News of Sun City Center June 2024

The News of Sun City Center

CA SCHEDULE

June, 2024

3 Board Workshop

Rollins Theater – 9 a.m.

Zoom ID: 827 1523 8574

Passcode: 203539

12 Board Meeting

Rollins Theater – 9 a.m.

Zoom ID: 870 3647 3933

Passcode: 140753

27 Supplemental Board Meeting Board Room – 1 p.m.

Agendas for the monthly Board Meetings will be posted on the Official Bulletin Board in the Atrium the Friday before and on the CA website www. suncitycenter.org – under “Residents” – Upcoming Meeting Agenda. 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

History Society Contest Winner

By Paula Lickfeldt

The History Society wears many hats for the Sun City Center Community. They archive the history of the community, meet and greet visitors interested in information about the community (their office is on the corner of Cherry Hills and Pebble Beach North), give tours and continually advertise the multigenerational “family connections” to SCC.

Many people come to live in SCC because they have visited a relative or a friend here. They find that they like what SCC has to offer. The History Society makes an effort to gather that information in the form of the “Family Connections” articles that appear in the News of Sun City Center

Last month, the society held a contest showing pictures of residents who were now living in SCC because of a relative or friend who had/does live here. The contest was for people to identify the folks in the pictures. Lynn Bentz, a resident who came because her parents were here, was able to identify the most people in the pictures. She was awarded a copy of the book that was written for the 60th anniversary of the community.

Coffee and Conversation Draws a Crowd

By Bob Sanchez

The May 1 Coffee and Conversation drew 46 residents to the Florida Room to ask questions and voice concerns with the nine Community Association Board members. The meeting was organized into two parts. For the first half hour, residents came to a microphone and expressed a variety of thoughts and concerns.

In the second part of the meeting, each CA Director sat down with a smaller group to chat about a specific topic. The setup was fluid so people could move from table to table and discuss

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such topics as the Central Campus upgrade, club issues, fundraising, communications, the website and more.

The Board anticipates quarterly Coffee and Conversation meetings but has not yet scheduled the next one, according to Community Manager Lyn Reitz.

SAVE THE DATE

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. Email Cindi: “cindifrancos@ icloud.com” with any questions.

L to R: Dee Kelly, Lynn Bentz, Dale Shook

Directors had one-on-one interactions with residents.

Trent Smith and Diane Lefrancois wait for the meeting to start.

The History Society intends to continue having contests to raise interest in and awareness of our community. Watch for the contests in future papers.

President Clark speaks with residents.

President’s Report

By Ron Clark, CA President

The Board is working with Pi Architects and Appono Consulting on the Applied Arts Building to finalize the building design, select a General Contractor, and reach agreement on a gross maximum price contract with the successful contractor. A site plan has been submitted to the county for approval and we have received feedback from them about it. After site plan approval, we will then submit for a building permit. The normal time for this county permitting process is 4 to 6 months, and we can begin the 12-month construction period after a building permit is received.

In May, the Board created two new funds with the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay (CFTB). They were the second and third funds created at CFTB in approximately the last 12-months. One new fund is the Forever Fund, an endowment fund in which the CA can only spend the income per terms of the Donald & Nancy Morse Trust that funded it with a $988,000 donation. The Board appreciates the generosity of the Morse’s as well as the CFTB who donated an additional $100,000 from the George & Mimi Frank Foundation, an endowed fund that is administered by the CFTB. The advisor is local Attorney Robert Mohr who was instrumental in this donation from the Frank’s who were long time residents of Freedom Plaza. The CFTB is also providing a $25,000 match for the Morse donation and another $25,000 match for the Frank donation.

The other new fund is the Hurricane Fund which is a reserve fund fully available to the CA if we suffered Hurricane damage. Per our bylaws, this fund with approximately $376,000 can only be used to fund our insurance deductible cost if property damage resulted from a hurricane and is restricted for use for any other purpose. The 2023 Board was the first to invest this fund in CD’s and then decided to discontinue collecting $5 annual dues for this account as it had sufficient funding. The creation of this CFTB reserve account simplifies investment and will allow it to increase its future value to keep pace with inflation and avoid the need for future dues from members.

CA members can donate to these new funds. However, to speed up the construction of the future phases of the Central Campus upgrade, the Board asks members to consider donating to the original CFTB fund, the SCCCA-Future Facilities Fund. Its funds can be used immediately to fund future construction phases and donations can be made at “cftampabay.org/ give_now/scccafuturefacilitiesfund”.

Speaking of donations, please consider buying a brick with your family names and the year you moved to the CA. Single or multiple generations can be listed ($100 4”x4” or $250 8”x8”) and the bricks will be placed around the new Historical marker in front of the CA Administrative Building. Order your brick at “polarengraving.com/suncitycenter” and the money will go to the Future Facilities Fund.

In closing, this is an exciting time in the CA as we start down the path of a major upgrade of the Central Campus. The Board will ask for funding approval of Phase 1B (new pool and new restaurant/bar) when there are sufficient funds available. As always, let us all be respectful, positive, kind, and have fun in our senior years.

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CA Board Creates Forever Fund

By Bob Sanchez

At its monthly meeting in the Rollins Theater on May 8, the Community Association Board of Directors voted to create the Sun City Center Community Association Endowment Fund, also referred to as the Forever Fund. Earned interest will be applied to the Capital Fund.

“The purpose is to provide an income stream to the CA for perpetuity,” President Ron Clark said.

The Board also approved an updated Hurricane Deductible Fund.

Secretary Debbie Caneen reported the following contributions from clubs:

Weavers Club $132 as a Funfest Donation

Lapidary $300 as a Funfest Donation

Woman’s Club $270 for Landscaping

Marianne Turman $35,000 for Lawn Bowling Pavers

John Miller $5,300 for Lawn Bowling Pavers

Softball Club $4,297 for Field Equipment

Horseshoe Pitchers Club $250 as a Funfest Donation

Art Club $119 as a Funfest Donation

Caneen also officially certified the results of the recent vote on Phase 1a. The results were 2,383 in favor (78%) and 679 (22%) opposed.

President Clark said that the site plan for construction of Phase 1a has been submitted to Hillsborough County for approval. Next a request will be submitted for a building permit, a process expected to take 4-6 months. Upon approval, building can proceed. Also, the Board is still seeking County approval for clearing

land between the tennis courts and the dog park for the volleyball courts. Clark also asks that residents donate to the Future Facilities Fund at “suncitycenter. org/donate”.

Clark gave the Treasurer’s report in Roger Zieg’s absence:

Operations Fund $3,524,674

Capital Fund $5,869,137

Morse Trust Fund $996,745

Replacement Fund $1,618,542

Renovations Fund $43,468

There were 43 April house transfers, adding $129,000 to the Capital Fund.

Community Manager Lyn Reitz said to mark our calendars for the July 4 breakfast from 8 – 11:30 a.m. and for the pool party from 11 – 3 p.m. There will be music and karaoke on the deck, music on the bandstand, a food vendor, and free ice cream sandwiches while they last. Summer bandstand concerts began May 15 and run from 6 – 7:30 p.m. Summer pool parties will run from 1 – 4:00 p.m. beginning June 15.

The total resident count is 11,367. Total membership count is 11,429. As always, stay outside of areas marked off by cones or tape. This is for your safety. If you are not already on the CA email distribution list, write “sccboard@suncitycenter.org” and ask to be added. Nancy McCall reported for the Fundraising Committee, which has applied for 10 grants and is investigating other fundraising ideas to help pay for Phase 1b

SCC Community Association History

On January 13, 2024, the SCC History Society erected a National Historical Landmark celebrating the founding of Sun City Center and Del Webb’s achievements. There are only 2,600 National Historical Landmarks in the USA and we have our own thanks to the hard work of the SCC History Society. Because the sign is scribed on two sides, the Community Association and the History Society would like to build a brick pad around the area 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 Funds thanks to the SCC History Society. Info: “polarengraving.com/suncitycenter”.

Rummage Sale Benefits Security Patrol

By Mike Lee

The SCC Singles Group recently held a rummage sale to benefit the Sun City Center Security Patrol. The group, which has about 200 members, reached out to their membership, as well as to Security Patrol volunteers to collect donations for the sale, according to Daryl Pomykala, president of the club. The sale attracted a steady stream of customers, with 100%

of the proceeds, as well as cash donations that were received, going to benefit the Patrol.

The SCC Singles Club meets monthly on the second Saturday of the month at the Security Patrol building. Most of the membership consists of women, but there are men in the club as well, and all singles are encouraged to join.

“We are not a dating group,” according

Meet Executive Secretary Alisha Marshall

On March 26, Alisha

began her job as Executive Secretary in the Community Association and spent eight days learning from the retiring Carol Donner. Marshall took notes at the Membership and April Board of Directors meetings and handled a

variety of administrative duties.

A 36-year Wimauma resident, she had previously worked for 18 years for Raymond James Financial. Now she shows up for work at 7 a.m., a bit of an adjustment – “I’m not a morning person,” she said. Her only work challenge is figuring out who is speaking in meetings, but she doesn’t expect that to be a problem for long.

She earned her A.A. in Liberal Arts at Hillsborough Community College, and she says she is “a bit of a bibliophile,” adding that “I love to read just about everything I can get my hands on (but do not ask me to pick a favorite book). I am also an equestrian; I’ve been around horses since I was about a year old and started showing my first horse at 10 years old.

“I am excited for the new opportunity that this position gives me, and I look forward to learning everything I can about the Community Association.”

Rainbow Bridge Dedication

The Sun City Center’s CA Dog Owner’s Group held a dedication ceremony for their newly installed Rainbow Bridge. The Rainbow Bridge is where your special pets wait for you after they pass on, so you can enter heaven together. We are blessed to have a replica of the original bridge in Lake Lure, North Carolina. Our very own Rainbow Bridge, where we can place collars, tags, or leashes in remembrance of our dear pets. In attendance were CA President Ron Clark, Directors Carrie Blaylock, Geri Roberts, and Roger Zieg. Lyn Reitz, the CA manager also attended as well as many members of the D.O.G. (Dog Owners Group) Club. Our Club is very fortunate to have the support of the CA Directors and Manager.

A special thank you to Pastor Edwin Gonzales-Gertz from St. Andrews Presbyterian Church for giving the prayer and dedication.

The D.O.G. members also wish to

thank Kerry Didday for building the eight-foot bridge, Terry Childress for painting the bridge, Sam and CA maintenance crew for leveling the bridge, and Ben Mayes for landscaping the area. Refreshments of cupcakes, cookies, and a cold, fruity punch was enjoyed by all.

to Pomykala. They are primarily a social club, providing an opportunity to meet other people, make friends and enjoy social activities together. Anyone interested in joining the club can email them at sccsinglesgroup@gmail.com.

Events such as this help the Patrol continue its mission to help make Sun City Center the safest area in Hillsborough County. Volunteers at

the Patrol are asked to only commit to working at least three hours a month. There are many types of positions available for volunteers. If you or someone you know would be interested in more information, please contact the Patrol at (813) 642-2020 between 9 and 3 weekdays, or stop by the Patrol at 1225 N. Pebble Beach Boulevard during those hours.

of July Pancake Breakfast

New Leadership, New Item On The Menu

also headed up the food vendors at the FunFest this year! Lew has run the breakfast fundraiser for the SCC Pickleball Club for more than two years as well as the Pickleball Club at FunFest! This duo has exhibited their leadership in many ways so expect a great Pancake Breakfast on July 4.

By Gezil Andrews

Over 1500 people are expected to gather in Community Hall on South Pebble Beach Boulevard, July 4th, 2024, to enjoy a breakfast of hot pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, (and a new item) yogurt, orange juice and coffee, all for $7. Breakfast is served from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and is open to the public. Tickets can be bought at the door.

There are local organizations who will have information available outside the breakfast center. As an example, EMS, the Security Patrol, and the History Society. The Pancake Breakfast team appreciates this community support! Cindi Malin & Lew Lewinski are heading up the event this year through the mentorship of Sam and Joanne Sudman. Cindi has experience in the food business, having owned several Burger King restaurants. She

Many of the volunteers from the past 4th of July breakfast events have signed back up to work this year with their neighbors and friends setting up, preparing the food, pancake flipping, serving, offering more fresh hot coffee, tearing down and packing up supplies for next year.

The event gathers people from Sun City Center, Kings Point, and surrounding areas. It is an absolute “get to know your neighbors” opportunity – many friendships have budded and grown after sharing a great breakfast, a good cup of coffee and volunteer spirit! It’s more like a family gathering than a community breakfast!

For info, contact Cindi at 231-6750115.

Cindi Malin

Lew Lewinski

Marshall

Metaphysical Society June Presentations

June 5 • “Sound Bath Therapy” with Jessica Griffin

June 12 • “DNA Activation and Path of Initiation” by Charles Logan

June 19

• “Creative Power of the Tarot-its history and hidden meanings” by Rose Claire

June 26 • “Doctors and Your Health” by Dr Gail Dudley

CLUBS

NOTICE: Each community and club in Sun City Center and Kings Point has specific rules about membership and attendance. Unless specifically stated or posted, most venues, meetings and events hosted on the Community Association campus and in Kings Point require attendees to bring their SCC CA or KP ID or come with a resident member. When in doubt, contact the club in question - not the venue or association - prior to arrival. Thanks.

Sew’n Sews Beginning Sewing Class

The Metaphysical Society meets Wednesdays in the SCCCA Heritage Room at 10 a.m. Membership to our club is $10 annually. SCCCA residents may attend one Wednesday meeting before joining. Kings Point residents may join with an active Club Card obtained at the SCCCA office. Our mission is to seek and explore paths of Universal oneness, Self-Discovery and Infinite potential. Contact 813 398-7033 for information.

SCC New England Club Cookout

Tuesday, July 16, doors open at 4 p.m. Atrium, Florida Room

Hot dogs, burgers, baked beans, chips, cookies, and water will be served. Cost is $6 per person paid upon entry for New England Club members. Non-members will pay the annual $5 per person New England Club Membership fee and $6 per person cookout fee. Reservations required: RSVP to NECTICKETS@GMAIL. COM. Must wear SCC CA badge for entry. BYOB. Info: Mike at 508-240-4445.

Art Club of Sun City Center

Art Club in Sun City Center presents “Name That Tune” for the theme of their June Gallery. All the paintings on display will have a musical theme to them. See if you can Name That Tune represented by each painting. The paintings will be on display in the Art Room Gallery June 5 and will only be on display thru the 12 of June, due to pending renovations. Please join us for the opening reception June 5 from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Art Room for refreshments. All CA members, club members and their guests are invited to attend.

Monday Movies Rollins Theater

Second and Fourth Monday, 1 p.m.

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.

Retro Movie Monday

June 10 • From Russia With Love 1 hour, 58 minutes

James Bond is battling a secret crime organization known as SPECTRE. Russians Rosa Klebb and Kronsteen are out to snatch a decoding device known as the Lektor, using the ravishing Tatiana to lure Bond into helping them. Bond willingly travels to meet Tatiana in Istanbul, where he must rely on his wits to escape with his life in a series of deadly encounters with the enemy.

Starring: Sean Connery, Daniela Bianchi, Robert Shaw, Lotte Lenya, Pedro Armendariz

Genre: Action

Rating: PG

June 24 • Next Goal Wins 1 hour, 44 minutes

Follows the infamously terrible American Samoa soccer team, known for a brutal 2001 FIFA match they lost 31-0. With the 2014 World Cup Qualifiers approaching, the team hires down-on-his-luck, maverick coach Thomas Rongen, hoping he will turn the world’s worst soccer team around in this humorous and heartfelt underdog story.

Starring: Michael Fassbender, Oscar Kightley, Kaimana, David Fane, Rachel House

Genre: Comedy, Sports

Rating: PG13 for some strong language/crude material

The Sew’n Sews Club of Sun City Center is offering a six-week Beginning Sewing Class on Tuesdays between 1 and 4 p.m. beginning May 28 through July 2. Participants will learn basic sewing techniques including inserting a zipper; applying bias binding, inserting elastic; making, turning, and securing straps; and creating a pattern from a favorite tank top in a new color or pattern. Students will learn new uses for their sewing machine as well as how to use tools for easier sewing tasks. Students should bring sewing scissors and a seam ripper to each class. Participants are welcome to bring their own sewing machines with power cord and foot control. This class is open to members of the Sun City Community Center Association and Kings Point Activity cardholders who are members of Sew ‘n Sews. This class is limited to five participants. Fees are $10 for Sew’n Sews members and $20 for non-members (class fee + membership).

Participants who want to use Sew ‘n Sews machines must complete an orientation session before the class starts. Contact Wanda Jorgensen, Sew‘n Sews Class Coordinator, with any questions (813-650-3793; w.jorgensen068@gmail.com).

History Society of SCC

The SCC History Society is planning something special in the next month or so. This important occasion will be a celebration to say Goodbye to 1002 Cherry Hills Drive, the former home of The History Society, Welcome Center and most recently, the SCC Men’s Club. The celebration will document yet another step in SCC moving forward.

We invite anyone with memories, photos and/or artifacts of 1002 that wish to share or donate that they contact a member of the Society at their current location in the Visitors Center at 901 Cherry Hills Drive, or leave a message at the CA office on N. Pebble Beach Blvd. Anyone interested in joining or attending a society meeting is welcomed. Location: CA Board Room, second Tuesday of the month at 10 a.m. Next meeting is June 11, 2024.

Veteran Quilt Presentation

Dean Palmateer and Michael Erickson, two local veterans, were each presented a patriotic quilt by chairwoman, Cheryl Russell and members of the Sun City Center Sew’n Sews Club; Bridgett Lewis, Jayne Holly, Barbara Schneider, and Sally Finley on May 13 in the Armstrong Room of Sun City Center. Refreshments were served compliments of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

A handmade quilt was given to Dean Palmateer who served in the U.S. Army as a clerk to an Army General. Dean traveled throughout Europe with the General from 1954-1956. His hometown is Port Huron. Michigan. He

is pictured with his wife, Nancy. A second quilt was given to Michael Erickson who served in the Army for six years. He shared his story of riding shotgun on conveys in Vietnam. Michael’s hometown is Wasca, Minnesota. He is accompanied by his friend, Jan Shurbern.

Making patriotic quilts for veterans is one of the Sew ‘n Sews Club special projects to express appreciation for military service of local veterans. Nomination forms for Sun City residents who served in the military are available at the club room, located in the Arts and Crafts Building on Cherry Hill Drive.

Movie

Dean Palmateer and Nancy Palmateer

Michael Erickson and Jan Shurbern

Taking Our Best Shots of Florida Wildlife

By Bob Sanchez

On its April field trip, seven members of the SCC Photo Club headed to the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park. With one enormous exception, all the fauna are native Floridians. We snapped shots of birds such as flamingos, roseate spoonbills, wood ducks, various types of pelicans and birds of prey: owls, osprey, a Cooper’s hawk, a black-capped night heron, a caracara, and more. Of course, there were the familiar alligators and manatees. Oh, and a safely fenced-in panther.

Weighing in at three tons, the park’s only non-native resident was impossible to miss. Lu (for Lucifer) the Hippo, was born in January 1960 in the San Diego Zoo. Lu moved to Homosassa in 1964 and became an honorary citizen of our state in the 1990s, by proclamation of thenGovernor Lawton Chiles. We each paid $13 for admission and sprung for an extra $3 for a delightful round-trip boat ride to the Park where we found most of the animals. It’s a great place to bring the grandkids and spend a couple of hours enjoying nature. For more information, visit “homosassaspringswildlife. com”.

Audubon Club Donation to Wild Florida Sanctuary

Board Members presented a $250 donation to Wild Florida Sanctuary owner Robyn King at her home last May 7. King cares for several dozen mostly nonnative species of animals and birds on three acres of lush tropical flora on the Alafia River

Saint Andrew and the Chamber Showcase Local Businesses

By Bob

Sanchez Saint Andrew Presbyterian Church and the Greater South Shore Chamber of Commerce held the Sun City Center Showcase on April 26, with bustling activities both indoors and outdoors. The event featured a Business Expo, food trucks, and the blessing of pets by Pastor Edwin Gonzalez-Gertz from Saint Andrew. He blessed almost two dozen animals including cats, dogs, a goat, and an alpaca. Attendees packed the parking lot next to antique cars gleaming in the sun. A busy barbecue grill

Club Treasurer Pam Viner, Sanctuary Owner Robyn King, Club Master Birder Ray Webb and President Nancy Renfrow.

Wild continued on page 2.

More Wildlife on page 10.

Showcase continued on page 12.

Photo by Dale Hughes

Photo by Robert Winch

Photo by Madlyn Blom

Photo by Sherry Kalczinski

Mariclaire Jones with Darcy the Alpaca.

The Editor’s Corner

Built to Last

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

My sons stood on the platform, staring down at the two-by-six in my hand. The youngest—he’s 12—surveyed the platform, a curious expression on his face. He wears that expression a lot, and that makes me smile. If he holds onto that wonder, it will serve him well. I could tell he had a question bubbling to the surface.

“Why are we adding this board? There wasn’t one there before.”

“Well,” I said, “There should have been. Otherwise, what will the ramp rest on?”

He pondered this for a moment, asked, “But it had screws, right?”

I nodded. “It did, but the wood rotted at the top, so half the screws were loose.”

“That’s why it fell?” He reasoned. I nodded again. “That’s one reason. It’s been here for years, though, so time and weather had a lot to do with it too.”

“Nothing lasts forever,” the preteen philosopher sighed. “Time takes a toll.”

More true than you know, I thought.

We were standing in the dirt where the wooden entrance ramp to my mother’s home had been a few days earlier. The ramp had given out after many years of good service, and we volunteered to rebuild it. My middle son and I had demolished the old, broken ramp a few days earlier, and what we found confirmed why a complete rebuild was necessary.

The lower end of the ramp had been screwed into the platform. Good, long screws, but that was it. No supports to carry the weight if those screws—or the wood they were put through— failed. Not even a board to rest the heaviest part of the ramp on. And, because this ramp was built in Florida, the wood did fail. After many years, sure, but by the time we got to it, there was not enough wood left for those screws to grab. Time, heat, and humidity had eaten away at those stout boards, and the ends of the boards had crumbled, dropping the ramp onto the ground below.

My boys and I rebuilt the frame and set four-by-four posts to carry some of the weight. Before all that, though, the first step was to add what should have been there the entire time: a shelf to hold the lower end of the ramp. The boys worked hard, and they did a good job—practicing fractions with the measuring tape, learning how to find the right declining angle and how to set the saw to make those cuts. They practiced driving screws

straight and true without burying them or cracking the boards.

As we worked, both boys asked questions about why we were doing it the way we did… and why our design was different than the previous build.

I explained that, when it was initially constructed, the ramp was good enough. It had lasted through more than a dozen Florida summers. That’s a pretty good run, all things considered.

“But we’re doing it differently?” One of the boys observed.

“Why do you think that is?” I replied.

My middle son has been building with me since he was strong enough to swing a hammer. He will be 15 in August, and he’s gotten pretty good with his tools. He reminds me a lot of his big brother, who helped me build a skateboard half-pipe ramp when he was about the same age. MidKid smiled, knowing he had the right answer, “We’re doing this differently because we want to make certain Grammy is safe.”

“Yep,” I nodded. “Certain.”

He looked up, drill in one hand and a pair of deck screws between his teeth, and spoke from the corner of his mouth, “We’re building it better than good enough.”

I looked up from where I was pre-drilling deck boards, met his eyes. “That’s the only way to do it.”

We drove a few more screws and looked up just as the youngest arrived with another armload of deck boards. He was getting to be a pro with that chop saw. We dropped one of those boards in place, then another. They fit like a glove and he beamed, still smiling as he marched away to cut a few more boards. His brother and I went back to screwing them in place.

A few minutes later, we were standing on the platform, looking down at a job well done. All the boards flush with no split ends. My youngest lay down on the new ramp, smiling up at a cloudy late-spring sky. It had taken all morning, but the ramp was back, and it was, as my son put it: built better… built to last

I put my arms around my boys and my bride—she had supervised the saw to make sure only wood was getting cut—as “Grammy” came out to snap a photo of us standing at the foot of the ramp in front of her garden. As I looked up the ramp toward the camera, I thought about what had been built that weekend. Much more—I hoped—than just a ramp. We had come there intent on making certain my mom had a safe, stable way to get in and out of her home. But my primary intention was to invest in the hearts, minds, and hands of my sons.

Working on this project allowed them to develop skills they can carry with them for the rest of their lives. More importantly, though, they got a chance to stretch some character muscles in the process. They learned how to approach a project thoughtfully. They practiced working smart, working together,

and how to work through feeling hot and tired and frustrated. They experienced the feeling of making a mistake and, more importantly, how to put that lesson in your pocket and keep moving forward.

Most importantly, they saw the difference between building something that’s good enough, and making something that’s built to last. It’s my hope that this serves them well, too. They will experience many things in life that are not built to last: products, tools, cars, jobs… relationships. And I hope they remember how to set their feet, focus their minds, and push through. How to embrace the dirty jobs and how to take time to do all the little things that make the big differences.

Life will challenge you. Things break, they fall down, fall apart… Sometimes people, like old, weathered wood, just give up and let go. When that happens to them, when they’re hurting or confused or frustrated, I want my boys to have what it

takes to hold it together. Unlike a deck, that kind of character cannot be built in a day. It is constructed over time, beginning with a foundation that will hold true… if they put in the work to make it last

in Riverview.

The Wild Florida Sanctuary is a private, licensed wildlife haven for animals with special care needs. Species such as ring tailed lemurs, cotton topped tamarins, coatimundis, alpacas and other rescued animals have been donated to King by Zoos and Private owners, who could not care for their animals any longer. Club Treasurer Pam Viner is shown handing the check to King. With them are Club Master Birder Ray Webb, Club President Nancy Renfrow and “Darcy” the South American Alpaca. Donations to the WFS are used to defray the cost of animal feed and upkeep of the animals’ enclosures.

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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).

Injuries Making It Hard to Keep Up with the Grandkids?

Whether it’s on the basketball court or the playground, don’t let pain stop you from enjoying time with the younger generation.

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

• Access 24/7

• On-site physician 24/7

• Ten treatment areas, including seven exam rooms and three rapid medical exam spaces

• 10,884 square feet

Pizza & a Movie

Thursday, June 20, serving starts at 5 p.m.

St. Andrew, 1239 Del Webb Blvd.

All the pizza you can eat, an assortment of soft drinks, and delicious, homemade cakes for $8 a ticket plus a great, popular movie. For tickets and more information come to the church office any Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Info: 813-6341252.

Register Now for a Benefit Cruise

This year the Multicultural Heritage Club of Sun City Center has a scheduled fundraiser group cruise you can sign up for now and lock in an exceptional group rate. It’s a 6-day 5-night cruise on Royal Caribbean’s “Enchantment of the Seas.” It sails from Tampa from November 9th - 14th, 2024.

Contact SCC Travelworld, 906 N. Pebble Beach Blvd, Sun City Center Plaza, 813-634-3318, for more details and to book your cabin and join our fun group. Everyone is welcome on this cruise. Bus transportation will be provided at additional cost if the number of travelers justify.

Presentation on Human Trafficking

Are you aware that Human Trafficking is a problem in our area? And do you know how to spot it? Two recent attempts were thwarted by observant people who recognized the signs and called police. Representatives from the Campaign Against Human Trafficking (CAHT) will be holding a presentation in the fellowship hall at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 701 Valley Forge Blvd., in Sun City Center on Wednesday, June 19 at 10:30 a.m.

This is an opportunity to increase your awareness of the problem and also learn how to help support victims. Since the program will be followed by a light lunch, you will need to register by calling the church office at 813-634-1292 by June 16 and leaving your name and phone number. The event is free, but everyone is requested to bring an item that can be placed in a victim’s backpack such as a hair brush, dental floss, toothpaste, lip balm, or a water bottle

Keeping The Flags Flying on 674

By Janice Bassett

A flag was presented to Jan Bassett that was flown over Memorial Continental Hall (DAR headquarters) in Washington, D.C. Jan is the impetus and moving force behind our “Keep the Flags Flying” on Hwy 674. She spends countless hours working on obtaining permits required to fly the flags, keeps track of our inventory, orders supplies as needed, and organizes and facilitates “flag work day”. “Flag work day” is where the chapter makes sure all 102 flags are ready to fly and that all hardware is in working order. Congratulations Jan for being an integral part of this DAR service project.

COMMUNITY

South Shore Democratic Club

First Thursday at 1 p.m.

St Andrews Episcopal, 1239 W Del Webb Blvd.

All like-minded people are welcome. Hear representatives from local, regional, state and national government and organizations speak on issues that affect our lives in Florida. “Politics is all local” and on June 6, our guest speakers are running for commissioner and school board. Light refreshments will be served. Help with voter registration and Vote By Mail renewals will be available. Info: “southshoredemocrats.org” or “SSDmembership@gmail.com”.

Center 4Life Learning Summer Classes Register Today

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 50s Rock ‘n Roll; Fun With Logic; Streaming Movies, TV, and Music; Android Smartphones & Tablets… All classes are like Miracle Grow for your brain.

Visit our website at www.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, checks, 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

Rainbow Bridge Dedication

The Sun City Center’s CA Dog Owner’s Group held a dedication ceremony for their newly installed Rainbow Bridge. The Rainbow Bridge is where your special pets wait for you after they pass on, so you can enter heaven together. We are blessed to have a replica of the original bridge in Lake Lure, North Carolina. Our very own Rainbow Bridge, where we can place collars, tags, or leashes in remembrance of our dear pets. In attendance were CA President Ron Clark, Directors Carrie Blaylock, Geri Roberts, and Roger Zieg. Lyn Reitz, the CA manager also attended as well as many members of the D.O.G. (Dog Owners Group) Club. Our Club is very fortunate to have the support of the CA Directors and Manager.

A special thank you to Pastor Edwin Gonzales-Gertz from St. Andrews Presbyterian Church for giving the prayer and dedication.

The D.O.G. members also wish to thank Kerry Didday for building the eight-foot bridge, Terry Childress for painting the bridge, Sam and CA maintenance crew for leveling the bridge, and Ben Mayes for landscaping the area. Refreshments of cupcakes, cookies, and a cold, fruity punch was enjoyed by all.

Pantry Needs Help

Our snowbirds have left a big hole in Our Lady’s Pantry and won’t be back until the Fall.

Can you help?

“On a typical Saturday morning, Our Lady’s Pantry distributes an estimated 35,000 pounds of food to some 300 clients, who visit us in our drivethru Pantry,” says director Tom Bullaro. “It takes many hands, however, to provide food for the hundreds of people who come to us for food.”

According to Bullaro, a typical week at Our Lady’s Pantry begins when our drivers spend five days a week, driving all throughout Hillsborough County purchasing food, or picking up donations. When they come back to the Pantry, in Wimauma. Our volunteers then transfer the

contents of the truck onto our forklift. Our forklift operators transfer the food into the pantry. Here a team of helpers sorts the food into categories, stores it on our shelves, or puts it in the cooler or freezer.

On Saturdays, volunteers inside the Pantry pack our nonperishable foods into boxes and send them out to the porch on trolleys. Here they are filled further with fresh produce, breads, cereals, and desserts, frozen meats/poultry and other foods, and put into our clients’ cars.

Our Lady’s Pantry is located in the classroom building on the far right campus of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Migrant Mission, 16650 U.S. Highway 301 South, Wimauma.

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 charge to the Subscriber.

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 with no annual contract.

The PERS offering began with the purchase of four units with installation provided by Men's Club volunteers. This offering continues today with multiple systems from which to choose - including one that will work anywhere in the U.S., a dedicated office staff, and over 25 trained Men's Club volunteers who provide personable and knowledgeable service for our Subscribers. Get prompt caring assistance at the push of a button, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Community Education

Event

Thursday, June 20, 2024 10am to 12pm

Sun City Center Community Hall 1910 S Pebble Beach Blvd Sun City Center, FL 33573 (Free

Sun City Center Community Association and Kings Point residents!

Join AdventHealth for a free community seminar to learn more about health topics, including heart health, lung health, sleep apnea, and weight management, plus balance awareness from Sun City Center Emergency Squad member Linda Eargle

And learn about AdventHealth Riverview –opening in fall 2024 – from the hospital’s President and CEO, Jason Newmyer.

Light refreshments will be available. Venkatasubramanian “Dr. Venkat” Kanthimathinathan, MD Bariatric & General Surgery

What Are You Doing on Grandparents Day?

By Gezil Andrews

National Grandparents Day, USA, 2024 is just around the corner, September 8, falling on the 252nd day of the year! The official flower is “the Forget me not.” – a fitting connection to loving relationships.

In 1969, a nine-year-old, Russell Capper, sent a letter to President Nixon suggesting a day to celebrate grandparents. He received a very polite declination of the idea. Nine years later, 1978, Marian McQuade was recognized nationally by President Jimmy Carter as the founder of National Grandparents Day. September 1979 was the first officially celebrated National Grandparents Day. This was a culmination of almost 35 years of her lobbying for the proclaimed day.

Marian McQuade was a persevering woman, mother to 15 children, born and raised in West Virginia, having been taught, as a farmers’ daughter, to be neighborly. She and her grandmother dropped off homemade bread and jelly weekly to families throughout their community. This activity was bred into her heart and soul and helped her be recognized as a compassionate, caring, generational activist.

Many other countries (Mexico, Poland, Netherlands, Germany, France, Spain etc.} also celebrate Grandparents Day but on different dates. Over $52 billion is spent by grandparents on their grandchildren in a year. Over 50% of grandparents take care of their grandchildren so that their parents can work. 45% of grandparents are on social media, a current way to connect and communicate with grandchildren.

As you can imagine, when living in a community like Sun City Center Florida, we have a plethora of residents who are grandparents or great grandparents! We fit in the grandparents’ category just perfectly!

I sought out residents to speak personally about their role as grand Grands – I also found out some insightful history about the residents own grandparents to set the ground rules for the topic.

Peg Leonard lives in Apollo Beach with her granddaughter, her husband, and their son, age 6. I met Peg at the Security Patrol Ice Cream Social recently. Peg’s grandfathers died early in life, but she has vivid memories of her two grandmothers, Grandmother Workley, and Grandma Stabler. Her Grandma Workley lived nearby and doted on Peg when she was a child. She remembers going for a girls-only trip every summer. She traveled with her grandmother, her mom, and an aunt. Grandma Workley was a hugger, so Peg never went without affection. Her Grandma Stabler, who also lived nearby Peg, was not a loving personality, sterner than Grandma Workley, but Peg has fond memories of her and her piano!

Peg raised her granddaughter

from the age of 10. They lived in Las Vegas until moving here after her granddaughter married and had a son, the great grandson (hereinafter referred to as grand) is 6 and attends FACE (Florida Autistic Center of Excellence).

Peg’s “great” has assigned very unusual names to his family –Megalodon, Blue Squirrel and Blue Thunder for his mom. Dad is Recreation and Peg is Fire Alarm and Red Squirrel. The names get changed on occasion. It is stimulating for Peg’s great to create new names. Peg says he has her heart and that “I need his hugs and he needs mine.” Peg’s final comment to me was “I am blessed to have lived long enough to have a great grandchild. I focus on that honor!” Peg feels that her role as a grandparent is one of her greatest roles – better than any movie part!

Grandparents also come in a team form – Grandma and Grandpa, such as Cricket & Bruce Fraser of Sun City Center. Both are highly active in the community, Cricket teaches water aerobics, is part of the SCC Ceramics Club and volunteers at the SCC Security Patrol and Bruce volunteers for Samaritan Services and he is part of the SCC Men’s Lifelines - while embracing being grandparents to two boys,

aged 11 and 5. Both boys are children of their daughter, a single parent. The boys call Bruce Poppa and Cricket is Bella (or Abuela, a term in Spanish that means grandmother. It’s an endearing way to refer to one’s grandmother, especially in Spanish.) You can think of it like saying “granny” in English. Cricket has no memories of her grandmothers, they both died young. Grandfathers were a mixed bag and again, she had limited contact with them. Bruce’s grandfathers died before he was born. His Grandmothers, including Grandma’s second husband, Bruce’s step grandfather, were close. In fact, his step grandfather formed a Jr. Optimist club where Bruce was a member. Bruce acknowledges ” his step grandfather was a very positive role model.”Cricket and Bruce’s daughter followed them here from Rome, NY, when she had her first son,almost 12 years ago.

Cricket and Bruce provide lots of activities to integrate the boys into their lives: Skateboarding, bike riding, swimming, and visits to the Security Patrol to share in the cookies and good spirits! Cricket also said, “we practice letters and numbers.” The boys are with their grandparents daily after school and many weekends. They love to bring

in the neighbor’s trash cans and every year they give out Christmas bags to other kids.

Cricket acknowledges that the youngest grandson knows where he goes for time out and is good spirited when it happens! Love has healthy boundaries. Sally Dittman was a school administrator for many years –helping her to inspire the growth of other children. “I have games galore because I think games teach.

To accommodate visits from her great grands, Sally keeps plenty of blow-up mattresses in their home. Most of the great grands prefer to sleep in her and Mike’s bedroom, so it’s common to see several mattresses and blankets covering the floor filled with kids of all sizes! Her great grands call her Gigi – a name that is quite special to them. She was Silly Grandma Sally to her regular grandkids.

One of the favorite things Sally’s younger grandkids loves is bath time. Sally considers bath time a perfect time to have a deep chat. Again, always teaching! Sally reflected on her retirement “life” now: “You never give up being a mom until you become a grandmother. It’s a beautiful transition. Sally sees her grandkid’s lives as hers, going from one meaningful part of life (school, making friends, hobbies, playing etc.) to another.

She recalls taking a granddaughter (Sarah) to a human trafficking event when she was 16. Sally has been involved in supporting the needs of children coming out of this environment for years. A young woman told Sarah how her life had been changed – how she was saved for a new and better life. Sally participates in many other local groups such as the American Association of University Women. She gives to the young, the middle aged, and the blossoming seniors. Sun City Center is filled with many other amazing grandmothers, grandfathers, great grandparents, and senior mentors. We can learn so much from their history, their current lives, and their futures. Take a few minutes while on a walk, sitting at the pool, lunching at CC’s, during bingo, Mahjongg, … to get to know other grands –It’s a fascinating journey!

Sally Dittman

Bruce and Cricket Fraser

Granddaughter

“Ready for Work” by Pam Rooney, AAUW Hibbing, MN

Peg Leonard

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.

PERFORMINGARTS DANCING

Come Dance With Us

June 2, doors open at 5:30 p.m.

South Clubhouse Jubilee Room

LB & CHLOE perform. Attendees must show proof of residency. KP and SCC pay $5 at the door. All others pay $5 plus the $2 facility fee. Questions? call Ken 513-582-8449 / Rosemary 513-258-8238.

Do You Wanna Dance Club

Saturday June 22, from 7 to 10 p.m.

SCC Community Hall, 1910 S. Pebble Beach

Tony Knight & Friends, 60’s to 90’s music with its classic Motown & Rock sounds. Tickets Sales at the Sun City Center Atrium Kiosk from 10 a.m. to noon, Monday, Wednesday & Friday, June 17, 19, 21 and at the door on June 22 (ticket sales will end promptly at 7 p.m.). Doors open at 6 p.m. Ticket pricing: $5 Members and $10 NonMembers, you can join the club for a prorated $30/person. BYOB. Please bring non-perishable food items for Our Ladies Pantry. For more information email “jfkfunnsun@yahoo.com” or “bgocek1@ gmail.com”.

Moonglow Dance Club

Thursday, June 27, from 6:15 to 9 p.m.

Community Hall, 1910 S Pebble Beach Blvd.

Starting with a fantastic free waltz lesson given by Bernice DuBro. Dressy casual. Members free, guests $6. All SCC residents are welcome. Kings Point show your club usage card. Freedom plaza show your card.

Social, Ballroom & Latin Dance Lessons

Monday, June 3, 10, 17, 24

4 PM – Intermediate Advanced Silver Foxtrot

5 PM – Beginning/Intermediate Salsa/Mambo

6 PM – Intermediate 1 East Coast Swing

7 PM – Beginning/Intermediate Country Two Step

Location: St. John the Divine Episcopal Church, Parish Hall, 1015 East Del Webb Blvd. Sun City Center. Contact: Bernice DuBro-Clark (dancewithbernice@gmail.com) Cell: 813-482-6784. Cost: $30 per person for four weeks or $8 per lesson. All are welcome.

Swing and Country Dance Club

Free dance lessons for residents of SCCCA, Freedom Plaza, and Kings Point Activity Card holders. Every Thursday: 6 – 6:30pm Beginner West Coast Swing 6:30 – 7 p.m. Intermediate West Coast Swing & More

The lessons will be held in Dance Studio 1. The studio is next to the walking pool in the Atrium. For more information contact Cindy Rohr at 630-235-1277.

Riverside Jukebox Swing Band Lions Club Benefit Concert

UMC of SCC, 1971 Haverford Ave. Friday June 7, at 7 p.m.

The Riverside Jukebox Swing Band entertains the Southshore Area with music from the Big Band Era to the 1980’s. Building on a history of great bands, Riverside Jukebox plays arrangements of music from the Big Band Era.

Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door and are available at the Pages of Life bookstore Sun. 9:30-12:30 and M-Th 10-2, the Church office M-Th 8:30-4 or online at www.sccumc.com/events.

Women’s Chorus News

The Board of Directors of The Women’s Chorus of Sun City Center held their annual Board Meeting on May 1, 2024. Presiding officers were Pam Greer, President, Nancy Starewicz, Vice President, Connie Pearson, Secretary, and Sandy Stratton, Treasurer. Other board members included section leaders and committee chairs. Plans were made for the 2024/25 season including budget approval, guidelines and procedures for chorus operation, and rehearsal plans for the 2024 Christmas concerts.

Auditions and voice placement for new members who are interested in joining the chorus will be held at 9 AM on Aug. 28, at The United Methodist Church of Sun City Center. Interested singers should call Pam Greer at 404-790-9746 for information and to reserve an audition spot.

By Judy Cesarski, SCCCA Activities Director Summer Bandstand Concerts kicked off in May with our first event of the summer season. Each month we will host a concert at the Bandstand (958 Cherry Hills Drive) for CA members’ enjoyment and their guests. Guest passes can be purchased at the SCCCA office, 1009 N. Pebble Beach Blvd., Monday thru Friday, 8- 3 p.m.

The 2024 Summer line up is as follows:

June 19th – The Rusty Trumpet Band (rain date 6/20/24)

July 24th EQ – The Little Big Band

August 21st – The Steve and Sarah Duo Show (rain date 8/22/24) September 18th – TBD.

We look forward to seeing you at the Bandstand! Food will be available from CC’s Grill 5-7:30 p.m., CASH Only. Don’t forget all performances will start at 6 p.m., with the exception of the Sept. event which will be held from 5-6:30 p.m.

Mark your calendars for our First Summer Pool Party of the year on June 15 from 1-4 p.m. We will have Karaoke music provided by Anywhere Karaoke. Food can be purchased from CC’s Grill. We look forward to seeing you there! Just a reminder this is a free event for CA members and guest passes can be purchased at the CA office, 1009 N. Pebble Beach Blvd., M-F 8-3 pm daily.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Judy Cesarski at 813-642-2001 or activities@suncitycenter.org

Misty and Trent are very talented and experienced instructors.

Adogable Pets

Reginald and Mable Smith Were Among The First 100 Residents Of SCC

By Paula Lickfeldt

The year was 1962 when Reginald (Reggie) and Mable Smith bought a home on Swan Lake in Sun City Center. They were among the first one hundred to buy a home in SCC. Reggie was the first Civic Association President.

In 1993, after Reggie’s death, their daughter Dorothy (Dodie) Hann moved to SCC to take care of her mother. Dodie played table tennis and was a medalist in the State National Games for table tennis. She was also a lawn bowler. Dodie is responsible for the first swans being put on Swan Lake. Dodie had four children: Jeffrey, Laurie, Scott, and Kent, though Kent has passed away. In 1996, after her mother’s death, Dodie inherited the home on Swan Lake.

Jeffrey Hann, who lived in Colorado, was a Mechanical Engineer for Pac International. He had come to Florida in the early 60s and periodically in the 70s and 80s but while his mother

owned the house he came every spring and fall for 20 years. In 2021, after Dodie’s death, the house went to the children. Jeffrey bought his sister and brother out and became the owner of the Swan Lake house. As a child he remembers SCC being quite different than it is

today. He loved to run and play in the fields and cattle ranches that were what would become SCC. He also liked to go for boat rides on Swan Lake. Jeffrey rode his bicycle around SCC as a child and he still rides today. He is a bicyclist in the Bicycle Club of Southshore and he rides

every Monday, Wednesday, and sometimes on Friday.

Laurie Conkey (Hann) and her husband lived in Springfield, Illinois where she was a Special Education teacher for 33 years. She and her husband bought a home on North Lake in 2010. Laurie remembers SCC as her happy place when she was a child. She loved to catch chameleons and try to make pets of them and she loved to go for boat rides with her grandma and grandpa. Her grandma’s friend lived on the other side of the lake and they would row over to her house. Laurie’s tenyear-old granddaughter loves Florida and wants to come to be with her grandma all of the time. Laurie has been a member of the Aquasizers and the Lapidary Club

Three generations of the Hann family have lived in the home on Swan Lake in SCC. They remember the past and they hope the future will be as good as their memories of the past.

Jeffrey and Laurie

MONDAYS - ARE YOU A BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR? A NEW YOU, PINK BOUTIQUE IN SCC IS NOW SERVING MASTECTOMY AND LYMPHEDEMA CLIENTS

9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at Sun Towers Retirement Community, 101 Trinity Lakes Dr. Sun City Center. The shop carries an array of breast cancer apparel, including a zip-front, postsurgical camisole with drain management; breast prostheses; wigs; mastectomy bras; pocketed swimwear; shapers; and more. Accepted insurance includes Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, Aetna, Tricare, CarePlus and more. For more information, email anupinkboutique.com or call 813-661-7465.

MONDAYS - PARKINSON’S BOXING CLASSES 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. at Sun Towers Retirement Community, 101 Trinity Lakes Dr. Sun City Center, FL Join Caroline Futch (Owner/Coach of Southshore PD Fitness & Rock Steady Boxing Southshore)

Caroline’s father has PD and she has made it her mission to help him and others like him who are fighting against Parkinson’s Disease. These fitness classes improve quality-of- life as well as help make new friends in the Southshore community who support and understand each other and PD. Please call Caroline Futch for info and to schedule an evaluation prior to starting classes at 352.274.4883 or email: “southshorepdfitness@ gmail.com” or “southshorefl. rsbaffiliate.com”.

WED. JUN 5, 12, 19, 26THERAPEUTIC TAI CHI FOR HEALTH 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. at Sun Towers Retirement Community, 101 Trinity Lakes Drive, Sun City Center. Our therapists have advanced training in therapeutic Tai Chi for Seniors and will provide guidance in this healthy exercise. Tai Chi has been proven to increase strength and balance! This class is offered every Wednesday. For more information, contact Debbie Caneen at 813-8922990.

THU. JUN 6, 13,20, 27PARTNERS 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. Our members develop strong long-term working relationships based on trust and proven results. PIN hosts weekly meetings where business professionals throughout the Tampa Bay area get together,

promote their businesses, and provide each other with quality business referrals. Call Debbie Caneen 813-892-2990.

THU. JUN 6, 13 - OPTIMAL

HEALTH CLASS 10:00 a.m. at Sun Towers Retirement Community, 101 Trinity Lakes Dr, SCC. Our speaker shares: I developed my original version of this class over 25 years ago for the YMCA. I started this updated version about a year ago and have already changed many people’s health ( and lives ) for the better. My classes are free and I do not sell anything. I am just truly passionate about sharing my knowledge with anyone who wants to live long and be healthy in this journey called life.

THU. JUN 6 - CRAFT BEER & WINE CLUB OF SUN CITY CENTER “Fermenting Fanatics”

1:30 p.m. Sun Towers Retirement Community, 101 Trinity Lakes Dr. SCC. June is all about Dads and Grads. Theme is Dad and what he loves. We gather to discuss craft beers and wines, enjoy tastings as a club and learn about the process of fermenting along with participating in field trips! If you are interested in craft beer or wine and tasting local offerings, check us out www.facebook.com/ groups/craftbeerandwineclub

- As always, we request our members bring either 2 bottles of beer or a bottle of wine for tasting. Questions? Contact Michelle Mason 813-492-8920 or mmason@seniorsinservice.org.

FRI. JUN 14 - LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. at Sun Towers Retirement Community, 101 Trinity Lakes Dr, SCC. This month we are excited to announce that Ana Garcia from the Division of Blind Services will be presenting. Ever wonder what the Department of Blind Services offers? Now is your chance to ask questions. We will review applications for the Department of Blind Services and who are the contacts. We are still taking sign ups for September trips to Lighthouse for

the Blind. Questions? Contact Michelle Mason 813-492-8920 or “mmason@seniorsinservice. org”.

MON. JUN 17 - PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. Sun Towers Retirement Community, 101 Trinity Lakes Dr. SCC. This month, our speaker will be Dinah Allison, Functional Nutrition and Functional Health Coach. She will share a great amount of information from the top Functional Doctors of our time in a fun and informative way. Join Jennipher Lenoir, COTA with Sun Towers Outpatient Therapy Department as she facilitates. If you have Parkinson’s, or are caring for someone with this disease, be sure to attend this support group! Questions? Call Debbie Caneen 813-892-2990.

TUE. JUN 18 - ESSENTIAL TREMORS (ET) SUPPORT GROUP 2:30 - 3:30 pm. (3rd Tuesday of each month) at Sun Towers Retirement Community, 101 Trinity Lakes Dr. SCC. Gezil Andrews is the local coordinator for the group. These discussions will focus on diagnosis, new treatments now being offered, results in different medications, day-to-day living with ET and fielding of questions through attendees with personal experience. Open to all the 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. JUNE 20 - FREE BALANCE SCREENING 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.

Multi-Cultural Heritage Club Of SCC

By Paula Lickfeldt

May of 2017 was the beginning of the Multi-Cultural Heritage Club. The first board consisting of Vicente Lopez, Ainie Smith, Lois Dunbar, Madalline Hughes, and James Gilbert, realized that SCC had a multicultural population in residency, and decided that there was a need for some type of ethnic recognition. There was not a club that celebrated different cultures, even though there were residents of Indian, Hispanic, Asian, Caucasian and black ethnicity.

After much brainstorming the Multi-Cultural Heritage Club (MHC) was conceived. MCH is an all-inclusive club that meets on the second Friday of the month from noon until 2 p.m. in the Caper Room of the Atrium Building.

Having speakers and cultural activities at the meetings, the club seeks to obtain a greater understanding, sensitivity and appreciation of the history, values, experiences and

lifestyles of different cultural groups. They are hoping to create a society where greater understanding and awareness exists among different cultural groups.

Membership dues are $15 per person or $20 per couple per year. The club’s major fundraiser is the Annual Gala which is held in the Florida Room in December. They have also hosted a Masquerade Ball which was a great success. During the month of May the MHC celebrates their beginning with an annual cookout. The club welcomes all SCC residents, KP residents, and residents of Aston Garden and Freedom Plaza.

The Multi-Cultural Heritage Club is dedicated to the effort of inspiring its members to extend fellowship and support to each other through social and cultural activities. For more information about the club call 813-400-3480 or “multiculturalheratigeclub@ gmail.com”

Photo by Bob Sanchez

Photo by Pat Jones

Photo by Pat Jones

Photo by Robert Winch

Photo by Bob Sanchez

Photo by John McCaffrey

Photo by John McCaffrey

Photo by Madlyn Blom

LAWN BOWLING

2024 Caloosa Women’s Club Championship

By Aileen Engel

The 2024 Caloosa Women’s Club Championship was held on April 15 and April 17. The club championship was open to all golfing women of Caloosa except for trial and international members per club by-laws. The tournament was sponsored by the CWGA-18. A total of thirty-one players signed up and played on day one. On day two, twentyeight players participated.

Kim Roush won the Caloosa Women’s Club Championship, with a two-day score of 168. She was tied with Deb McCanna after 36 holes and won the playoff on the third playoff hole. She was presented with a bouquet of flowers and the Club Champion sash at the reception after the playoffs.

Freedom Plaza Residents

Win Gold in Pickleball Tournament

Freedom Plaza residents, Tom Harts (70) and Lee Greenlee (66), showcased their skills and athleticism at the Sun City Center Pickleball tournament. At the end of the tournament, Harts and Greenlee emerged victorious, taking home gold medals in their division out of five divisions.

“We are thrilled to see Tom and Lee represent Freedom Plaza with such skill and determination,” said Freedom Plaza Executive Director Jane Smith. “Their success in the tournament is a testament to their hard work and proves that age does not define us.

SPORTS

Sun City Center Team at USTA Tennis Nationals

Sun City Center’s USTA 55+ 8.0 tennis team made it to State Sectionals at the USTA National Campus in Orlando. They participated in a two-day round robin in which they came in 1st out of 14 teams. In the finals they lost in a very close match against the Sarasota team.

SCC A Team Wins

The Hillsborough County tennis league ALOT (A League of our own Tennis) consists of 24 teams with 3 divisions. The Sun City Sunsetters won the A Division this spring season. At a recent league banquet they were awarded the tennis ball trophy.

L to R: Edna Carlin, Paige Haggbloom, Mary Hillier (sub), Helene Peterson, Tarja Kostim, Linda Bacon (sub), Marti Turocy and Laura Harvey. Not pictured but were subs who played with the team before Nationals were Terri Vaillancourt and Chris Clayton.

Kim Roush, the 2024 Caloosa Women’s Club Champion.

Pictured are MA Hillier (sub), Linda Bacon (sub), Helene Peterson, Melody O’Sullivan, Janet Hoffman, Edna Carlin, Melody Smith and Debbie Zieg. Missing are Lee Greenlee, Marti Turocy, Tarja Kostin, Laura Mester, and Phylis Albritton.

Committee. Showcase continued from page 1.

“I

wrote Grant Strum, Chairman of

By Kai Rambow

This park leaves a positive impression on almost everyone. It’s naturally beautiful, fascinating and mesmerizing. Arches, like the Grand Canyon, is appropriately named. There are over 2,000 amazing natural stone arches in this park. Some are simple; others are simply stunning.

Reservations Required

There are too many visitors to numerous places in the world. Arches is very popular and is further burdened with only one road leading in and out. Reservations have been introduced. The system works well.

TRAVEL

Arches National Park

Even if you have an annual or lifetime pass, you will require a timed reservation. Only so many cars are permitted per hour. This regulates the flow of traffic. If you show up for your reservation 10 minutes early, by the time you reach the park ranger, it should be time. I could not pull up my reservation on my phone, but the ranger was able to pull it up on her computer using my name. The system works really well and the fee, $2, is nominal. Dates are released three months before. As you might expect, summer is very busy. Meaning it is more challenging to secure an entry time. I was late, but since it was later in the season and

had a much easier experience securing entry times. The park was also a lot less crowded. Critical Research in Advance To really enjoy Arches, it is essential to do research in advance. What do you definitely want to see? Is it best to see a particular arch in the morning or towards sunset? How strenuous is the hike? For example, the Double Arch can be seen from the parking lot and is a relatively short hike to get up close. Dr. Google is very helpful and available 24/7.

Decide what you want to see and use remaining time to see other arches and points of interest. You can also get an overview at the map in the visitor center.

Delicate Arch

Described as the most famous arch in the world, it certainly is one of the most iconic. It’s on the Utah license plates. Everybody wants to see it in person. It is most popular at sunrise and sunset.

To get to the arch the trail is a mile and a half long. It is described as a “strenuous” hike. Rangers can tell you the difficulty of any hikes you want to do. Dr. Google can as well. Enjoy the Journey

Take your time and enjoy the drive and any hike that you do. If you plan on two days at Arches that should give you plenty of

time to explore the park and see everything.

Tips for a Great Trip

Nearest Airports: Salt Lake City is the closest major airport. Expect about a four hour drive. If you’re on a road trip, your plans might look different.

When to Go: The latter part of October turned out to be perfect. Crowds gone. Hiking is relatively easy due to more moderate temperatures.

What to Wear: Hiking boots are a must. Trails can look easy, but you can easily slip even on smooth surfaces.

Sunscreen, sunhat, sunglasses, and water are important. You’re at altitude (4,000 feet) and the sun will be more intense.

Where to Stay: Moab is literally a 10 minute drive away. There are plenty of hotels and restaurants here. Green River is an alternative, however it is a 60 minute drive. There are quite a few hotels here, slightly cheaper. Visitor Center: Just after you enter is the Visitor Center. It’s a great stop to get an orientation before you start driving in the park. Look for the map with pictures to identify where you want to go. Also use the restrooms. Facilities are very few and far apart. I’ve been here twice. Would I plan a trip here again? Absolutely. Arches National Park: https:// www.nps.gov/arch/index.htm

Delicate Arch: Described as the most famous natural arch in the world, Delicate Arch is worth the hike. The hike requires you to be in good physical shape.

The very helpful visitor center has imposing views of the rock formations.

Arches are just one of the many impressive rock formations at the park.

Double Arch is one of the best known arches in the park. It is a short walk from the parking lot and even more stunning up close.

Keep your eyes open while you drive. This beautiful view of Courthouse Wash was enhanced by the fabulous fall colors during late October.

By Mike Lee

Emergency Preparedness Meeting

With hurricane season starting on June 1, local residents were educated on emergency preparedness at meetings recently held in Kings Point and at the Sun City Center Community Hall. Multiple speakers participated in both meetings to help ensure that residents had the information necessary to prepare properly for any weather emergency that may impact the area.

A short film was shown, with some things for residents to think about. According to Mike Bardell, Chief or the SCC Emergency Squad, “If you can just make one decision, it’s can you make the decision whether you want to stay, or whether you want to go.”

Deputy Jeff Merry of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office added “Make sure that you know ahead of time whether you’re going to stay and shelter in place, or you’re going to evacuate the state. If you shelter in place, be prepared to be on your own for a few days. Be prepared to have all the water that you will need for seven days. Be prepared to have all the non-potable water to flush your toilets for at least four days. Be prepared to have all the food on hand that you need for seven days.” Merry continued, “When a hurricane occurs, I as Incident Commander of Sun City Center, close down organizations at 35 mph sustained winds, the sheriff’s office no longer operates. Fire rescue no longer operates. A little bit prior to that, we will halt any operations from the Emergency Squad, we will halt any operations from Security, and from Sun City Center Security Patrol.”

Lyn Reitz, Community Manager for the Sun City Center Community Association, discussed their protocols in the event of a hurricane or other weather emergency. “Make sure you have a plan, and your family knows your plan,” she said. “We at the CA control and take care of the facilities. We also have 50+ employees that have their families as well. When Deputy Merry tells us the storm is coming and it’s time to batten down the hatches, we transform all of your campuses, we take everything down, and we make everything as safe as possible, and we close your facilities. We are not a shelter. We do house the sheriff’s in one area of our atrium for your benefit and the benefit of King’s Point and neighboring neighborhoods, but we do not house members.”

become reusable.

Deputy Merry discussed some other suggestions for residents in the event of a weather emergency. He talked about sandbag locations, with the closest to SCC being at E.G. Simmons Park, near 19th and U.S. 41 in Ruskin. The sheriff’s department assists in evacuations. “Last year, they evacuated Zone 1, which doesn’t include Sun City Center, but includes most of Ruskin on the west side of Highway 41.” He went on to say that they then open shelters if needed. They then make a determination on safe operations. “I want to reiterate. During a storm, if you shelter in place, you’re going to be without any services for the duration. Understand, oxygen, medications, anything that you need, be prepared to have it on hand.” When the storm passes, he said, “Give us a minute to get it all cleaned up and put back together before you go out.” Power can be out for an extended period. In a recent storm, some residents were without power for 10 days. Preparation for the worst possible scenarios is critical for residents.

Travinski Lawson, from Hillsborough County Emergency Management, discussed shelters that are available to residents. “We recommend that you go to family and friends if you evacuate, prior to going to shelters. Shelters are built for safety, and are not built for comfort. We want to make sure that as many residents of Hillsborough County are safe and that as many visitors to Hillsborough County as possible are safe.” He went on to say that residents need to find out which shelters are open. “Every shelter is not open for every storm. If you are an individual that needs to go to a shelter, it’s on a first come, first served basis.”

There are special needs shelters available to go to in addition to general population shelters, according to Megan Pritts of the Florida Department of Health. The special needs shelters

“provide continuous electricity if you have medical equipment, and we also can provide more medical assistance than what you would find at a general population shelter,” she said.

HCA Florida South Shore Hospital will remain open at all times, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, according to David Welch, Director of Emergency Services at the hospital. Elective surgeries will be canceled, but emergency services will be available. However, residents should remember that emergency services will not be available to get them to the hospital. “Our hospital is not a shelter,” he stressed. “We’re here to take care of those that are sick and injured. We don’t have the space to be a shelter.”

The radio clubs provide services to local residents as well. According to Dick Bishop, the clubs have a network of more than 500 low power radios, which are included in a program named the Disaster Radio Service. There are 21 HAM radio operators in the community that listen for the low power signals during an emergency. They can assist in making emergency calls in

Locally Owned & Nationally Known

the event of cell phone outages. The low power radios are available from the radio clubs, and they provide training if anyone is interested in participating in the program. The HAM radio operators display a placard that looks like a rotary phone, which identifies them in case of emergencies.

In case of damage in the community, residents need to be aware of scam contractors attempting to take advantage of circumstances. If you have damage, vet contractors before assigning work. Make sure that they are licensed. It is advised that insurance companies be involved in determining who should handle repairs. They can assign qualified contractors to repair any damage.

The two most important pieces of advice are to determine ahead of time whether you will evacuate or stay in place in the event of a hurricane. And prepare well in advance. It would be a stressful situation regardless, but lack of preparation will greatly increase stress.

to dry, and they then

Reitz went on to discuss some items that can protect homes. One such item is Quick Dams. This is a product that automatically fills with water when placed in front of doors and garage doors, and effectively acts similar to sandbags. Quick Dams are available at reasonable costs at local hardware and home supply stores, and are also available from online retailers. After use, they can be laid out in the

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Deputy Merry Discusses Community Security

By Mike Lee

Deputy Jeff Merry from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office sat down with The News of Sun City Center recently to discuss safety issues that can impact local residents. Here are some highlights of that discussion.

Golf Cart Thefts

There have been five golf carts stolen this year. Last year at this time there had been ten, but that was an anomaly. There has been an arrest made this year of a resident of Wimauma who was stealing carts for parts. Thefts are often a crime of opportunity, with keys being left in carts. Also, most carts don’t have unique keys. Local golf cart shops can install locks with unique keys for about $125. Residents are encouraged to take keys with them when they are not in their cart, and to consider having locks with unique keys installed in their cart. Also, the Security Patrol offers a service of registering carts. If carts are registered, owners can be identified. Lastly, make sure carts are secured. Consider additional measures if your cart is kept in a carport. Buy a bicycle lock or a steering wheel lock. Consider keeping chargers inside at night, as they are frequently stolen as well.

Panhandlers

Being homeless is not against the law. Services can be provided, but the homeless person has to be willing to

receive those services. Some of the local shopping centers will allow deputies to come on their property to issue trespass authorization, but some do not. It is not against the law for someone to stand on a corner asking for money, unless they impede traffic. However, there is a Catch-22. If someone is giving money from their vehicle, who is impeding traffic, the homeless person, or the person offering the money?

Golf Cart Safety

The main issue is golf carts not following traffic rules. They don’t stop at stop signs. 99% of crashes happen with failure to observe right of way at intersections. There are golf cart

vs. car collisions about every two weeks on average. The current law allows 15 year-olds with a learner’s permit to drive golf carts, so long as they abide by any restrictions on their permit. 16 and 17 year-olds must have a valid driver’s license to drive a golf cart. People that are 18 years old or more can drive a golf cart without a driver’s license. People under the age of 15 can’t legally drive a golf cart, even with an older person in the front seat with them.

Driving a golf cart at night is illegal unless you are on private property. While Kings Point is private property, so night driving is legal there, but it is not within most of the area controlled by the SCC Community Association. Deputies will pull over night drivers, especially due to concerns about golf cart theft. Potential citations are at discretion of the officer. Golf cart usage is allowable only in permitted areas. There are four crossings on State Road 674 that are allowed, but driving on 674 is not legal. Crossing U.S. 301 at

Cape Stone Drive is legal, but driving on the highway is not legal. It is not legal to take a golf cart to Wawa or the restaurants near Bob Evans and Denny’s. Sidewalks that are not legal to drive on are posted.

Ambulance, Police and Fire Department Protocols

The law requires vehicles to move out of the way. It is preferred, if possible, that vehicles move to the right. If that is not possible due to congestion, do what is needed to get out of the way. Note; however, that it is not legal to run a red light to get out of the way of an emergency vehicle.

Fraud

The biggest concern with fraud is IT scammers taking over computers. Deputies are dealing with this issue daily. Ensure that the businesses that you are dealing with are legitimate. Residents with concerns can contact the Department of Professional Business Regulation. The department can be contacted online with a search for DBPR. Verify, verify, verify.

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”.

HCSO Deputy Jeff Merry (File Photo)

MOAA Monthly Luncheon

June 5, at 11 a.m.

Military

Florida Room, Atrium Building 945 North Course Lane

Steve Murray is the Communications and External Affairs Director of the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs (FDVA) in Tallahassee, Fla. The retired Air Force lieutenant colonel oversees and directs the department’s public affairs program of community outreach, media relations, social media engagement, branding, and employee communications, linking Florida’s more than 1.4 million veterans, their families, and survivors to earned services, benefits, and support. He also serves as the department’s emergency manager. He will discuss FDVA’s work on behalf of Florida’s veterans with the state legislature and the U.S. Congress and provide an update on the results of Florida’s most recent legislative session.

Luncheon - $19 payable at the door (cash, check, or credit card).

To Register: 813-924-1983 - Reservations no later than 6 p.m. the Sunday, prior to event week.

News of Freedom Plaza

By Peggy Burgess

Some of life’s best moments come as surprises--and that includes the pop-up parties at Freedom Plaza. These brief but delightful events can happen almost anywhere: on the mezzanine, in the atrium or dining rooms, the card room, the auditorium; and at any time, day or evening. As well, they are all different: some feature entertainment, some do not; some offer refreshments, some do not; sometimes staff members are in costume, sometimes not. All these parties have different themes, but one common element…FUN ON THE SPOT!

The most recent Freedom Plaza pop-up party celebrated National Animal Cracker Day when, one fine morning, the circus came to town! The card room had been transformed with giant balloons and other colorful decorations into the “ Big Top” (well, maybe the “Small Top”). There, residents, some wearing their gratis redball noses, enjoyed circus-type refreshments and socialized while the movie The Greatest Show on Earth played softly in the background. The wild animals in cages associated with circuses were safely contained in those little cookie boxes with the string

handle that all “senior” seniors remember so fondly.

The distinctive childhood pleasure of animal crackers is still enjoyed today as over 40 million boxes of them are sold per-year in the U.S. and even more exported to 17 foreign countries worldwide. Never knowing, but always anticipating that one of life’s little pleasures could suddenly “pop-up” helps to keep smiles on faces at Freedom Plaza.

SCC American Legion Post 246 Honors Vets Friday, April 26, what a special day it was for George Green, who had just turned 100 years old two weeks prior. He was recognized again at a recent Sun City Center Post 246 Membership Meeting. LTC Paul Wheat, U.S. Army (Ret), and Commander, SCC American Legion, presented George with a Certificate of Initiation into American Legion Post 246, and an American Legion Certificate of Honor for his services during World War II. He was also presented with a brick at SCC’s Veterans Memorial. In special attendance was MarDee Buchman. Hillsborough County Field Representative, Office of Congressman Vern Buchanan; LTC Charles Conover, U.S. Army (Ret), Commander, SCC Chapter of the Military Order of the World Wars; and Randy Holeyfield, Commander, American Legion District 16, Dept. of FL. It was decided that in honor of his/her military service, American Legion Post 246 will pay the annual membership dues for Post 246 World War II veterans. Any other World War II veteran who wishes to enjoy the benefits of being an American Legion member, at no cost to them, please contact Commander Paul Wheat, U.S. Army (Ret.) at 813-391-7309 or pawheatjr@aol.com. Post 246’s first appearance in SCC was believed to be around 1965.

Answers to Puzzles on Pages 22 and 23

Freedom Plaza resident, Eileen Johnson, dons a clown nose for Circus Day.

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Evening Shavuot Service and Yizkor

Tuesday, June 11, at 7 p.m. 1115 E Del Webb Blvd.

Beth Israel will hold a Shavuot evening Festival and Yizkor Service open to the public at Beth Israel. Ricki Bauman will lead the festival and service and the B’not Torah Class of 2015 will read the Ten Commandments from our Torah Scroll. Marlene Spiegal, Janet Corin, Lauro Reuterfors and pitch-ins Delyse Axinn and Sady Zians will be the readers of the Ten Commandments. Immediately following the service, Beth Israel will have an Ice Cream social, a must have for a Shavuot. All are welcome!

Redeeming Qualities

Eva Michna, Pam Vogelsang, Sally Trenski.

By Andrea L.T. Peterson

On Friday mornings, from 9-noon, friends meet at Redeemer Lutheran Church on Rickenbacker to quilt, knit, and/ or crochet. Quilters have met at Redeemer as long as the church has been there—late 1979. Of course, none of the original quilters are still with us, but the current group continues the tradition. Although there is no official name, there is an official mission: to make quilts for people in need: the homebound, the hospitalized, those in nursing homes and hospice, and others in need.

Likewise, the crocheters and the knitters of Redeemer Prayer

FAITH &service

Thank You to Calvary Church

The Campaign Against Human Trafficking Southshore received a donation of 15 rescue backpacks from Calvary Church. The backpacks were prepared and donated by the Women’s Ministry and the Matthew 25 Ministry. The rescue backpacks are provided to area shelters and law enforcement to provide emergency clothing, toiletries, and necessary items for victims rescued from human trafficking situations while a safe shelter can be found. Many rescued victims have nothing but the clothes on their backs.

Changes to the Interfaith Social Action Council Grant Process

The Interfaith Social Action Council (ISAC) has awarded thousands of dollars in grants each year to South Shore service organizations with an approved IRS 501(c)(3)(c)(9) designation or a not-for-profit school or church.

We are reorganizing our fall/winter grant cycles into an annual grant cycle, allowing us to match our fund distribution with our fiscal year which runs 4/1 – 3/30. We believe that the certainty of available funds will allow us to increase our yearly grant dollar distributions.

Grant applications will be accepted starting December 1 through midnight, January 15. Applicants will be scheduled for an interview between January 16 and February 28.

During the month of March, the Grant Committee will discuss all grants and make recommendations to the ISAC Board for approval. The entire ISAC Council will vote on the grants at the Council meeting held in the third week of March. Applicants will be notified after the voting, with grant check distribution to be scheduled in early April.

Other changes to the grant process include that a copy of the official IRS tax status must be presented as part of the application. The Grant Committee will also be offering an opportunity to schedule appointments to answer questions about the grant forms and process. Requests for appointments may be made by email to isacofscc@gmail.com.

Updated grant application forms can be found on the ISAC website: “interfaithcouncilscc.com” under the Grants tab.

Longest Day Fundraiser

Shawl Ministry offer their works of art—prayer shawls—to church friends and family, as well as others in need. The finished products are presented to the pastor who then blesses them and the group readies them for distribution. As one participant explained to me, “Goodie baskets, each of which includes a quilt or a prayer shawl, are made to give to recipients”— in her case, to her husband recuperating from shoulder surgery.

Those interested in joining, making quilts, prayer shawls, and new friends are more than welcome. Membership or even attendance at Redeemer Lutheran is not a requirement.

The Longest Day is an annual fundraiser for Alzheimer’s originally started by the American Contract Bridge League, the national bridge organization. Locally the Sun City Center Bridge Club is planning an all-day fundraiser which will raise money for the Samaritan Services Alzheimer’s Auxiliary as well as the National Alzheimer’s Association. This event will take place in the Sun City Center Community Hall on South Pebble Beach Blvd. on June 23. All day games, food and raffles will be available. This year’s goal is to raise $10,000

dollars. Tickets are $25 for all day games, lunch and dinner. $10 for lunch and a chance to purchase raffle tickets. This year’s raffle items include $250 in cash, a week in Hawaii, a commemorative Frank Sinatra bottle of Bourbon, fine wine, golf packages and many other items. Tickets are available for purchase in the Horizon Room of the Sun City Center Clubhouse on Tues. Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, as well as in the Atrium. Donations are welcome anytime from individuals, clubs and local merchants.

Prayer Shawl Ministry: Front L to R: Vicki Weiss, Wendy Kitzman, Diane Brace, Maureen Hill, Mary Ann Sigler. Back L to R: Jeanne Pruett, Kathy Schwartz, MaryAnn Sigler. Not pictured: Beverly Bassette.

Quilters: Front L to R: Kathy Lucas, Myrna Strom, Margaret Wilcher, Carol Miller. Back L to R: MaryAnn Sigler,

L to R: Delores Stieper, purchasing tickets for a week in Hawaii timeshare, Margaret Davis, who donated the Frank Sinatra Jack Daniels whiskey; Carol O’Connor, who donated a $250.00 cash prize; and Ronda O’Farrell, chair of the Alzheimer’s Longest Day fundraiser.

Trailblazers

By Andrea L.T. Peterson

When you read a book, you get insights and perspective into the mind of the author. But there is so much more that has come before that book. And that’s why I love interviewing the authors of so many amazing books. Recently I read Trailblazer: Lighting the Path for Transgender Equality in Corporate America--A Memoir by Dr. Mary Ann Horton.

Friend and neighbor, Kathy Bizzano, generously purchased several copies of this book written by her former co-worker and transgender activist Mark Horton—who is now Mary Ann Horton to give to friends here in Sun City Center, There is much I can say about this book, but first a little interactive exercise.

Are you ready? Free your hands up and cross your arms. OK, now I’d like you to cross them the other way. How awkward does that feel? How strange and uncomfortable is it? You might even say it feels “unnatural.” That’s a quick and simplistic way to give each of us an understanding—however limited--of how it feels to believe your biological body does not jive with who and what you perceive to be your gender. This isn’t about gay or straight; this is about who you believe you are.

I asked Horton what she feels is the source of such misunderstanding about trans men/women and boys/girls.

“People assume if you’re trans, you’re really just gay.” Not so, says Horton. “Gender identity and gender dysphoria are real and separate!” Gender dysphoria is a condition that causes individuals, particularly children, to feel as though they are in the wrong body—that their body is biologically the wrong gender.

“Left-handed individuals, forced at an early age to write only with their right hands, understand this better than some,” she adds. “I’ve known a handful of trans men and women, and I can tell you what an enormous amount of courage it takes to begin the transition, to come out as transitioning or transgender, and pursue the same kind of fulfilling lives as the rest of us.”

Writing this book, she tells me, “was a bucket list thing.” Working for Lucent Technologies is a source of pride for Horton, who boasts about that corporation’s practice of embracing diversity.

Over the years, I’ve read quite a few books--fiction and non-fiction--that bring such understanding to a very complicated and sensitive subject. Among them are the autobiographical She’s Not Here by Jennifer Finney Boylan and Bond Girl Caroline “Tula” Cossey’s My Story, and the fictional Trans-Sister Radio by Chris Bohjalian and Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan.

Visiting Angels Still Here

By Kai Rambow

They may have moved recently, but Visiting Angels is still here. The company offers a range of skills for in-home care. It can be for as few as four hours to 24/7 care. They have a registry of vetted caregivers.

Deborah Kelley, the franchise owner, has a nursing background and wanted to do something that would be a service to people. She is so committed to the services provided, she continued to work full time for five years and ran the business in her spare time until it succeeded.

Initial meetings, Kelley explained, help determine the type of help needed and how often.

Then Visiting Angels looks to match the appropriate skills to the person who needs them.

“The best part,” Kelley noted, “is you get the help you need in your own home.”

While the company’s office space was vacated here, the services provided by Visiting Angels are still available. You can call them at 813-752-0008 or contact them through their website.

Franchise owner Deborah Kelley outside of her office. Visiting Angels is still providing services here, it’s just their office space that moved.

SOLUTIONS TO PUZZLES ON PAGE 18