Agendas for the monthly Board Meetings will be posted on the Official Bulletin Board in the Atrium the Friday before and on the CA web site “suncitycenter.org” under “Residents” Upcoming Meeting Agendas. They will also be sent via “What’s New in the CA” email.
CA Contact Information
Administration Office
1009 N. Pebble Beach Blvd, SCC
Phone: 813.633.3500
Hours – 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., M-F sccboard@suncitycenter.org
Website: suncitycenter.org
Information Center: 813.633.4670
Adopt a Pond Senior Volunteers Plant 800 Water Plants
By Bob Monahan
Thanks to a dozen senior volunteers, a once barren pond shoreline is now planted with a variety of colorful native water plants. The water plants include duck potatoes (white), pickerelweed (blue), blue flag irises (blue), and spike rush (green).
Over 800 plants were planted in a well-coordinated 2.5 hours. Shade and water breaks were provided as needed as participants toiled in the hot late May sun. After the planting lunch was provided for the participants.
The Hillsborough Adopt a Pond Program donated all the plants and provided on-site staff expertise to the planters at the Sun City Center Sunset Lake site on West View Drive. For more information call Sarah Usewick, coordinator at 813-702-8724.
LRPC Update
Where are we now? The Board is continuing to work with Pi Architects to reduce costs and acquire approved permits. Our goal remains to move the process forward as quickly as possible. During this time, we are grateful for members and local business owners who are now providing funds!
Paula Moore Hollowell, owner of Sunshine Senior Movers, LLC donated
Scan the code with your smartphone to find us
$250 to our SCCCA Future Facilities Fund. Paula shared: “The community of Sun City Center has been very good to me as a business owner. I am blessed to have the opportunity to donate to such an exciting project that I understand will benefit all current and future members to assure the vitality and longevity of Sun City Center.”
The Metaphysical Society also donated
$300 to the SCCCA Future Facilities Fund! These dollars will be used to benefit all members of our community by assisting us in getting the project to the finish line sooner! We are grateful for the vision of their club to be one of the first to donate on behalf of our community renovation project. Another option to donate to our campus update would be to purchase
a commemorative paver to remember the year your family moved to Sun City Center. Your paver will be installed by the front door of the CA office entrance under the Historical Marker reflecting our beginning. Order pavers online at this link: “polarengraving.com/ suncitycenter”.
July 4 Breakfast is Back
The July 4 Pancake Breakfast is back again! Both Sun City Center and King’s Point neighbors will gather in Community Hall on South Pebble Beach Boulevard, to spend time with friends enjoying hot pancakes, yogurt, scrambled eggs, sausage, orange juice and coffee, all for only $7. Breakfast will be served from 8 to 11:30 a.m., and is open to the public. Tickets can be bought at the door, cash only. Email Cindi: “cindifrancos@icloud.com” with any questions.
L to R: Debbie Caneen, Chair, LRPC; Elizabeth Rice and Marilyn Senac of the Metaphysical Society; Nancy McCall, Board member and Chair of our Fundraising Committee; and Roger Zieg, SCCCA Board Member and Treasurer.
L to R: Debbie Caneen Chair, LRPC; Roger Zieg, SCCCA Board Member and Treasurer; Paula Moore Hollowell, owner of Sunshine Senior Movers, LLC; and Nancy McCall, Board member and Chair of our Fundraising Committee.
Pike Rush
Pickerelweed
Duck Potatoes
President’s Report
By Ron Clark, CA President
Have you heard the news? Sun City Center Community Association is the #1 top ranked retirement community in the Nation and Florida. For years it was The Villages, but due to what Realtor. com and Travel and Leisure Magazine quoted as the highlight of our community “Sun City Center is a census-designated 55+ adult community that is entirely focused on providing its residents with age-appropriate recreational, educational, and cultural activities”, not to mention its affordability” we have now won the top spot. You can find the articles at (“realtor.com/news/ real-estate-news/top-retirement-towns-2024”) and (“travelandleisure.com/sun-city-center-florida-bestretirement-community-2024-8659178”).
What a fantastic thing to happen to our community and the reason the Board, with the approval of the members, continues to move the community forward with building new facilities. Speaking of new facilities, Pi Architects continues to secure the best pricing for our upcoming construction Phase 1a and the Board will soon be approving a contractor and contract for the project. In the meantime, PI Architects is moving through Hillsborough County Permitting to seek approval of our project.
We are still collecting donations through our recent Future Facilities Fund set up with the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay which can be found on our website, “suncitycenter.org”, under the Donate Tab. We are also continuing with the Brick campaign so please consider buying a brick with your family names and the year you moved to the community. The bricks will be placed around the Historical Marker located in front of the CA Administration Building. You can order your brick at “polarengraving.com/suncitycenter”.
As always, let us all be respectful, positive, kind and have fun in our senior years.
Exciting Opportunity
Have a video camera? Interested in a volunteer position with the SCC History Society? The Society is currently seeking an amateur videographer to record interviews with multigenerational residents for our Family Connections series. We also occasionally need the person to be available to video graph special events involving the Society. The schedule is flexible.
As Sun City Center grows, more and more of the original footprint is being redesigned and repurposed to move the community forward. Our past and present dedicated historians have documented much of the history. Timelines have been followed and are currently being indexed in chronological order.
We welcome new members to the group which meets the second Tuesday of the month, at 10 a.m., in a conference room in the Community Association building on the Central Campus, on North Pebble Beach.
Anyone interested in being the videographer for this active group please leave your name and contact information at the CA front desk or at the Visitor Center, where our current office is located. Someone will contact you and give you further info.
Do you Facebook?
Get “social” in Sun City Center.
Share your favorite SCC pictures and news and view pictures from fun SCC events.
“LIKE” the News of Sun City Center Facebook page at “www.facebook. com/NewsofSCC”.
We’re #1 in the Nation!
By Bob Sanchez
At the June 12 SCC Community Association Board meeting in Rollins Theater, Vice President Jim Collins reported that Realtor.com and Travel & Leisure
Magazine have named Sun City Center Community Association the #1 top-ranking retirement community in the nation. They noted that we are “entirely focused on providing its residents with age-appropriate recreational, educational, and cultural activities.”
The CA Board continues to work its way through the Hillsborough County permitting process for planned upgrades. Residents can donate to the Future Facilities Fund at “suncitycenter.org/donate”. Also, residents can consider purchasing a brick that has their name and the year they joined SCC. Bricks will be placed around the historical marker in front of the CA main office. Order a brick at “polarengraving.com/suncitycenter”.
Secretary Debbie Caneen reported the following donations:
• Lee E. Jones $50 to the Future Facilities Fund
• American Legion Post 246 $148.50 to FunFest
• Sew ‘n Sews $231 to FunFest
• James Pitt $2,000 to the Capital Fund and $2,000 to the Library
• Dina Charlton $25 to the Library
• Women’s Club $500 to the Library
Treasurer Roger Zieg reported the following fund balances as of May 31, 2024:
• Operations $2,781,209
• Capital $6,013,139
• Replacement $2,034,263
• Renovations $44,631
There were 38 home transfers through May 31, adding $114,000 to the Capital Fund. Zieg estimates an average of 35 home transfers per month for 2024. The Morse Trust Fund was transferred to the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay for the Sun City Center Forever Fund. The Foundation posted $25,000 in matching funds to the Forever Fund, which currently
has a balance of $1,013,000. The CA has received $12,477 in interest. The board also expects a $125,000 contribution to the Forever Fund including a private donation and matching funds from Tampa Bay. The Board is working with the Bingo Committee to ensure compliance with Florida statutes relating to bingo and raffles. Replacement funds totaling $385,316 as well as $7,399 received in interest went into a Tampa Bay reserve investment account to be applied solely to our hurricane deductible.
Community Manager Lyn Reitz says to get ready for the July 4 breakfast 8 a.m. – 11:30 at Community Hall and the pool party from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Summer bandstand concerts have started. Resident count is 11,359 with 11,427 paying dues.
Director Carrie Blaylock announced a policy for the summer storms.
• Lightning 15 to 20 miles away: attendant will let pool users know that there’s a storm in the area and to take precautions.
• At 10-15 miles, attendants will advise users that if the storm continues to come closer, they will be advised to leave.
• At six to seven miles they will be advised to vacate the pool and seek shelter and seek shelter until the storm passes.
• At six miles, the pools and spa will close until the storm has passed. Members will not be allowed back into the pool until 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder.
In new business, the Board approved:
• A hardship policy update
• A new Line Dancing Fun Club
• A contract with Cablelytics to install a statemandated DAS (Distributed Antenna System) in the Atrium costing $29,736.81. This relates to fire safety.
• A contract with Halff Engineering and Land Development $33,000 to assist in all permit requirements for the volleyball court.
SCC Photo Club Spring Competition
Rick Waid of Lakewood Ranch was the judge for The Sun City Photo Club’s Spring Competition. There were so many excellent images. The winners in the following categories are listed below.
In the Digital Color category, there were three perfect scores. Bobbie Ray won a gold ribbon for “Snack Time” and “Red Eyed Tree Frog”, and Sherry Kalczynski won a gold for “EyeLash Viper”. Winners of Silver ribbons were Pat Jones for “All Work and No Play”, Madlyn Blom for “Digging to China”, Tom Bredesen for “Heron Means Business”, Ronald Banaszak for “Look Into My Eyes,” Earl Hughes for “Lunch Break” and “Ready for Rain,” and Mike Maxwell for “You are What You Eat”. In the Bronze category, Fran Beeson won for “Being Served”, “ Keep Off the Rocks” and “The Bird’s Eye View”. Madlyn Blom won Bronze for “Box Car Derby”, Bobbie Ray won for “Brown Headed Parrot”, Pat Jones for “Graceful
Butterfly”, Sherry Kalczynski for “Green Heron” and “Red-Lored Parrot in the Wild”. Marcela Mote won Bronze for “Lazy Day”, Barbara Klimczak for “Red Wonder”, and Wayne Adams for “Under the Boardwalk”.
In the Digital Creative category, Dale Hughes had a perfect score for “Shades of Blue”, winning a gold ribbon. silver went to Sherry Kalczynski for Clydesdale”, and Bruce Crain won three silvers for “Falling Wrenches”, “Guitar”, and “Poker”. A bronze award went to Marcela Mote for “ Many Moons”.
In the Digital Documentary category, Dale Hughes had a perfect score for “Windy City Day”. Silver awards went to Earl Hughes for “Daily Chores” and “Dangerous Games”, and Tom Bredesen for “Lesson on Feeding the Birds”. There were three bronze awards. Susie Crump for “Asleep at the Wheel” and “Beverly and Beverly”, and John McCaffrey for “Snowball Fun”.
In the digital Mono category there were two perfect scores. Wayne Adams won gold for “Waiting for the Tide”, and Barbara Klimczak won gold for “Love is in the Air”. Robert Rennert Won silver for “Cornstalks”, and bronze awards went to Bobbie Ray for “Grand Teton Winter” and John McCaffery for “Face in the Woods”.
In the Print Color category, Christina Brittain got a perfect score for “Summer in the City” and also two silver awards for “A Little Night Music” and “Take My Picture”. Silver awards also went to Madlyn Blom for “Learning to Swing” and Barbara Klimczak for “Who Called Me Tweety Bird”. Bronze awards went to Earl Hughes for “The Overseer” and “Sitting Pretty”, Sherry Kalczynski for “Immature Summer Tanager” and Madlyn Blom for “Safe Housing”.
In the Print Creative category, Bruce Crain got a perfect score for “Green Glass”. Bruce Crain also won a silver award for “Falling Strawberries” and Christina Brittain for “Vast Seas Await”. Barbara Klimczak won a bronze award for “Welcome, Come In”.
In the Print Mono category there was one silver award to Christina Brittain for “Same Pain, Different Day”. There were bronze awards to Nick Fader for “Man On a Bench”, Christina Brittain for “Deep Lines of Loneliness”, and Sherry Kalczynski for “Black Hawk”. It was an exciting night for all the participants. The SCC Photo Club welcomes anyone in SCC, or KP gold card holders, who is interested in photography. Meetings are the second Tuesday of the month, at 6:30 p.m., in the Caper Room on the SCC Main campus.
Summer in the City, Christina Brittain
Green Glass, Bruce Crain
Waiting for the Tide, Wayne Adams
Shades of Blue, Dale Hughes
4th of July Pool Party
Back again this year, the SCCCA is delighted to be hosting the 4th of July Pool Party. You can look forward to musical performances at the gazebo and karaoke by the pool. This event takes place at the North Campus gazebo/pool area. You can bring your chairs and golf carts and enjoy a wonderful afternoon together. This event will run from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. and is open to all SCCCA members and guests with a guest pass.
We will have a fantastic food truck vendor as well. You can purchase hot dogs, hamburgers, fresh cut fries and many more menu options! Don’t forget the free ice cream sandwiches while supplies last starting around noon. You won’t want to miss this excellent event hosted by the CA’s entertainment department.
Monday Movies Rollins Theater
Movie attendees must present a current SCCCA ID Badge, a SCCCA Guest Card or a Kings Point Usage Card to attend. Dates and time may be changed if necessary. Theater capacity is limited to 145 attendees per the Hillsborough County Fire Code.
July 8 • Retro Movie: The African Queen 1 hour, 45 minutes
During WWI, after religious spinster Rose’s missionary brother is killed in Africa, dissolute steamer captain, Charlie, offers her safe passage. She’s not satisfied so she persuades him to destroy a German gunboat. They spend most of their time fighting with each other rather than the Germans but time alone on the river leads to love.
Starring: Humphrey Bogart, Katharine Hepburn Robert Morley, Theodore Bikel
Genre: Adventure Rating: PG
July 22 • The Miracle Club 1 hour, 31 minutes
Three generations of friends, Lily, Eileen, and Dolly of hard-knocks community Ballygar have one dream: to win a pilgrimage to Lourdes, the sacred French town of miracles that draws millions of visitors yearly. When the chance to win occurs, they seize it. Just before the trip, their old friend Chrissie arrives for her mother’s funeral, dampening their mood and well-laid plans. They get tickets and set out on a journey they hope will change their lives.
Starring: Laura Linney, Kathy Bates, Maggie Smith, Agnes O’Casey, Mark O’Halloran
Genre: Comedy, Drama Rating: PG13
SCC Community Association’s History
The Community Association and the History Society would like to build a brick pad around the area of the historical marker so residents and visitors can walk around and read both sides. You are invited to purchase a memorial brick (4”x8” $100 or 8”x8” for $250). Letters only and we’d like the inscription to involve history. If you’re multi-generational, you can inscribe your families’ name and the date they originally came to Sun City Center; if not, start your own legacy with your name and year you moved here. All proceeds go to the Future Facilities Fund thanks to the SCC History Society. The historical marker is located at the front of the CA Administration Building. The web address to purchase a memorial brick is “polarengraving.com/suncitycenter”.
By Paula Lickfeldt
When Lynn Bentz is not in SCC, she is at her home on the Allegheny River in Warren, Pennsylvania. Lynn is one of six children. During the months that Lynn is in SCC she is in the Swim Dancers Club, the Aquasizers Club, the Art Club, The German American Club Chorus and before the Pandemic she was in the Front Porch Pickers.
In the early 80s, her dad and stepmother Delores moved to Largo, Florida. They had a friend, Helen Neal, who lived in Sun City Center and they came to visit her. Delores said, “I could live here,” so they looked around and bought a home. While living in SCC, Lynn’s dad was on the Security Patrol and he played softball on the SCC Softball Team.
Lynn and her husband, Charles, came
to visit Lynn’s dad in SCC. When her dad turned 90 they wanted him to move north so he would be closer to them and they could take care of him. He liked living in the Florida sunshine and wanted no part of going back north. Lynn and Charles bought a home in SCC, and when they retired in 2010, they moved to SCC. While they were in SCC, Charles played softball, was in the Stained Glass Club and the Sawdust Engineers. Several family members and friends have come to SCC because of their relationship with Lynn and Charles. Lynn’s sister moved here and Charles’ cousin moved here. Lynn’s brother does not live in SCC, but he watched it change from the 80s when his father first moved to SCC until now. He says, “SCC is the Gold Standard of retirement living.”
CLUBS
Metaphysical Society Meetings
Wednesdays, 10 a.m.
Heritage Room, 951 North Course Lane
Our mission is to seek and explore paths of universal oneness, self-discovery, and infinite potential. Meeting topics in July include:
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.
• July 3 – “From Skeptic to Believer, A Hypnotherapy Journey and How It Can Change Your Life,” with Kit Mitchell, Medium and Shadi Homayoun, Hypnotherapist.
• July 10 – “Essential Auras” by Alexander Nemo, Teacher and author. July 17 – “Crystals, What They Are and How To Use Them In Your Life” presented by Denise Hughes Conlon from Enchanted Spirits in Dunedin.
• July 24 – “Astro Cartography” with Gianna Christensen.
• July 31 – “Conscience Aging” by Toni LaMotta, keynote speaker and author. Membership is $10 annually. SCCCA residents are allowed one visit before joining. Kings Point residents may join with an active Club Card obtained at the SCCCA office. Call the club office at 813-398-7033 for more information.
On June 3,
L to R: Bob Chapman; Mike Hovatter, President; and Dan Donoghue, former President. Honored Lifetime Members of Model Railroad Club
the Sun City Model Railroad Club held a members luncheon at the Heritage Room North Atrium. The members in attendance voted unanimously to award Robert Chapman and Dan Donoghue honored lifetime members of the club.
Lynn Bentz Tells of Her Connection to SCC
SCC Photo Club Summer Competition
On June 11, the SCC Photo Club held their 3rd competition of the year with Judge Bernie Hines scoring. There was a beautiful array of images in both digital and Print form. Listed below are the winners of gold and silver awards in each category.
In the Digital Color Category,
two gold ribbons were awarded. Bobbie Ray got a perfect score for “Lunch Break”, and John Lampkin got a perfect score for “My Mushroom Cup Runneth Over”.
John Lampkin also won two silver awards for “Male Zebras Waiting for Her to Emerge” and
Touching Memorial Day Ceremony
By Kai Rambow
“I prefer to celebrate the lives of those who have served and passed,” shared David Dunning, keynote speaker at this year’s Memorial Day ceremony, “and I’ll share four people I knew with you today.” Dunning, who is a retired U.S. Army Colonel, and the current Executive
Director of the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital and Clinics, curated a touching message for attendees.
Dunning noted that yes there were sad moments, but he wanted us to focus on the positive. He didn’t use the word positive, but he kept the message that way. Memorial Day, to remember and honor those who served, has traditions which are carried out every year. Despite the protocols observed the whole ceremony moved quickly. We’ve been fortunate to have some good keynote speakers over the years. This was one event best attended in person.
High Wire Act”. John McCaffrey won silver awards for “Black and Blue Bird” and “Froggy”. Bobbie Ray got a silver for “Lunch With a Friend”, Earl Hughs got a silver for “Repose”, Mike Maxwell for “Thou Shalt Not Steal”, and Madlyn Blom for “View From Down Under”. In the Digital Creative Category there were two silver awards. Pat Jones won for “Creative Mask” and Kathy Griffith won for “On the Road Again”. In the Digital Documentary Category there were four silver awards. Joe Sclafani won two silver awards
Photo continued on page 10.
Miss America Does Physics
By Kai Rambow
She is not your typical beauty queen. Madison Marsh is the first ever active-duty military person to win the Miss America contest. Twenty-two-year-old Madison Marsh presented at this year’s Sun’n Fun.
During the brief presentation and question and answer session, 2nd Lieutenant Marsh impressed those of us who attended. Madison lost her mother to cancer when she was 17. To honor her mother, Marsh started a non-profit to raise funds for research. She continues her work with the non-profit in her spare time.
Madison’s mother continues to be a motivator long after her death. “If I ever wake up feeling unmotivated,” described Marsh, “I say to myself, ‘Your mother didn’t get today. Don’t waste it. Get out of bed.” Her message was inspiring.
When she applied to the U.S. Air Force Academy, she met her congressman a year before and made her case for being sponsored by him. Marsh graduated last year with a degree in physics. She is working on a master’s degree at Harvard.
A question from the audience, “Who was the first person you called after winning Miss America?” “The answer will surprise you but it’s true: the U.S. Air Force legal department.”
Miss America, 2nd Lt. Madison Marsh, resting her crown on her knee while presenting at Sun’n Fun this past April. She was enthusiastic about everything including some serious topics.
The Air Force was both smart and fast. Marsh is currently working with recruitment/public relations. This way she can continue to serve both the Air Force and as Miss America. She is so positive and a great role model, both organizations got a big win.
After presenting, Madison took time to sign autographs and take pictures. Everyone, including kids, just lined up in an orderly and quiet manner. That’s impact.
“Kestrel’s
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Department provided the honor guard for the ceremony. Here they were presenting the colors.
Lunch With a Friend, Bobbie Ray
Cheetah Training, Joe Sclafani
The Editor’s Corner
Emerald Flashes
By E. Adam Porter
As you’re reading this, I’m standing with my toes in the sand, watching sunset twinkle across the outgoing tide. The water shimmers and winks, like stars splashed against a clear winter sky. I’m home, come back to a place my extended family returns to every year.
We’ve gathered on this beach for decades, in this little twomile-wide strip of land hard by the sea. The view in front of me hasn’t changed much, even as the skyline behind me has been transformed. Small block homes enjoyed by generations of families are gone, erased not by storms, but by the constant march of what some like to call “progress.” They’ve paved paradise and put up pastel towers. And, yes, there is a guy across the bridge in the city intent on adding a parking lot. Many of the locals detest that guy. They also hate not finding a place to park near their favorite patch of shoreline. I won’t wade into the nuances of that conundrum here. Buy me a beer at Duffy’s, and we’ll hash it out over a world-famous cheeseburger.
For now, I’d rather contemplate the view across the water. Countless years of incoming and outgoing tides have shaped the island. Officials try to thwart erosion with beach “renourishment” projects every few years, but time and tide are not impressed. The vast water goes where it pleases, as immutable as its call is intoxicating.
Listening close, I hear the waves, the territorial cry of innumerable gulls, and the occasional bludgeoning splash of a diving pelican. I spy sunlight strobing off the crystalline scales of a school of tarpon about fifty yards off shore. I show my boys, who are standing nearby with boogie boards in hand. They know tarpon feeding likely means sharks, so they slide a bit further down the beach and head out to chase the small rollers dying in regular triplets against the sharply rising tide line. I hear one remind the other, “Wait for the pull…” He whispers, “And take the second one.”
Not far away, the late afternoon sun glints off a row of fishing rods, jutting out of PVC
pounded vertical into the sand. Translucent filament stretches into the water. The sharkers are set up and ready. They’re relatively new on this stretch of beach, but we try to ignore them, letting their intrusive tools melt into the background along with the multistory pastel nightmares and double-parked tourists. Places, like times, change. New people with new ideas overwhelm what was, until it becomes as insubstantial as memory. I’d lament that, but I’m a Floridian. Evolution is a fact of life in a place where everyone wants to come—and everyone who comes insists on changing things.
I try to cast away those errant laments like a dog coming up out of the surf, shaking water off his fur. And, like that dog, I try to live in the moment, laying aside worries about the ambitions of others. The sun is about to disappear behind the horizon. When it does, cries of delight echo off the waves up and down the shore. We’ve just witnessed the fabled green flash. Some of us again, others for the first time.
It’s less than a split second, and in that sundered blink I recall hundreds of snapshots in time, a thousand “nows” stretching back generations. Emerald flashes of toddlers playing in the sand, children building castles, and preteens trying to skim across the wash. I see couples in every season of life strolling hand in hand, and people of all ages stooping to pluck a shell out of the sand. I see a lonely crab trap washed onto the beach. Squinting, I see stacks of newlybuilt traps behind an old house hard by the shore. That film is a bit hazier, weathered by age. A toddler runs between traps, a stone crab claw twice the size of his tiny fist clasped in his chubby hand.
I see the same boy years later, bronzed and bleached by the sun, holding a board under one arm, watching the waves for
Do you Facebook?
Get “social” in Sun City Center.
Share your favorite SCC pictures and news and view pictures from fun SCC events.
“LIKE” the News of Sun City Center Facebook page at “www.facebook.com/NewsofSCC”.
opportunity. It’s a clear day, so those chances are precious, but his face radiates a steady optimism, the certain knowledge that his next ride will be the best.
A few more flashes, and there’s that boy again, a ring on his finger and a bride in his arms. They look out over the
horizon as the sun melts away. More flashes, flitting across my vision like a ViewMaster on fast forward. Kids playing in the sand, and, suddenly, they’re grown, their own children packing sand into buckets, because there will always be castles to build. Another night, another setting sun. Chairs line the sand behind the children. The mother of that hazy toddler with the crab claw sits between her sons. The boys watch their children playing on the beach with their grands. Buckets and shovels and kites—timeless treasures that won’t survive the week— though the memories attached to those tangled strings and broken handles will remain for generations.
As the sun sinks low in the sky, a gull dives and tarpon roll. Sharks glide closer to the shore as, on that timeless, sugary sand, familiar memories are made. Across the water, the sun descends, and, like God’s own Kodachrome, a neon strobe slices across the horizon.
of SCC & South County
Submission Deadline: 15th of the month prior to publication.
ADVERTISING: Neither NOKPmedia, nor its representatives or publications are liable for errors in advertising. THE NEWS does not endorse and cannot verify the accuracy of claims or representations made by advertisers who are solely responsible for advertisement contents.
SUBMISSIONS: THE NEWS is proud to be the ONLY print media publication distributed to EVERY home and business in Greater Sun City Center, as well as several nearby communities in South Hillsborough County. We are dedicated to providing you a local paper with a “hometown” feel. Submissions we accept include: community events or business news, club or group announcements, stories and poems, as well as your favorite joke, song, photo, artwork, or travel story.
NOKP Media (Publisher) reserves the right to edit or otherwise refuse all submissions. Neither the publisher nor the editor assume any responsibility for the return of submitted items. Mailed submissions can ONLY be returned if a correctly sized SASE is included with the submission.
Basic paragraph format required for all submissions. Submissions including ALL CAPS, multiple colors, and other ‘flyer-type’ formatting will not be considered for publication.
Email submissions are preferred. Submit stories and photos to “editor@soco. news”. Place the content in the body of the email and attach pictures in .jpeg or .png format. Submissions may be submitted via the SUBMISSIONS link at www. soco.news
Mailed submissions should be sent to:
The News of Sun City Center & South County
C/O NOKPmedia
PO Box 6212
Sun City Center, FL 33573-6212.
LETTERS: The News of Sun City Center & South County will not publish any political, proselytizing, or complaint letters. We will consider “thank you” notes for good service directed toward local people, organizations, or businesses.
DECLARATION: No part of this publication may be reproduced without the express written consent of NOKPmedia. All editorial copy is strictly the opinion of the author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of this publication, its officers or employees, or the Sun City Center Community Association.
Bob Sanchez Reporter bsanchez@soco.news
Andrea L.T. Peterson Reporter apeterson@soco.news
Nancy Jean Design and Layout art@soco.news
Gezil Andrews Reporter gandrews@soco.news
Contributors: Frank Kepley, Garry Higgins, Bob Monahan, Peggy Burgess, Joanne Baskinger, Debbie Caneen, John Lampkin, Cathy Meyerhoff, Judy Cesarski and Ron Clark. (CA President).
The setting sun paints a timeless, pastel palette across the sky and the sea.
Don’t Let An INJURY SLOW
ER at Sun City Center, an extension of Manatee Memorial Hospital, is a full-service emergency department that provides care to those in need 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
We are located at 16504 S. U.S. 301 in Wimauma, adjacent to Walmart®.
ER at Sun City Center features:
• Full-service laboratory and imaging services (X-ray, CT and ultrasound) (A physician order is required.)
• Care for all ages
• Shorter wait times*
• Access to on-site physician 24/7
• Ten treatment areas, including seven exam rooms and three rapid medical exam spaces
Meet Jim Gundry, The STAR Samaritan for the 2nd quarter of 2024. Living in the Tampa area for 40-plus years, Jim moved to Kings Point about six years ago. While living there, he served as President of his HOA, and was also appointed to the King’s Point Federation Board. Jim joined Samaritan Services working on publicity. Jim owned his own business for many years, and that made him the perfect candidate for Treasurer of the Samaritan Service Board, a position he currently holds. Many thanks to Jim for keeping an eye on budget and finances. If you like to drive, we need you for local and out-of-town rides. If you like to tell people where to go, we need dispatchers for our two local cars. Or if you like variety, we need receptionists to greet people, book out-of-town ride appointments and provide general information. Call 813.634.9283 for more information.
SCC Rotary Vocational and College Scholarships
The Sun City Center Rotary club welcomed some of this year’s scholarship winners to a weekly club meeting. Each student introduced themselves and their future plans. For many years the club has awarded college scholarships to graduating high school seniors. Winners this year were from Leonard and East Bay high schools.
This year a new scholarship category was initiated for non-collegebound vocational training. Vocational scholarships were provided to three students in the fields of welding, cosmetology, and hospital medicine. Pictured are Rotary members Ann Hammond, leader for Vocational scholarships, and Ron Banaszak, leader for College scholarships.
The SCC Rotary Club meets each Tuesday for lunch with a topical speaker at Freedom Fairways For more information visit its Facebook page at “facebook.com/RotarySCC” or call Connie (membership) at 813-957-6482.
SCC United Methodist Church
School supplies needed for Hillsborough County Schools students include: pencils, pens, folders, binders, backpacks, highlighters, crayons, markers, glue, tape, calculators, notebooks, erasers, rulers, sharpies, composition notebooks, and scissors.
HCSO is collecting all summer at locations including: Sun City Center Emergency Squad 720 Ray Watson Drive
Sun City Center United Methodist Church 1971 Haverford Ave.
Heartland Social Club of SCC
Thursday, July 11, doors open at 5 p.m.
Kings Point North Club Waterside Room 1900 Clubhouse Drive,
The Heartland Social Club announces its annual summer picnic of the 2024 season, with a picnic with a western theme. Dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m. The picnic meal of sloppy joes, hot dogs, sides and a cookie for dessert. Don’t forget your beverage glass or whatever you wish other than water (ice provided). The event is BYOB. Dressing western theme is optional. The cost for the evening is only $10 for members and $13 for non-members. Due to space, there is a limit of 80 reservations for members and their guests only.
The welcome mat is out for all Sun City Center residents and snowbirds, especially those with ties to Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, and Nebraska. To RSVP, please mail a check made payable to: “Heartland Club”, C/O Bev Wohlrab, 2127 Sifield Greens Way, Sun City Center, FL. 33573, no later than Monday, July 1, 2024. Info: Bev Wohlrab at (309) 525-2871, or email “jbwohlrab@ gmail.com”.
Woman’s Club Donates to Samaritan Services
The GFWC Sun City Center Woman’s Club donated $3500 to Samaritan Services. (pictured from left to right are the Samaritan Services board of directors, Shep Sheppard, Gala Mentis, Ann Weber, Pat Rapach, Ed Mooney, Larry Smith, Ron Potteiger & Patsie Ginley. For Samaritan Services information call 813-634-9283. For SCC Ride, call 813-633-6111.
Community continued on page 5.
Community continued from page 4.
SCC/KP Singles Dating Group
Two meetings: 2nd Sunday, at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Kings Point North Clubhouse Ripple Room
Single SCCCA and KP residents are welcome. We are planning many more activities, excursions and ventures. Why not join us? Because the club is providing many of the amenities, we will soon be charging dues of just $12 a calendar year. For more information, contact Steve at 781-264-1215 or Nancy at 813-416-8203.
Report From the Silver Ospreys Squadron
For our meeting in the month of May 2024 we were more than happy to have an old friend and fellow member of the squadron, RADM Larry Chambers, USN (Ret.) as our speaker. His topic had a rather odd title, “R3350’s Forever.” The title, of course, refers to the very famous Wright R-3350 Duplex-Cyclone engine that was used to power several very successful aircraft designs of the WWII era.
As a lead-in to his presentation RADM Chambers gave a recount of his personal journey from his time as a cadet at the U.S. Naval Academy, to flight training, and on to successively more interesting aircraft flown. At every step in the journey he found that he was always seeking a more powerful aircraft. His first fleet assignment after receiving his Wings of Gold was to fly the Grumman AF Guardian in VS-37, an admirable but underpowered ASW aircraft, convincing him that aircraft with higher powered engines should be in his future. Eventually he was assigned to fly the AD Skyraider with VA-215 aboard the USS Bonhomme Richard CV-31. The Douglas AD (later renamed the A-1) Skyraider, exactly fit RADM Chambers’ aspirations for performance. Even though he later flew much higher performance jet aircraft, the A-1 remained his “favorite” aircraft to fly. Before transitioning to jet aircraft, he flew in excess of 2,400 hours in the Skyraider. RADM Chambers told of one epic flight where he was airborne in the Skyraider for over 14 hours! To sit in that single seat aircraft for that amount of time was quite a feat, requiring assistance from the carrier crew after landing to get him out of the aircraft and walking on his own. Used by the US Navy over Korea and Vietnam, the Skyraider was a primary close air support aircraft also for the USAF and RVNAF during the Vietnam War. From a design perspective the R-3350 was selected for the A-1 because it provided up to 3,700 hp. Designed with 18 cylinders displacing nearly 3,350 cubic inches, the R-3350 became a staple of new aircraft design of the day. The Skyraider was designed with seven “hard points” per wing, allowing it to carry a wide variety of bombs and missiles. In the attack role for which the Skyraider was designed, “loitering” was a key capability. Given the very large bomb loads carried by the Skyraider (at times equaling or exceeding the bomb loads of B-17 bombers in WWII), all of that power that RADM Chambers wished to have was needed. RADM Chambers later transitioned to flying the A-4 Skyhawk with VA125 and VA-22, and the A-7 Corsair II with VA-67 and VA-15. Hearing his personal story of flying for the U.S. Navy, and his fondness for the power of the R-3350 aircraft he flew, was certainly a fascinating account of a very memorable time in US Naval Aviation history. The Silver Ospreys Squadron is comprised of retired military personnel from all United States military branches, as well as members of the general public with an interest in military aviation. All are welcome. Reservations for the luncheon meeting are required, and can be made by contacting Ed Mooney, Treasurer, via email at “edmllc@ yahoo.com”, by mail at 2434 Nottingham Greens Drive, Sun City Center, FL 33573, or by telephone at 813.751.6844.
Center 4Life Learning Register for Summer Classes
Life is an Adventure. Come enjoy the fun. Our 2024 summer session, July 9 thru September 13, is open to all adults in the community. Study or enhance your knowledge of Sign Language, Fun with Fifties Rock n’ Roll with music and discussion, Fun with Logic, Streaming Movies, TV & Music, and Android Smartphones & Tablets. All are “Miracle Grow” for your brain.
Visit our website at “sccumc.com/4lifelearning” for more information and register online for classes or visit the Center 4Life Learning office. The Center 4Life Learning office is open, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. We accept credit cards, check, and cash, in the center office. Signup today.
Center 4Life Learning is on the United Methodist Church of Sun City Center campus, 1971 Haverford Avenue, Sun City Center. For more information, call 813-634-8607 or email center4life@sccumc. com.
membership meeting of the Sun City Center Men’s Club. The rangers told of their personal histories, the variety of responsibilities the job of park ranger entails, the flora and fauna found in the park, and the various camping sites and activities available. Little Manatee State Park is located on Lightfoot Road off of Hwy. 301 approximately six miles south of Sun City Center. For more information about the Sun City Center Men’s Club call Bruce Fraser, VP of Membership, at 813 419-4013.
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 Lifeline Personal Emergency Response System (PERS) at a more competitive rate than what Lifeline 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
The Men's Club was formed in the early 1960's. In 1991, the Men's Club decided to offer the Lifeline Personal Emergency Response System (PERS) to residents of Sun City Center and Kings Point
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
L to R: ARDM Larry Chambers (resident of Freedom Plaza), Tom Harding, CO, Silver Ospreys Squadron.
Pet Salon & Spa
SCC & KP Amateur Radio Clubs Ready To Help in a Community Emergency
By Paula Lickfeldt
As we enter hurricane season, it is important for all of us to know about the SCC and KP Amateur Radio Clubs that are here to help in case of an emergency.
Five days a week, Monday through Friday from 9 until 11 a.m., you can find members of the SCC Amateur Radio Club in their “club room” which is in the hurricane resistant maintenance building on the north campus. They will be there, operating around the clock, 24/7, during an emergency
The SCC Amateur Radio Club and the KP Amateur Radio Club combined have about 188 members. Several people are members of both clubs.
The SCC club meets on the first Wednesday of the month, at 2 p.m. in the Florida Room. The yearly dues are $20. Any resident of Sun City Center or Kings Point can get a handheld radio for $20 by going to the KP club in the main clubhouse on Thursday or Saturday morning. There are about 600 radios in SCC and KP. The Sun City Center Amateur Radio Club (SCCARC) maintains a fully equipped communications room. Communications facilities include shortwave (HF) radio positions with high powered amplifiers and modern antennas
that enable communication throughout the US and the world. The issued callsign is KE4ZIP. For local and regional communication they maintain VHF and UHF capabilities and repeater stations to enable handheld and mobile radios to expand their range. More modern digital communications facilities are also supported. All systems are supported by backup power in case of an outage.
The SCCARC club members ensure that equipment is in good working order through weekly communications. On Mondays there is a regular “Network” or “NET” held on shortwave frequencies to communicate with the members who might be up north as well as stations
across the US and beyond. Tuesday nights they test the local capabilities and keep members up to date. The SCC Amateur Radio Club works closely with the KP Amateur Radio Club and its support of community disaster communication enablement as well as the Hillsborough County communication liaison for county wide issues.
The website provides a messaging facility where they can receive email to residents even if all phone and internet facilities are out. Inquiries can be made online at: “qsl.net/ sccarc”. This is a link for anyone in the world to get a message to Sun City Center residents even if normal communications are out of order.
In the case of an emergency or
disaster, any resident can go to a neighbor’s home that has an orange paper displayed in the window with an old fashioned telephone on it. This signifies a member of the Amateur Radio Club who will be able to get a message to a family member. Also, if you have an emergency and need help, put a pillowcase over your yard light post. This will signal to anyone passing by that help is needed.
SCCARC is a 501(c)(7) nonprofit organization affiliated with the American Radio Relay League, the primary Amateur Radio Organization in the United States. The Sun City Center Community Association graciously provides the facilities and support for the club to carry out its mission. Members of the National Amateur Radio League (NARL) say that “When all else fails, Amateur Radio Works” and the SCC and KP Amateur Radio Clubs are available to help.
Orange phone window display.
SCC Amateur Radio Club monthly meeting
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.
New Tampa Performing Arts Center Hosts Free Concert
Featuring Top International Pianists
New Tampa Performing Arts Center (NTPAC) will host a free concert featuring pianists who were selected for the 2024 Rebecca Penneys Piano Festival (RPPF) on Saturday, July 6, at 3 p.m. RPPF is one of the world’s premier piano festivals, bringing together award-winning collegiate pianists from around the globe.
The festival is held annually at the University of South Florida, where invited pianists experience an intensive, threeweek program that includes learning and performing opportunities spearheaded by a world-class faculty of international artists.
Selected from more than 250 applications across 25 countries, this year’s RPPF pianists include students from The Juilliard School, National University of Singapore, Royal Danish Academy, Yale School of Music, Seoul National University, Oberlin Conservatory, Shanghai Conservatory, Eastman School of Music, and The Glenn Gould School in Toronto.
NTPAC invites the community to hear the following featured RPPF artists perform on Saturday, July 6.
Linda Ruan, 26, is a ChineseCanadian pianist who was named one of Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s Hot 30 Under 30 Canadian Classical Musicians. Ruan is passionate
about sharing the potential of music to overcome boundaries across cultures.
Yiying Niu, 26, was born in Anyang, China. She has appeared internationally in venues in China, the United States, and countries in Europe.
Adrian King, 21, recently received the gold medal at the Seattle International Piano Competition. Additionally, he won the 2018 Aloha International Piano Festival Competition and performed Prokofiev’s Concerto No. 3 with the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra.
Celine Chen, 20, shares her love for music through her work in the Back to BACH Project as a director of global operations. With around 70 global regions,
the Back to BACH Project aims to provide music and arts education to inspire the next generation.
The concert is free to attend with limited capacity. Guests must register for a ticket in advance at “NewTampaArtsCenter.org/ tickets”.
To learn more about RPPF and additional satellite concerts and events throughout the Tampa Bay area, visit “rebeccapenneyspianofestival. org”. Find out more about NTPAC’s upcoming events at “NewTampaArtsCenter. org’’ and on social media. For questions about event tickets, email “TicketsNTPAC@hcfl.gov”. NTPAC is located at 8550 Hunters Village Rd., Tampa, FL 33647.
DANCING
Come Dance With Us
Two dances this month, different locations
Sunday, July 7, from 6:30 - 9 p.m.
Kings Point South Clubhouse, Jubilee Room Performer: Cindy Burger with all genres of music. Snacks and drinks available for purchase. Water and ice provided. Sunday, July 21, from 6:30 - 9 p.m. Kings Point North Clubhouse Veterans Theater Performers: LB & Chloe, all genres. BYOB. Water and ice provided. Cost $5. All welcome with community ID. Cost is $5. Info: Ken 513582-8449 or Rosemary 513-258-8238.
Do You Wanna Dance Club
Saturday, July 20, from 7 to 10 p.m.
SCC Community Hall, 1910 S. Pebble Beach.
Let the music of “Two Excited Duo” be the soundtrack to your evening of dancing. Tickets Sales: at the Sun City Center Atrium Kiosk from 10 to noon, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, July 15, 17, 19, and at the door on July 20 (ticket sales will end promptly at 7 p.m.). Doors open at 6 p.m. Ticket pricing: $5 members and $10 nonmembers. BYOB. Please bring non-perishable food items for Our Ladies Pantry. For more information email “jfkfunnsun@yahoo. com,” “bgocek1@gmail.com.”
Swing & Country Dance Club
Free dance lessons for SCCCA residents with an ID, Freedom Plaza residents with ID, and Kings Point residents with a Club Activity Card.
Every Thursday: 6 - 6:30 p.m. Beginner West Coast Swing 6:30 - 7 p.m. Intermediate West Coast Swing Dance Studio 1. The studio is next to the walking pool in the Atrium. For more information contact Cindy Rohr at 630-235-1277.
Moonglow July Dance
July 25, from 7 to 9 p.m.
SCC Community Hall, 1910 S. Pebble Beach
The theme for this dance will be Beach Party night. Attire for this dance will be Picnic Style Casual, but please no swimsuits. Music will be provided by Thor Stevens. 50/50 drawing tickets will be available for purchase. Admission is free for members or $6 for Sun City Center residents or Kings Point residents with a Club Usage Card.
pleased to be hosting our Independence Day Event. The day will kick off with our Pancake Breakfast starting at 8 till 11:30 am. You can enjoy pancakes, scrambled eggs, yogurt, sausage, juice, and coffee for $7. This event will be held at the Community Hall 1910 S. Pebble Beach Blvd.
We also will have our wonderful food vendor C & J Specialties serving some yummy fair food at the North Campus. Entertainment will start at 11 a.m. at the pool side, with Karaoke and a DJ till 12:30 p.m. Followed by bandstand music provided by Kevin Brooks at 1 p.m. Free ice cream will be distributed while supplies last, in the early afternoon.
We are excited that our Summer Bandstand concerts are off to a great start. If you have not joined us yet, our next Bandstand Concert will be held on July 24 at 6 p.m. featuring EQ – The Little Big Band at the Gazebo 958 Cherry Hills Drive. So come in your golf cart or bring a chair and enjoy the music. CC’s Grill will be on hand offering food cash only.
The remaining concerts are August 21, The Steve and Sarah Duo Show at 6 p.m. (rain date 22) and September 18, Cahoots Band at 5 p.m. Remember these events are free to SCCCA members and their family members with guest passes, which can be purchased at the CA office 1009 N. Pebble Beach Blvd M-F 8-3 p.m. We look forward to seeing you there!
south County Events
WED. JUL 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 - THERAPEUTIC TAI CHI FOR HEALTH 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. at Sun Towers Retirement Community, 101 Trinity Lakes Drive, Sun City Center. Our therapists have advanced training in therapeutic Tai Chi for Seniors and will provide guidance in this healthy exercise. Tai Chi has been proven to increase strength and balance! For more information, contact Debbie Caneen at 813-892-2990.
THU. JUL 11, 18, 25 - 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. JUL 11, 18, 25OPTIMAL HEALTH CLASS 10:00 a.m. at Sun Towers Retirement Community, 101 Trinity Lakes
Dr, SCC. Our speaker shares: I can’t remember a time when I WASN’T fascinated by the healing properties of food. Indigenous peoples worldwide have used food as medicine for eons...so why don’t we still do that?” Dinah Allison “ The Functional Health Sensei.
MON. JUL 15 - PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. Sun Towers Retirement Community, 101 Trinity Lakes Dr. SCC. Have you ever smelled a familiar fragrance and had your mind travel back to a happy memory connected to that scent? The power of scent can be transformative. Join Ann Shultz, Activity Director at Sun Towers as we discuss the use of essential oils as a natural and safe way to support difficult emotions. Questions? Call
Debbie Caneen 813-892-2990.
TUE. JUL 16 - ESSENTIAL TREMORS (ET) SUPPORT GROUP 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. (3rd Tuesday of each month) at Sun Towers Retirement Community, 101 Trinity Lakes Dr. SCC. Topic of discussion: The VILIM Ball by Mantas Venslauskas PhD and President of Vilimed. The product is endorsed by the International Essential Tremor Association (IETF). Gezil Andrews, Founder and Coordinator of the SCC Essential Tremor Support Group has purchased the VILIM ball for herself as has one other member of the SCC ET Support Group. Open to all the
KNOX ALUMINUM
community, not just our local group members! Questions: Call Gezil Andrews at 309-6601091. Gezil also has a blog for all who deal with Essential Tremors: “Awomanandherstories.com”.
THU. JUL 18 - FREE BALANCE SCREENING TO REDUCE YOUR RISK OF FALLS 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon – Sun Towers Outpatient Therapy Dept, 101 Trinity Lakes Dr. SCC. Did you know one in
four adults aged 65 and older falls each year? Are you at risk? Our therapists at Sun Towers Retirement Community are on a quest to reduce the risk of falls before they happen. Have your fall risk screened at no cost to you! This simple screening takes less than ten minutes. See the results before your eyes through biofeedback. Call to schedule today! (813) 331-3035.
Provided by Debbie Caneen, Director Admissions, Sun Towers
Photo continued from page 1.
for “Cheetah Training” and “Crunchy on the Outside”, Dale Hughes got a silver for “Sunset Luau” and Barbara Klimczak got a silver for “Up the Down Staircase”. In the Digital Mono Category, there was one silver, Wayne Adams for “ Skyline”. In the Print Color Category, Christina Brittain won both a gold and a silver award, for “Children’s Laughter Heard
No More” and “Seminole’s Sadness”. In the Print Creative Category, Christina Brittain again won a gold and silver award for “Splashes bring Smiles” and “Do the Chicken Dance”. Barbara Klimczak also got a silver award for “Welcome to Emerald City”. In addition to the listed winners, there were many talented photographers who won bronze awards for their beautiful
images. If you like photography and want to have fun with likeminded people, come and
attend a meeting in the Caper Room at 6:30 p.m., the second Tuesday of the month.
Kestrel’s High Wire Act, John Lampkin
View From Down Under, Madlyn Blom
Sunset Luau, Dale Hughes
Meet Rosa Lopez — Just Passing It Forward
Rosa is one of a handful of volunteers charged with welcoming our clients and registering them for food when they come to Our Lady’s Pantry on Saturday mornings. The U.S. Department of Agriculture and Feeding Tampa Bay require Our Lady’s Pantry to keep records of our clients.
“But this is good,” says Rosa, “because by registering folks, we learn the size of their families. And some families are large. So we can give them more food… I have been volunteering here for about six years,” she adds.
“I started working here about the same time I started coming for food. Making ends meet was getting difficult with the cost of living increasing all the time,” she says. “Getting some groceries every two weeks has eased my anxiety about having enough to feed my family. My grandson is
living with me at this time.”
After Pantry clients sign in, Rosa gives them a different color ticket related to how many family members will enjoy the food. The tickets are placed on the windshield of their car. Different color tickets tell those putting food in our clients’ cars how many groceries to include for that client.
“One large coming in,” someone calls from the porch, noting the color of the ticket on
the windshield of the car now approaching the porch, where the food is distributed. The Pantry team is ready, grabbing extra big bags of produce, cereal, eggs, bread, and meats for the large family approaching the porch.
According to Rosa, everyone who works here is nice and friendly. “When our clients come and need help of some kind, we tell them where to go,” Rosa adds. “We do our best.
We never say ‘no.’ If someone comes and is not registered to get a big box of food, we give them a bag of food, instead. No one goes away without food.
“All of us here at Our Lady’s Pantry appreciate the donations we receive from individuals and various nonprofits,” says Rosa. “The food we are able to purchase for these gifts are being enjoyed by many hundreds of men, women, and children in our community.”
TRAVEL
- Discovery Princess
Seattle • Juneau • Skagway • Glacier Bay • Ketchikan
Victoria • Seattle From $2289.05 per person Inside includes taxes and fees + drink package + gratuities & more!
July 21, 2024 • BERMUDA FROM CAPE LIBERTY
• 8 Days / 7 Nights
Celebrity Eclipse
• Cape Liberty • 2 nights ! Royal Naval Dockyard • Cape Liberty
From $1224.50 per person Veranda !!!
July 21, 2024 • WESTERN CARIBBEAN • 7 Days / 6 Nights
Celebrity Beyond
• Ft Lauderdale • Cozumel • George Town • Bimini • Ft Lauderdale
From $1244 per person Veranda !!! Awesome!!
July 30, 2024 • DANUBE RIVER CRUISE • 10 Days / 9 Nights
From $2216 per person Ocean view Balcony includes taxes and fees
By Kai Rambow
Silver Springs State Park is a nice excursion that you can do year round. I recently did this on a very hot day, and it was a wonderful trip.
Famous Movies Filmed Here
Numerous movies were filmed at Silver Springs. Tarzan, The Creature from the Black Lagoon, the television series Sea Hunt, and scenes in several Bond films were all filmed here. When you first get a look at the springs and river, it’s easy to see why.
Not only were some well-known movies shot here, but Silver Springs has history of its own. It is cited as the first Florida roadside attraction. This is where glass bottom boats were invented.
Not only do they still offer glass bottom boat tours, you can rent “glass” kayaks that enable you to see the bottom of the springs and river. I do not want to paddle/work that hard to enjoy nature. The glass bottom boat tour guides do a great job of pointing out different things one can see through the glass. For example, there are some cool moments where spotting the pebbles at the bottom allows you to see the spring water bubbling up.
TRAVEL
Silver Springs State Park
Lower Expectations
You will hear about this either before or while visiting. There are monkeys at the park. The monkeys escaped from an attraction decades ago, and approximately 300 to 400 roam in the park area and beyond. The odds of you seeing them is close to zero.
People also expect to see manatees. As you may recall, we don’t get to see manatees at Apollo Beach during the summer. The same applies at Silver Springs.
On our boat ride we saw fish, turtles, birds, and alligators. There is plenty to see, just have realistic expectations. While the gardens were not in full bloom at this time of year, we saw quite a few beautiful flowers.
Tips for a Great Trip Reservations: There are 30 minute boat tours and 90 minute boat tours. The boats are not that big. Reservations are recommended. The 90 minute tours were all sold out when we arrived on a weekday. We did take a 30 minute tour, which we all liked. No one felt we missed out on anything. The cost for this excursion is $25.
Driving: It’s a relatively easy drive to get here. The park is just north of Ocala. Any map software will indicate it’s a two hour drive. It took us two and half each way. Leave early enough and there is no reason to rush. We just took it easy.
What to Wear: Especially during the hot weather, be sure to have sunglasses, sun hat and sunscreen. If you’re out doing a boat ride, it’s covered. If you walk the gardens, there is plenty of shade.
Note: There is no swimming here, so dress as lightly as possible.
Where to Eat: There is a café right in the park, however, there are plenty of well-known options on the main road leading to the
park entrance. Recommend you look this up before you drive there, so you know where you’d like to eat.
I did try out a recommendation for a local restaurant. It was disappointing, so I’m not recommending it here.
Visitor Center: There is a Discovery Center and a gift shop here. There is, unfortunately, nothing outstanding. If you skip these, it’s not as if you will miss something.
The best thing you can do is have a very nice day trip with friends or family.
Silver Springs State Park
5656 E. Silver Springs Silver Springs, FL 34488 (352) 261-5840
www.silversprings.com
Wow! Even this dog had a wonderful time.
Several movies have been filmed at Silver Springs. This is a remaining underwater set at the springs.
There are several beautiful settings at Silver Springs.
Even though it’s not a top time for blooms, there were quite a few stunning flowers.
Announcing an amazing opportunity for you to save big and start living your best life today! Settle on select apartment residences by December 15, 2022 and you can
includes Freedom Fairways, our premier executive golf course and clubhouse, pickle ball courts, tennis courts, and more!
club setting and remarkable lifestyle includes Freedom Fairways, our premier executive golf course and clubhouse, pickle ball courts, tennis courts, and more!
Announcing an amazing opportunity for you to save big and start living best life today! Settle on select apartment Friday, September 15th, 2023 and you
Announcing an amazing opportunity for you to save big and start living your best life today! Settle on select apartment residences by December 15, 2022 and you can
Announcing an amazing opportunity for you to save big and start living your best life today! Settle on select apartment by Friday, September 15th, 2023
Many Tongues Represented in SCC
By Gezil Andrews
Think about your heritage and bless your parents, grandparents, uncles, aunties, spouse, siblings…. for the many gifts that come with being a polyglot: speaking or writing several languages: in other words, being multilingual.
Sun City Center is a modest but vibrant polyglot population composed of several linguistic groups. While 89% of our community speak English, 8.3% are foreign-born, 7% speaks Spanish, 0.9% Asian languages, and 0.2% Native American. Many foreign-speaking residents are second or third generation Americans who can speak another language from their childhood. Many of our residents have served in the military and lived outside the United States where other languages are spoken.
These diverse languages add unique flavor to our neighborhoods! Consider that different languages can cause a word to have a different meaning. As an example: “Glass” is something shiny, hard, and brittle in English, but it turns to soft, cold, sweet, and gooey ”ice cream” when you’re in Sweden.
Cross-cultural communication can be challenging, but it’s an essential aspect of living in a multicultural community. Some SCC residents have “elders” living with them and speak the elder’s language at home or in a social setting. This shows a sense of respect for the older adult.
Diverse cultures have different communication styles and norms as well. Understanding these differences can help you communicate more effectively with people from different backgrounds. As an example, some languages require different expressions in breathing, tones, pitches and pausing. These are small subtleties, but they matter. Many people don’t expect others to follow these verbal and social nuances, but it makes a substantial difference in understanding messages. Avoid making assumptions about people based on their culture or background. Ask questions to clarify any misunderstandings and to gain a better understanding of their perspective. Some cultures require a dress code for different situations that may not make sense to us. Hats are an example… Many Cuban men wear many hats for various occasions. It is simply a matter of cultural style.
Consider that Americans are split when it comes to knowing the difference between the terms Hispanic and Latino. Hispanic refers to someone whose country residents primarily speaks Spanish, and Latino refers to those with origins from Latin America (Mexico, South and Central America) and the Caribbean.
A local Sun City Center resident, Vicente Lopez Jr., has deep Spanish–Cuban roots. His father was of Cuban descent, having
been born and raised in Cuba. His father spoke no English. His mother and grandmother both spoke English and Spanish. English is Vicente’s second language – speaking Spanish while growing up was expected in the household even if English was required in school. Vicente was raised in and still practices Catholicism, celebrating the Virgin Mary the first week of May and other special holidays such as Christmas and Easter.
Vicente was born in Clara C Frye hospital for Black people in Tampa in 1957. After the death of Clara Frye in 1936, the city of Tampa built the Clara Frye Memorial Hospital in her honor. It stood as a historical marker within the community.
Vicente and his family lived in Ybor City for several years, moving to St. Pete and then on to Sun City Center. Sun City Center had been on his wife’s radar for several years. Annie Lopez had a house picked out and the papers ready to sign when she brought Vicente to Sun City Center to visit friends. Both are glad they made the move.
Vicente serves on the Finance Committee for the CA and is a member of the Men’s Club. He was former President of the SCC Multicultural Club, still the youngest club in SCC with 100 members. He served as an educator for over 30 years teaching Social Studies and Physical Education at Dixie Holland School in Tampa. Vicente is known and respected as a giving, caring community volunteer.
Cubans themselves are, as recent DNA studies prove, partially African. The foods most enjoyed are made of African ingredients such as okra, yam, plantain, or malanga root. Cuban music owes its existence to African instruments such as the batá, iyesá, and bembé drums. Cuban rhythms such as rhumba, conga, salsa, are the ultimate result of the African heritage blending with Spanish and other beats.
Vicente can be seen in his Latin guayabera shirt, white with four pockets, also favored in the past by Presidents Reagan, Bush, and Clinton. Several actors are noted for wearing the shirt as well: Robert Duvall, Robert De Niro, and Sylvester Stallone! Good company to keep Vicente! Vicente shared a Spanish phrase from his upbringing –translated into English: (Spanish) “Como dice El Dicho?” with the English Translation of “A person is trying to remember.” The good community work done by Vicente will be remembered for years.
Moving on to the Asian continent takes us to India. The Indian language is represented by many people living in
Hillsborough County. Rukmini Potdar, a local child welfare specialist, shared with me that India has 50 states, and all have different languages. She speaks Marathi, but grew up learning Hindi, the country’s national language. Bengal is Rukmini’s 3rd Indian language. She speaks multiple native languages because she was schooled on the border.
Marriage in India is one of the binding pieces of culture, because Indian culture does not support divorce. Rukmini was divorced when her children were young. She had no financial support and little belongings, including basic clothing. Many Americans Rukmini met when she came to this country helped her with clothes, places to rent… even buying her a car to get her and her children around. She recalls a person who gifted them a 100-year-old piano for her son, a talented pianist, to take lessons. Today she is happily remarried, and her children live in the area. Today, English is Rukmini’s first language, her children have done well in their schooling and professional lives, and she flourishes in her career as a volunteer recruiter for the Florida Guardian Ad Litem Office, grateful to be able to give back to the country that welcomed her and her family in so many ways!
Rukmini shared her sentiments in her native tongue and by a famous Indian saint, Kabir Das: Moko Kahan Dhoondey Ray Bandhu Main To Teri Paas Mein. In English: Where do you search for me, my friend? I’m right here within you Rukmini mentioned that preparing and sharing food, a meal, snack, special occasion,
etc. are an important part of her heritage. Don’t plan on leaving her home hungry. Some of the foods that are traditional to her Indian culture are curry, rice, naan and roti bread, and all kinds of vegetable, meat, and fish dishes, along with a huge array of sweet dishes. The cuisine varies considerably from one region to another and with India being such a huge country, there is a wide variety in dishes that one can savor based on which part of the country you are in. Food is an important part of religious rituals, festivals, and celebrations.
Our review of the Italian language and culture is represented by Jeff Corniello, owner and Pedorthotist for the Shoe Lab, Ruskin, Florida. He is active in the Italian community and counts many well-known people in his inner circle. His acquaintances range from doctors, bookies, and a mafia guy in Florida, including Robert Davi, award-winning actor, screenwriter, director, producer, and jazz vocalist. Davi and Jeff and his family attend the same local Catholic church.
In his younger life, Jeff was a model (Yes, Chippendale!), an actor, a volunteer artist, good at martial arts and did some stunt work in the movies. At age 62, Jeff can still do a good rendition of the splits! It is common, today, for Jeff to actively work out five to six days a week. Mental and physical fitness are at the core of who he is. Jeff credits good healthy Mediterranean food –lots of lemon and olive oil in the base, as a big part of his good health.
Embracing his European background, Jeff loves his cappuccino (up until 11 a.m.) when he switches to Espresso! He mentioned that you really show you aren’t local if you can’t catch on to this daily routine! Being Italian is a lifestyle, built on family values, rules and respect. Jeff jokingly tells about the discipline in his home when he was growing up in Clearwater, Florida. It would not be uncommon to have a knuckle on the head if you got out of order with his father. “You just had to know your boundaries and over time, I learned!”
Many continued on page 15.
Jeff Corniello, 4th generation Pedorthotist.
Vicente Lopez, in his Hispanic colors.
Rukmini Potdar in her Indian Sari
By Jay Sparkman
Denny
Gray, President
of the Sun City Center Men’s Club presented a check for $2,400 to Sun City Center Security Patrol Asst. Chief Bob Smith for the Security Patrol to purchase an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) which will be placed in the Security Patrol building.
SCC Rotary Hat Drive for Chamber of Commerce
L to R: Denny Gray, President, SCC Men’s Club; Bob Smith, Asst. Chief, SCC Security Patrol.
The SCC Men’s Club has funded the purchase of several AEDs which have been placed in many of the CA buildings. For membership information about the SCC Men’s Club please call Bruce Fraser at 813 419-4013.
SCC Men’s Club Hears from BBB Speaker
L to R: Ed Barnes, VP of Programs, SCC Men’s Club; Bryan Oglesby, Director of Public Relations and Outreach, BBB of West Florida; Elliott Bart, President-Elect, SCC Men’s Club.
By Jay Sparkman
Bryan Oglesby, Director of Public Relations and Outreach for Better Business Bureau of West Florida, was guest speaker of the SCC Men’s Club monthly membership meeting held in the SCC Community Hall on May 20. Mr. Oglesby discussed the history of the BBB, the mission of the BBB, and how citizens and businesses can use the services of the BBB.
Various types of scams were discussed and members learned that questionable businesses and scams can be investigated by going to BBB.org. For more information about the SCC Men’s Club call Bruce Fraser, VP of Membership, at 813 419-4013.
The Sun City Center Rotary club provided support to the Chamber of Commerce by gathering “hats for the homeless’’. Other local organizations who helped by generously emptying their hat collections included Sun City Center Line Dance and Breakaway Respite. Almost 200 hats were delivered to the Chamber for distribution to the homeless. The SCC Rotary Club meets each Tuesday for lunch with a topical speaker at Freedom Fairways For more information visit its Facebook page at “facebook.com/ RotarySCC” or call Connie (membership) at 813-957-6482.
SCC Garden Club Hosts Appreciation Luncheon
By Paula Lickfeldt
Members of the SCC Garden Club who volunteered to help with club activities during the year, were treated to a “Thank You” luncheon at CCs restaurant that is in the Atrium Building. Not all of the members who volunteered to help during the year were able to attend the luncheon as many have already headed north for the summer. Volunteers helped with meetings, provided snacks at the meetings and helped with the orchid sale at FunFest. All of the money that was made at the orchid sale will be donated to local
L to R around the table: Barb Haverkamp, Pam Viner, Anne Yates, Teri Brockway, Kathi Ogoreuc, Linda Monahan, Bob Monahan, Nancy Gordon, not pictured Paula Lickfeldt.
Jeff’s father emigrated from Italy, then on to Venezuela and then Florida. He journeyed for a German shoemaker, Herman Levine. He specialized in a special shoe for veterans with foot injuries. Today the Shoe Lab is recognized as a 4th generation shoe repair shop – dealing with Comfort and Orthopedic shoes. Jeff is a certified Pedorthotist, continuing his family’s heritage as an Italian cobbler. Jeff is married with two children, one who works in the shop daily, but has not yet committed to joining the business full time.
Jeff states “I am just a Jack LaLanne type of guy.” Adding on “tattoo il mondo-pazzo” spoken in English means “the whole world is crazy.” Jeff Corneillo is one unique guy, bringing his Italian culture to Ruskin, Florida!
I traveled to Germany 27 years ago when my granddaughter was born. It was a magical trip because of the birth of my first granddaughter, but also because I fell in love with the country. My first name, Gezil, is German even though I am not. What a wonderful element to have in my upbringing!
Surely you have met a local German couple, Walter, and Esther Geissler. Walter came to the United States from Germany, on to Canada and then to Sun City Center. He was 18. Esther came shortly after, never having met Walter before. They both arrived in the United States with a cardboard box and a small suitcase: “they had nothing
more than what they were carrying.”
They visited Sun City, Arizona before settling here. Walter is first generation German, something of which he is immensely proud. Esther only spoke German before coming to this country. The Canadian government provided English language classes one to two times a week so that the immigrants’ transition to the United States could be smoother.
Walter told Esther when he first met her: “I can teach you English,” so that she would go out with him, thinking it was an English lesson. It turned out to be a lesson in English and love. They have been married for 69 years!
Walter was an electrician, a lumberjack and attended college for three years in Milwaukee. While in Milwaukee, he started the German Fest –they took in 100,000 visitors from around the world. From an early age, Walter always worked, taking nothing for free.
Esther worked as a nanny for many years, only able to speak her native language. The mother of the two children she cared for was Jewish and spoke German. Esther was also involved in many volunteer activities, earning the Cross of Merit from the German Government for what she did to help heart patients.
Esther was a wonderful cook, making homemade food for her family to keep their tradition alive. The schnitzel, often made with veal, (numerous recipes
on the Internet!) originated in Germany. Of course, we can’t overlook German potato salad and cabbage rolls! One of Walter’s favorites is “German chocolate cake” not what you usually find in a local restaurant. He said, “you will know the difference, no questions asked, when someone makes a real German chocolate cake.
Walter is the founder of the German Club (since 1999). This club is known as the fun club because of their activities. “Life is to be enjoyed,” offers Walter! The couple have two sons, one in Wisconsin and one in Louisiana.
Walter noted that many people change their names through immigration due to difficulty spelling or pronouncing their “birth name.” His sister changed her name from Inge to Inga because of the simple spelling.
Walter and Ether’s history is intertwined in the Lutheran church – again, very much a part of their German heritage, deeply respected and honored. This couple is a wonderful example of living out their
family history and bringing it to our local community! Walter’s wrap up for our interview is: “The German spirit is alive in Sun City Center, we follow German, Gemütlichkeit! This means harmony, happiness, and a happy life.” Well wishes are always appreciated, no matter the language.
Walter and Esther Geissler, married for 69 years
Heidi Oelgart, Another local German resident, married her husband with three children through an ad!
Esther Geissler, Cross of Merit recognition
Save The Date - Arts & Crafts Fair
Redeemer Lutheran Church, 701 Valley Forge Blvd., Sun City Center, will be having its fifth annual Arts & Crafts Fair on Saturday, November 2 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Although it is a few months away, mark your calendar now as this is an event that you won’t want to miss. With over 40 vendors, it is an opportunity to find unique gifts just in time for the holidays. For more information contact “rlceventsscc@gmail.com”.
FAITH &service
Beth Israel Jewish Congregation
New And Prospective Member Luncheon
Sunday August 18, from 11:30 to 1:30 p.m. 1115 East Del Webb Blvd.
Beth Israel Jewish Congregation is sponsoring a luncheon for new and prospective members.
St. Andrew Pizza and a Movie
Thursday, June 20, doors open at 5 p.m.
St. Andrew Presbyterian, 1239 Del Webb Blvd. W. All the pizza you can eat, an assortment of soft drinks, and delicious homemade cakes for $8 a ticket plus a great and popular movie. Serving starts at 5 p.m. with the movie starting shortly afterward. For tickets and more information come to the church office Monday through Thursday from 9 to 1 p.m. Info: 813.634.1252.
The Board of Directors will welcome and recognize new and prospective members to Beth Israel and provide an opportunity for you to learn about what Beth Israel has to offer: Shabbat services, Jewish learning, social programming, and a warm and welcoming congregation.
This is an open invitation being extended to anyone considering joining Beth Israel. Please R.S.V.P. by August 3, to Joanne Sudman at “jsudman@tampabay.rr.com” or Al Rittberg at “albepalm@ tampabay.rr.com”.
New President Term Begins For Local AAUW Branch
The Sun City Center AAUW (American Association of University Women) passed the leadership baton for the July 1, 2024 – June 2025 branch club year. Angie Maze stepped in quickly a year ago when then President Susan Nasrani moved out of the area in 2023. Under Angie, new members were added, fundraising goals were met, and friendships were made within the club and the community.
Gezil Andrews, currently Committee Chair for Programs and Public Policy, has assumed the role of President as of July 1, 2024. Gezil is active in the community as a reporter for the
News of Sun City Center and Founder and Coordinator for the Sun City Center Essential Tremors Support Group.
Other members of the leadership team are: Vice-President for Membership Patsie Ginley; Treasurer/Finance Co-Chairs Joyce Schuetz and Patty Barbaro, Secretary Bev Moody. Website Marjorie Fontalvo, Publicity and Tech Trek Diane Waronka, Registrar Margie Castiglia, Past-Presidents Angie Maze and Susan Nasrani. Monthly meetings are held October through May on the second Saturday of each month. Unless otherwise advertised, meetings are located in the
Florida Room of the Atrium in Sun City Center. The normal start time is 9:30 a.m. with speakers or programs beginning at 10 a.m. Board Meetings are open to all and are held the fourth Friday of each month (except for May and July) currently by Zoom.
The Sun City Center SouthShore Branch of AAUW covers the entire SouthShore area of Hillsborough County from Brandon south to Manatee County including Apollo Beach, Ruskin, Riverview, Lithia, and Wimauma. Although
most members are retired due to location of meetings, the Branch eagerly invites women from towns other than Sun City Center to check us out; the founders of the Branch in 1984 set Saturday as meeting dates specifically so working women could attend. Please visit the website for historical as well as new events. Join us at any time. Feel free to call Gezil at 309-660-1091 or email her at “gcw3934@yahoo. com”.
Board members still in town in late May took Angie out to lunch to honor her for a job well done! L to R: Patty Barbaro, Margie Castiglia, Gezil Andrews, Angie Maze, Bev Moody, and Patsie Ginley.
BOOK REVIEW
A Winston Churchill Smorgasbord
By Andrea L.T. Peterson
Sometimes a new book lands on my to-be-read (TBR) pile, and simultaneously or soon thereafter another book—fictional or non— addressing the same subject, magically appears either on the new books table in the library, in the mail from one of my publishing house contacts, or in my free mini library. So it was with Rachel Trethewey’s “The Churchill Sisters”.
The book arrived some time ago, but it jumped to the top of the TBR pile when David Lewis’ “A Jewel in the Crown: The Secret Churchill Files” arrived in my mailbox. It was then that I decided it was also time to read Erik Larson’s “The Splendid and the Vile: A Saga of Churchill, Family, and Defiance During the Blitz”.
“The Churchill Sisters: The Extraordinary Lives of Winston and Clementine’s Daughters” is an incredibly thorough and wellresearched exploration into the lives of Churchill's daughters. I don’t know about you, but I really love it when a book that is history reads like a novel. Apparently, a few reviewers have called this book a novel but, says its author, “it’s history and biography. I wanted it to read like a novel, to be accessible and not heavy. I was writing about the human side [of the Churchills].” And read like a novel, it does.
I had the opportunity to interview author Rachel Trethewey, whose writer’s life was definitely influenced by chance!
“The Churchill Sisters wasn’t even a subject I was exploring,” she told me. “My publishers came up with the idea of [me] doing a book on Churchill’s animals. I went to the Churchill Archives online and, by chance, I came upon this letter from [daughter] Sarah to her father [Winston]. It was so intimate and so informal—a daughter writing so frankly to her father, like a friend. It was not at all what I was expecting. The intimacy was tangible.”
“It’s just so interesting,” says Trethewey. “We’ve all heard so much about Winston—and son, Randall,”—rarely the daughters. They were so interesting and each so remarkable in her own way. Each had a productive life, but had they not been under the “shade” of the tree-like “canopy” of such a huge figure as their father, the great Winston Churchill, who knows what they might have done or become.
Winston was a man loved by his daughters! When Clementine was not there to see to his health or to join him as he traveled, one of his daughters was always there to fill in, often putting her own life and career on hold. It was more of a partnership he had with the girls, than a parent-child relationship. As was true of their mother, each of the girls put Winston first. Their aim was “to please him, to do the right thing, to measure up
History, Mystery, and Biography
to his expectations.” What a Sisyphean feat it must have been to measure up to this “incredibly charismatic man,” considered by many to be “the greatest Englishman of all time!”
Sarah, “was multi-talented—an actress, an actor, a poet, and an artist.” Unlike Mary, she and Diana had many challenges and led troubled personal lives. They grew up in a time different from those of us reading about them now.
“In that era,” says Trethewey, “women were not particularly good mothers. The structure of things [within their class] was different.
Parenting responsibilities were delegated to nannies with parents spending maybe an hour a day with their children.” It was this delegation of duties and failure to be present for her children that resulted in the untimely death of Churchill's third daughter, Marigold, before her third birthday.
The death of Marigold, was “a wake-up call for Clementine. It must have been an enormous cross for her to bear,” says Trethewey. But Marigold, gone from this earthly plane, was never far from her mother’s thoughts as we know Clementine kept a framed “photo of Marigold in a sunhat beside her dressing table.”
Until the death of Marigold, says Trethewey, “the girls lived a kind of nomadic life.” There were deaths in the family, different and often unreliable nannies, different homes, and plenty of travel. It was an unstable life, to say the least.
“Family dynamics have always interested me,” Trethewey told me. “The Churchill Sisters” illustrates the importance of these relationships. “They are,” she believes, “the most important things in the world. You can be the most successful person in the world, but if you don’t nurture those relationships, you won’t find happiness.
The sisters’ stories have entertained me, moved me, and inspired me in equal measure,” says Trethewey in her Acknowledgements. “And” she adds, “changed my attitude to Winston Churchill.”
I’m looking forward to her next book, “Mothers of the Mind,” exploring the lives and relationships the mothers of Agatha Christie, Virginia Woolf, and Sylvia Plath had with their daughters.
You may remember that earlier this year I interviewed Erik Larson who maintained [and I’m paraphrasing]: his book about the Civil War is possibly the last book his readers would want to read. The same may be said about his book about Churchill, “The Splendid and the Vile.” But it also must be said that readers who forego these titles would be missing some amazing history lessons as well as a couple of
great reads!
“A Jewel in the Crown” is a fictionalized account of Churchill’s/England’s attempt to protect the Kingdom’s Crown Jewels by sending them into hiding in Canada before Hitler has the opportunity to trounce England [and take the jewels for himself] as his armies had Poland, Austria, Denmark, and Norway, in his drive to conquer Europe. Fictional Caitrin Colline finds herself amid history’s real actors: Winston and Clementine Churchill; Churchill’s bodyguard, Walter Thompson; Hitler’s famed propagandist and film-maker, Leni Riefenstahl,
and SS-Brigadefuhrer, Walter Schellenberg.
Colline, the daughter of a Welsh coal miner, is among the least likely to be a British operative. A young, seemingly naive socialist, she is paired up with an aristocratic special agent. The goal is to get the jewels, hidden under a load of hay bales in a rickety cart, to the ship that is to take them across the Atlantic to safety. Churchill is the only one who knows the jewels never left England. They were, instead, buried 60 feet under Windsor Castle in a “biscuit tin.” I believe we’ll see more of Caitrin Colline in the near future!
News of Freedom Plaza
By Peggy Burgess
The digits “3” and “0” played prominent—almost mystical—roles in the Freedom Plaza Scholarship Fund, Inc. proceedings of its business year, which ended on May 31.
Thirty Freedom Plaza employees were awarded grants of $3,000 each, and finally, the 2024 Awards Celebration marked the 30th anniversary of this Scholarship Fund annual event! Whether or not fate fixed the numbers, the results proved positive for all concerned. The Scholarship Fund Board of Directors was enabled, through the generosity of Freedom Plaza residents, to raise the individual grant amount from $2,500 to $3,000.
They were gratified, as well, that the 30 applications for scholarships this year (all approved) nearly doubled that of last year. This was probably due to the Scholarship Fund’s new website that can be accessed by a QR image, something familiar and appealing to young people. Clicking on it furnishes Freedom Plaza employees— all of whom are eligible to apply for scholarships— pertinent information, plus the convenience of filling out scholarship applications on-line.
The Awards Night Celebration on May 16 surpassed all expectations! The Auditorium was filled with proud family members and almostas-proud Freedom Plaza residents, everyone offering congratulations to smiling scholarship recipients. It was made even more special in that the event’s guest speaker was Dr. Jennifer Wells China, President of Hillsborough Community College Southshore Campus, the institution where most Freedom Plaza Scholarship winners utilize their grants.
During this academic year, 20 of the 30 grant recipients will attend classes there. Dr. China’s address was inspiring and interesting to both the awardees and other audience members. In it she described the
phenomenal growth of this local institution of learning over its 16-year history. She also invited residents to become involved in the college’s community outreach programs and to explore its service offering senior citizens free monitoring of classes. Readers interested in these opportunities may contact the college at 813-2596150 for information.
Freedom Plaza Statue
Dr. Jennifer Wells China, speaker at Freedom Plaza Scholarship Fund event.
This evocative statue of a young American greets guests at Freedom Plaza.
