games and variety of toppings for their ice cream. Info: “sccwcmembership@gmail.com”.

engagement manager of Seniors in Service in Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas Counties recently named Kim Kordalski recipient of Volunteer of the Year for her outstanding service and dedication to the community. Noble presented the award to Kordalski at a recent dinner honoring volunteers throughout the community.

In announcing this award, Nobel said that Kim dedicates her time every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday to organize and distribute food to those in need.

“Kim has been working here since 2020, shortly after she moved to Florida from Arizona,” added Tom Bullaro, who serves

as director of Our Lady’s Pantry. “She works whenever we need her, even well beyond her usual schedule. Her contributions have made a significant difference in the lives of many.”

In addition to her work at the Pantry site in Wimauma, Kim serves as Ambassador to Seniors in Service on behalf of Our Lady’s Pantry, attending various events, recruiting volunteers, and helping to spread awareness about the work of the food pantry.

“We are incredibly grateful to have Kim as part of our team,” says Bullaro. “Her dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to serving the community are remarkable.”

Golf Cart Raffle

The annual golf cart raffle, sponsored by the Sun City Center Security Patrol kicked off at the July 4 community breakfast. Tim Broad, Chief of the Patrol, said that the raffle is “to raise funds for the patrol. There are no administration fees. 100% of the donations go to the Patrol.” Tickets are being sold for $5 each, with discounts for larger quantities, up to 100 for $250. Tickets are being sold at the Patrol office, from 9 to 3 p.m. weekdays. Broad said that field events for ticket sales will be taking place at both Kings Point clubhouses, Freedom Plaza, Aston Gardens, Aston Towers and Aston Courtyards. Dates for those events will be published prior to their taking place. “We will also be selling tickets at CA events,” Broad said. The drawing for the golf cart will take place on December 9. Info: 813-643-2020.

Back to Nature event, held this year on August 5 from 9 to noon, is now taking reservations at campbayou.org! As always, the event is free. Stop by a table to learn something new about nature and receive a free school supply item. A free raffle for all children will offer larger prizes such as backpacks, journals and more. Other organizations that are participating this year include: Suncoast Youth Conservation Center, Florida Forest Service, TECO Manatee Viewing Center, and Girl Scout troop 30349.

Camp Bayou continues to offer day paddle trips on the first and third Saturdays each month at 9 a.m. The tour is $25 if you need to use one of our canoes or kayaks and $5 if you bring your own. Registration required. Save the date: Saturday, October 21, Annual International Observe

the Moon night paddle. Explore the Little Manatee River after dark without flashlights! Another special event in October is our Halloween Hike, to be held on Saturday, October 14 starting at 6 p.m. First walks will be for the young ones, learning about our native nocturnal wildlife. The 7pm and later walks will be stories about past misadventures at Camp Bayou and the spirits who can’t rest. Registration for both October events will be open online in September.

For those who are interested in helping with registered groups, Camp Bayou is looking for enthusiastic volunteers who love the outdoors and want to pass along that passion to others through hands-on activities, walks and canoe tours, as well as help with maintenance and exhibits. Contact Becki at 813641-8545 or fill out the form at campbayou.org.

President Cox, Ann Hammond, Rea Cantwell

Michelle Halcomb, D.D.S. General Dentistry

Kim Kordalski accepting her award as Volunteer of the Year. Natalie Salas from Seniors in Service on the left. Tom Bullaro from Our Lady’s Pantry on the right.

Strong Salt Cleans Up

Join

Deb will be presenting all the details of Collett’s Memorials of World War II tour Featuring the 80th Anniversary of the D-Day Landing. This amazing tour travels in May. Since 1918, Collette has been sharing their love of travel. Today Collette’s worldwide travel collection features comprehensive land tours, river cruises, rail journeys, small group tours, family trips, garden holidays and more. With Collette, wake each morning on tour with a new experience in front of you, and when your head hits the pillow, you will know it has been an amazing day. Best of all - Collette seamlessly handles the details. All you have to do is enjoy the adventure.

August 8th, 2023 • 10 a.m.

Please RSVP!

Kings Point Main Clubhouse

Ripple Room • 1900 Clubhouse Dr.

We specialize in Group travel! Out team of travel planners has years of experience putting together incredible travel packages for groups… Large and Small!

together

Group

John’s • Bridgetown • Castries • Fort de France

• Basseterre • Ft Lauderdale

By Kai Rambow

No, this is not a cleaning tip. Recently the Tampa chapter spent a morning cleaning up at E.G. Simmons park in Ruskin. Volunteers were picking up trash from a beautiful, local beach. In several instances people had thrown trash ten feet away from a garbage can. Strong Salt is an online community of inshore saltwater fishers. This online community also has in-person meetings, as they did on that morning.

What started as a way to help fellow enthusiasts has grown in the last ten years to 50,000 members across the U.S. Joe and Luke Simonds, founders, from Winter Haven, like teaching people to catch more fish. Clean up and conservation help create better environments for fish, so they and fellow enthusiasts showed up to clean up our local, waterfront park. Darlene Schuman, president of the Tampa chapter, noted that this event was promoted online resulting in 50-plus volunteers.

If you would like to learn more you find all kinds of information online at www.saltstrong.com and on YouTube. Thanks to the Tampa chapter for a great contribution to us.

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One member of Salt Strong showed up with his sons to help clean up E.G. Simmons park.

Once trash was removed, flowers on the beach stood out beautifully.

Gayle Fortin at Cruise Planners offers the Bucket Trip of a Lifetime! Memorials of World War II

Featuring the 80th Anniversary of the D-Day Landing

from $4,999 including air and home town group pickup!

An unforgettable journey of discovery and remembrance awaits you as you travel between London, Normandy and Paris on the 80th Anniversary of D-Day. Explore London’s connections to World War II during a city tour focused on The Blitz. Cross the English Channel, retracing the parallel journey nearly 160,000 courageous Allied troops took on June 6th, 1944, as they set out to liberate Europe from the Nazis. Immerse yourself in the history of Normandy’s D-Day Landing Beaches and visit the Normandy American Cemetery. Visit Saint-Mère-Église, the first French town liberated from the Nazis and learn about the brave paratroopers who parachuted into Normandy on the night of June 5–6, 1944. Conclude your journey in Paris, the City of Light with a festive dinner cruise along the Seine River.

Day 1: Friday, May 10, 2024, Overnight Flight

An unforgettable journey of discovery and remembrance awaits you on the 80th Anniversary of D-Day.

Day 2: Saturday, May 11, 2024, London, England – Tour Begins

Welcome to London. Discover the city’s rich historical relationship with World War II. This evening, get a taste of contemporary British fare as you meet your fellow travelers for a dinner highlighting London’s culinary renaissance. (D)

Day 3: Sunday, May 12, 2024, London

Uncover London’s myriad connections to WWII on an expert guided tour. Step back in time to September 1940 when the city was at the receiving end of the German “Blitz”. London would be reduced to rubble, but not Londoner’s, who “Kept Calm and Carried On.” View St. Paul’s cathedral and take in iconic landmarks such as Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and the Houses of parliament. Retrace Sir Winston Churchill’s steps on a walk by the Cenotaph and Downing Street, before returning to your hotel for an evening of leisure. (B)

Day 4: Monday, May 13, 2024, London – Portsmouth

This morning, journey through the English countryside to Portsmouth. This city played a critical role in the preparation efforts for Operation Overlord. Generals Eisenhauer and Montgomery chose Portsmouth for their military headquarters and its dockyards now host The D-Day Story Museum, which you will visit this afternoon before checking into your hotel for a 1-night stay. (B,D)

Day 5: Tuesday, May 14, 2024,

Portsmouth - English Channel Crossing – Caen, France.

In the early hours of the morning* board a ferry and cross the English Channel. As you breathe in the salted sea air during your 6-hour sailing, reflect upon the parallel journey nearly 16,000 courageous Allied troops took on June 6th, 1944, as they set out to liberate Europe from the Nazis. Your ferry docks in Ouistrehiam, which housed on of the biggest bunkers of the German “Atlantic Wall” defense system. A coastal drive takes you by Sword Beach, (British Landin Site) to Juno Beach, where Canadian soldiers sacrificed their lives among the deluge of air attacks, naval bombardments, and land offenses. Arrive in Caen in the early evening and settle into your hotel for a momentous 3-night stay.** (B,D)

Day 6: Wednesday, May 15, 2024, Caen – D-Day Landing Sites

This morning, explore The Caen Peace Memorial Museum dedicated to providing a comprehensive history of the D-day landings and Europe’s post war transition. Then, set out for Arromanche-les-Bains to view the remains of the Mulberry Harbor, one of the greatest engineering feats of WWII, allowing the Allies to establish strategic bridgeheads on D-Day. Later this afternoon, stop at the German Artillery Battery of Longues-sur Mer, featured in The Longest Day. Then pause at a local farm for a stroll through their apple orchards and a taste of traditional cider. (B)

Day 7: Thursday, May 16, 2024, Caen – D-Day Landing

Today, immerse yourself in the history of Normandy’s beaches – the site of the largest amphibious invasion in history. Pay your respects to the 9,386 servicemen and women who rest at the Normandy American cemetery, Visit two U.S. landing zones of the invasion of Normandy: Omaha Beach and this afternoon, Utah Beah. Discover Pointe du Hoc, a strategic German battery that claimed the ultimate sacrifice of 135 brave men from the 2nd and 5th Ranger Battalions and where craters from cataclysmic bombings occupy the landscape to this day. At the Airbourne Museum, learn the unique history of paratroopers in Sainte-MereEglise, the first French town liberated from the Nazis Return to Caen in the early evening (B)

Day 8: Friday, May 17, 2024, Caen – Giverny – Paris

Head south to Paris this morning. Your drive through the rich pasturelands of Normandy takes you to the village of Giverny. Here, let the art scene leave its impression on you with a visit to Monet’s country home.*** Stroll through the colorful living work of art that is Monet’s garden, where you will see the source for the artist’s inspiration, including the setting for his iconic Waterlilies. Then, set off to Paris, the French capital that was under German occupation from 1940 to 1944. In the late afternoon, check into your hotel located in the suburban La Defense business district. As your day comes to a close, make the most of an evening of leisure. Or, enjoy an optional dinner at the dynamic Paradis Latin**** for a champagne-flowing can-can kicking, music driven night at the cabaret. (B) Day 9: Saturday, May 18, 2024, Paris

A local expert leads you on a journey back to the time of German occupation and the puppet government of Vichy. From the Vel d’Hiv, Hotel de Ville, Les Invalides, Pantheon and the Luxembourg Gardens to Le Marais, see the sites that tell the story of liberation of Paris and when life was under the Nazis. Tonight, bid au revoir to your fellow travelers and to the City of Light while gently floating down the Seine on a dinner cruise. (B,D) Day 10: Sunday, May 19, 2024, Paris – Tour Ends

Your tour comes to a close and your flight home.

Trip of a Lifetime!

PLEASE NOTE: Book Now Rates Valid Until Sept. 11, 2023, valid on air inclusive packages only.

PERFORMINGARTS

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.

Pianist Bobby Van Deusen

Friday August 4, at 7 p.m.

UMC of SCC, 1971 Haverford Ave. A donation of $10 is requested at the door.

DANCING

Come Dance With Us

Sunday, August 13, doors open at 6 p.m. Kings Point Veterans Theater

All are welcome. Call to be placed on the gate visitor list: Rosemary, 513-258-8238. Cost is $5. BYOB with water and ice provided. LB and Chloe will perform. Info: Ken at 513-582-8449.

Free Dance Lessons

Beginner West Coast Swing (5:30 to 6 p.m.)

Intermediate West Coast Swing (6 to 6:30 p.m.)

Individual Instructions (6:30 to 7:30 p.m.)

Dance Studio 1, info: Cindy Rohr at 630-235-1277. Free Dance Lessons for SCCCA members, Freedom Plaza ID, and KP Gold Card holders.

Do You Wanna Dance Club

Saturday, August 19, from 7 to 10 p.m.

SCC Community Hall, S. Pebble Beach

“Dirty Little Secret” will provide our entertainment with their amazing rock sounds from the 70’s thru today! The doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets will be available at the door the night of the dance, and at the Atrium Kiosk on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, August 14, 16, and 18, from 10 to noon. The cost is $5 for members and $10 for non-members. Info: “jfkfunnsun@yahoo.com ” and “bgocek1@ gmail.com”

Southwest Florida Rheumatology

Time really flies when you are having fun! I hope everyone is as excited as I am for the upcoming season. The 2023-2024 entertainment series will have just as many if not more entertainment showstoppers as last year. Brochures will be available with a complete breakdown of the information at the Atrium kiosk off N. Course Drive or at the community association office at 1009 N. Pebble Beach Blvd. Just like last year, we will only have in person purchases for the series tickets. We will also continue with full seating so we will have space for everyone to enjoy.

The season series tickets sales begin Monday, October 16, for SCCCA members and Monday, October 23, for Kings Point members. Individual ticket sales will take place on Monday, November 6, for SCCCA members and Kings Point members. You must present your current 2023 SCCCA badge or KP badge to purchase tickets. You do not have to have a gold card to purchase series show tickets for our KP members. Season tickets will be $90 for SCCCA KP members. You can purchase with cash or check. More info: Tiffany Rivers Activities Director at activities@ suncitycenter.org or 813-642-2001.

SCCCA Entertainment Season Series

VYBE - $20

10-Nov. at 7 p.m.

Dance

Fleetwood Gold - $20

19-Nov. at 2:30 p.m.

Tribute to Fleetwood Mac

Celebrate - $20

1-Dec. at 7 p.m.

Dance

Rhythm is Gonna Get You - $20

10-Dec. at 2:30 p.m.

Gloria Estefan tribute

Sound Society - $19

12-Jan. at 7 p.m.

Dance

Showcase of Talent - $11

24-Jan. at 2 p.m.

Variety of Talent

33573

Foreigners Journey - $20

21-Jan. at 2:30 p.m.

Tribute to Foreigners & Journey

Rocky & The Rollers - $20

9-Feb. at 7 p.m.

Dance

The Olivia Show - $20

25-Feb. at 2:30 p.m.

Tribute to Olivia Newton

Yesterdayze - $20

8-Mar. at 7 p.m.

Dance

Heart Breaker - $19

24-Mar. at 2:30 p.m.

Tribute Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers

Tiffany Rivers

TRAVEL

Have Fun and Keep Cool

By Kai Rambow

During the heat and humidity here are two suggestions to get out but stay cool.

Imagine Museum

Providing a recent history of glass sculpture, Imagine Museum has some stunning pieces of artwork. Only open a few years, the museum has continued to improve. Tours are offered Tuesdays through Fridays. You can book online. Glass as an artform seems to have appeal to almost everyone. Each of you is almost certain to find something you like.

This is a short, easy drive to St. Petersburg with plenty of parking. The museum is a threestory building painted in beautiful blues. GPS will be helpful for the last few turns and streets.

Hours: Closed Mondays; open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays to Saturdays; noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. Seniors, $13.

Imagine Museum

1901 Central Ave. St. Petersburg, FL 33713

(727) 300-1700

www.imaginemuseum.com

The James Museum

Tom and Mary James have enthusiastically collected a wide range of western art. For many decades, their collection was displayed at the corporate headquarters of Raymond James. A sizable portion of the collection is now accessible to us at the James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art. Much of the artwork is from contemporary (living) artists, so what you’ll see is fresh - and it is spectacular. Western movie fans will see vivid, action paintings reminding them of favorite film scenes. Museum aficionados will savor the wide range of painting, sculpture and jewelry from over 200 artists. Artists and hobbyists will marvel at the materials used and intricate details produced: bronze sculptures that look painted or like stone,

and paintings resembling photographs. You’ll be exposed to these lovely illusions from the moment you walk in the front entrance. The walls look like beautiful wood paneling, but it’s actually sandstone from India.

Forty-five minute, docent led tours are available. This is included with your admission. You get your tickets when you arrive. Check with the museum for times.

After your tour, consider taking a break at the Canyon café near the entrance. The bar was built to order in 1905 and spent many years out west before being brought here. It is grand both in scale and appearance.

Directions and Parking: Recommend you put this address into your GPS: 200 1st Ave. South, St. Petersburg. This will get you near the parking deck behind the museum and help you avoid driving around. Once you reach this address, your GPS might tell you the destination is at the corner on your right. Cross the intersection and you’ll find the entrance for the parking on your left.

Note: You’ll need to park on level 7 or 8 for public parking with the cheapest rates. This is closely monitored. The parking lot only accepts cash as payment, so no credit cards.

Hours and Admission: Open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; open until 8 p.m. on Tuesdays. Seniors, $18.

The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art

150 Central Avenue St. Petersburg, FL 33701 (727) 892-4200

www.thejamesmuseum.org

Jacks London Grill

One of you mentioned this English style pub, and I checked it out. The fare is reminiscent of pub food and well done. There

Jacks London

Grill

The artwork is varied and many pieces are spectacular at the James Museum.

Yes, these are all made from glass. The Imagine Museum captures the history of glass sculpture beautifully.

Even the outside looks beautiful. Imagine Museum is easy to reach with plenty of parking.

Adogable Pets

Pet Salon & Spa

A Word to the Wise About Alligators: Keep Your Distance

By Bob Sanchez

Sun

City Center

residents should not be complacent about alligators. They do not always seem to be aggressive, but they can surprise you, and they are dangerous, especially during the spring mating season. Every pond in our community is home for at least one of them, and they move from pond to pond, often via underground pipes.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission controls the process for dealing with the estimated 1.3 million alligators living in Florida. They usually do not consider those under four feet long to be a problem, but once they grow any longer, they can be classified as “nuisance alligators.” Then if there is a complaint, the Commission asks a licensed trapper to capture the animal. Once the trapper has done so, he will kill it and sell its meat and hide.

Sam Sudman, president

By Gezil Andrews

caught a large bass that fought him hard until a seven-foot gator tried to snatch it off his line. It became a three-way battle, and the alligator won, showing no respect for the principle of catch and release. Days later, the same gator chased Bruce all the way back to his house. Bruce says he still fishes, but he stays

Sudman has not seen the gator in the last few days, but they don’t always show themselves. It could still be there, it could have toddled off to someone else’s pond, or the trapper could have caught it. In this case, the trapper declined to say. “Sorry. Do not discuss individual

operations,” he wrote in a text.

Bottom line: Always maintain plenty of distance between you and an alligator. Keep yourself and your pets away from shorelines. And never feed or handle an alligator. It’s unsafe, and it’s illegal.

C.A.R.E. Hopes For New Facility

“Embrace the Future” is how Joann With, Board President of the C.A.R.E Animal Shelter in Ruskin speaks to the big plans for a new animal shelter in the community. The building of a new shelter comes from the realization that with current aging buildings, a new shelter is needed. C.A.R.E was originally founded in 2000 by Dr. Hal Ott, DVM, and a group of local citizens. The mission of C.A.R.E. is to reduce the number of

homeless and abandoned animals through adoption, sterilization, and education. The community support for the shelter has been excellent, a true testimony to the core vision and the caring citizens in the area.

Donations are being accepted now. Special fundraising activities are in the works as well. The new location has already been purchased and is debt-free, just five miles from the current location. The Board is considering options other than brick and mortar, such as butler style metal buildings, to contain costs while making a wise long-

term investment. The process of selecting a contractor is to assure that the providers have experience in building veterinary offices or animal shelters – a much different building process than traditional commercial buildings.

Joann reinforces that the shelter will stay in Ruskin C.A.R.E. is the only no-kill animal shelter for neglected, abused, and unwanted cats and dogs in South Hillsborough County.

There are over 115 volunteers now, including the Bright Futures program for teens. While fundraising is critical for the ongoing growth and sustenance of the shelter, more volunteers are always needed to ensure this compassionate program work continues. Volunteers help with lifting (animals, supplies, …), cleaning kennels and litter boxes, mopping floors, laundry etc. Volunteers like John Fisher and Jean Oldham enjoy their

work far more than the time they put in.

The C.A.R.E. animal shelter is located at 1528 27th Street, S.E., Ruskin, Florida and is open to the public on Tuesdays through Saturdays between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Call 813645-2273 for more information or directions. Ready to volunteer?

Email “volunteerCARE@aol. com” or stop by the shelter… You will be hooked!

Volunteer door at C.A.R.E.

Joann With C.A.R.E. puppy

Peppermint

John Fisher and Jean Oldham C.A.R.E. volunteers

SPORTS

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

Volleyball Club Seeks New Members

Sherry’s 1st Shot With Her New Recurve Bow

The SCC Volleyball Club is seeking new members . Club members are aged 50 to 90 and represent a wide variety of talent from absolute beginner to experienced players of both sexes. To encourage team play the club follows a pattern of three passes with the third pass going over the net. Teams are balanced at each game for fairness. Fun is the focus. As new volleyball courts are being built this fall the club plays at the following locations: Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. on the grass courts next to the Samaritan building on North Pebble Beach Blvd. Wednesday, 9 to 11 a.m. at the Kings Point Court in the South Campus Club House. Starting August 16, the club plays in Ruskin from 6:30 to 8:30 on Tuesday nights. The Ruskin Recreation Center is an air conditioned facility. Info: 401-527-1718.

Answers to Puzzles on Pages 18 and 19

Hole

in

One Wray Whiting scored his first hole in one on June 30 at Freedom Fairways. Wray used a 7-iron on the 10th hole to make this singular shot. Witnessed by Larry Walsh, George Svetkovich, and Tim Biocic.

Sherry Whitener recently joined the SCC Archery Club. After joining she purchased a brandnew recurve bow. This was the first shot she made with her new bow. It will be hard to improve on that first shot. CA Members and KP Gold Card holders are eligible to join the SCC Archery Club. For more information contact club president Mark Erickson at 810-407-1768.

Crossword Answers

The Club Renaissance Lady Golfers held a Patriotic Scramble to help celebrate the Fourth of July weekend by playing from the red, white, and blue tees. Twenty four ladies participated in this holiday celebration. The scramble was coordinated by Marion Stephens and Linda Torchia.

2 Cool 4 School Pickleball Tournament

Recently, the Kings Point Pickleball Club participated in a “2 Cool 4 School” tournament in Kings Point. The fee to enter the tournament was a donation for the school supplies drive to be donated to area schools. An unbelievable amount of supplies were donated, a fun tournament was enjoyed by all. Students from Shields Middle, Cypress Creek, Reddick, Thompson and Wimauma Elementary as well as Sumner High schools are the beneficiaries of the club’s generosity.

Patriotic Scramble

David Flude of the Sun City Center Volleyball Club served a perfect game, winning by a score of 15 to zero.

Pam Davis Receives Presidential Volunteer Award

By Paula Lickfeldt

Pam Davis has been volunteering for the American Red Cross since January of 2006. On June 20, 2023, she received the Presidential Volunteer Award for Lifetime Achievement. This award honors individuals whose service positively impacts communities in every corner of the nation and inspires those around them to take action, too. She moved from Michigan to Florida in 2010 and started working for the Tampa Bay Chapter of the Red Cross but later transferred to the Sarasota Chapter. She received the award in Sarasota.

The American Red Cross has two lines of service within its

organization. A Gray Sky day is when a natural disaster occurs and all hands are on deck assisting with clients - victims of the disaster...hurricanes, tornadoes, etc. A Blue Sky day is when daily operations are executed for the community when natural disasters are not occurring.

Pam is active in both groups. For Gray Sky days she deploys within Disaster Staff Services. This group registers the volunteers when they arrive, checks that they have their Red Cross mission card for expenses, gives them their lodging assessment, informs them who their supervisor is and

shows them their work location. She is also trained to be a lodging specialist.

For Blue Sky days, she does volunteer intake. She gets the volunteer request and starts them through the process leading to an interview. This work can be done virtually. She likes connecting with the volunteers from other areas of the disaster knowing that Staff Services behind-the-scenes work is ultimately helping those people affected by the disaster.

Thank you, Pam, for doing this extremely important volunteer work!

All Aboard The Jorge & Mike Pickleball Journey

By Dee-Dee Tottrup

It all began one bright and sunny day in Sun City Center in the Fall of 2017. Mike Keltz’s wife, Suzie, had a friend who introduced Mike to pickleball. Mike and Suzie signed up for beginner lessons that fall. Mike was hooked. Enter Jorge Alves in Spring 2018. Jorge’s wife, Sandy, has a friend here in SCC who was a neighbor of Helen Tavares. The Alves’ connected with Helen and once again, through our beginner lessons, another pickleball junkie was born.

Both started playing more and

more. Eventually they were invited to play with Don Moniz’s “Greenlaces” group. They realized they clicked, not only as teammates, but also as friends. They played with the advanced players in our club, picking up

pointers along the way. Gained confidence. When they go north for the summer, they continue their pickleball journey. Mike has joined the YMCA in Southern Indiana. Jorge is part of a large club in Maryland. Jorge takes lessons and his other claim to fame is that he’s played with Colin Johns. Their first tournament was in St. Petersburg. They came in third, but the conditions were terrible that day, rainy and then an electrical blackout at the end of the day didn’t help. They tried to get into the US Open in Naples but didn’t get in through the

lottery. Their next tournament try gained them a silver.

Next up, the 2023 Daytona Pictona Men’s Doubles 50+ 3.5. Mike and Jorge won every game through the brackets and wound up on Center Court for the gold, winning 11-7 and 11-6, no third game necessary for these two. In addition to bringing home the gold there, they now qualify for the WPT 2024 Amateur Invitational January 2024 in Daytona. Their next personal goal is to reach a 4.0 rating. Congratulations, Jorge and Mike, on an incredible pickleball journey!

FAITH &service

The Magic of New Beginnings

Some 24 years ago, Dolores Clark had an idea. She wanted to fight hunger in our community. Clark shared her idea with the Knights of Columbus and their wives. Together, they made a plan. They would take up a monthly collection among parishioners that they would call Project Hunger. They would then use those dollars to buy nutritious food and store it in the little room in back of Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission. They would give the food out in the vestibule after Mass on Sundays to anyone who needed it.

And so it was that in December 1999, Our Lady’s Pantry was born in the vestibule of the Mission. Today, an average 300 clients come each Saturday for food to take home for themselves and their families.

Our Lady’s Pantry is located at 16650 U.S. Highway 301 South, in Wimauma, just across from Aldi. To learn more about our nonprofit, please visit us at “ourladyspantry.com”.

Samaritan Services

The Sun City Center Duplicate Bridge Assn. donated $4000 to Samaritan Alzheimer’s Auxiliary.

Samaritan Services, a 501(c)(3) charity, provides many support services needed by residents of Greater Sun City Center. For Samaritan Services information call 813-634-9283. For SCC Ride, call 813-633-6111.

L to R: (back) Don Acker, Ron Wallace, Gil Todd, Jim Butner (coordinator Samaritan Alzheimer’s Auxiliary); (front) Carol O’Connor, Connie Faison (coordinator Samaritan Alzheimer’s Auxiliary) Beverly Noren, KC Chilton, Jean Harrison, Linda Duhn. Seated: Ronda O’Farrell (President Sun City Center Duplicate Bridge Assn.).

Award from Chris Purnell, executive

WED. AUG 2, 9, 16, 23, 30THERAPEUTIC 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. For more information, contact Debbie Caneen at 813-892-2990.

THU. AUG 3, 10 - PARTNERS IN NETWORK BUSINESS

REFERRAL MEETINGS Every Thursday 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. at Sun Towers Retirement Community, 101 Trinity Lakes Dr. Sun City Center. Partners in Network links professionals together to facilitate referral-based business growth. Join us! Questions? Call Debbie Caneen 813-892-2990.

THU. AUG 3 - CRAFT BEER AND WINE CLUB MEETS“FERMENTING FANATICS” 1:30 p.m. at Sun Towers Retirement Community, 101 Trinity Lakes Drive, SCC. Are you a fan of craft beer and wine, either making it or drinking it? This club is for you! The August theme is the best way to cool down because it is hot. As always, we request our members bring either 2 bottles of beer or a bottle of wine for tasting. This month our theme is new beginnings. We meet the first Thursday of every month and have a field trip to a local establishment. Info: Michelle Mason 813-492-8920 or “mmason@seniorsinservice.org.”

FRI. AUG 11 - LOW VISION

SUPPORT GROUP 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. at Sun Towers Retirement Community, 101 Trinity Lakes Drive, Sun City Center. Envision will be coming to our meeting to talk about their glasses. These cuttingedge glasses use advanced artificial intelligence technology to help users recognize objects, read text, and even identify faces with ease. Although we will have a speaker, we encourage sharing among members. Info: Michelle Mason 813-492-8920.

WED. AUG 16 - FAITH COMMUNITY NURSING PRESENTATION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC 11:30 a.m. at Sun Towers Retirement Community, 101 Trinity Lakes Drive, Sun City Center. Join us as Nancy O’Connor, RN, BSN, St Joseph’s South Faith Community Nurse discusses “Faith Community Nursing”. This program increases awareness of and access to community resources and promotes access to health care expertise. The participants will learn about the History of Faith Community Nursing, BayCare’s Faith Community Nursing Department, the roles of Faith Community Nurse and congregational health promoter, and the benefits of health ministry for the community. Questions? Call Debbie Caneen 813-892-2990.

THU. AUG 17 - FREE BALANCE SCREENING TO REDUCE YOUR RISK OF FALLS 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon – Sun Towers Outpatient Therapy Dept. Our therapists at Sun Towers Retirement Community are on a quest to reduce the risk of falls before they happen. This simple screening takes less than ten minutes. See the results before your eyes through biofeedback. Call to schedule today 813.331-3035.

MON. AUG 21 - 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. This month, our speaker will be Meredith DeFranco, PT, DPT. If you have had success with any treatment you have tried, please come to

share! If you have Parkinson’s, or are caring for someone with this disease, be sure to attend this support group! Complimentary valet parking available at entrance. For additional info, call Debbie Caneen 813-892-2990

warnings, precautions, and cautions in those instructions for use may result in you missing a severe hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) or hyperglycemia (high blood glucose) occurrence and/or making a treatment decision that may result in injury. If readings do not match symptoms or expectations, use a fingerstick value from a blood glucose meter for treatment decisions. Seek medical attention when appropriate or contact Abbott at 855-632-8658 or FreeStyleLibre.us for safety info.

By Gezil Andrews

I recently met with Ray Webb, Field Trip Chairman of our local Audubon Society, a former chemist turned proud bird watcher for a cup of coffee, asking him to help me unravel pictures I had been taking of long-legged birds in our community.

Sun City Center lays claim to several beautiful water wading birds. It’s more than a delightful story: it’s our history! I showed Ray a picture of a flamingo. He said “Do you know why you could only find a concrete flamingo?”

In the 1800s, thousands of flamingos were killed for their beautiful feathers. They were deeply sought after to adorn women’s hats. This trend caused the extinction of the flamingo

Big Birds Are an Eyeful

for many years. In the late 1800s the killing of the flamingos for their feathers stopped and the colonies were left to rebuild. There is a small breeding colony in Hialeah Park, Florida, but the largest populations are in South America, tropical and subtropical areas.

However, there is a real life flamingo sighted near Big Bend Florida, near Tallahassee, not Big Bend Road in Riverview! The bird has been in Big Bend Florida for several years, never having migrated after arriving in his forever home. This could be what is referred to as a “lonesome” bird as he has been alone since first spotted.

I moved onto spoonbills with Ray. We have roseate spoonbills in our area, which can pick up the pink of the flamingo. In fact, spoonbills often are mistaken for flamingos because of their bill. But spoonbills are shorter legged birds, breeding on many of our coastal islands, getting their color from what they eat out of streams.

I recently stopped to look more closely at two birds, because I thought one had been hit by a car. The pair were common wood storks. One was lying in the grass and the other was standing over it. The bird was not hurt, but rather resting in the grass. The bird rose up and the mate stood on one leg, as if to say: Move on, all is well here. I wanted to stay a bit longer to be sure the other bird was truly okay, but then I realized a good thing can only go so far. You can find storks around our community lakes because they dine on fish. Scooping up fish is a perfect thing to do with their long bill. They are also in the wading bird category and are quite common.

We also have an abundance of sandhill cranes. Sandhill cranes are large, tall birds with a long neck, long legs, and broad wings. The bulky body tapers into a slender neck; the short tail is covered by drooping feathers that form a “bustle.” The head is small, and the bill is straight and longer than the head. These are slate gray birds, often with a rusty wash on the upperparts. Adults have pale cheeks and

red skin on the crown. Their legs are black. Juveniles are gray and rusty brown, without pale cheeks or the red crown. We have our own resident population of sandhill cranes that stay here year-round, where many sandhill cranes winter and breed in Canada. There is a population of sandhill cranes that are just like our residents that are “snowbirds.”

They come back to play and live and then go north for the summer. The only difference is our sandhill cranes don’t go north; they are year-round! They are an extended family! All the birds we have learned about today are protected through the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 – peace of mind for us and our beloved bird species!

News of Freedom Plaza

By Peggy Burgess

When one has lived past 70 or 80 years, memories abound; some begging to be recalled and reflected upon. Many seniors “take pen in hand” (or put fingers to computer keys) to do this. Among them are a group of Freedom Plaza residents who meet regularly to share their written reflections: in fact, they call their quarterly publication Reflections

This writers’ club is named, appropriately, “Ink, Inc.” Their monthly meetings are conducted as workshops where members share their creative writing projects for critique. These projects take a variety of forms: poetry, memoirs, commentaries— whatever members choose to write and want to share. Once each quarter they select some of their more polished pieces for publication in Reflections, which is distributed to all residents. Guiding “Ink, Inc.” is the club’s president, resident Joe Birnbaum, himself a poet and writer of humorous stage plays frequently presented at Freedom Plaza. His wife, Pearl, graciously compiles, edits and readies Reflections for printing

The roots of “Ink, Inc.” go back to 1992 and a select group of Freedom Plaza Pioneers-- as that first year’s occupants of the building dubbed themselves—who loved to write and were eager to share that passion. Several of them, like the group’s initial leader, Barbara Donoghue, were professional writers; others simply enjoyed the act of putting words on paper. That small, diverse group,

called “The Freedom Writers” was instrumental in launching Freedom Plaza’s first monthly in-house newsletter, The Voice of Freedom. Inserted between its pages of news and information about activities, their “Words” section offered engaging poetry, essays and short memoirs… a prototype of the current Reflections

The Voice of Freedom newsletter underwent both title and production changes over the decades and was eventually replaced by electronic methods of distributing news to residents.

The “Words” section has been reformatted, given various names and adapted for use by succeeding writers’ groups, including the current one. “Ink, Inc.” fulfills its literary legacy in a policy of open membership, no dues and no writing assignments. Its Reflections publication continues to offer Freedom Plaza residents a unique glimpse into the lives and minds of their fellow residents through entertaining reading material of the highest quality. We say, “Write on!”

Members of “Ink Inc.” with their latest edition of Reflections.

L to R: Carla Nankervis, Dave Looney and Pearl Birnbaum.

(Photo by Tomi Renau)

In Hillsborough County, your choice for quality care is simple.

You have a leader in clinical excellence right in your backyard. At St. Joseph’s Hospital-South, you get compassionate, high-quality care from an experienced team. Which is why we’ve earned recognition as a 100 Top Hospitals® in the U.S. from Fortune/Merative™.* You’re our primary focus, so we combine outstanding health care with state-of-the-art technologies to bring you exceptional clinical outcomes. You can get specialized treatment in a number of areas including heart care, cancer care, obstetrics, orthopedics and much more. We’re committed to being your partner for continued health and wellness, and giving you the extraordinary care you deserve. Make the easy health care choice–St. Joseph’s Hospital-South, located at 6901 Simmons Loop in Riverview.

To learn more, go to BayCareInHillsborough.org or scan this code.

BOOK REVIEW

Legends of the Legendary Wild, Wild West

By Andrea L.T. Peterson

The creator of the podcast Legends of the Old West had an epiphany! Having produced series about Red Cloud’s War, Wyatt Earp, Deadwood, North Dakota; and Jesse James; wellread on major battles of the northern plains; and a fan of the early years of major league baseball; it occurred to author Chris Wimmer that it could be an amazing book that put all of the events relating to the above together, woven into a comprehensive account of “how the west was won.” He realized that much of what made the legends of the west and what made the wild west legendary happened in a “short space of time.” The year 1876 was so chock full of events including military campaigns, pivotal attempts of outlaws and lawmen that sealed their notoriety, but led to their demise, and oddly enough, the inaugural season of Major League Baseball. The centennial celebration—the World’s Fair in Philadelphia and the politics of the year (Hayes defeated Tilden in one of the most controversial presidential elections in American history) fill out the list of incomparable men

and memorable moments! Fans of America’s past and favorite pastime will enjoy this book. Thanks to the author’s epilogue, I offer this summary: “The Old West era is generally viewed as the period between 1865 and 1900. And in that era, the year 1876 stands alone. The events of that summer help set it apart… No other native battle compares to Little Bighorn. No other outlaw gang compares to the James-Younger gang. Wild Bill Hickock was one of a kind, and so was Deadwood. And no other frontier town could boast a collection of lawmen like Dodge City.”

From what is likely a first, native tribes banded together to pull the proverbial rug out from under the feet—or should I say hooves—of the prominent generals—and their horses-who sought to oust them from native land and regions like the Black Hills. For a brief moment, it seemed as though Custer and his battalion (and others) were surprised and outnumbered by Crow, Comanche, and more, led by Crazy Horse, Geronimo, Chief Joseph, Sitting Bull, among a list of well-knowns.

Wyatt Earp and Bat Masterson, as well as huge posses of lawmen

The Men's Club of SCC

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

and locals, fought outlaw gangs like Jesse James, Billy the Kid, the Younger Brothers, and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid in shoots-outs that often resembles “comical scenes from a B-movie western.”

Baseball greats like Hall of Famers Al Spalding, “Candy” Cummings, and Adrian “Cap” Anson (inducted primarily

because of his historic contribution to the game: the curve ball) were shoring up the league that was the only professional league “to stand the test of time.”

The Summer of 1876 is rich with detail, full of entertaining stories, and a one-of-a-kind blending of what might seem like unrelated aspects of our nation’s history.

SCC Photo Club News

The third competition of the year was held on June 13 by the SCC Photography Club. The judge was Kathryn DeYoung of Lakewood Ranch. There were no perfect scores of 15, however there were beautiful images that won silver awards, with a score of 14.

In the Digital Color Category, Stan Lipski won three silvers with “Colorful Wheel,” “Grand Mosque Columns,” and “Reykjavik Old Harbour.” Sherry Kalczynski with “Electric Lotus,” Pat Jones with “Group of Sun Flowers,” Barbara Klimczak with “Into the Mountains,” and Madlyn Blom with “Night Light.”

In the Digital Mono Category, Bobbie Ray won two Silvers with “Snowtopped Mountains” and

“Too Much Homework.” In the Digital Creative Category three silver awards were given out. The winners were Fran Beeson with “Fractures Architecture,” Sherry Kalczynski with “Snapshot of Affection,” and Bobbie Ray with “Young Warrior.”

In the Color Print Category, Susie Crump won a silver with "What’s in My Purse.” In addition to the silver winners, there were many bronze winners with scores of 13.

The Photo Club welcomes everyone with an interest in photography, regardless of skill level and equipment. Phone photography is welcome, and classes are available for beginner as well as advanced photographers.

Snow-Topped Mountains by Bobbie Ray

Electric Lotus by Sherry Kalczynski

Fractured Architecture by Fran Beeson

SOLUTIONS TO PUZZLES ON PAGE 11

Shemushi Nasreen, MD

Khushi Dhaliwal, MD

Amy Kwok, MD