The News of
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SUN CITY CENTER COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
Sun City Center
June 2019
...an official publication of the Sun City Center Community Association
COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION SCHEDULE
JUNE 4 Hurricane Preparedness Meeting (CA Members Only – I/D required) Community Hall – 1 p.m. 10 Board Workshop to discuss Agenda Board Room – CA Office - 9 a.m. 12 Board Meeting Rollins Theater - 9 a.m. 19 Bandstand Concert Viki Ryan and Sunset Social Club 6 pm. to 7:30 p.m. JULY 4 4th of July Breakfast Community Hall 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Karaoke, Food Service, Music Pool/Bandstand 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 8 Board Workshop to discuss Agenda Board Room - CA Office - 9 a.m. 10 Board Meeting Rollins Theater - 9 a.m. NOTE: Community Leaders Meetings are not held in June, July, or August. Agendas for the monthly Board Meetings will be posted on Official Bulletin Board in the Atrium the Monday before and on the CA website (www.suncitycenter.org – under “Residents” – Upcoming Meeting Agendas). They will also be sent via “What’s New in the CA” email. Every Wednesday: Orientation for new members in the Board Room in the CA office starting at 1 p.m. sharp.
CA Contact Information
Phone: 633-3500 sccboard@suncitycenter.org Website: suncitycenter.org Information Center 813-633-4670
The Fourth of July breakfast committee is ready to serve you.
Have a Fun Fourth of July!
By Diane M. Loeffler Start your Independence Day with the best deal in town. For a mere $5 you will be served sausage, eggs, pancakes, toast, orange juice and coffee in the air-conditioned comfort of Community Hall, 1901 South Pebble Beach. Everyone is welcome to attend this breakfast. Food will be served from 7:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. The Fourth of July and Holiday Breakfasts fund Community Association (CA) events including those happening at the CA’s north campus later in the day.
Fun 4th continued on page 4.
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Caring for SCC’s Lakes
Part 3 in a series by Ilona Merritt With the first lake being dug in 1961, Del Webb made it possible for many residents to have their dream home on the water at an affordable cost. Throughout our history, the lakes have been cared for by the residents. Some of our new residents have told me that they choose their home because they like the quality of the lake. Real estate agents have repeatedly told us that a nice lake will help sell a house faster and higher. Some of the very large lakes only need treatment from an aquatic service company occasionally, and the cost to the residents who live on the water’s edge is low. However, the smaller lakes also need service. Here personal opinions become a factor. Some folks living on a lake only call an aquatic service company when their lake has a problem, in which case the cost will be higher. At this time, some lakes in SCC are not getting proper care. Some say they are letting the weeds on the edge grow to protect the shoreline. Sounds good until you consider that in Florida it rarely freezes, and the weeds grow and grow. Alligators and other predators like to make their home in those lakes where they can hide and wait. In time, growth can take over, and the lake is gone forever.
I have heard folks say they would never live on a lake because of the alligators. They were here before we came, no one can deny that. Living on a lake, one does have to be vigilant, especially if you have a dog. The other wildlife and a bounty of beautiful birds make it worthwhile. Some lake residents have a regular service to keep their lakes beautiful, pristine, and safe. I live on a smaller lake, and it gets inspected and treated
on a monthly basis. All chemicals which may go into the Florida aquifer are highly controlled by the State. To help with the problem of grasses growing the State will supply grass eating carp, which have been neutered. This service is available through a request of our aquatic company and there is no charge. Our lake has also been stocked with game
Lakes continued on page 4.
SCC’s Pools: Everything You Need to Know
By Diane M. Loeffler The pools on the main campus of Sun City Center just might be the most popular location in town. The outdoor pool and hot tub open at sunrise and close at sunset. The indoor lap pool, hot tub and the walking pool open at 6 a.m. and close at 9 p.m. The facilities can be reserved by waterrelated clubs. Currently pools are used by Aquasizers for deep and shallow water aerobics classes, Swim Dancers for practices and performances, Water Volleyball Club for games, Arthritis Classes for loosening up, lap swimmers for exercise and training, and residents and their guests for exercise, socializing and relaxation. There are even special hours for our guests between the ages of 3 and 18 — 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Did you know that there is a prescribed temperature for the pools and hot tubs? Maintenance Supervisor Phil Bennett says, “Hillsborough County Inspectors are always pleased with how well we maintain the pools, the water quality, temperatures and every aspect of our pool upkeep.” Rules are designed for the safety of all residents. We need to make sure that everyone, especially those using walkers and wheelchairs, can maneuver safety around the pool area, so we can only use the chairs that are already provided. Rules about throwing balls and other objects in the pool and refraining from bringing floatation devices help insure that the less mobile individuals in our community do not have to worry about trying to move quickly to avoid being hit or bumped. We can order food from Cafe’ Luna’s walk-up window or we can bring our own. Either way, be sure to clean up
Pool supervisor Katie Rathke says, “I love the people!” Recently she had to shoo away seagulls who had discovered some food that was left behind.
Pool attendant Pat Carswell takes a brief break from cleaning to pose for the reporter. He says he enjoys being in the sun and working with people.
afterwards. Others will appreciate having a neat and clean place to go. Recently someone left behind some potato chips. Seagulls somehow sensed there was food available and swooped down for the treat. We all know how seagulls hang around beaches and pester us while we are trying to eat. It isn’t something we want to happen here! Pool Supervisor Katie Rathke and Pool Attendants Bruce Clement and Pat Carswell monitor our pools. When asked about their duties, Rathke says, “We try to keep the pools clean. We try to answer any questions the client might have. The most important thing is keeping everyone happy and making sure they belong here. We do a lot of cleaning. We make sure everyone picks up after themselves. Even a little bit of garbage left can be a problem.” Rathke says, “What I like best about this job is the people. I love the people. 99.9% of the people are lovely to work with. They are smiling, happy and glad to be here. Overall, people thank us.”
Rathke add, “I wish people realized that asking for their ID is part of our job, and that they have to have their ID when on the premises. If they have a picture of their ID on their phone, they can just show that.” Pat Carswell says he enjoys working as a pool attendant. “I like the physical part of the job. I’m in the sun and working with people. I like seeing people and meeting people from all walks of life. The vast majority of people come here to relax and have a good time. For some people, it’s their social life.” Carswell wishes people knew that the Pineapple Plaza, located just west of the pool between the Ceramics Club and Needlecrafters, can be reserved for parties and special events. The Pineapple Plaza, outdoor pool, indoor pool, walking pool and hot tubs are open all year. Follow the rules, keep the areas around the pool neat and clean, enjoy yourself, and say “hello” to our great pool attendants.