News of Sun City Center March 2025

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The News of Sun City Center

CA SCHEDULE

March, 2025

3 Board Workshop

Rollins Theater – 9 a.m.

Zoom: 871 5516 6439

Passcode: 172780

Rollins Theater – 9 a.m.

Zoom: 847 2197 6329

Passcode: 747030

18 Club Leaders Meeting

Florida Room – 10 a.m.

Zoom: 879 0741 9642

Passcode: 184363

19 Annual Membership Meeting

Community Hall – 3 p.m.

Zoom: 843 4527 4836

Passcode: 385616

24 CO-AP Meeting

Zoom: 828 3502 6827

Passcode: 010166

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 “suncitycenter.org” – under “Residents” –Upcoming Meeting Agendas). They will also be sent via “What’s New in the CA” email. CA Contact Information Administration Office 1009 N. Pebble Beach Blvd, SCC 813.633.3500 • Hours 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., M-F sccboard@suncitycenter.org Website: suncitycenter.org Information Center: 813.633.4670

Saint Distaff’s Day in Sun City Center

Saint Distaff’s Day (also known as Distaff Day) is when spinners traditionally resume work after all Christmas festivities have ceased on the Twelfth Night (January 6). The official day is January 7.

The distaff, which is used in spinning, was the medieval symbol of women’s work. Spinning was the only way to turn raw fiber (cotton, wool, flax) into thread. The thread was then used to weave into cloth. Nowadays, Distaff Day gatherings are held throughout fiber communities. In SCC, Distaff Day was celebrated on January 18, and what a celebration it was!

To commemorate this tradition, the SCC weavers invited residents and fiber artists from various parts of the state to join in an exciting day of learning the many phases of their crafts. Samples of their art were displayed and gifted to those present. In addition, everyone received a bracelet with a charm attached in the form of a 25. Those who attended last year, which was their first year, received only the charm to add to the 24 given to them last year.

There were demonstrations of many fiber arts, including weaving in many forms, such as inkle, pin

FunFest is Here

Saturday, March 8, from 9am-2pm. This event is open to all! Free parking is available at Community Hall located at 1910 South Pebble Beach. Aston Gardens is providing free shuttles to the event located at 1009 North Pebble Beach, Sun City Center.

SCC Volleyball Groundbreaking

members and the SCC Community Association Board members conducted the official groundbreaking ceremony February 4! The volleyball club members have been anxiously awaiting this day and look forward to playing on the new courts! Come out and join a fun sport, and great exercise with a group of fun people!

and floor looms. There were spinners demonstrating and explaining their art, felting demonstrations (and a chance to felt and take home your own creation!), and a demonstration on how to make your own pin loom. Yarn, roving, and tools of the various arts were available for sale; there were door prizes offered continuously and refreshments were offered all day.

The second annual SCC Weaver’s Club “Distaff Day” was a success and a splendid time! Plenty of food, door prizes, and most of all, fiber friends!

The demos were amazing! If you missed this year, I would highly recommend marking your January calendar to attend next year for the third annual “Distaff Day.”

The Weavers’ Club in SCC has been a staple in Sun City Center for many years. It is open to all CA members, and its purpose is to teach and promote the art of weaving. The club has over 30 Looms for the use of members, including small looms used for beginner classes. They invite you to learn this ancient art.

Spinning Demonstration
Spinning
Washcloth woven on a pin loom
Carding Wool

Sun City Center Community Association, Inc.

SCCCA MEMBERSHIP MEETING

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19, 2025

3:00 PM – COMMUNITY HALL

REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED AT 2:30 PM

ALSO, VIA ZOOM

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84345274836?pwd=UlC NtqudAbCAkp4bMFAhwz54a9bi4H.1

Meeting ID: 843 4527 4836

Passcode: 385616

200 SCCCA members required for a Quorum CA Membership Cards are required for admittance -AGENDA-

I. Call to Order/Pledge of Allegiance

II. Approval of Minutes: January 2, 2025

III. Treasurer’s Report

IV. President’s Report

V. Community Manager’s Report

VI. County Commissioner Update

VII SCCCA Website guidance with Community Manager Reitz

VIII. CA Legacy Endowment Conversation with Justin Klatsky, Esq.

IX. Flock Camera System Analysis

X. General Discussion by Members

XII. Adjournment

President’s Report

The Board’s ongoing efforts to improve our campus facilities achieved some key goals in the last 30 days. In late January we received the County building permit for the new Volleyball courts in the south campus between the tennis courts and the dog park. We had a groundbreaking ceremony on February 4 and anticipate the courts will be available for play in the April/May time frame depending on weather and court surface curing time.

We also made progress on the Central Campus Phase 1A Upgrade project and the construction of the 12,000 sqft Applied Arts Building.

On January 27, we received written confirmation from the County that our Site Plan has been approved with conditions for both Phase 1A and 1B (new restaurant/bar & resort style pool). The approved construction plans have been submitted a second time for approval to the fire marshal with the minor corrections requested in the first review. We anticipate receiving a building permit and having a groundbreaking ceremony in March. So, there will soon be a lot of construction activity on campus as we upgrade our facilities. In addition, the Long Range Planning Committee is reviewing potential bocce and basketball facilities and will provide a recommendation soon to the Board.

The Board hopes you will attend the upcoming Membership Meeting at 3 PM on Wednesday, March 19, in Community Hall. The agenda is listed nearby and includes an update from our County Commissioners as well as a presentation on how to more effectively use our website (www.suncitycenter. org) to gain access to a wealth of information about the Community Association (CA). In addition, we will have a discussion of financial alternatives, including legacy gifting to speed up the completion of the Central Campus Upgrade project. Lastly, there will be a presentation and discussion about the potential installation of Flock System cameras to help prevent crime in the CA residential neighborhoods. We hope you will attend and provide feedback to the Board. In February, we had the annual luncheon to thank volunteers for their service to the CA. Members volunteer in good faith to use their skills and experience to help make the CA a better place to live and enjoy in our senior years. The effectiveness and low dues of our Association are based upon members volunteering to perform many tasks. If you haven’t

Report continued on page CA-3.

Veterans Photo Shoot For SCCCA Members

Saturday, March 15, from 10 to noon

The next photo shoot for the Veterans Wall of Honor Project as shown in the Atrium will be held in the Photo Lab located in the multi-purpose building at the corner of North Course Lane and N. Pebble Beach Blvd. The address for the Photo Lab is 1203 North Pebble Beach Blvd. This is available for all Community Association members who served honorably in any branch of the U.S. Military. Men should wear a shirt with a collar and women should not wear dangling earrings.

Please call Alisha Marshall at the CA office (813-633-3500) to register, along with your CA membership number, by 10 a.m. on Friday, March 14, and you will be assigned a specific time.

Board of Directors Meeting

The Community Association Board of Directors met in the Rollins Theater on February 12. Treasurer Debbie Caneen acknowledged $4,350 in contributions to several funds, as reported separately in detail (see Acknowledgements).

President Ron Clark said we received a building permit on January 17 for the new volleyball court on the South Campus. Groundbreaking was February 4, and the court should be ready for use in the next 60 to 90 days, weather permitting. He also reported site plan approval on January 27 on the Stage 1A upgrade project, including the 12,000 square foot Applied Arts building (Phase 1A) and the new restaurant/bar and resort-style pool (Phase 1B). He tentatively anticipates a groundbreaking ceremony on March 5, assuming timely receipt of the building permit. The LongRange Planning Committee is working on a proposal for bocce and basketball facilities and will provide a recommendation to the Board.

Treasurer Jim Collins reported the following balances as of December 31, 2024:

• Operations Fund $3,404,465.63

• Capital Fund $6,804,457.45

• Replacement Fund $1,385,877.96

• Renovation Fund $61,664.40

There was a net of 34 January home transfers, adding $102,000 to the Capital Fund.

The Community Foundation of Tampa Bay year-end

report showed the following balances:

• Future Facilities Reserve Fund $67,881.56

• Hurricane Deductible Reserve Fund $377,090.44

• Forever Fund $1,175,248.03

Community Manager Lyn Reitz reminded residents that they must have their 2025 stickers. Clubs should remind their members of this requirement. The theme for the March 8 FunFest is Fun in the Sun. The parking lot and the Atrium will be closed on Thursday, March 6 for FunFest setup and will reopen Monday, March 10. The Arts and Crafts parking lot will close as early as Tuesday. Also, there will be construction activity beginning, so for everyone’s safety, please stay out of areas with cones or fences.

Tony Rickert thanked the new Bingo Committee for all of its hard work. Nancy McCall is looking for people to compete in the Senior Idol singing contest. Anyone interested may sign up in the office.

The Board approved:

• A new Election Committee Handbook and forms

• Changing Facilities policy 6.01.A.9 to disallow collection of petition signatures on CA property

• Changing Whistleblower policy 8.09

• Changing Complaint policy and complaint forms policy 2.08

• Replacing Saltwater Pool Filtration System

• Replacing old fire panel, strobes, and sirens

• Naming rights for the Multipurpose building

• Annual audit using Carr, Riggs & Ingram

SCC Needlecrafters

The Needlecrafters Club was the first club formed in Sun City Center, at the invitation of Del Webb, in March of 1963. This was just over a year after SCC was founded. Originally known as the Nimble Fingers, it formally became the Needlecrafters Club in 1972. The Needlecrafters Club has been in the Town Hall Complex from the start. Last year an extensive renovation was done, including installing a door onto Cherry Hills Dr. and making a beautiful bright space for the shop and meeting/work room.

Today about 83 club members continue to make a wide variety of handcrafted items i.e. baby sweaters, blankets and booties, stuffed toys, jewelry, shawls, afghans and blankets, plastic canvas card holders, domino trays, tissue box covers, kitchen towels, dish cloths as well as the ever popular scrubbies. All proceeds

from the sale of the items in the shop go to local non-profit charities such as the food pantries at Beth El and Our Lady of Guadalupe, Emergency Squad, Samaritan Services, Security Patrol and the Men’s Club Life Line program. The members of the club enjoy being together working and learning new things from each other. Members can bring personal things to work on or if they wish to make things for the shop, materials can be provided to them.

Club dues are just $5 a year. The club is open for meeting, working and shopping on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 until noon and Tuesday and Thursday from 11 until 2. The Needlecrafters Club participates in FunFest, “Hi, Neighbor!”, and Holiday Shopping on the day of the golf cart parade. For information or to join the club, stop by any time the shop is open, it is located off Pineapple Court right next to the shuffleboard courts.

Loralie Design Challenge

Loralie is a whimsical fabric designer that the ladies of the SCC Sew’n Sews Club have used for years. After twenty years of producing fabrics she has decided to retire and move to Amelia Island, Florida. She will now pursue a new labor of love, shell art.

The Sew’n Sews had a fabric designer challenge. Twenty-eight members of the club took blocks of Loralie Fabric Designs and made “something.” All of the projects were put on display and three judges, not members of the Sew’n Sews, picked the winners. The judges were Pennie Lemley from

Report continued from page 2-CA.

done so already, the Board hopes you will go to “suncitycenter.org/visitors/ volunteerism” and scroll down to “click here” to get the Help Us Govern volunteer form. It is also available in the CA office.

This is a wonderful time to live in the CA with so many options for activities

A Scavenger Hunt on the Nature Trail

On a Friday morning in February, the Sun City Center Audubon Club teamed up with the Sun City Center Community Association to host an enjoyable nature stroll and scavenger hunt on the West Campus Nature Trails on West Del Webb Blvd. At a table in front of the entrance, volunteers welcomed the visitors, provided snacks and water courtesy of the CA, and information on what to look for and where to look for it. The idea was to find five locations, take identifying tickets, and return them to the table for a drawing. One lucky winner received a passion flower vine, and four others each won a waterproof foldable field guide.

The scavenger hunters sought a large common reptile, a wetlands tree that often develops “knees,” a host plant for the zebra longwing, a critter that lives in a burrow and wears a shell, and a songbird that winters in Florida but breeds in Canada. Numbered posts stood in for the animals and plants

themselves, making the searches a whole lot easier.

Over 50 people participated in addition to the volunteers, according to Melanie Higgins, the event’s organizer. “I thought it worked out really well,” she said.

China Painters, Susan Hopfensperger from Pottery and Laura Lee from Shell Crafters. The club members also voted on the project that they liked best. On February 11, the members of the club had a potluck and prizes were awarded to the winners of the challenge. The winners were, first place went to Kristin Peterson, second and third place went to Jan Ring, who had submitted several projects and the club members choice went to Joyce Sochacki.

This is a group of very talented ladies. Be sure to look for their projects that will be on display in the Sew’n Sew room at FunFest.

for only $344 per person per year. The Board is focused on upgrading our facilities with construction costs financed from home purchase fees (Capital Fund) and donations, and not from member dues. As always, let us all be positive, respectful, kind, and have fun in our senior years!

this year’s board members to the audience. The club holds its meetings on the first Saturday of every month from October through April, in the Florida Room of the

monthly meeting January 4.

Building. Meetings in December, January and February are usually held at the South Campus Community Hall. Field trips to birding hot spots and other related venues in the area are enjoyed throughout the season, and continue from May through September.

The Sun City Center Audubon Club elected new officers for the 2025 season at its
Outgoing President Alan Renfrow introduced
Atrium
Kristin Peterson, Jan Ring and Joyce Sochacki
L to R: Vice President Martha Cesario, President Pam Viner, Treasurer George Viner and Secretary Betty Giles.
Trail marker
At the greeting table
Audubon Club member Ray Webb relaxes on the trail SCC Audubon Club Elects New Officers

SCC History Society

Remember, Saturday, March 8, 2025 is FunFest in Sun City Center. So much to see and do at the Central Campus. While enjoying your walk around, be sure to find the History Society table. There will be a display set up and members of the group to answer questions. If you walk through the atrium be sure to check out the updated History Society display also. There is so much more to Sun City Center than many residents know from beginning over 60 years ago to current day. The newest display now includes a beautiful glass shelved display stand, a new, enclosed bulletin board and a video on the nearby television. Remember, we are always looking for new members. Hope to see you!

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.

Gone Stampin’ Card Sale

Gone Stampin’ will be having their March card sale on March 8 at FunFest. We will be in the Bunka Room of the Arts and Crafts Bldg. located on Cherry Hills Dr. The sale will run from 9am to 2pm while FunFest is going on. We’ll have a wide variety of handcrafted cards for all occasions. We really hope you’ll stop in and pick up your favorites. The prices are still $2 for one and $1.50 after that. That price does include envelopes. We look forward to seeing you!

Metaphysical Society Meetings

The Metaphysical Society Meets 10 a.m. in the SCCCA Heritage Room. Membership to our club is $10 annually. SCCCA residents are allowed one visit before joining. Kings Point residents may join after obtaining an active Club Card at the SCCCA office. Others may only attend with approved guest passes obtained at the SCCCA office. Our mission is to seek and explore the paths of Universal Oneness, Self-Discovery and Infinite Potential. Phone the club office at 813 3987033 for more information.

March 5 • “Soul Origami: Unwinding the Past to Expand into the Future” - Michael Elliston Assoc Prof Emeritus from Bowling Green State University presents ways to benefit our life.

March 12 • “A Dreamer’s Thought Book: Intriguing Ideas about the Dream Process” - Join Richard Bargdill, Associate professor of Clinical Psychologist at Virginia Commonwealth University.

March 19 • “The New Science And Spirituality” - Betty Martin-Lewis, minister of the Unity Southshore Church.

March 26 • “Trance Interpretation Of Table Tipping” - Dr Louis Gates, Spiritual teacher from Cassadaga.

Computer Club Meetings

Monthly Meeting Wednesday, March 12, at 7 p.m., in the Florida room. Join Hewie Poplock as he explores various AI tools that are not only free but also capable of enhancing daily life. This presentation is packed with valuable information that can help you embrace the future of technology with confidence.

Computer Club Classes

The Computer Club Lab is open from 12:30 to 4:30, every day except Sunday. Come into the Lab to register for a class. Students must be a member in good standing at Sun City Center or Kings Point. Tuition is payable, by cash or check, upon registration. For additional information email Judy Lee, Education Director at “education@scccomputerclub.org”. Listed here are brief descriptions of the classes being offered. For all the details, go to the Computer Club website “scccomputerclub.org”. Detailed information is also available in the computer lab.

AI Artificial Intelligence • Tuesday, March 11, from 10 – 11 a.m.

Excel • Tuesday, March 18, from 9 to noon

Scam Awareness • Thursday, March 20, from 10 to noon When to Buy a Computer • Tuesday, March 25, from 9 – 11 a.m.

Bridge Association Board of Directors

The Sun City Center Duplicate Bridge Association at the January 17 annual meeting confirms the 2025 Board of Directors. The goal of the new board is to focus on attracting new members to our EZ Bridge education program and retaining them after graduation as full members of the club.

The stained class club raffle continues for two beautiful pieces. You can purchase a ticket for $1 or 6 tickets for $5. Stop by our club and purchase raffle tickets. The drawing will be held after the close of the FunFest on March 8. First winner drawn gets the first choice.

New England Club Ham & Bean Dinner

Wednesday, March 26, doors open at 4 p.m.

SCC Community

Hall

The Sun City Center New England Club will hold its Annual Ham & Bean Dinner with entertainment and door prizes. Dinner at 5 p.m. This event is assigned seating, and the meal is served family style. This is an awesome, fun, New England style dinner event you don’t want to miss! Admission is by pre-paid reservation by March 19. $20 per person for NEC Club members. Membership is open to all SCC Community Association and Gold Card members. Annual club membership dues are $10 per person. Must be a member to attend. Reservation and membership forms with complete details are available on our “sccnec.net”. Please write separate checks made out to SCC New England Club. Your ticket to the event will be your name tag provided at the door when you arrive. For more information call Nancy Birkett at 609-410-0389.

2025 Swim Dancers Show

Sun City Center Swim Dancers presented their annual show titled “Kaleidoscope” in the indoor pool. As always, this year’s performance drew a full house. Routines included beautiful moves such as Flamingos, waterwheels, dolphins, walk-overs and Eiffel towers. The popular Swim Dandies also entertained the crowd with their antics during “Splish Splash”. Our swimmers practice all year long and invite anyone who would like to learn synchronized swimming skills. If interested please call Barb Reznor at 860-841-3282.

Movies are normally shown the second and fourth Monday of each month. Only one movie this month. Movie attendees must present a current SCCCA ID Badge, a SCCCA Guest Card or a Kings Point Usage Card to attend. Dates and time may be changed if necessary. Theater capacity is limited to 145 attendees per the Hillsborough County Fire Code.

March 24 – Wicked • 2 hours, 40 minutes

The untold story of the witches of Oz. Elphaba, a misunderstood young woman, has yet to discover her true power. Glinda, a popular young woman, has yet to discover her true heart. They meet at Shiz University and forge an unlikely friendship before their lives take different paths following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Their adventures will see them fulfill their destinies as the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good.

Starring: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Bowen Yang, Peter Dinklage, Michelle Yeoh

Genre: Musical, Fantasy, Adventure

Rating: PG - some scary action, brief suggestive material, thematic material

Stained Glass Raffle

Happy St Patrick's Day Monday March 17, 2025

Jaunting Around SCC: Duck Duck Jeep

I can feel the smile coming across your face as you join us for this article. I mean this is not just for little kids, middle sized kids, and teens. It’s not just for sophisticated seniors. Oh no, even though we prefer our golf carts and trucks! For goodness sakes, are you serious: yellow duckies in the windows of a myriad color of jeeps! I get dizzy with all the blending, but I have enjoyed scouting Sun City Center parking lots for these cool automobiles! I don’t find as many as I have come across in Riverview or Brandon, but we are respectable.

Parliament, a Canadian. After the encounter, Allison left a small yellow rubber duckie in the window of another man’s jeep as a bit of humor. It also gave Allison time to cool down. The man got the gist of the humor thank goodness! And the trend has started!

Check out the Facebook page on Allison Parliament and the Duck Duck Jeep

Club, “facebook.com/ duckduckjeepclub” for a closer look at Allison’s story. The Facebook page was established in July of 2020. Allison had a base rule for her page – Kindness –the site was created to spread kindness, so “please be kind.” Jeep, the auto manufacturer picked up on the craze and created a 60+ foot duck to brand the connection.

Don’t be worried if you are drawn to a silly smile on your face, yellow ducks in the window of vehicles may seem a bit goofy, unless of course you own one of the jeeps. The kindness behind the trend and the lineup of ducks in the jeep window is all that is needed! Usually, Jeep ducks are placed just inside the driver’s side

And for a hoot, the trend was started by a fuss between a 34-yearold woman and a man who had left her shaken because of a verbal encounter. That young woman was Allison

FunFest is Here

Welcome to another FunFest, known this year as Fun “in the Sun” Fest! As Chairs of this event Carrie Blaylock and Art DeAngelis look forward to welcoming you to our little slice of paradise where we will be proudly having handmade crafts, music, dancing, magic, and food all available for your delights! At “Fun in the Sun Fest,” you can choose between a handmade card, handmade pottery, recycled art and so many other crafts to view and purchase. Enjoy a show or two

Front Porch Pickers

put on by our talented dancers, singers, and swimmers! Enjoying music under the big tent while snacking on a pork chop, or shortcake and so much more!

This year’s event is Saturday, March 8, from 9am-2pm. This event is open to all! Free parking is available at Community Hall located at 1910 South Pebble Beach. Aston Gardens is providing free shuttles to the event located at 1009 North Pebble Beach, Sun City Center. We kindly ask that you leave your furry family at home, (service animals welcome) There are also no bikes, scooters or smoking in the event areas. This event takes place rain or shine.

Cherry Hills Blvd will be closed that day at 8am and will reopen at 2pm from North Pebble Beach Blvd. to North Course Lane. We Hope to see you there!

The year is 2001 and four guys are sitting around a kitchen table and singing for beer. The four guys were Ike McCloskey on guitar, Ray Kelley on dobro, Jim Kinnear on guitar and Kenny Ward on mandolin.

In 2003, Ike with the help of Kelly Emmerson, head of maintenance, wrote a set of by-laws for the club and presented it to the Community Association board for approval. The Front Porch Pickers were now a club. The club meets every Wednesday from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. Through the years, they have met in many different places but now until the renovation they are meeting in the Rollins Theater.

The instruments that the Pickers play are all acoustic, no electronics, mostly stringed, guitars, mandolins, banjos, fiddles and dobros. During the

winter months there are around 30 pickers and somewhere around 100 in the audience. The pickers love singing and playing and telling “corny” jokes. There is a lot of humor and the pickers say it is fun to be in front of an audience that appreciates what they are doing.

Many people come to hear the pickers every week. They know the players and clap, applaud and enjoy what they do. One lady, who is in the audience every Wednesday, and has been for years, says that hearing the pickers and seeing the fun they are having just makes her happy.

When the group began, they mostly sang bluegrass and gospel songs. As younger people join the group they are singing more light rock and country. It still is a nice mixture of songs sung by folks who love “Pickin and Grinnin.

Jeep continued on page 7.
File Photo FunFest 2024

The Editor’s Corner

Doing Some Good

Our house overlooks a river. One of my favorite ways to invest my time is to sit on the porch swing and watch the landscape. The water’s lazy current is like a melody, the breeze in the trees the rhythm, and the occasional leaping fish or descending bird a percussive crash cymbal. This past October, thanks to a trio of tropical cyclones, that idyllic landscape rose up into a raging crescendo and tried to wash our home away.

Some of the detritus of that experience remains. Mangled and broken fences, dead foliage my bride labored for years to make beautiful, a playset leaning like a stumbling drunk, broken trees blocking our inlet and stretching out into the river from the far bank… and the ruins of my neighbor’s dock. Their entire deck was flipped and tossed into their backyard, where it remains.

We were fortunate, as the flood only made it as far as our garage. Our neighbors will have to rebuild. Their home, a place they raised children and welcomed grandchildren is a shell. I lost count of the number of filled dumpsters that hauled pieces of their lives away. “At my age,” one of them told me recently, “I’m too tired to even think about all this…” I agree… in a just world, a person would never have to watch a good life they built be ripped away. But it happens… In some way or another it happens to pretty much everyone. Thinking about this, I’m reminded that we are responsible for putting goodness and justice out into the world. Us. Individually and collectively.

There’s the old saw we all know: “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing…”

Ed Burke hit a nerve with that one, because he was right. Also—and I believe Mr. Burke would forgive me this addendum—he stopped short. I would add: “The good that is, is the good we do.”

There will always be natural

Woodcarver Sawyer Porter holding his most recent, untreated, carving at the 2025 Bay Area Renaissance Festival.

disasters. This orb we call home is restless, and when it stirs, we suffer. Having to rebuild is not a circumstance that only caters to those with the means or the fortitude to do so. And, in addition to faceless tragedy, there will always be evil, stupid, selfish, and shortsighted people. Some of those social cancers will achieve various levels of power. Shakespeare wrote: “the evil that men do lives after them.” We have all seen that malicious potency in one form or another. And, when we see it, that evil feels powerful. Insurmountable. Sometimes, I think, this is the reason why “good men do nothing.” Because fetterless evil is smothering. And, yet, we all know the power of a candle in the darkness.

Why do we forget the power of that gentle, flickering glow? I ask myself that question more and more lately. Sometimes, I am reminded in other ways. Sometimes, when I sit on that porch swing and stare out at the detritus I may finally get cleaned up in time for the next hurricane season, I think about what is happening one floor beneath me.

When I’m sitting on the balcony porch swing, there is someone else seated on an identical swing beneath me. That groundfloor patio is built for relaxing, for entertaining, but my youngest son uses it for something else. Recently, Sawyer took up wood carving and whittling. Last year, he saw a woodcarver at the Bay Area Renaissance Festival. Whittlewood Woodworks offers a plethora of hand-carved walking sticks, canes, and magic wands for sale. My youngest—an artist like his mom and craftsman like his dad—was curious. So, he started gathering the odd bit of fallen branches around the neighborhood. Then came the Trio of Disaster. Now, there are trees down everywhere—

STAR Samaritan

S-Selfless; T-Trustworthy; A-Accomplished; R-Reliable

offering an endless supply of raw material for an aspiring woodcarver. One of these trees is a downed cedar. So, on many afternoons, I can sit on the balcony swing and breathe in the sweet aroma of shaved cedar as Sawyer works to form beauty from what was broken. He’s getting really good at it, too.

Time and time and time again he has come running up the stairs holding one of his creations: “Hey Dad, look at this!” or “Hey Dad! What do you think of this one?”

There’s a small piece of carved cedar on my desk. Maybe five inches, less than wrist-thick. Scratched into one side, it just says “Sniff.” Sawyer said it was for “when I feel stressed.”

That small token is the tip of the iceberg. What was once a pile of trash, a tattered and scattered reminder of what can be taken, is now a row of a least a dozen finely-carved walking sticks lined up against the wall

of my workshop. He’s just getting started, and his work reflects this, but he has skill, and the work reflects that too. Above the row of carved sticks there’s a sign that reads: “Dad’s Workshop.” I think, maybe, I need another sign that says “Sawyer’s Woodworks. Est. 2024.”

I hope we never have another hurricane season like 2024. The prognosticators say that’s a fool’s hope. They’re probably right. They know that math way better than I do. But, what I know for certain is that choosing to craft beauty from what is broken is never a bad choice, never wasted time. Those of us who invest that time may wind up with cuts, bruises, and calluses—much as Sawyer has on his hands right now—but life deals those out regardless. I figure—and I’m grateful to my son for the reminder—if we’re going to get those scars, we may as well earn them by doing some good.

of SCC & South County

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The News of Sun City Center & South County

C/O NOKPmedia

PO Box 6212

Sun City Center, FL 33573-6212.

LETTERS: The News of Sun City Center & South County will not publish any political, proselytizing, or complaint letters. We will consider “thank you” notes for good service directed toward local people, organizations, or businesses.

DECLARATION: No part of this publication may be reproduced without the express written consent of NOKPmedia. All editorial copy is strictly the opinion of the author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of this publication, its officers or employees, or the Sun City Center Community Association.

Stewart Carrier Advertising 813.938.8721 stewart@soco.news

Nancy Jean Design and Layout art@soco.news

Meet Skip Aylesworth, The STAR Samaritan for the 4th quarter of 2024. Skip and his wife moved from Boston to Sun City Center in 2017. Skip enjoys driving for Samaritan as an out-of-town driver, and in town when his schedule allows. He is a volunteer for the Emergency Squad and serves as the treasurer as well. He plays in the handbell choir at the Methodist Church, and still finds time to be a travel agent for Expedia. Thanks, Skip, for serving our community so well. If you like to drive, we need you for local and out-of-town rides. If you like to tell people where to go, we need dispatchers for our 2 local cars. Or if you like variety, we need receptionists to greet people, book out-of-town ride appointments and provide general information. Call (813) 634-9283 for more information.

Bob Sanchez Reporter bsanchez@soco.news

Andrea L.T. Peterson Reporter apeterson@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).

All the Health Care You Need in One Location

Conveniently located off I-75 and Big Bend Road, BayCare’s St. Joseph’s Hospital-South has expertly cared for the community for 10 years. With a dedicated pediatric emergency center, we treat emergencies for all ages. And BayCare Urgent Care, labs, imaging and primary care offices are all located on the St. Joseph’s Hospital-South campus. You’ll find all the care you need, close to home, delivered by an expert, compassionate team that treats you like family.

Levels of Care

Tampa Bay’s leading multispecialty physician group including family, internal and pediatric medicine. To find a doctor, go to BayCare.org/Doctors.

When you or your child gets sick, schedule a virtual visit 24/7 for $69 using the BayCareAnywhere app.

BayCare Urgent Care 10125 Big Bend Road Riverview, FL 33578

For minor aches, pains, sprains and strains, we treat adults and children age 2 and older. Walk in or use the Save Your Spot® tool on BayCareUrgentCare.org.

For the most serious illnesses and injuries, we have an experienced, compassionate team of physicians and nurses who care for patients of all ages, along with private rooms and a dedicated pediatric emergency room. Emergency Room St. Joseph’s Hospital-South 6901 Simmons Loop Riverview, FL 33578

March 4 Fraud Awareness Event

The annual Fraud Awareness Educational Event this year will be held on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at Community Hall, 1910 S. Pebble Beach Blvd, at 10 a.m. The Doors will open at 9 a.m. This year we will focus on A.I. Scams and the emotional impact of scams.

Moffitt Cancer Center Community Update

Monday, March 3, from 2 until 4 p.m.

United Methodist of SCC, 1971 Haverford Ave.

Please join the United Methodist Church of Sun City Center for the Moffitt Cancer Center Community Update. Ms. Jeanette Palencia, Senior Community Outreach Representative, will provide the community with an overview of the Moffitt Cancer Center at SouthShore. This ultramodern facility found in Ruskin, Florida, is now open and offers a wide range of services to the community. This meeting will be held in the Life Enrichment Center on the United Methodist Church of Sun City Center campus found at 1971 Haverford Avenue, Sun City Center Florida. Doors will open at 1:30pm and the event is open to the public. For more information about this and other ministries and outreach efforts at the United Methodist Church of Sun City Center, please contact Victoria Sorensen, Director of Ministry, at 813-634-2539. To learn more about the United Methodist Church of Sun City Center, please visit our website at “www.sccumc.com”.

Potters Wheel Creates More Totems For FunFest

Saturday, March 8

The popular Potters Wheel Club totems are each made of several hand-crafted and wheel-thrown pottery pieces that are individually glazed and stacked to create abstract or whimsically themed designs. Totems have become so popular that the Potters Wheel Club keeps them under wraps until FunFest. Stop by early on to see the new creations as well as many pottery items made for sale by members. One of the best totem designs will be selected to be raffled during FunFest. Raffle tickets are available now and during FunFest at the Potters Wheel Club studio on Cherry Hill Blvd.

COMMUNITY

Luck of the Irish Bingo Fundraising

March

16, from 2 to 5 p.m.

Atrium,

Florida Room

CAHT invites you to enjoy the Luck of the Irish Bingo Fundraiser. Win $100 cover-all and $50 for each game. Wear something green and get a free cover-all card with purchase. Raffle and gifts galore!

Kindred Spirits Meeting

March 5, from 3:30 – 5 p.m.

Ballroom Kings Point

Big treat this month as we have a functional pharmacist presenting. He helps evaluate supplements in conjunction with medication to ensure we have the right cocktail for health. Don’t miss this special presentation. Also please note room change for this meeting only. As life changes, we often find ourselves missing a companion to be active with. Are you tired of going to restaurants, movies, and events alone or maybe not going at all? We have the solution. It’s the Kindred Spirits Club! Come meet other women to enjoy life with and build friendships. Please let the gate know you are here for Kindred Spirits. Questions? Contact Michelle Mason 813-492-8920 or “mmason@seniorsinservice.org”.

Left Center Right Club

First and third Saturday of every month 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM Kings Point East Social Room. Remember Left Center Right? That fun game in which 3 quarters and 3 dice can win you untold riches? Well it’s here at Kings Point! Join us the first and third Saturday of every month from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM in the East Social Room. We offer both the traditional games as well as LCR Extreme! created by our own Rick Miles. B.Y.O.E! Snacks to share are always welcome. If you are coming in from outside Kings Point let the guard know you are here for LCR. Questions? Contact Michelle Mason 813-492-8920 or “mmason@seniorsinservice.org”.

Sarah Jones AAUW Woman of Distinction

2025 SCC American Association of University Women Woman of Distinction

Sarah, an Alabama native, brings a wealth of experience and a record of exceptional leadership in her deeply etched professional career. Sarah has a BA in mathematics and worked for 35 years in computer aerospace and military electronics industries, at a time when an accomplished woman was not easily recognized . The last fifteen years of Sarah’s career were spent in the management of marketing for command control systems for the US. Military. Sarah represented a number of professional associations including the Armed Forces Communication and Electronic Association (AFCEA), Association of US Army (AUSA), Navy League, Air Force Association (AFA), the Society of Old Crows and the American Defense Preparedness Association (ADPA). She was Membership Chair of the Aerospace and Electronic Systems Society of the IEEE, and the national President of Women in Defense. As you can see, this is a very accomplished woman! Join the SCC American Association of University Women for our Woman of Distinction event Saturday, March 15, 2025, 9:30 a.m., Florida Room, Atrium, 945-D North Course Lane, Sun City Center. Reservations – Gezil Andrews 309-660-1091 “gcw3934@yahoo.com” or Patsie Ginley patsieginley@aol.com (954) 258-5714.

Wisconsin Club of SCC

Tuesday, March 11

SCC Community Hall, 1910 South Pebble Beach Blvd.

The Wisconsin Club of Sun City Center will be hosting a “Go Green Party”. Doors will open at 5 p.m. with dinner starting at 5:30. The meal will be a potluck dinner.! Please bring your favorite dish to share! Cost is $5 per person. There will be a Wisconsin Club Raffle with the proceeds benefiting SCC Samaritan Services. Please watch for more news as plans become more finalized or visit our website for the latest at “suncitywisconsinclub.com”. For any questions please call Diane Lawrence at 813-944-8989. Reservations due by March 5. Please mail reservations to Diane Lawrence, 403 Grand Chateaux Way, Sun City Center, FL 33573. People wanting to sit together at tables of 8 must provide all names and payments in one envelope. No walk-ins or payments at the door please.

SCC-KP Singles Dating Group

The has grown again with 61 Men and 122 women on the roster. We have had exceptional events, and travels outside the campus. We have an event each month on the last Saturday or Sunday of the month with a theme. Many of them include wine, food and delicacies. Plus fun, games and activities as well as dancing and even Sadie Hawkins dances. Upcoming events, each month on the 2nd Sunday at 4 to 6 p.m. in the Ripple Room our business meeting and discussions about issues and meeting the members. On the last Sunday of each month we meet for our monthly function. March a “St. Patty Day Party”, “April and old fashion BBQ cookout”. Info: Steve 781-264-1215 or Nancy 813-416-8203.

Hope Fund Music Bingo

March 15 • SCC Community Hall

If you are new to music bingo, you will see your cards have names of songs, not numbers. You can sing along, tap your toes, dance in your seat, and enjoy the music as you play.

Doors open at 12 noon with Bingo starting at 1 p.m. Tickets are $20. You can purchase them in advance at the kiosk in Sun City Center on March 3, 5,10, and 12 from 9 to noon, or by calling Hope Fund President Beth Ewing at 330-509-2759. A single winner prize is a $50 gift card, and $25 gift cards for multiple winners. Also, opportunity tickets will be available for purchase. Bring your own snacks and beverages.

For more information, contact Beth Ewing at 330-509-2759 or by email “gbewing14@gmail.com”. You can also find The Hope Fund for Children on Facebook and online at “www.thehopefundscc.org”

Southshore Women’s Luncheon

Tuesday, March 11, from 11:30 - 1:30 p.m.

All women are invited to a Ladies’ Luncheon. Please join us at the Fellowship Hall of St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 1239 Del Webb W., Sun City Center. Doors open at 11; the Let’s wear green too!

Barbara Brown, Chair; Marie McClendon, past Chair; Kay Newsome, Speaker & past Chair; Michelle Mason, Coordinator for Wrap Around Care; Debbie Maaz, Feature Coordinator.

“From Broken to Life” is the luncheon theme hosted by the SouthShore Women’s Connection. Our Feature will be Paula Blanda from Florida All Risk Insurance. Paula will be bringing games and prizes! Our Guest Speaker, Deedy Tripp will share her journey “From Weary Brokenness to Life Fully Purposed”. You’ll enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by our local caterer for only $22 (including a full salad bar and dessert!). As always, we will have fun Door Prizes. Reservations and payments are required by March 6. Please call Nancy to make your reservation at 813-454-5509 or email her at “mndecker1971@yahoo.com” by March 6 and send your $22 check, payable to Stonecroft Ministries to Nancy Decker, 5203 Admiral Pointe Dr., Apollo Beach, FL 33572. Please let us know if you are a first-time guest so we can have a gift ready for you.

Kitchen Masters of SCC

Judy Sinnott, a member of the Kitchen Masters club of SCC, was our February cooking club guest speaker. She presented a variety of Middle East cuisine, including Shawarma, Hummus, Tabouli salad and Baklava for dessert. Other members of the club brought additional Middle Eastern delights such as Fattoush, Spanakopita and Avgolemono soup.

If you are interested in joining us at our next meeting on March 15 at 3 p.m., we will be focusing on the traditional foods of the Passover Seder.

The Kitchen Masters club of SCC is open to all SCC members, Freedom Plaza members and Kings Point Members with a KP Club Usage Card. Dues are $25 annually. Meetings are held from 3 - 6 p.m. on the third Saturday of each month in the Eberhardt room (North Campus next to the lawn bowling greens). For further information you can contact Maria Hodge at 856-981-9992 or reach out at Facebook (Kitchenmasters Of SCC).

GFWC Sun City Center Woman’s Club Meeting

Thursday, March 20, doors open at 11 a.m. • SCC Community Hall

The doors open at 11 a.m. for sign in and meet and greet time. Buffet lunch and program will follow. Optional attire for this meeting is Bling and Jeans. The program will feature a representative from Valor Service Dogs who will discuss how they obtain and train service animals. These service animals help wounded veterans and first responders regain independence with mobility assistance and PTSD. You will get to see one of these amazing dogs in action. Should you want to donate, bring dog food, treats, dog toys or cash. All members attending the meeting need to make a reservation in advance by 11 a.m. on Monday, March 17. Please email “suncitywomansclub@gmail.com” if you will be attending and if you are planning to eat lunch. A catered buffet for $20 is to be paid at check-in. More information will be provided to the club members in the March newsletter.

The club welcomes new members from Sun City Center and surrounding communities, and applications can be found on our website “sccwomansclub.org”. Carina Faneuf, membership chair, can be reached at “sccwcmembership.com” or by phone at 727-510-0123, if you have any questions. We are part of GFWC, a national organization, and are exempt from SCCCA guest fees (Kings Point Gold Card is not needed).

Valencia Del Sol Turkey Trot

Valencia Del Sol held their annual Turkey Trot in November that raised more than $2,200 for the Campaign Against Human Trafficking. A check was presented January 16 to Helen DePinto, Events Chairperson for the Campaign Against Human Trafficking by Lynn DiCerbo, Valencia Del Sol 2024 Turkey Trot Chairperson.

Galaxy Bridge Luncheon

The next Galaxy Bridge Luncheon will be April 3 at 1p.m. Please note that we will not meet in March and there is a change in time for April. For reservations or cancelations call Kathie at 410-375-6363 or Lois at 813-633-6484. If you leave a voicemail one of them will call you back to confirm. The cancelation deadline for April is Sunday March 30.

South Lake Association New Board Members

The Sun City Center South Lake Association recently elected new Board members for 2025. South Lake has monthly socials in the Florida Room between October and May. Tables with food appetizers, main meal & dessert are available followed by fun social activities.

Eagle Audubon Speaker

Lake Okeechobee has a role in the health of the Everglades. Our March speaker, Dr. Paul Gray will discuss what the Lake has become, and what is needed to be the healthiest Okeechobee we can. He is the Audubon Florida Science Coordinator for Everglades Restoration. You can hear this dynamic speaker on Monday, March 17 ,with coffee and snacks at 1 p.m. with our program at St Andrews Presbyterian Church starting at around 1:30. We will also be marking the 125 Anniversary of Audubon Florida . There will be cake. No charge and everyone is welcome.

Game Day!

4th Thursday of every month from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Sun Towers Retirement Community Theater Room

Join the hottest new club that aims to get you playing those games you used to love but no longer have the eyes to do. Trivia, Bingo, Dominoes, Rummikub, and Left Center Right to name a few. Questions? Contact Michelle Mason 813-492-8920 or “mmason@ seniorsinservice.org”.

Free Event Honors National Poetry Month

The Southshore Poets, a local group of award-winning writers, will host a public reading in honor of National Poetry month. The reading, Saturday, April 5, will be held in the Community Room of the Southshore Regional Library at 2 p.m. Refreshments and a “Meet and Greet” will follow the presentation. The event is free and open to the public. For further information, call (813) 634-3240.

Atish and Mrudula Gude represent the Indio-Americans group. All are from the same area in India, and have made their homes in Sun City Center and the surrounding area. They are a benevolent association, donating $1,200 to Samaritan Services in December of 2024. We appreciate them for their continued support and their strong community ties.

Samaritan Services is a 501(c)3 charity. We provide transportation, at no charge, for ambulatory residents, coordinate the Meals-onWheels program and provide Alzheimer’s and Dementia respite care. Please call 813-633-6111 for in-town rides (SCC Ride), 9-3, Monday through Friday. For all other services, including out-of-town Medical appointments, please call 813-634-9283.

SCC Woman’s Club Creates Crafts and Smiles

Five members from the GFWC Sun City Center Woman’s Club, Inc. were delighted to help make Valentine crafts with 15 residents at the Cypress Creek Assisted Living facility. Decorating and designing their own cards and candy poppers brought joy and smiles.

Community continued on page 7.

L to R: Atish & Mrudula Gude and Patricia Rapach (President) Samaritan Services
L to R: Chris Fromm, Jerry Isch, Rosalyn Isch, Curtis Aldridge, Paul Assay, Ernie Zeigler, Fredreka Prince, Bonnie Ormand and kneeling is Lake Chief Harold Singer (photo by Nancy Williams).

Adogable Pets

South Shore SAR to Host Luncheon

The South Shore Chapter Sons of the American Revolution will host a luncheon on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at The Plaza Club, 3932 Upper Creek Drive, Sun City Center, FL. Social time will begin at 11:30 with luncheon at noon. All members, spouses, and guests are welcome to attend. For reservations, contact William Barron at sarsouthshore@gmail.com or (813) 340-1860 (text or leave message).

The planned program will feature a presentation by Earl F. Weener, Ph.D., former Board Member of the National Transportation Safety Board. Mr. Weener represented the Board in the field at several major accident investigations. A holder of licenses as a flight instructor and charter pilot, Earl served 24 years in senior positions with Boeing including Chief Engineer of Airworthiness, Reliability Maintainability and Safety and Chief of Systems Engineering, managing a staff of 450 engineers and technical experts.

The South Shore Chapter of Sons of the American Revolution (www.sssar.org) -- a patriotic organization of descendants of Revolutionary War Patriots -- welcomes visitors from southeastern Hillsborough and northern Manatee counties.

Jeep continued from page 1.

window, near the windshield wiper or in front of the inspection stickers, so the driver will easily see it before driving away.

You may choose to leave a duck on a Jeep Wrangler because you like the color, or on a Grand Cherokee because it’s the exact same model as the Jeep you drive. The choice for placing ducks is all yours, although some people who are into Jeep ducking like to color coordinate the duck to the Jeep or use seasonal ducks to match an upcoming holiday. It’s your call. You are part of an elite club – you are a Jeep owner! Jeep ducking is simple and sweet. Unlike spotting a boot on a fence, green porch lights shining in front of neighborhood homes, painted trees or dryer sheets in mailboxes, the Jeep duck trend isn’t an effort to spread awareness about a specific cause. It’s simply about kindness and an affinity for Jeeps. It’s a community thing! Jeeps were selected because like I said earlier in this piece, Allison Parliament, founder of the concept, was a Jeep owner. What a great connection. Great legacy Allison!

I have a KIA, my husband has a Mustang, my son has a BMW and a Porsche but none of us are deemed as cool as my daughter who has a Jeep Wrangler! So, I will send my daughter a Duck for her dashboard and move right up to a savvy Duck Duck Mom. Go Jeep is so cool and so are the Jeep owners – It’s a vibe! This gives you Jeep owners a few extra bragging rights too! This is a fun learning session to share with friends at CC’s, at club meetings, at the pool, at the Y, at the dog park or even with a neighbor. Show off your cool! Go Duckduckgo!

Allison Parliament passed

away June 22, 2024, and her death moved with heartfelt sadness through her 79,000+ membership and a world of fans! DuckDuckGo lives on.

Art Club 56th Annual Show

The Art Club in Sun City Center just completed our 56th Annual Art Show and it was a huge success for the community, as well as the artists. We had over 700 attendees this year! The Best of Show artist is Scott Moen with his painting titled “Catch of the Day”. His painting was inspired by an old black and white photo of a relative. Scott captured the true spirit and essence of the man in the photo. Faye McKeown’s “We Are Family” pastel won the People’s Choice Award.

The art was divided into six categories (listed below), and also by beginners, intermediate, advanced, and master artists. There were 57 total ribbons awarded. Below is a list of all 1st Place winners. Congratulations to ALL!

Acrylics • Marit Greunke, Ann Savage, Shelly Karg, Eunice Agnello Collage • Gerri LaRose Davis, Liz Link, Bruce Fallender

Graphic Arts • Leigh Riley, Anne Morton, Robi Jackson Oils • Marit Greunke, Linda Brand, Bev Paulsen

Pastels • Annie Garrad, Larry Schafer

Water Media • Gloria Rice, Rejeannia Smith, Rachel Flack, Linda Aquilo

There was also a fundraiser for the Firehouse Cultural Center that had lost so much during the hurricanes. The Art Club was proud to present a check of $380. Thank you to all who attended and all who participated!

The Best of Show, Scott Moen
Faye McKeown’s “We Are Family” pastel won the People’s Choice Award
Community continued from page 6.

Mothers of the Mind: An Interview With Rachel Trethewey

After I finished reading “Mothers of the Mind,” I had some questions—not routine questions as the book was different from so many other books in that it explored not just one literary great, but three (Virginia Woolf, Agatha Christie, and Sylvia Plath)—and their mothers!

Why, I asked her, Mothers of the Mind? “I think it’s a very psychological study,” she told me. “The mothers and daughters felt that they could think themselves into each other’s minds and they felt they

to destroy them. They passed on this intensity of affection to their daughters.”

This seemed like a good time to ask Trethewey what she thinks are the most significant differences between men and women writers. “To generalize,” she said, “I think women are more interested in interior life rather than just action. I also think women are often particularly good at dialogue, because we learn emotional intelligence and how to write dialogue by osmosis--through talking to other women. Certainly, this was the

been part of this exploration. Indeed, there were and there are. “For instance,” she told me, “Nancy Mitford was shaped by her difficult relationship with her mother. She did not make the cut for this book because, Trethewey told me “there was just too much to say about them. In fact,” she told me, “I am writing about Nancy and her mother in my next book, Muv, about the six Mitford girls and their mother, Lady Redesdale. Lady Redesdale was a fascinating and very complex woman, I have found

and create my own atmosphere with the characters I am writing about.

“When I find the right subject, I become totally engrossed in doing detailed research and finding out as much as possible about her. [Trethewey told me previously that she’s a writer about women for women].

“Once I feel that I have a full, three-dimensional image of her, I am ready to write.

“When it is going well, the time just evaporates as I am totally focused on the person and her world. I relish that experience

Kids eat for a

A Pencil of God

Making Mountains Move will premiere on March 25, 2025, in Conesa Center at Prince of Peace Catholic Church. The center is located at 702 Valley Forge Boulevard, Sun City Center. This is the story of a petite woman who became a giant on the world stage. From a small village in the Ottoman Empire, this woman traveled the known world.

FAITH &service

SCC German American Club Kaffeeklatsch Sunday, March 23, at 2 p.m. Redeemer Lutheran Church

A light lunch will be offered at 11:30. The program will run until 2:30 p.m. There will be a raffle for three baskets as well as a 50/50 raffle. Additionally, a silent auction will give attendees an opportunity to obtain a framed copy of The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci.

Tickets may be obtained for a donation of $20. Stop by Conesa Center Lobby at 702 Valley Forge Boulevard from 8:45 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on these dates: February 25, February 27 and 28, March 4, March 7, March 11, March 14, March 18, March 20, and March 21. You MUST have a ticket to attend.

Easter Flower Sale

Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians Annual Easter Flower Sale

Saturday, April 5, before and after 4 p.m. Mass

Sunday April 6, before and after Sunday Masses 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Sunday’s Sale will include a Bake Sale of home baked goodies and a Craft table of beautiful handmade items by our Hibernian sisters. Craft items to be paid by cash or check only. Prince of Peace Church, 702 Valley Forge Blvd., Sun City Ctr. Come visit our sale of beautiful Easter flowers for your home or given as a gift to a family member or friend. Flowers are grown by a local family owned nursery, reasonably priced (same price as last year) and are set in beautiful containers. Proceeds support local charities and other worthwhile causes in Asiatic Lilies 6” $ 13

Hydrangeas 6” $ 15

You can Pre-Order your Easter flowers starting March 3 -28. Contact Karen Humphreys 813 444-3431 Monday thru Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pre-Order Pick up is before and after all Masses on Saturday and Sunday at our drive thru location at Prince of Peace Church, on the side of Conesa Center - no need to exit your car! Pre-Order payment must be made when placing your order! We accept Credit or Debit cards. Thank you for your support!

Selby Features George Harrison

George Harrison. Mention him and someone will mention “The Beatles.” And that is about it. Except he was a dedicated gardener.

After the Beatles broke up, Harrison bought a Victorian mansion and restored both the building and most importantly –the gardens. Several years after his death, the famed Chelsea Gardens included a tour at his home.

Right from the beginning guitars form part of a waterfall. They are real guitars. This has been fascinating to watch it develop, year after year. This is the ninth year in a row that

Selby has done this, honoring someone who had his life influenced by gardening.

This is a fascinating exhibit. Be sure to look at the photos in the Selby Café.

Tips for a Great Trips

Start your trip early and you’ll have plenty of time to explore and see the exhibit. Dress for time spent outside. There is plenty of shade. You can, of course, have lunch at The Green Orchid or the Selby House.

Selby Gardens 5134 Mound Street Sarasota, FL 33565 (941) 366-573 www.selby.org 10 a.m. – 5p.m.

A selection of German themed baked goods will be available. Coffee, tea and water will be provided. We strongly encourage members and guests to share their photos and mementos from visits to Germany and adjacent regions. A $5 charge at the door will be directed to help defray expenses.

Beth Israel Thrifty Fashionistas Strut Their Style

Tuesday, March 4, at 1 p.m.

Beth Israel’s Social Hall, 1115 Del Webb Blvd., E. Contestants will create an outfit (or a major part of an outfit) for $10 or less. The top three contestants will win gift cards. Come join in the fun! You don’t need to be a member of Beth Israel to join the sisterhood. Sisterhood is a great way to meet other women and share fun times while watching, and participating in, interesting programs. Future programs include Women’s Passover Luncheon, and Lunch/Installation of Officers. There will be more exciting programs starting in the fall. To join Sisterhood contact Donna at “sisterhood@jcscc.org”.

Are You Ready?

I am not ready to just stay at home, watch tv, and have crossword puzzles be the highlight of my day. Keeping stimulated is important to keeping our brains healthy, is what they all say. That is why the Center 4 Life Learning is so important for the senior citizens in the surrounding communities, not just Sun City Center. They offer a wide variety of classes of interest, whether you want to learn Spanish or Sign language, or take up a paintbrush, discuss new ideas such as Artificial Intelligence; learn how to handle wills or finances. Classes are offered fall and winter, with a shorter version for summer. I have attended many and have always been happy with the experience. How about a day trip to interesting places, such as Ybor City, or shopping and dining in Mt Dora? They offer lunch or dinner cruises if you like being out on the ocean. There is still a lunch-included trip on the StarLite Sapphire Dining Yacht offered on May 22. Make sure and sign up right away, the trips and shows fill up fast. Their upcoming plays include Early Bird Dinner Theater in Clearwater on March 20 to see Sylvia. Asolo Repertory Theatre in Sarasota on June 4 will be the musical Jesus Christ SuperStar. You may purchase all tickets online or stop in the office. Trips are offered year-round.

All of the trips include a bus ride to and from the events. I personally would not drive to many of these events because of the traffic, night driving, and concerns about trying to find my car in the dark after parking away from the door. Part of the fun is the bus ride. The seats are comfortable, it’s a good time to socialize, and my snacks, water bottle, and bathroom are all close.

Art: Creative Paper Crafting, Modern Dot Art; Introduction to Modern Quilling; Reading Pictures. Finance: Investment, Estate, and Tax Planning; What Would Happen If You Got Hit by A Bus? Health: Aging with Grace & Vitality Through Holistic Methods; Befriending the Ending, Introduction to Advanced Care Planning.

History: Beginning Genealogy; Gettysburg; Immigration, Ellis Island, and the Lower East Side, NYC; Film History 1929-1961 (Featuring Movies of the 1940s and 1950s). Language: Sign Language; Beginners Conversational Spanish Level I, Level II, Level III

Technology: Android Smartphones & Tablets; iPhone/iPad for Seniors.

Discussion: Artificial Intelligence, the New Frontier, the Next Ten Years; Chautauqua X; Ethics and Morality in a Capitalist System; Fun with Logic; Justice - An Introduction to Moral and Political Philosophy; UFOs, We’re Not Alone & They’re Here, Now What?

To learn more about the classes and trips or make online purchases, you may go to www.sccumc.com/4lifelearning or visit 1971 Haverford Avenue Sun City Center, FL 33573. All are welcome; there is no need to be a member of a travel club.

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”.

Right in the conservatory, you’ll be immersed in the exhibit.

PERFORMINGARTS

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

Spring Sing Kool Karaoke Party

Like to sing or just hang out and dance with friends? Then join The Kings Point Music Makers for their Spring Sing Kool Karaoke Party. March 21 KP North Club, Waterside Room, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m., doors open at 4:30. $5 for non KPMM members, BYO Everything. All KP and CA residents are welcome.

Follies Goes Country for 2025

This will surely be a show you won’t want to miss. Music, skits and an assortment of entertainment for everyone with proceeds going to local charities. Mark your calendars and get your tickets at the Kings Point box office, open 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. weekdays.

Location: Kings Point Veterans Theater

Dates: Friday, March 14 at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 15, at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Price: $14. See y’all there!

Riverside Jukebox Band

Sunday, April 6, from 2 to 4 p.m.

Kings Point Veterans Theater Presented by Beth Israel Congregation

The Band will play music from the Big Band era to the 1960’s. American standards from the Glenn Miller and Duke Ellington era combined with the danceable pop music from the Beatles, Chicago and Earth Wind & Fire. Vocalists Anita Martin and Charlie Snyder will be featured. There will be a guest appearance by Faye Nepon.

Tickets cost $18 each made out to Beth Israel Congregation and mailed to Jo-Ellen Bromberg, 2005 Sifield Greens Way, Sun City Center, Florida 33573. Deadline to purchase tickets is March 31.

“The Concert That Never Was” Friday, March 7, at 7 p.m.

UMC of SCC, 1971 Haverford Ave.

“The Concert That Never Was...” includes segments in which Streisand and Sinatra create masterful duets of “Somewhere”, “Something Stupid” and “New York New York”. A highlight of the show is a delicate blending of two of their signature songs as Sinatra croons verses from “It Was A Very Good Year” intertwined with Streisand’s memorable “The Way We Were”. Today, Sharon Owens and Sebastian Anzoldo captivate audiences world-wide with their originally self-produced Las Vegas show that brings laughter, tears and joy to every person watching.

Tickets are $20 advance, $25 at the door and are available at the Pages of Life Book Store Sun 9:30-12:30 and M-Th-10:00-2:00, Church Office M-Th 8:30-4:00 and online at www.sccumc.com/events.

Hello Sun City Center, our 2024-2025 Entertainment Series is coming to an end this month. I would like to thank you all for your support during the season. Please mark your calendars for the remaining shows.

On Sunday, March 9, it’s Billy & the Downliners at 2:30 p.m., $20. Friday March 21, at 7 p.m. dance to the music of Celebrate for $20. Sunday, March 30, it’s Broadway’s Original Motown & Classic Soul Tribute Show, A Decade of Soul at 2:30 p.m., $20. All shows are held at The Community Hall 1910 S. Pebble Beach Blvd. Tickets can be purchased at the Atrium Kiosk 945 N. Course Lane, M/W/F 10-12 p.m. Cash or check only. Don’t forget FunFest 2025 will be held on Saturday, March 8, 9-2 p.m. Entertainment under the Big Tent will be EQ-The Little Big Band, The Dive Bombers and Bill Lindsey & Elvis. Many of our local clubs will provide entertainment as well. This event is open to the public.

Watch for up-coming Bandstand and Music by the pool Events coming soon. For questions about Entertainment please feel free to reach out to Judy Cesarski, Activities Director, at 813-642-2001 or “activities@suncitycenter.org”.

SCC Barbershoppers Spring Concert

March 22 at 7 p.m.

Saint Andrew Church, Del Webb

Following their very successful Christmas concert, Sun City Center’s Par for the Chorus will be hosting an evening of musical performances and deserts. Join the chorus as they crisscross our great country singing songs about many of the places you’ve lived and visited. It will be a great date night experience and includes an all you can eat dessert bar. Tickets are $15 and available at St. Andrew Church or call 404-606-0543.

Jive Talkin’-A Bee Gees Tribute Friday, March 28, at 7 p.m.

UMC of SCC, 1971 Haverford Ave.

Experience a phenomenal show when you are in the audience of a JIVE TALKIN’ Show! Close your eyes and you will swear the real Gibb Brothers were performing! Open your eyes and experience the illusion that they’re standing in front of you! JIVE TALKIN’! An unforgettable night of incredible entertainment awaits you.

Expect hits including “Stayin’ Alive,” “Night Fever,” “More Than A Woman,” “Tragedy,” “Jive Talkin’,” “You Should Be Dancing,” “To Love Somebody,” “Nights On Broadway” and many more! Tickets are $20 Advance $25 At the Door and are available at the Pages of Life Book Store Sun 9:30-12:30 and M-Th-10:00-2:00, Church Office M-Th 8:30-4:00 and online at www.sccumc.com/events.

“Sounds of Soul” Music of Motown Friday, March 21, at 7 p.m.

UMC of SCC, 1971 Haverford Ave.

Get ready to relive the hits of Motown and Beyond, as this exciting, high energy group unleashes superior vocals and slick dance moves powered by pure soul! The Sounds of Soul have been delighting audiences across the nation since 1996. The group is composed of five seasoned performers who have excelled as outstanding singers, dancers and songwriters and have recorded on the top record labels.

Tickets are $20 advance, $25 at the door and are available at the Pages of Life Book Store Sun 9:30-12:30 and M-Th-10:00-2:00, Church Office M-Th 8:30-4:00 and online at www.sccumc.com/events.

Locally Owned & Nationally Known

Come Dance With Us

March 9, doors open at 6 p.m. •Kings Point Veterans Theater

DANCING

Line Dance Fundraiser

This group of over 60 dancers raised $803 for the Sun City Emergency Squad on Saturday, February 8, at the Community Hall in Sun City Center. Dancers from all over the area beginners and intermediates were entertained by Mike Hanson and Lee Springer who are instructors for the Line Dance Fun Club.

New York Club

Wednesday, March 5, at 5 p.m.

Kings Point Veterans Theater

The New York Club will be having a St. Patrick’s Day dinner dance. Music by Gene Cannon and food by Banquet Masters. It includes a salad and dessert bar, corn beef and cabbage and salmon in bourbon sauce. We have a singles table. You do not have to be from New York to attend. Price for members is only $25 and $28.50 for guests. For further information, please contact Frank Gatto at (813) 633 8942.

Do You Wanna Dance Club

Friday, March 14, from 7 to 10 p.m.

SCC Community Hall, 1910 S. Pebble Beach

Come on out and dance to the dynamic powerhouse music of the band No Filter. Open to all surrounding communities. Tickets on sale at the Atrium Kiosk from 10 to 12, Monday, Wednesday and Friday, February 24 through March 14, and at the door if not sold out. Tickets $5 members, $20 non-members. Ticket sales will end promptly at 7. BYOB and 50/50 raffle. Yearly memberships can be purchased for $35. Please bring non-perishable food items for Our Ladies Pantry. For ticket information contact Kathy “jfkfunnsun@ yahoo.com” or Barbara “bgocek1@gmail.com”.

Senior Social Dance

Thursday, March 20, from 6:30 to 9 p.m.

St. John Divine Episcopal, 1015 Del Webb E.

Our Senior Social Dance Group will have LB & Chloe as our entertainers at our next dance (doors open at 6PM). Many of you know them from around the area playing a mix of country, 50’s & 60’s and of course music by request for all dance types. These dances are always open to everyone and admission is $6/person payable at the door. Dressy/casual attire, no shorts or jeans please. Singles Tables available. BYOB, ice, setups & snacks/ munchies, nothing furnished. For more info call or text Judy Furman, (813) 606-1233 or email “judyannfurman@gmail.com”.

Moonglow Dance Club Dance

Thursday, March 27, doors open at 6:30 p.m.

SCC Community Center, 1910 S. Pebble Beach Blvd.

Celebrate the green of St. Patrick’s Day. Dancing from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Music by LB & Chloe. All are welcome. $5 per person. BYOB with water and ice provided. Info: Ken 513-582-8449 or Rosemary 513-258-8238.

Kings Point Dance Club

“Spring Garden Party“ Dance

Sunday, March 16, doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Kings Point Veterans Theater

Dancing from 7 to 9 p.m. Ballroom Music by: DJ’s Mike and Peg. All KP, SCC, Singles and guests are welcome. Dress code, dressy casual, no shorts. BYOB. Members free, Guests $5 pp. If you have questions call Eileen 813-296-4038.

Social Ballroom and Latin Dance Lessons

Monday: March 3, 10, 17, 24

4 p.m. Beginning Silver Quick Step

5 p.m. Intermediate 2 Tango

6 p.m. Beginning/Intermediate 3 Count Hustle

7 p.m. Beginning Slow Dance

St. John the Divine Episcopal Church, Parish Hall, 1015 East Del Webb Blvd. Sun City Center

Contact: Bernice DuBro Clark (dancewithbernice@gmail.com)

813-482-6784. Cost: 4 weeks of classes for $30/person. All are invited to attend. (no extra fees for residents of Kings Point or outside of SCC Community).

Join Sun City Center Resident Paster Mac Clements at 10:30 this Sunday Morning 9912 Indiana Street Gibsonton, FL

Church like it used to be! or enjoy our service via Livestream www.1stbaptistgibsonton.com

Belated St. Patrick’s Day dance. The dance is open to the public, and guest admittance is only $6 per person with members’ admission free. Dancing and all your friends from 7 until 9. Singles and groups are welcome! Dressy casual attire; no shorts please. Music will be provided by “Wayne Train” Wayne Rohr, and cups, water, ice and napkins provided. BYOB is permitted, so come and enjoy yourselves as we support one of your SCC clubs! Phone Michelle at 330-7702733 for more information.

SCC Dance Club

Be Green Dance with Free Lesson

The Sun City Center Dance Club is holding a Dance on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at the SCC Community Hall, 1910 S. Pebble Beach Blvd., Sun City Center from 7-9 pm. The free NightClub 2 Step lesson will be given 6:30-7:00. We will donate proceeds of the dance to the local non-profit Mary & Martha House--which was severely damaged during the hurricanes.

DJ “The Wayne Train” will be playing all kinds of dance music, so you can practice what you learned at the lesson as well as waltz, foxtrot, cha cha, east & west coast swing, country 2 step, hustle and more--including a few fun line dances. This event is open to all, with dance club members attending free and all others paying only $6 pp at the door. Singles are always welcomed with a designated singles table. Come dressed in green-either dressy or smart casual. BYOB to celebrate with your friends! For questions or additional information, please call Sue Hicks at 813633-6682.

Raymond James Pops blockbuster broadway

Wicked, Phantom of the Opera, Sound of Music, Lion King more Mar 23

Featuring A Kind of Trane Saxophone Concerto Mar 30

Hough Family Foundation Masterworks vivaldi’s the four

Featuring Mozart’s Symphony No. 39 Apr 5

JUSTA 20MINUTE DRIVEFROM SUNCITYCENTER

south County Events

TUE. MAR 4 - ANNUAL FRAUD AWARENESS EDUCATION EVENT

Doors open at 9:00 a.m. with an event from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon at Community Hall, 1910 S. Pebble Beach Blvd, SCC. This year we will focus on A.I. Scams and the emotional impact of scams. Sponsored by The Men’s Club of SCC, Community Foundation Tampa Bay and Hillsborough County Sheriff’s office.

TUE. MAR 4 - JOIN ME AND JANET CARR FROM ACCESSORIES AND MORE 10:00

a.m. till I finished shopping at Renaissance Country Club, 2121 S. Pebble Beach Boulevard, Sun City Center. We are thrilled to invite you to our annual clothes shopping, luncheon, models, and charity event! Grab your friends and make it a fun day for everyone! TICKETS - $35Includes luncheon and tip! To get your tickets come to the Payant Financial Plaza, 1653 Sun City Center Plaza, Sun City Center, FL 33573. You can pay by check or cash!! Please call Robyn Payant with any questions!!! 813-541-7237

- or - robynpayant@hotmail.com.

THU. MAR 6 - OPTIMAL

WELLNESS HEALTH CLASS 10:00

a.m. at Sun Towers Retirement Community, 101 Trinity Lakes Dr., SCC. Our speaker shares: I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t fascinated by the healing properties of food. Indigenous peoples worldwide have used food as medicine for eons...so why don’t we still do that? My classes are free, and I do not sell anything. Yours in true health, Dinah Allison The Functional Health Sensei.”

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

1:30 p.m. Sun Towers Retirement Community. St Patrick’s Day is almost as good as Oktoberfest when it comes to celebrating beers! 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! Check us out www.facebook.com/ groups/craftbeerandwineclub. Contact Michelle Mason 813-492-8920 or mmason@ seniorsinservice.org.

SAT. MAR 8 - 2ND ANNUAL DINING IN THE DARK Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Dinner is 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. at Veterans TheaterKings Point (located in the main clubhouse)1900 Clubhouse Dr., Sun City Center. Dining in the Dark is a special experience and fundraiser shining a light on low/ no vision individuals who live right beside us. Diners will be blind folded at their table where they will enjoy a buffet style dinner

in the dark. Tickets are $15 and are available for sale at the Kings Point Box Office. Contact Michelle Mason at 813-492-8920 or mmason@seniorsinservice.org.

WED. MAR 12 - GOVERNMENT DAY COMES TO KINGS POINT

Immediately following the Master Association Board Meeting, from 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon in Veterans Theater at the Kings Point North Clubhouse. Government Day Comes to Kings Point! The Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office, in collaboration with the Master Association, is excited to bring Government Day to Kings Point! This special event is open to all Kings Point and Sun City Center residents and offers a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the many services available from the county. Don’t miss out on this excellent opportunity to connect, engage, and stay informed. We look forward to seeing you there!

FRI. MAR 14 - LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. at Sun Towers Retirement Community, 101 Trinity Lakes Dr. SCC. Low Vision Support Group provides information and resources to the members of the low vision and blind community. This month we are having a presentation on all things by iBug. This non-profit provides technical support 1:1 for free! Questions?

Contact Michelle Mason 813-492-8920 or mmason@ seniorsinservice.org.

MON. MAR 17 - PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. at Sun Towers Retirement Community, 101 Trinity Lakes Dr.

SCC. This month’s topic: We start each meeting with exercises and then have a discussion. Jill Mask will be demonstrating various ways to get up from a fall. Questions? Contact Michelle Mason 813-492-8920 or mmason@seniorsinservice. org. If you have Parkinson’s, or are caring for someone with this disease, be sure to attend this support group!

TUE. MAR 18 - DITCH DIABETES AND OTHER HEALTH ISSUES 10:00 a.m. at Sun Towers Retirement Community, 101 Trinity Lakes Dr. SCC. We will have active group discussions, mini-meditations for gratitude, breathwork, chair yoga and stretching, foodie games and a chance to win prizes! Join Shirley M. Sullivan, Nutritionist, who provides Holistic Wellness Education with Southshore Wellness and Shari Leitermann, Angel of Vitality, Raw/Vegan, Traveling Chef and Educator through fun, food, fitness and frequency. For info, call Debbie Caneen 813-892-2990.

FRI. MAR 28 - SCC SENIOR IDOL! Who will be the first SCC Senior Idol? 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Rollins Theater where we will be having a singing competition. People interested in competing can pick up an entry form at the CA front office. Tickets for the performance are $15 and will be available starting Tuesday, February 11 at the Kiosk in the Atrium between 10am – 12pm. Tickets will be sold Tuesdays & Thursdays and at the door if there are any tickets remaining.

The Men's Club of SCC Offers

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.

News of Freedom Plaza

January’s frigid weather made quilts a popular item, but for two Freedom Plaza residents (plus one former resident) a quilt’s warmth went further than skindeep. On January 27 Tom Hart, Wayne Stout, and Harve Turner were each presented a “Quilt of Valor” in a deeply moving public ceremony.

“Quilts of Valor” (QOVF) is a national foundation dedicated to honoring America’s military veterans. It began in 2003 with a dream—literally-- of Catherine Roberts whose son was serving in Iraq at the time. In that dream she saw a young man hunched on the edge of his bed in an attitude of utter despair; then she saw him wrapped in a colorful quilt, his manner one of well-being! The message, she determined, was, “Quilts=Healing” and she went to work to make it happen. To date, QOVF has awarded over 4,000 quilts, all hand-made by American volunteer quilters! The presentation of a Quilt of Valor has been done in U.S. war zones, in military mobile hospitals, and on U.S. Navy ships at sea, as well as in communities across the country.

Entering military service during the cold war, Tom Hart’s duties included protecting Americanheld borders in Europe by monitoring trajectories for accurate aim of artillery. His service ended; he used that skill

Receiving “Flags of Valor” (L-R)

in monitoring aircraft paths as an air traffic controller. An “allround military man,” Wayne Stout, upon graduating high school at 17, enlisted in the Air Force and saw service in Vietnam attached, temporarily, to the U.S. Army. He counts his work as Personnel Director of a large V.A. Hospital is the most important part of his career.

Harve Turner, a highly decorated career military officer, filled numerous important leadership positions in the U.S. Army and completed two combat tours in Vietnam. He retired with the rank of Lt. Colonel.

Conceived and founded by the Retired Officers Corporation (ROC), with an office housed and active here, Freedom Plaza is honored to have its share of military heroes, both “sung and unsung.” It is always gratifying to see them honored.

FreeStyle Libre 14 day system

• It’s discreet and easy to check glucose with the FreeStyle Libre 14 day system1

• Provides accurate glucose readings,2 without finger stick calibrations

• 14 days of glucose monitoring. No fingersticks* Recent changes in Medicare, has now made it easier than ever to qualify.

To see if you now qualify call 727-306-2741

Fingersticks are required for treatment decisions, when symptoms do not match system readings, when you suspect readings may be inaccurate, or when you experience symptoms that may be due to high or low blood glucose. If readings do not match symptoms or expectations, use a fingerstick value from a blood glucose meter for treatment decisions. Seek medical attention when appropriate, including for any medical emergency.

SAFETY STATEMENT

Failure to use the Glucose Monitoring System and its components according to the instructions for use provided with your device and to properly consider all indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and cautions in those instructions for use may result in you missing a severe hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) or hyperglycemia (high blood glucose) occurrence and/or making a treatment decision that may result in injury. If readings do not match symptoms or expectations, use a fingerstick value from a blood glucose meter for treatment decisions. Seek medical attention when appropriate or contact Abbott at 855632-8658 or FreeStyleLibre.us for safety info.

August 7, 2025 Other dates too

Don’t be shy—you’re not the only daydreamer with a major crush on Scotland. With its lush rolling hills, dramatic coastlines, tiny villages, and towering fairytale castles, what’s not to love? On this Undiscovered Tour of Scotland, you’ll feel your heart skip a beat as you journey through the breathtaking Highlands, ferry to its most beautiful islands, and immerse yourself in a world of haunting bagpipes, hallowed battlefields, and hoppy brews — the perfect choice for washing down traditional fish and chips at a Scottish chippy. With visits to the Neolithic village of Skara Brae, the legendary golf town of St. Andrews, and a famous whisky distillery for a tour and a wee dram, this Scotland vacation offers countless opportunities to raise a glass to your many passions. Making a spectacular scenic loop from Edinburgh to Glasgow, this Scottish Highland Fling tour is indeed an affair to remember.

Fully Escorted Motorcoach Tour • Hotels, Sightseeing, Most Meals Included From $3899 pp Low Air Add On

Gems of Greece, Athens, Naxos & Crete

April 25, 2026

Other dates too !

On an immersive journey through Greece, discover its ancient roots, iconic landmarks, and welcoming culture, from Athens to the islands of Naxos and Crete. Visit the iconic Acropolis and get to know Athens’ lively neighborhoods. Ferry to Naxos and dive into Greek island life and culture during a three-night stay. Explore Crete’s treasures from Heraklion and Chania, including Knossos Palace, the pottery village of Margarites, Chania’s old Venetian Harbor, and more. Delve into the traditions, flavors, and history of Greece, exploring unique corners of the country and meeting locals along the way.

Hotels, Sightseeing, Most Meals Included

From $7199 pp includes Air from Tampa

Paris, Normandy, Chateaux Country

June 20, 2026

Other dates too

From fields of yellow sunflowers to cellars of pink rosés, this fascinating tour of France invites you to survey the sensuous land and pick the perfect bouquet. Fragrant gardens and aromatic wines are just the beginning of the sweet experiences that await from the City of Light to the sunlit regions of Normandy, and the Loire Valley. Tiptoe through the tulips at Claude Monet’s rainbow-colored gardens, float down the castle hallways in dreamy Châteaux country, and swirl and sip your way from the lively cafés of Paris to the storied wineries of the French countryside. Traveling from the Seine to the sea, we’ve handpicked the best coastal experiences—the resort town of Deauville, the famous Abbey of Mont St. Michel, and the poignant beaches of Normandy, site of the Allied Forces’ D-Day invasions during World War II.

Hotels, Sightseeing, Most Meals Included

From $3749 pp Low Air Add On

Canadian Rockies with Rocky Mountaineer

Sept 21, 2025

Other dates too !

From scenic mountains and valleys to the stunning Lake Louise, explore the best of Western Canada via the famous Rocky Mountaineer train. See beautiful Stanley Park and the famed Granville Island Public Market. Travel among the fields of Fraser Valley and the picturesque Fraser River. Admire the postcard-worthy landscapes as you journey alongside Kicking Horse River. Journey along the unforgettable Icefields Parkway and stop at Athabasca Glacier. Admire stunning Bow Falls in Banff. Set off on a mesmerizing voyage from Vancouver, British Columbia to Calgary, Alberta. Hotels, Sightseeing, Most Meals Included

From $7999 pp Includes Air from Tampa!!

Spotlight on Tuscany

May 16, 2026 Other dates too !

Discover the rolling hills of Tuscany, home to sprawling vineyards, charming medieval hill towns, and enchanting cities. Savor a 7-night stay in Montecatini Terme, the famous resort and spa town.

Visit Pisa, Florence, and San Gimignano, nestled in the Italian countryside. Discover the charming town of Lucca, Italy’s best-kept secret. Learn about the heroic deeds of WWII at remains of the Gothic Line and visit the Museum of Liberation. Enjoy free time to explore the cultural treasures of Florence. Partake in a Tuscan cooking class. Sample cheese at the farm where it is made. Enjoy fabulous local wines and the region’s famous cuisine. Steeped in history, culture and legend, this is Tuscany as you always imagined it. Hotels, Sightseeing, Most Meals Included

From $4699 pp Includes Air from Tampa if booked by Nov 17, 2025

Harve Turner, Tom Hart, Wayne Stout

Dinosaur World

“It’s better than I thought it would be,” commented one visitor. Dinosaur World isn’t just for kids. There is plenty to do for all ages. Tip: Better go now, as it may be gone.

There are over 200 life size dinosaurs spread throughout the park. This is the highlight of the park. Walk through the park to gain full views. We decided to take the “train” on a mission. It cost $5 more and was a pleasant ride for us to see the most important dinosaurs. Even if you decide at the last minute, the conductor takes credit card. Sorry, no cash.

This meant we didn’t have to go over visiting dinosaurs—again. A big chunk of seeing dinosaurs was done. This is a handy tip on a hot day or a day you really don’t want to walk it all.

You can break up the day by playing mini golf. There is no extra charge for this and we certainly enjoyed this distraction.

On the way out be sure to stop by Dinosaur Doom and the Museum. It is a little exhibit that packs quite a punch. At least there is a sign that some animatronics are used.

When one considers that they lose only six or less people per day to raptors, the figures make it worthwhile.

One thing one should take is the camera. Pictures of you and the dinosaur. Pictures of your friends and the dinosaurs. Pictures while you can.

If you have smaller children with you, there are several activities for them to enjoy. In all, there is just the right mix of dinosaurs and a little bit of knowledge.

Tips for a Great Trip

Weather: Almost everything takes place outdoors. There is plenty of shade so even on a hot day you are able to keep comfortable.

Eating: Food options are rather limited. Either plan on Cracker Barrel (nearby) or other options.

Parking: is free.

Fees: $25 Dinosaur World 5145 Harvey Tew Road Plant City, FL 33565 (813) 717-9865

dinsaurworld.com

10 a.m. – closing times vary

TRAVEL

The fun starts before you even enter.
Relax – this is a plant eater.
Remember me! Jurassic Park!

Free Archery Lessons

SPORTS

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

SCC Volleyball Great Gatsby

Current CA members and KP Activity Card holders are eligible to receive free archery lessons from the SCC Archery Club. Call club instructor Joe Mealey at 717-497-4639 to make arrangements for lessons. All the equipment is provided for you to use while taking your lessons. For archery club questions not instruction related, call Mark Erickson, club president at 810-407-1768.

SCC Tennis Welcomes All

Open to beginners or to returning players, the Sun City Center Tennis Association is holding three complementary skill-based classes and play time to help you get back into the game and onto the courts. The classes will be held on court at the tennis facility. Tennis is a social sport that promotes movement, flexibility and balance. So put on some court shoes and come on out. Equipment will be provided if needed. You must have a CA number to be able to attend. The sessions will be on Fridays March 14, 21, and 28, from 1:20-3 p.m. Feel free to attend any one, or all three sessions. For information and to RSVP, please contact Christine Lansing at 315552-7875 or email “scctennis.net@gmail.com”.

Blaine Wins 20025 Pebble Beach Singles

Jim Blaine edged out Eric Porr 21-17 to win the 2025 Sun City Center Pebble Beach Singles Lawn Bowling Tournament. In this closely contested final, these two men put on a display that was incredible to watch. After a week of play downs, they were the two left standing. In the semifinals Jim had bested Joe Mattia and Eric had defeated Gilles Cayer. Porr shot out to a four bowl lead after two ends. By the twelfth, after a bit of back and forth, Blaine had the score evened up to 7-7. Over the next seven ends these two were bowling at a level that had the crowd clapping and in awe, with Jim easing out to a 14-9 lead.

But Eric was not done. Three in the twenty-first, two in the next, and three in twenty-third and suddenly he was ahead by three 17-14. Eight bowls in three ends!. But typical of this match, Blaine found ways to struggle back. On his third bowl on twenty-four, Jim took the jack back and into his own ball for two, and tied it up 17-17 in the next. The twenty-sixth end was so typical of how these two skillful bowlers were rolling. Bowl one Eric took the jack back a bit. The next roll saw Jim knock Eric away and drop his bowl within three inches. His second bowl stood a measure and he was up two 19-17. Jim scored one each in the last two ends, winning with a score of 21-17.

They had rolled the afternoon away. Two hundred and twentyfour bowls had crossed the green. The assembled crowd had been treated to a display of talent and skill that astounded all.

The monthly Caloosa Casual Party Club members & guests enjoyed an evening with the theme “For Love of Disney.” Tables and the party room were decorated with Mickey and Minnie favorites from Paula, one of the Caloosa Golf & Country Club social members. Steve and Nancy Williams were the hosts for the evening, starting with Disney trivia questions. Carr’s Custom Catering served a delicious meal for approximately 80 people. Starlight Entertainment provided the music for dancing & listening.

Congrats to the 2025 SCC Volleyball Board Members: Jodie Rector, Doug Pepin, Julie Ramsey, Steve Esenbock and Marti DeVries. January brought a Great Gatsby party for the Volleyball Club. We roared back to the 20’s with an evening with dinner and great fun! We all anxiously await the construction of our new volleyball courts on the south campus…and look forward to the groundbreaking ceremony soon!

Battle of the Joes

In a battle of the Joes, Joe Mignogna overcame Joe Mattia in the fourteenth end to win the SCC 2025 Lawn Bowling Senior Championship. In the semi-finals, Joe Mattia had defeated Novice Champion David Sartwell while Joe Mignogna had taken the measure of the wonderfully skilled Paddy Lennon.

It is not the first time that these two experienced bowlers had been in the finals of a tournament and it showed. This championship would be determined by which bowler scored 18 first. Bowl after bowl was expertly delivered by both, but Mignogna was having a day of it. Mattia was sliding them in close to the jack, but the eventual winner was able to take it end after end with some spectacular rolls.

In the first three ends, Mignogna eked out one bowl in each for a 3-0 lead. The 4th, 6th, and 11th ends were the downfall of Mattia. Mignogna scored three in each. Those nine bowls were just too much to overcome. The winner reached the required eighteen bowls in the 14th end. Spectators had been treated to a wonderful exhibition of skill and were appreciative of their efforts.

Chess on the Green

In a display of talent that left the spectators in awe, the newly crowned 2025 Junior Singles Lawn Bowling Champion Andy Davis and the runner-up Gilles Cayer put on a bout for the ages. Bowl after bowl were thrown to the jack with a skill that left little room for error. It was like a chess match on grass.

In this match, the winner was to be determined by who got to 21 first. It took an exhausting total of 168 rolls to get there. To say it was a see-saw battle doesn’t do it justice. In the first Gilles went up two, but Andy came back in the second with 3. By the end of four Andy was up 6-2 and looked like he was on a roll. But Gilles showed his character by fighting back with three of his own to make it 6-5. Over the next several ends they swapped the lead back and forth. In the twelfth, Gilles broke out with three, putting him up 13-9.

Andy, however, was not done. By the 17th he had inched his way back into the lead 14-13. In the next end Gilles showed why he had reached the finals by rolling three bowls in close to go up 1614. Andy then rolled two to even the score 16-16. From there on in, it was all Andy. One in the 19th, two in the 20th, and two in the twenty-first gave him the 21-17 victory. What a wonderful match by two real warriors of the green.

Sports continued on page 17.

L to R: 2025 Senior Singles Champion Joe Mignogna R. Joe Mattia
L to R: 2025 Junior Singles
Champion Andy Davis, R. runnerup Gilles Cryer.
R to L: Champion Jim Blaine; Runner-up Eric Porr
with an 8-iron. Witnesses included: Jerry Hubbard, Tom Van Nelson, Bruce Goncalo. HOLE IN ONE

Sports continued from page 16.

mixer team L to R Front:

Caloosa Golf and Country Club in Sun City Center has a monthly 18 hole 2nd Sunday golf mixer. The February Mixer was a fun Super Bowl mixer with all teams playing from the red tee. Our hosts, Rich & Tina Huss, decided to have fast playing so we’d be home in time for the City vs Eagles game. The 1st place team had 62 strokes playing with 3 women and 3 men. Next Sunday’s mixer is March 9.

SCC Pickleball Club

Sun City Center Pickleball Club new beginner lessons graduates from left to right: Ellen Jones, Klaus Kessler, Karen Druhe, Rick Parker, Jim Lukens and Linda Lukens.

Winning
Diane Williamson, Linda Suh, Nancy Williams; L to R Back: Steve Wilkie, Larry Tisch, Steve Williams (photo by Jackie Tisch).

Announcing an amazing opportunity for you to save big and start living your best life today! Settle on select apartment residences by December 15, 2022 and you can

Freedom Fairways, our premier executive golf course and clubhouse, pickle ball courts, tennis courts, and more!

Announcing an amazing opportunity for you to save big and start living best life today! Settle on select apartment Friday, September 15th, 2023 and you

Announcing an amazing opportunity for you to save big and start living your best life today! Settle on select apartment residences by December 15, 2022 and you can

Announcing an amazing opportunity for you to save big and start living your best life today! Settle on select apartment by Friday, September 15th, 2023

Step Into a World of Fantasy and Adventure! Prepare to journey back in time to a world of enchantment, adventure,

and medieval marvels at the 2025 Bay Area Renaissance Festival! From February 15 to March 30, 2025, the festival transforms Dade City, Florida into a lively 16th-century village where legends come to life. Explore thrilling new attractions, meet colorful characters, and experience a whirlwind of jousting, wizardry, and feasts fit for royalty.

Ticket Information: Tickets for the 2025 Bay Area Renaissance Festival are available online NOW! Ticket pricing does not include sales fees or taxes.

Adults (13+): $21.95

Seniors (65+): $17.95

Children (5-12): $13.95

Children (4 & under): FREE Parking: Free on-site parking is available for all visitors.

2025 Theme Weekends:

Once Upon a Time – Feb. 15-16

Highland Fling – Feb. 22-23

Heroes & Havoc – Mar. 8-9

Shamrocks & Shenanigans – Mar. 15-16

Viking Invasion – Mar. 22-23

Buccaneers & Ballgowns – Mar. 29-30

Opening Day: Friday, February 15, 2025

Closing Day: Sunday, March 30, 2025 Open Saturdays and Sundays Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

The Bay Area Renaissance Festival 12838 Auton Rd., Dade City, FL 33525

Celebrating Black History Month

The Multi-Cultural Heritage Club of Sun City Center had a program on February 14 in the Florida Room of the Atrium Building to celebrate Black History Month.

The program began with Dr. Rose Meyers, PhD, explaining the history of the Black National Anthem “Lift Every Voice” and then all of the guests sang the song. A proclamation given by Commissioner Christine Miller’s office and presented by Aide Ronrico Smith to the Multi-Cultural Heritage Club was read and presented. Two distinguished guests, Lawrence C. Chambers and Doris Byars Glass, both of SCC, were honored. Dr. Janice Jacob, Impersonator, told the story of Opal Lee the “grandmother” of Juneteenth. The program ended with Mr. Ernest Rivera telling the history of Black-Eyed Peas.

Very interesting information was on a poster display. Did you know that these AfricanAmericans invented the following? The Refrigerator, John Standard, June 14, 1891, Potato Chip, Huram S, Thomas, 1865, Mop, Thomas B. Stewart, June 13, 1893, Guitar, Robert F.

Dr. Janice Jacob

Flemming Jr., March 30 1886, Gas Mask, Garrett Morgan, October 13, 1914, Traffic Light, Garrett Morgan, November 20, 1923, Cellular Car Phone, Henry T. Sampson, July 6, 1971, Ice Cream, Augustus Jackson 1832, Peanut Butter, George Washington Carver, January 6, 1925, Fire Extinguisher, Thomas J. Martin, March 26, 1872, Blood Plasma Bag, Dr. Charles Drew, 1940, Elevator, Alexander Miles, October 11, 1867. The program was a very fitting way to celebrate Black History and Valentine Day. Thank you to the Multi-Cultural Heritage Club.

Ms. MoniQue Davis, Doris Byares Glass, Vincent Lopez, Lawrence C. Chambers
News File Photos

SCC Photo Club Competition

On January 15, 2025, the first ph Bobbie Ray for “Pensive” otography competition was held for the SCC Photo club. The judge was Kathryn DeYoung. The following photographers were awarded prizes for their entries in multiple categories:

In the Digital Color category, Silver prizes were given to Pat Jones for “Cactus Flower in Bloom” and “Island Princess”, Sherry Kalczynski for “Burro” and “Red Eyed Tree Frog”, Ronald Banaszak for “Nice Snack”, Bobbie Ray for “Pensive”, Joe Sciafani for “Scarlet Skyway”, and Tom Bredesen for Statue of Dignity”.

In the Digital Monochrome Category Silver awards were given to the following: Wayne Adams for “The Ghosts of Hiroshima” and “Morning Light”, Sherry Kalczynski for “Gypsy Vanner Horse”, Mike Maxwell for “ Mourning Prayers”, Stan Lipski for “Trolley”, and Bob Sanchez for “Winter Leaf”.

In the Digital Documentary Category, Silver awards were given to Pat Jones for “Two Hats”, and Wayne Adams for “Daily Commute”. In the Digital Creative Category, Silver awards went to the following: Peter Bates for “Alzheimer’s” ;Sherry Kalczynski for “Collared Aracari”, and Dale Hughes for “Pastel Waters”.

Two Silver awards were given out in the Print Color Category; Joe Sclafani for “Drying Off”, and Fran Beeson for “Turtle on a Stick”. Sherry Kalczynski won two Silver awards in the Print Creative category for “Lively

Courser” and “Painted Bunting”. One Silver award was given in the Print Monochrome category to Bruno Graziano for “Light in the Forest”.

The Photo club meets on the second Tuesday of every month in the Caper Room, 1009 North Pebble Beach Blvd, Sun City Center, Fl. The Meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. The club is open to anyone who would like to improve their picture taking skills to the next level with your phone or traditional camera equipment.

Military News

donuts will be available at 9 a.m. All veterans and spouses are welcome. For information call Paul Wheat at 813-391-7309 or e-mail at “pawheatjr@aol.com”.

Smith Peanut Butter Campaign

United Methodist Church/ Backpacks on a Mission received $5,727.00 and 211 jars of peanut butter from Don and Connie Smith, new friends and supporters of Backpacks on a Mission. This campaign has been labeled The Don Smith Peanut Butter Campaign.

The Smiths, who have lived in Sun City Center for several years, are a well-known fundraising team from Continental, Ohio. They have raised over $230,000 for the Diabetes Youth Service. This independent nonprofit organization provides educational and supportive services for young people with type-1 diabetes, their families, schools, and communities throughout Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan.

Backpacks on a Mission addresses children at seven local elementary schools in Hillsborough County, Florida, who are at risk of food insecurities. Children without proper food and nutrition are at risk for increased health issues and will suffer academic deficiency. It is difficult for children to focus on their schoolwork when they are worried about whether they will have anything to eat before Monday when they leave class on Friday. These children qualify for free breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday during the school year. Backpacks on a Mission provides easyto-prepare nutritious food on weekends to supplement what the family already provides.

In 2012, the Outreach Ministry at South Shore United Methodist Church began Backpacks on a Mission with one local elementary school and 25 students. The vision was and continues to be to provide easy-

to-prepare, nutritious food for students at our local elementary schools who are at risk for food insecurity over the weekends when other resources are

Over the years, Backpacks on a Mission has added six local elementary schools where students are at risk for food insecurity. The seven schools currently served are Apollo Beach Elementary, Collins Elementary, Corr Elementary, Dawson Elementary, Doby Elementary, Summerfield Crossings Elementary, and Summerfield Elementary. Backpacks on a Mission is delighted to have this couple supporting our Outreach Ministry. With their fundraising funds and in-kind peanut butter donations, Backpacks on a Mission can provide peanut butter at various times during the school year. The peanut butter will be an added treat for the students at seven local elementary schools who are at risk for food insecurity and enrolled in the Backpacks program.

The funds that Backpacks on a Mission receives are used for the monthly food purchases of the students throughout the school year. Special treats, such as peanut butter, are not charged extra. With the Smith Peanut Butter Campaign, the students will be able to receive peanut butter at regular intervals throughout the school year.

We are delighted to accept your food and monetary donations for disadvantaged students. Contact us at “Backpacks@southshoreumc. com” or call 813-677-9482. Backpacks on a Mission is delighted to have this couple supporting our Outreach Ministry.

Fran Beeson: Turtle on a Stick
Joe Sciafani: Scarlet Skyway
Sherry Kalczynski: Gypsy Vanner Horse
Pat Jones: Cactus Flower in Bloom

Vesta Follies On Stage This Month

Vesta Follies has a storied past, one that includes many famous and infamous residents, friends, and family. In 1982 a theatrical company, called Pelican Players was formed. It seemed like a fun idea – after all, life was simpler then and the concept provided amusement. Out of that idea came the concept for the Kings Point North Clubhouse and the stage became a living dream!

The First Follies was born, and Pelican Players committed to producing it every year… funding scholarships and future plays. 2012 was the last year the Pelican Players produced the Follies.

In 2013, Vesta Property Services, who serve as the King Point Management Company, included the Follies in their annual schedule. Vesta has access to several talented residents, such as the director, choreographer, and production crew. And the new venue is quite a success!

Today the platform for the Follies lies in musical variety shows, with singers, skits, comedy, and dancers around a theme like the country theme for the March 2025 Follies Goes Country USA at the Kings Point Veterans Theater!

A great deal of that success goes to the two ladies behind the programs of today: Diane LeFrancois and Linda Stone.

the backstories here – Diane is the instructor/choreographer for the tap and jazz club in SCC, and her husband was a Successful Actor– she has the arts in her blood. Linda’s email has wapsigal in it… it refers to the Wapsipinicon river in Iowa where she has lived before. The Wapsi River is almost magical in its history. Grant Wood, the artist of the American Gothic, and the Wapsi root that ran for miles is in the undercurrent of the theme!

The beneficiaries of the generous funds raised by these

Patrol, Emergency Squad, the music department of the East Bay High School, Good Samaritan, the Veterans of SCC and Hospice, just to name a few. This group builds their own set, rehearses three times a week for eight weeks and brings laughter and local talent to the forefront of our community.

Linda and Diane mentioned that as much fun as the production work is, the party with the crew after the show is glorious – “big fun” with lots of “small awards.” Many of the group members return year after year, many soloists return to

join the chorus! The people are embedded in the group which is then embedded in the fun! See you March 14 and 15, 2025. Friday at 7:30 p.m. Saturday Matinee at 1:30 p.m. Saturday Evening at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $14 at the Kings Point Box Office. BYOB… Cabaret and Bleacher Seating Available.

Linda Stone Diane LeFrancois and Crew

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