News of Sun City Center May 2023

MAY

The News of Sun City Center

CA SCHEDULE

1 Board Workshop

Rollins Theater – 9 a.m.

Zoom ID: 846 8026 9750

Passcode: 525889

10 Board Meeting Rollins Theater – 9 a.m.

Zoom ID: 843 6014 1435

Passcode: 699829

16 Club Leaders Meeting Florida Room – 10 a.m.

Zoom ID: 858 2786 3592

Passcode: 274077

17 Ballot Vote Long Range Master Plan Community Hall – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

25 Supplemental Board Meeting Board Room – 9:00 a.m.

29 Memorial Day Office & Library Closed

Facilities Open

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.

1009 N. Pebble Beach Blvd, SCC

Phone: 813.633.3500

Hours – 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., M-F sccboard@suncitycenter.org

Website: suncitycenter.org

Information Center: 813.633.4670

Tillers and Toilers Are Serious Earth to Table Citizens

By Gezil Andrews Tillers and Toilers,

a “grow your own garden community ” is made up of around 150 members with assigned garden plots covering over ten acres off West Del Web Boulevard, is in the middle of its long growing season. The club is over 60 years old with many of the members having been involved for at least half that time! A conversation around the joy of belonging to the Tillers and Toilers reminded members how the club activities made such a difference for them for well over two years. They noted they could work outside and be around people. The Garden Club filled in for their social needs – one sunny, nourishing day at a time.

At a recent Thursday morning coffee hour, I met many of the members and learned firsthand how deep cultural roots go in this club. When asked why do you grow so many cabbages, a member said “We make a lot of German dishes, and cabbage is one of the core ingredients. One avid gardener shared she just served guests with cabbage wraps instead of tortilla or flour wraps. He went on to say “We grow to eat, give it away to those less fortunate, or grind it up for compost. “ Not a morsel is wasted. When I walked away to head home, I was reminded of just having coffee with

Cygnet Yacht Club Spring Regatta

By Rich Link, Commodore

The Cygnet Yacht Club of SCC held its first ever DF95 model sailboat regatta. Pictured are the top four finishers, right to left: Tony Galfo, Robert Cabral, Bob Nichols, and Glenn Surkont. Centered is Commodore Rich Link. The sailors participated in seven races with DF-95 model sailboats which is a brand new class of boats to the club and is the fastest growing RC model sailboat class in the country. Winds were brisk and good sailing made for a fun and competitive

day of racing. Bob Nichols won five of the seven races taking top honors for the day. The club races the DF-95’s every Wednesday from 9 to 11 a.m. We race EC-12 sailboats every Monday and Friday 9 to 11 a.m. All races are run from our dock on Swan Lake next to the craft shops. The club welcomes newcomers regardless of sailing experience and has extra boats and instructors for those who want to give it a try. Spectators are always welcome. Interested? Contact Glenn Surkont 401-261-6907.

process. One day a year the members gather to cut and pack the onions. They are used on the hamburgers the club members make and sell for FunFest. The money earned goes back into tools and other essentials for the gardens. There

4 Breakfast is Back—Volunteers Needed!

By Gezil Andrews

The July 4 Pancake Breakfast is coming back this year. And, if you have been to one in the past, you know this just isn’t any ol’ breakfast! This is the one where more than 1,000 Sun City Center neighbors gather in Community Hall on South Pebble Beach Boulevard, to spend time with friends enjoying hot pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, toast, orange juice and coffee, all for only $7. This year, breakfast will be served from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m., and is open to the public. Tickets can be bought at the door. Many of the volunteers from the past July 4 breakfast events have signed back up to work this year with their neighbors and friends setting up, preparing the food, pancake flipping, making toast, serving, offering more fresh hot coffee, tearing down, and packing up supplies for next year. This is no small endeavor,

so while the volunteer list is growing, there are more people needed. The only requirement is to be willing to do the work and have a great attitude.

Sam and Joanne Sudman head up the event team this year with help from Linda and Frank Oddo. Linda and Frank will take over as chairs next year, continuing the energy and constructive collaboration. There is enough energy on this team to squeeze the oranges for orange juice single handedly!

It’s delightful to know that the event is a premiere gathering for the community, but also tremendous fun and camaraderie for the team. It’s more of a family gathering than it is a community breakfast! Ready to volunteer? Email Sam, Joanne, or Linda: (Sam) “Msudman@tampabay.rr.com”, (Joanne) “jsudman@tampabay.rr.com” and (Linda) at “oddo4356@gmail.com”.

L to R: Frank Oddo, Linda Oddo, Joanne Sudman, and Sam Sudman. July

Cabbage

Member Beth Curtis “Watering the earth”

She Who Plants a Garden Plants Happiness.

Tillers continued on page 6.

OFFICIAL BALLOT NOTICE

VOTE ON LONG RANGE MASTER PLAN

WEDNESDAY, MAY 17, 2023

COMMUNITY HALL

9 AM TO 5 PM

You will be asked to vote on the long range master plan as noted on the ballot, on posters displayed throughout the campus and on the website at https:// www.suncitycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/LRPCMaster-Plan-Design-041223.pdf

Construction costs for future phases will be brought to the membership for approval at a later date. Absentee ballots will be available in this issue of the News of Sun City Center and in the CA office until 3:00 p.m., May 17.

For those individuals who are not in Sun City Center between May 1 and 17, you can request via email to “secretary@suncitycenter.org” that an absentee ballot be emailed to you. You will need to mail back your completed ballot to the CA. Ballot cannot be returned via email. CA Membership Card or Photo ID required to vote.

President’s Report

By Ron Clark, CA President

In this issue of The News of SCC, you will find the proposed Master Plan for the Central Campus facility improvements that the Long Range Planning Committee (LRPC) presented at the April 12 Membership meeting, as well as a LRPC report. The goal of the LRPC and the Board of Directors (Board) is to be very inclusive with CA members during the Master Plan process. Multiple surveys and six Focus Group sessions were held to gather member input. We heard you and believe we have developed a Master Plan that reflects the needs and desires of the majority of the members.

As part of our efforts to be inclusive, we are now asking members to vote on approving the Master Plan. We feel this is important to make sure we are on the right track and to be fiscally responsible to ensure expenses are kept at a minimum until we have member approval. We are not asking for funding approval at this time. That will come later. If the Master Plan is approved, then the LRPC will move forward to the design stage. All proposed construction costs will be preapproved at future membership votes when sufficient funds are in hand. There will be NO DEBT incurred, and all construction costs will be paid for by the Capital Fund which is financed by the $3,000 Capital Fund fee for home purchases by new residents moving into our community. We estimate that the Capital Fund currently has sufficient funds to build Phases 1A & 1B if we receive member approval at future votes.

It is important to understand that the Master Plan is a concept plan that identifies where future buildings, the new pool, parking, etc. are to be located. The design stage would be next, and with Member input it would determine the details of the new buildings, new pool, parking, etc., and provide an accurate cost budget for members to vote on before any construction takes place. The process will be debt free, and members will be asked to vote on construction funding only when we have sufficient funds in the Capital Fund.

Also in this issue are absentee ballots for the May 17 election to approve the Master Plan. You can return these absentee ballots to the CA office lock box (with your name, CA number, and address on the outside of a sealed envelope) or come to the polls from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 17 at Community Hall to receive a ballot and to vote there.

We have an exciting opportunity to improve and modernize our central campus facilities to meet the changing needs of our community and to enhance our residential property values. At an April 14 Special Board meeting, the Board voted unanimously to approve the Master Plan. We hope you will consider providing your support as well.

By John Lampkin

Trail Blazing

What do skipper butterflies and jet planes have in common? They both fly very fast, and when at rest, a skipper’s hind wings lie flat while the forewings are elevated, resembling certain types of fighter jets. 2000+ species of skippers fly worldwide and 12 have been photo-documented on the SCC West Campus Nature Trails. Since about 50 species can be found in Florida, no doubt we will find more. The family is called grass skippers because the caterpillars feed on grasses. We protect our small native grass meadows on the Nature Trails by keeping them free from encroaching oaks and palmettos which historically were kept in check by naturally occurring periodic wildfires.

A female skipper lays several hundred eggs, most hatch and develop as caterpillars before forming chrysalises. All life stages are food for other species like foraging Palm Warblers, Robins and Bluebirds. So, although jets and paper planes don’t fly on our Nature Trails, the skippers sure do and are part of the world-wide food web.

Grass skippers, like this Dun Skipper, have a unique way of holding their wings. The forewings are held upright and the hind wings are flat.

The trailhead is located opposite North Lake on Del Webb West between Vincennes and Seton Hall. John Lampkin leads walks on the first Tuesday of each month at 9 a.m. Join us as we marvel at both the macro and micro wonders of nature.

Veterans Photo Shoot For SCCCA Members

The next photo shoot for the Veterans Wall of Honor Project as shown in the Atrium will be held on Saturday, May 20, 2023, from 10 to 12 noon in the Photo Lab located in the multipurpose building at the corner of North Course Lane and N. Pebble Beach Blvd. This is available for all Community Association members who served honorably in any branch of the U.S. Military. Please call Carol Donner in the CA office (813-633-3500) to register, along with your CA membership number, by noon on Thursday, May 18, and you will be assigned a specific time.

SCC Beautification Committee

By Virginia Bratt, Committee Chair

The goal of the Beautification Committee is to work in conjunction with the Long Range Planning Landscaping Sub-Committee to enhance the beauty of our SCC Campus by further updating the décor of our community. These improvements will help to make us more competitive with other 55+ Communities in our surrounding areas, and to further enhance the values of our personal properties.

Suggested improvements include (but are not limited to): More color through flowers and tasteful art, decorative lighting, sculptures, and wooden art accents. The goal would be to include the assistance of our SCC Clubs and use of the talents involved in those clubs. Anyone is welcome to volunteer, and we would especially appreciate the expertise of members of creative clubs, including: Elegant Gardeners, Tillers & Toilers, Art, Blown Glass, Pottery, and Sawdust Engineers.

All project suggestions would be submitted for approval of the LRPC and then forwarded to the SCCCA Board for final approval.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

SCC Board Considers Master Plan, Discusses CA Policies

By Mike Lee

Eric Porr of the Long Range Planning Committee discussed the proposed Master Plan, and reminded residents to vote on the proposed plan on May 17. See the article in this issue of The News of SCC for more information on the Long Range Plan proposal.

A new lease agreement was approved for CC’s Grill.

There was significant discussion regarding potential modifications to the association’s conflict of interest policy. There are some concerns as it relates to what committees may have

access to confidential information, and what remedies might be needed to protect that information. There was

What Is Your Connection To SCC?

By Paula Lickfeldt

The History Society wants to know. Are you living in SCC because family is here, or a friend? Did you visit your parents or grandparents when you were young? Did you find SCC on the internet? However you ended up here, the History Society would like to have you come to their get-together on May 7 from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Florida Room. Tell your story, meet other people and hear their stories.

Shredding Day

CA residents were lined up around the corner on April 4 for Shredding Day. Phillip Bennett, Chief Maintenance Engineer, did a great job directing traffic.

also concern that conflicts of interest among board members and possibly some committee members may need to

be addressed. After discussion, it was determined that the issue needs more study, and the issue was removed from agenda.

Community Manager Lyn Reitz discussed the recent fundraiser that was held for the Moffitt Cancer Center, and announced that $2,951 was collected at the event.

Carrie Blaylock announced that the Music on the Green Club has been approved. The first concert was held on April 15, and frequent concerts at the Gazebo are planned in the coming months.

SCC Photo Club Offers Pet Pic Tips

of tips on how to take great (or better) pet photos. Joe told the audience that it doesn’t matter whether you use a smartphone, a point-and-shoot camera, or something fancier. You can take pleasing images of your pets with whatever you have. He talked about lighting and shadows, sun and clouds, shooting from different angles, and much more. Some of his many general tips included having patience with your pet and filling the frame with

Monday Movies Rollins Theater

Second and Fourth Monday, 1 p.m.

Movie attendees must present a current SCCCA ID Badge, a SCCCA Guest Card or a Kings Point Gold Card to attend. Dates and time may be changed if necessary. Theater capacity is limited to 145 attendees per the Hillsborough County Fire Code.

May 8: The Fabelmans • 2 hours, 30 minutes

Growing up in post-World War II era Arizona, young Sammy Fabelman aspires to become a filmmaker as he reaches adolescence, but soon discovers a shattering family secret and explores how the power of films can help him see the truth.

Starring: Michelle Williams, Paul Dano, Seth Rogen, Gabriel LaBelle, Judd Hirsch

Genre: Drama

Rating: PG13 drug use, brief violence, some strong language, thematic elements

May 22: Dream Horse • 1 hour, 53 minutes

The inspiring true story of Dream Alliance, an unlikely race horse bred by small town bartender, Jan Vokes. With very little money and no experience, Jan convinces her neighbors to chip in their meager earnings to help raise Dream and compete with the racing elites. Their investment pays off as Dream rises through the ranks and becomes a beacon of hope in their struggling community.

Starring: Toni Collette, Damian Lewis, Sian Phillips, Owen Teale, Nicholas Farrell

Genre: Comedy, Drama, Family

Rating: PG language and thematic elements

the animal. He then offered specific tips on how to photograph dogs and cats. “Whistle or clap your hands to get a better look on your dog’s face,” he suggested. And “Avoid using flashes with cats.”

The Sun City Center Photo Club meets in the Caper Room on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m., and all skill levels are welcome. Members may use the well-equipped photo lab, take classes, enter competitions, go on field trips, and benefit from the friendship and expertise of fellow members. For more information, visit “photoclubscc.com.”

Community Meeting

Mike Bordell, Chief of the Emergency Squad, spoke at the recent community meeting. Bordell spoke about this great community resource. The squad will celebrate its 60th anniversary in February, 2024. He said that they currently have 400 volunteers working for the squad, but indicated that additional volunteers are always needed. The squad operates four ambulances and two handicap vans. The service is completely free, and is the only free, community based, ambulance service in the state of Florida.

It was announced during the meeting that the CA has signed a memorandum of understanding with Seniors in Service, and that the community will be able to utilize their volunteers for many community events. This will supplement services provided by our community volunteers and will reduce the need for paid employees at those events. It will also allow for some additional events, such as the recently approved Music on the Green concerts that will take place at the Gazebo.

It was also announced that the Gold Card fee for Kings Point residents has been reduced from $125 to $30 annually. It is hoped that the reduction will enable Kings Point residents to join and participate in CA clubs. Individual clubs are able to decide if they will allow Kings Point residents to join, and how many members they will accept from Kings Point. Kings Point residents will not be able to displace CA members in CA clubs.

There is a general need for volunteers for various activities in the community. “Help Us Govern (HUG) SCC” has been developed to facilitate volunteerism in the community. Those that would like to volunteer can find forms in the CA office to do so. Many residents of the community have skills to assist in making the community a better place to live.

The July 4 breakfast will be returning this year for the first time since Covid became an issue for the community. Many volunteers are needed to make this event a success! See the article in this issue of The News for more information

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.

SCC Yoga Club

The Sun City Yoga Club offers a variety of classes. Studio is at Studio 2, 1203 N. Pebble Beach Blvd. If you want fun, more energy, less discomfort and better sleep, Yoga is for you. Check out the website for schedules. Beginners welcome. For information and cost to join please call Sandra Kerezsi, 813-634-7075.

Multicultural Heritage Cookout

Friday, May 12, from 11:30 to 2:30 p.m. Behind Community Hall, Horseshoe Pavilion

The Multicultural Heritage Club of Sun City Center will be having their 6th Anniversary Cookout. Members, free. Nonmembers, $10. Menu: burgers and hotdogs, baked beans, coleslaw, salads, sodas and water. There will be music, 50/50 and basket raffles, card games and horseshoes! Info: 813-400-3480.

Model Railroad Club Donation

Marty Gregor, Treasurer of The Model Railroad Club presents the SCCCA Board with $500 on behalf of the SCC Hardship Fund and encourages other Clubs to do the same. “We are grateful for the support our clubs are able to provide to our community as a whole with donations to charities including to the CA.,” said Ron Clark.

Metaphysical Society News

Every Wednesday Heritage Room, 951 N. Course Lane

Metaphysical Society presentations are held in the SCC. Presentations are open to Society members and those SCC residents joining the club and all must show a valid SCCCA ID or Kings Point SCCCA Gold Card ID. A Zoom link for members to watch is available by emailing “metaphysicalsociety@gmail.com”.

May 3: “An introduction to Odin, The Father of the Runes” presented by Roger Blom. May 10: “Psychic Tools” will be presented by Chantal Jacques.

May 17: “Psychometry” will be presented by Trish Mack.

May 24: “OGHAM”, the early medieval alphabet presented by Beverly Frable. May 31: “A Self Journey into Consciousness” by author and speaker, Jeremy McDonald.

The mission of the Metaphysical Society is to inspire and empower others to explore and discover their highest expression of spiritual self-awareness and universal oneness. For more information call Roger at 813-326-3697, or Ken, 650245-6979, and Nancy at 813-541-1945 for membership information.

Computer Club

Swim Dancers

The Sun City Swim Dancers recently posed for team pictures that were taken by Nicole Lemley. Since this picture was taken four more ladies have joined the club. In May the club is inviting anyone interested in being a synchronized swimmer to watch practice or get in the water. May is the perfect month to begin because the entire team is practicing individual movements. All you need is basic swimming skills and be a resident of Sun City Center or a Kings Point card holder. For information, call Sharon at 813-514-5302.

Monthly meeting, Wednesday, May 10, at 7 p.m. Florida Room. Geeks on Tour will present What Does This Button Do? Smartphone basics plus photo tips.

Computer Club Classes

The Computer Club Lab is open from 12:30 to 4:30, every day except Sunday. Sign up for classes can be done online. Students must be a member in good standing at Sun City Center or Kings Point. $25 per year. Tuition is payable upon registration. For additional information email: Judy Lee, Education Director at “judyleeswtaddy@yahoo.com”. More details: “scccomputerclub.org”.

Introduction to Excel • Wednesday, May 3, from 9 to noon. Buying a Computer • Thursday, May 4, from 9 to 11 a.m. LibreOffice, Why Should I Use It? • Wednesday, May 10, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Beginning Genealogy • Tuesday, May 16, and Friday, May 19, from 9 to noon. Scam Awareness • Friday, May 26, from 10 to noon. SIG for Android and iPhone • Friday, May 12, from 10 to noon.

Winner of the Stained Glass Club Raffle

Jan Swallow of Sun City Center won the Hot Air Balloon made by the Stained Glass Club. Jan bought raffle tickets at the Glass Show in February, the drawing took place in March at FunFest. She was vacationing in France when called to tell her of her win. She was thrilled to have won and her traveling companions toasted her luck.

Over 250 active and honoree retired members attended on March 2, 2023 to celebrate 60 years of the Sun City Center Bridge Club. The theme of the celebration is “Appreciation” to appreciate the sustainability of our club when many others are struggling or closing. To appreciate members and staff who work hard to keep the club viable. To appreciate being able to play bridge face to face again. And to appreciate the camaraderie of playing in person with partners and opponents. A special table was set aside to honor members who are no longer with us. While the table was called to the buffet, club member Brian Musiker moved among tables entertaining with magic tricks. Special mention to Mary Rutledge and Jackie Rowe for being bridge partners for 41 years. Live entertainment provided by club member Bill Barker and guitar/singer Tony Hayes.

L to R: Carrie Blaylock, Club Liaison; Marty Gregor, Treasurer, Model Railroad Club; and Ron Clark, CA President.

Debt Free Master Plan for Member Consideration

Please Vote Long Range Planning Committee (LRPC) Master Plan Concept

What is a Master Plan?

The Master Plan creates a vision for modernizing our campuses. The plan is flexible, offers opportunity for adjustments, and balances the community’s wants. It provides us with a list of prioritized projects, and a phasing schedule.

Why do we need a Master Planner?

A Master Planner provides expertise and professional guidance to develop a vision for the framework of a project.

Will the Master Plan be completed in phases?

Yes. We believe phasing will help maintain our Debt Free philosophy, result in consistency, and allow for a greater level of community input. Each phase will be individually designed, bid, and construction funding approved by a vote of the residents.

What are the Master Plan Phases?

• Phase 1A & 1B – New Applied Arts Building + Reimagination Rollins Building + New Resort Style Pool

• Phase 2 – Completion of the Rollins Entertainment Pavilion

• Phase 3 – Renovate the existing outdoor pool area

• Phase 4 – Add Pathway Park by Swan Lake

Master Plan Features

Phase 1B includes an outdoor zero-entry, resort style pool with landscaping, seating, and shading while maintaining our current pools. Will also increase in easily accessible car and golf cart parking spaces; create new destination spaces for entertainment, FunFest, and social gatherings; flexible entertainment spaces (outdoor dancing, outdoor concerts, and movies); and provide flexibility to accommodate a restaurant. Increased foot traffic and synergy around destination space will be enticing for a restaurateur. Phase 4 includes a boardwalk and park on CA property. The park design will include parking and accommodate equipment delivery.

What are we voting on?

Your vote is ONLY for the Master Plan Concept. We are not asking for any construction funding approval at this time. It is important when voting on the Master Plan Concept to remember this is a flexible vision. Each improvement (phase) will result in an increasingly detailed level of design and a voting opportunity.

When is the Vote?

Ballots will be available in THIS ISSUE of the News of Sun City Center which will be mailed on April 28. There are three options to place your one vote per community member:

• Bring your Ballot from the News of Sun City Center to the CA office from April 28 to May 17 and place it in a locked box.

• Attend South Community Hall polling station from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 17 and vote.

• Snowbirds can email “secretary@suncitycenter.org” to ask for a ballot, which must be returned by USPS and received by May 17.

How will we pay for it?

Our Capital Fund currently has enough money to pay for Phases 1A and 1B. The Capital Fund comes from the $3,000 home transfer fees that are collected with each home sale. It is estimated that our Capital Fund will be greater than $5 million at the end of 2023. The

LRPC Top 10 List

entire Master Plan is DEBT FREE NOW + LATER. Our Grant Committee is researching potential grant money for safety, parking, applied arts, and energy conservation.

Will clubs be impacted?

• Existing clubs will not be disrupted during construction phasing.

• Clubs will NOT lose space; some clubs will see an increase in space.

• LRPC will continue to reach out to clubs for input and involvement during design phasing

• The existing pool will remain open and always be in operation during construction.

Need more Information? Visit us online at: “www.suncitycenter.org/residents/long-rangeplanning”.

This project ranking is the result of community surveys and focus groups

The Long Range Planning Committee (LRPC) conducted multiple surveys and several focus groups to get a better understanding of what the Sun City Center residents would like to see happen. The community’s input from the surveys and focus groups resulted in a Top 10 List of projects:

We’re in the process of increasing the pickleball courts from six to eight, adding two new volleyball courts, and shaded areas in the sports complex. We have completed the first landscaping project on the North side which included the medians, library, CA Office and Information Center.

Thanks to everyone who completed surveys, attended focus groups, provided input, and supported the LRPC over the years. All of your efforts and input have resulted in a Master Plan Concept. We hosted a community meeting on April 12. The presentation and video of the Master Plan Concept are available under Current Reports and Videos at “suncitycenter.org” under “Long Range Planning”.

The ballot is on the last page of this section of The News of SCC. Please vote and encourage your neighbors and friends to vote. We deserve a much needed facelift and a resort style pool.

1 New bar/dining area

2. Landscaping and beautification throughout the community

3. Walking trails/green space

4. Additional pool (resort style)

5. Rebuild or complete renovation of Rollins Building

6. Outdoor covered pavilion

7. New building/club space

8. Outdoor music venue

9. Land acquisition

10. Additional pickle ball courts

SCC Community Connections: Security Patrol

Ron Clark, President of the SCC Community Association Board of Directors, and Debbie Caneen, Corporate Secretary, visited with members of the Sun City Center Security Patrol. During the visit, a review of the many courtesy services the Patrol offers were explained by Chief of Patrol, Tim Broad. The list of services is quite lengthy!

Did you know, the Patrol offers the following: Wellness checks of residents within the CA area, missing person assistance, Silver Alert group to assist HCSO search, house data card, lost and found, provides golf cart inspection and registration to SCC residents. The Patrol also acts as an information center for 100s of calls each month, as well as escort service for Nearly New store to bank, assists HCSO with educational efforts within CA community, and is a member of the Community Emergency Response

Task Force, as well as the Radar Team assists HCSO by monitoring selected traffic areas and reports results.

Elegant Garden Club

And that’s not all! The Patrol also partners with pet-lover groups to help locate lost pets, provides transportation

from hospital to home for ambulatory persons when needed, and provides traffic control for events, a safe place for exchanging online purchases, food collection and distribution, and even offers meeting space to local nonprofits such as chess club, religious groups, car club, travel group, singles group, stampers.

“It’s eye opening to see just how many services this volunteer organization provides the residents of Sun City Center. I understand as homeowners in their territory, we might qualify for a discount with our insurance company due to their patrolling services.” Clark said.

“With the many opportunities for service offered at the Patrol, I encourage residents to volunteer a bit of their time. I’m certain there is something for everyone.” Caneen commented.

Historical Marker for Sun City Center

By Ilona Merritt

What is the significance of historic markers, and why Sun City Center? Markers spark interest in the local area and can call attention to historic preservation efforts. Markers are welldocumented histories, easily accessible to the public, and reflect a community’s importance on its heritage and pride.

By Paula Lickfeldt

The Elegant Garden Club was started in the 1970s. The Sun City Center Club joined the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs. Being a part of the federation allowed them to have juried flower shows and take classes which were taught by federated design teachers and flower show judges. They were a part of the federation for several years and during that time they hosted many flower shows in our community. Several years passed and the club leadership, with a vote of the members, decided they no longer wanted to be affiliated with the federation. Since that time, the Elegant Garden Club has been meeting in the Florida Room on the second Wednesday of the month, October through May.

At each monthly meeting the club has a speaker on a topic related to plants: plant pests, plant watering, conservation, irrigation, and many other topics. Some speakers come from the Hillsborough County Extension Office, local nurseries, flower growers and club members. The club meets once a month on the second Wednesday of the month beginning at 9:30 with social time and a plant exchange. The short meeting starts at 10 and the speaker begins

at the conclusion of the meeting. If a member wants to partake in the plant exchange, they bring a potted plant or a cutting from their yard, they are given a chip with a number on it and when their number is drawn, they can take the plant of their choice. The yearly membership is $15 and the club is open to all residents of SCC and KP.

Two or three times each year the club has a Floral Design Workshop. The participants bring their own vase, flowers and design tools and they are helped by members of the club who took the floral design instructions offered by the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs. After the workshop, the participant will take a floral design home that looks like it came from the local flower shop.

The Elegant Gardeners have one big fundraiser each year. They sell orchids at FunFest. They buy the orchids from an orchid grower. People look forward to getting their orchid from the Elegant Gardeners each year. All the money that is raised on the orchid sale goes to charity. This past year, the club gave donations to Samaritan Services, Southeastern Guide Dogs, Alzheimer’s research, Enterprising Latinas, and the CA Holiday Gift Fund.

In 2017, Marilyn Cote’ Miller, a resident, CA Board member, and an active participant in the History Society, felt very strongly about the value a historical marker would bring to our community and encouraged the History Society to work on the project. David Lemley and his family moved from Atlanta to Sun City Center two and a half years ago. David has always liked being busy; he is talented and eager to get involved in the community. Among his many community volunteer activities, David met Susan Muise

Society. In discussing possible projects, the subject of the marker came up. David has been working diligently on this project. It will be a two-sided marker with the history of SCC on one side and the story of Del Web on the other side. The logo will be hand painted. When completed, the marker will be placed near the entrance of the CA Office, where it will be visible to all residents and visitors. This marker is a community project. There is no outside support, and we hope that our residents will help by contributing financially. The cost is estimated to be around $4,000. If you are interested in donating any amount, simply visit the front desk in the CA Office. Make the check payable to SCCCA, with the History Committee in the memo line. Cash is also accepted. Put it into an envelope, be sure your name is on it, and seal it. Any donation will be greatly appreciated.

“The Golden Rule is an honored rule among our club!”

Flowers are grown throughout the garden as well. In fact, one time a year the club holds a plant sale with over 5,000 seedlings from the plants.

A 92-year-old member with roots in

Italy, spoke of the core rules of the club: “be respectful of one another and value

Annual dues are $20 a year and cover the operating costs: the green house, making compost and all the equipment. The Club is run by the members and a board of seven members. This powerful group of residents are the shining light behind their work.

Ron Clark, Debbie Caneen, Bob Lochte, Tim Broad, Bob Smith.

Nancy Loff; Anne Yates, instructor; and Nancy Cottam at the design workshop.

Ann Connolly and Pat Gimeli at the design workshop.

Orchid Sale at FunFest.

Breakfast Group L to R: Mark Meyerhoff, Diane Mezsick, Steve Mezsick, Club President Joe Michaliszyn, Kathy Krause, Jeff Moore, and Debbie Whittle with Bogey.

Moffitt Kicks Off Ruskin Cancer Center Expansion

introducing Moffitt’s expansion in the South Hillsborough County Community.”

27th Street South in Ruskin, less than a mile from Interstate 75.

By Bob Sanchez

The Veterans Theater in Kings Point had a full house for Moffitt Cancer Center’s March 29

“Meet the Experts & Concert for a Cause,” billed as “the first of many unique educational and philanthropic events

Moffitt says it will break ground in 2023 for a new outpatient facility on SR-674 in Ruskin, just three miles away from Kings Point and Sun City Center, with expected completion in late 2024. The 75,000-square-foot facility will employ 150 people and serve 9,000 patients within five years of opening. The site will be at the southeast intersection of East College Avenue and

Waterset Sports

The new location will offer screening and diagnostics, advanced imaging, clinical lab services, blood draw, biopsies, medical oncology, radiation oncology, infusion, a pharmacy, and clinical trials.

One highlight of the Veteran’s Theater event was a panel discussion consisting of Moffitt physicians who discussed colorectal cancer awareness and screenings, a pancreas

interception center, breast cancer screening, skin cancer screening, senior adult oncology program, and gynecologic

Comedy Benefit is More’n Worthit

complex in Apollo Beach, and recently conducted a citizen survey to get feedback on which sports the community would like to have available there. The results will help the department program the facility with the activities that residents and their families will enjoy the most.

The Waterset Sports Complex features four synthetic-turf athletic fields, which makes it home to one of the largest

contiguous synthetic turf fields in the nation. The fields will be able to support a variety of recreational sports and activities ranging from soccer, football, and lacrosse to kickball and cricket. Work began on the sports complex, 6110 Waterset Blvd., Apollo Beach, FL 33572, in March of 2022. With the complex set to open by late summer or early fall of this year. In addition to the fields, the first phase of construction features a playground, pavilions, LED lighting, a concession building with restrooms, offices, and meeting space, and parking for more than 500 vehicles. The park property is about 85 acres, with the $11 million first phase covering roughly half the site.

6110 Waterset Blvd.

Apollo Beach, FL 33572

Open for rentals in early fall 2023

By Bob Sanchez

On the Sunday afternoon of March 19, over 100 residents crowded into the Rollins Theater to enjoy nearly two hours of rapid-fire stand-up comedy by “Harley Worthit,” (played by Perry Edenburn) all for the benefit of the Moffitt Cancer Center.

Retired CA Entertainment Director Renee Bray organized the event in conjunction with other fundraising activities in Kings Point.

In a phone chat with Mr. Edenburn, the veteran comedian said he seeks out over-55 communities such as Sun City Center to perform “clean comedy,” by which he means telling jokes without using four-letter words. “I’m just lucky people enjoyed the performance," he said.

If you follow Harley Worthit on Facebook, you’ll be treated to a new joke every day. Perry Edenburn is a resident of North Port, Florida.

Photo courtesy Hillsborough County.

Dana Ataya, MD

Moffitt continued on page 15.

The Editor’s Corner

Building Better

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

My son loomed over his creation, a small building made of scrap wood: a simple box, four walls with an A-frame roof, about ten inches tall, built on a mound of hard-packed dirt and clay. Tiny plastic army men peeked through open windows. Through the lens of my digital camera, he looked a little like Godzilla contemplating the imminent destruction of Tokyo. He glanced at the camera, smiled, raised his green, fivegallon bucket of water, and poured.

The wave splashed down hard, slamming into the little wooden model, destroying it utterly. The walls went first, collapsing like dominos, dropping the roof to the sand beneath. He tossed the bucket aside and picked up the water hose with the pressure washer attachment. He aimed, squeezed the nozzle on the pressure washer, unleashing a tight torrent of water on the wreckage. Unmoored, the wood was carried away by the fast-moving flood. It looked like the storm surge of a hurricane, crashing over a seawall and leveling anything in its path… Which is exactly what my son was trying to demonstrate.

Brendan was working on a science fair experiment, and he asked me to help document the process. Ever since Hurricane Irma left about four feet of water in our yard and our firstfloor garage, he has been interested in the behavior

of tropical cyclones and accompanying flooding, as well as the impacts these natural disasters have on the people who live in waterfront or lowlying areas. He decided that, for his science project this year, he would build three structures and subject them to simulated storm surge conditions. We had already documented Stage 1: Earth Structure. We had moved on to Stage 2: Wood Structure. The results of the experiment surprised him.

“The earth structure actually held up better,” he observed, dictating his findings for the camera. “And not just a little bit… It held up a lot better than the wood.” He paused for a moment, still holding the hose, mentally organizing the data, before adding, “You know, I bet the wood house would have held up better if I had built it on a stronger foundation and used different fasteners.”

I asked him to extrapolate and hypothesize, so he added, “Once the ground under the house moved, the walls started to separate at the bottom…” He looked up, shrugged, added, “And that was it. Everything came crashing down. It was washed away… gone.” Another pause, another considering look, then, “Yeah… I bet it would have worked better if I had spent more time building a stronger foundation.” And then he shrugged again and knelt down to prepare his work zone for Stage 3: Masonry Structure.

I stood there, thinking about what he said—what he had learned without even realizing it—and thought, I guess when you’re 13, everything in life is a lesson, so the discovery of timeless wisdom feels mundane.

Later, during our after action report, he told me he had been too excited to see what would happen, so he rushed the Stage 2 build. That lesson learned, he spent more time on Stage 3 and, combined with the stronger

materials—this house was made from brick—the structure performed with flying colors, not only holding up to every level of water intrusion, but also protecting the little green army men sheltered inside.

We talked more about what he learned from the experiment, and about the practical, realworld applications from similar, though more sophisticated and controlled experiments. And we discussed what structural engineers discover by studying the impacts of the devastating storms that hit Florida every few years. We talked about how building codes and flood zones have changed, the costs of storm damage… how those two factors are connected, and about how we’re doing our best to learn from the past and plan for the future, working to protect property and save lives.

I asked Brendan for some final thoughts. “That was a lot of fun,” he said, “Building stuff and trying to break it in order to learn something… a lot of fun…” He grinned, then grew serious, adding, “If you’re going to build something, especially near the water, you better build it high and build it strong… But, most importantly, build it on a solid foundation. Because it’s not if the storms will come… It’s when.”

That’s a pretty good takeaway, I thought. Storms will come, and we’re going to take a hit. What are we building on? What are we depending on to get us through? What are we doing to mitigate any potential damage… And, if the worst happens, who will be there to help pick up the pieces? Pretty important questions for houses… and the people who live in them too.

of SCC & South County

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

Our Travel Meeting will feature Gayle Fortin

Our Cruise Planners franchise owner – with over 25 years of Cruise, Tour and Tour Directing experience with our Sun City Center Community. The meeting will be held in the Kings Point Main Clubhouse on May 9th at 10:00am. All South County residents are welcome. If you are not a Kings Point resident, use the Kings Point guest entrance off SR674 and tell the guard you are going to the Travel Meeting

LAST CALL SOLDALMOSTOUT!

AMAZING OFFERS ONLY FROM CRUISE PLANNERS!

Danube River Cruise with Emerald Waterways

Escorted by Gayle and Kathy from Cruise Planners!

Sails October 6, 2023 • 12 Days / 11 Nights

Prague • Passau • Linz • Melk • Vienna • Bratislava • Budapest

From $4,835 per person

GREAT LAKES – TORONTO to CHICAGO

July 10, 2023 - 11 Days / 10 Nights

American Queen - Ocean Voyager

• Toronto overnight • Niagara Falls • Cleveland • Detroit

• Cruising Lake Huron • Sault Sainte Marie • Mackinac Island

• Lake Michigan • Chicago

From $7,739 per person MIDSHIP Balconies!

EASTERN CARIBBEAN - NEW SHIP

September 3, 2023 - 8 Days / 7 Nights

Royal Caribbean - Wonder of the Seas

• Port Canaveral • CocoCay • St Thomas • Philipsburg

• Port Canaveral

Verandas from $1,571 per person plus PERKS!

HEART OF KENYA AND TANZANIA

October 4, 2023 - 12 Days / 11 Nights

Micato Safari Luxury Africa

• Nairobi • Tarangire • Ngorongoro Crater • The Serengeti

• The Maasai Mara

LUXURY SAFARI From $18,500 per person

CHRISTMAS MARKETS ON THE DANUBE

December 3, 2023 - 9 Days / 8 Nights

Collette Escorted Tours

• Frankfurt • Nuremberg • 6-night Danube Cruise • Vienna

From $3,298 per person including AIRFARE!

PANAMA CANAL

FEB 8, 2024 - 10 Days / 9 Nights

Ruby Princess

• Ft Lauderdale • Falmouth • Cartagena • Panama Canal • Colon

• Limon • Grand Cayman• Ft Lauderdale

Balconies from $2,748 per person!!

ALASKA - FAIRBANKS to VANCOUVER

August 19, 2023 - 13 Days / 12 Nights

Majestic Princess

• Fairbanks • Denali National Park • Talkeentna overnight

• Whittier • Hubbard Glacier • Glacier Bay

• Icy Strait Point • Juneau • Ketchikan • Vancouver

Balconies from $3,186 per person!!

HAWAIIAN ISLANDS

September 16, 2023 - 8 Days / 7 Nights

Norwegian Pride of America

• Honolulu • Kahuli • Hilo • Kona • Nawiliwilli

Balconies from $3,999

Includes Drink Package, Specialty Dining, WiFi and Shore Excursion credit.

CANADA - NEW ENGLAND

October 19, 2023 - 12 Days / 11 Nights

Oceania - Insignia

• Boston • Bar Harbor • Bay of Fundy • Halifax • Sydney

• Charlottetown • Corner Brook • Saguenay • Quebec City

From $4,199 per person

CRUISE SOUTH AMERICA FOR CHRISTMAS & NEW YEARS!

December 23, 2023 - 15 Days / 14 Nights

Celebrity Eclipse

• Valparaiso • Puerto Montt • Strait of Magellan • Punta Arenas

• Ushuaia Cape Horn • Puerto Madryn • Punta del Este

• Buenos Aires Overnight!

From $2,743 per person!

ICONIC WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN

May 4, 2024 - 8 Days / 7 Nights

Viking Ocean - Viking Mars

• Civitavecchia • Livorno (Florence, Pisa) overnight

• Monte Carlo Marseilles • Montpellier • Barcelona overnight

Veranda from $3,799 per person

Kindred Spirits Meeting

Wednesday, May 3, at 3:30 p.m.

Banquet Room at Kings Point North Clubhouse

We are having a Fashion Show, and our members are modeling! Come meet other women to enjoy life with and build friendships. We’ll continue to meet on the first Wednesday of every month. Our next meeting, If you are from outside Kings Point let the guard gate know you are coming to our meeting.

Next Galaxy Bridge Luncheon

May 4, at 11 a.m.

UMC, 1971 Haverford Ave.

Galaxy Bridge Luncheon will meet for lunch and bridge on May 4. The lunch price is $18. For reservations or cancellations, call Kathie at 410-879-1112 or Annetta at 813-633-3277. This group is open to all women of Sun City Center women, Freedom Plaza, and Kings Point gold card members who are interested in bridge.

CAHT Meeting Features Anthony Sardone

Tuesday, May 16, at 6:30 to 8 p.m.

UMC, 1971 Haverford Ave.

Sardone will present “Understanding and Navigating life’s Struggles: A View Through the Lens of Pop Culture.” His presentations are always interesting and lots of fun. For more information about The Campaign Against Human Trafficking, call 847-524-9215 or “www. sccblueheart.org”.

South Bay Genealogy Society

Tuesday, May 16, at 10:30 a.m.

UMC, 1971 Haverford Ave.

Optional round table discussion, followed by a sit-down luncheon at noon, and then the presentation by our guest speaker at 1 p.m. Our speaker will be April Min who will be presenting “Henry Mansfield Dillard: Tampa’s Forgotten African American Pioneer”. The cost is $18 per person for the meal and the presentation. For reservations and meal choice, call Dianna at 864-607-1330. Make your check payable to SBGS, and mail it to South Bay Genealogical Society, PO Box 5202, Sun City Center, FL 33571. Your check must be received by May 4.

SCC Rotary Collection to Benefit ECHO

The SCC Rotary club is at it again collecting gently used clothing and shoes for men and women as well as household items. This spring the beneficiary is ECHO (Emergency Care Help Organization). ECHO provides multi-facetted support to individuals and families, including food, clothing, job searches, and life skills workshops. Rotary will be collecting April through May. Call Ann at 770-548-8827. Pictured are Connie Huber and Ann Hammond. The SCC Rotary Club meets each Tuesday for lunch with a topical speaker at Freedom Fairways. Info: call Connie at 813-957-6482.

Good Samaritan Fund Elects Board Members

Pat Rapach was elected President, Dennis Brady Vice-President, Larry Smith Secretary and Jim Gundry Treasurer. Samaritan is an IRS 501(c)(3) that is supported by tax deductible donations from the community. It has been serving the Kings Point and SCC Community Association members with transportation in Samaritan’s own cars that are driven by volunteers. Samaritan Services also coordinates the Meals on Wheels program and provides Alzheimer’s and Dementia respite care. To volunteer or for more information about Samaritan Services call 813-634-9283. For local transportation call SCC Ride, 813-633-6111.

Boomers Donate to Samaritan Services

The Kings Point Baby Boomers Donated $226 to Samaritan Services. Pictured from left to right are Janet Meyer (Officer KP Baby Boomers), Pat Rapach (President of Samaritan Services), and Ned Letts (Officer KP Baby Boomers). Samaritan Services, a 501(c)3 charity, provides many support services needed by residents of Greater Sun City Center. For Samaritan Services information call 813-634-9283. For SCC Ride, call 813-633-6111.

Community continued on page 8.

Catch

Larry Smith

Pat Rapach Dennis Brady Jim Gundry

STROKE AND CEREBROVASCUL AR CENTER AT MANATEE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

Manatee Memorial Hospital Comprehensive Stroke Center of Excellence

Named to U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals 2022-23 List

Manatee Memorial Hospital Comprehensive Stroke Center of Excellence has been recognized in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals 2022-23 ratings.

The hospital was named as a 2022-2023 High Performing Hospital for Stroke. This is the highest award a hospital can earn for U.S. News’ Best Hospitals Procedures & Conditions ratings and is based on the percentage of stroke patients who had positive outcomes.

At the Stroke and Cerebrovascular Center at Manatee Memorial Hospital, stroke patients receive specially designed services and treatments which focus on prevention and intervention, as well as rehabilitation and education.

For more information about the Stroke and Cerebrovascular Center, call our Comprehensive Stroke Program Coordinator, Christine Gonzalez, BSN, RN, CNRN, at 941-812-9566.

PERFORMINGARTS

A Cappella Ensemble Chorus Angelorum

Sunday, May 7, at 3 p.m. • UMC, 1971 Haverford Ave. Angelorum is a premier, mixed a cappella ensemble that formed in 2001 with the mission of performing first rate a cappella choral music of various genres in the greater Tampa Bay area. They began singing Renaissance and Early Music styles, and now include music from all periods, styles and genres in their repertoire. The church will request a $5 per person donation at the door on the day of the concert. www.sccumc.com.

Jeff Jordan to Take Reins of Men’s Chorus

Jeff Jordan will make his formal debut as the group’s Music Director next Christmas. Mr. Jordan, who is currently the Worship Arts Director at the SCC United Methodist Church, also directs the SCC Women’s Chorus. He replaces Kevin Goodenow who, after four years at the helm of the Men’s Chorus, will be moving to sunny Italy. “Encouraged by Kevin, I am pleased to be leading the men going forward,” Jeff said. “I will work hard to recruit new members and build upon what Kevin has accomplished. “The Men’s Chorus is in good hands,” Kevin said. “I will miss the joy one feels when a song finally comes together and you know that special moment of satisfaction has arrived.”

Par For The Chorus

The Sun City Center Barbershop Chorus has been very busy lately. On March 19th the chorus and quartets hosted their annual spring concert at Saint Andrews Presbyterian Church. They also performed a 30 minute show in the Florida room during FunFest and had a table to recruit new members. If you are interested in learning more about the chorus, please contact David Lemley 404-606-0543.

By Tiffany Rivers, SCCCA Activities Director

As we enter into the beautiful summer months, what better way to enjoy your evenings than with our Summer Gazebo concerts. Each year we have wonderful, free performances for our CA members at the gazebo. Each month you can expect a different variety of music and entertainment with the opportunity to purchase dinner from CC’s Grill. This month we will have Bri Rivera on Wednesday, May 17 at 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

You may have seen Bri before; she plays all over the Tampa Bay area. You will hear everything from rock to blues. You will not want to miss her performance. We do like to remind everyone to please bring your CA badge, as this is a CA event. Also do not be afraid to bring your golf carts or chairs to enjoy the wonderful concert. Make sure to keep an eye out for any additional events this summer and every month for the Gazebo concerts. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Tiffany Rivers at 813-642-2001.

Computers N More

Is your computer running slow?

Are you tired of waiting for the Internet to connect?

Tired of Error messages?

For a basic $20 fee we will come to your home or business and diagnose your computer problem. We also provide Streaming device set up. Repairs can be done on site, or when necessary – we have affordable refurbished computers – with a warranty.

We make every effort to save your data

Contact us at 845 825-4003 or Computers.Nmore@outlook.com

Senior Social Dance Group Reservation Only

Tuesdays, May 2 and May 16, doors open at 5:30 p.m. St. John Divine, 1015 Del Webb Blvd E.

These dances are always open to SCC and KP residents and their guests limited to a maximum of 72 guests. Our entertainer is Thor Stevens and his sax. Dressy casual attire, no shorts or jeans. BYOB, ice, set-ups and snacks, nothing furnished. For reservation or more info contact Judy Furman, 813-606-1233 or “judyannfurman@gmail.com”.

Do You Wanna Dance Club May Social

Saturday, May 20, doors open at 6:30 p.m. SCC Community Hall, 1910 S. Pebble Beach

‘Good Stuff’ returns to the stage with their upbeat sounds following the decades of the 70’s through today’s hits. Tickets will be available at the door the night of the dance, and prior to, at the Atrium Kiosk on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, May 15, 17, and 19, from 10 to noon. The cost is $5 for members and $10 for non-members. Info: “jkfunnsun@yahoo.com” or “bgocek1@gmail.com”.

SCC Line Dance Club

Learn to line dance with the Sun City Center Line Dance Club. All SCC CA residents, Freedom Plaza and KP Gold Card members are invited to join the club. The first class is free with all others costing $2 per class. Become a member and pay only $20 per year for all classes. The club meets Tuesday at the Community Hall on S. Pebble Beach Blvd. The beginners class is at 6:30 p.m. with Dee. Beyond beginners class at 5:15 p.m. with Donna. You can also dance on Friday at the Atrium Building Dance Studio located by the walking pool. Improver/Intermediate class at 2:15 with Jan and Beginner/ Improver class at 3:15 with Mike and Lee. We dance to all types of music. Any questions email Tracey “torresdwts@yahoo.com”.

Come Dance With Us

Saturday, May 20, doors open at 6 p.m.

Kings Point North Clubhouse, Veterans Theater

Free dance lessons, live music with LB & Chloe. All are welcome. Cost $5. BYOB, water and ice provided. If you live outside KP, call ahead to be placed on the visitor gate list, Rosemary 513-258-8238. More info, Ken 513-582-8449.

Dancing continued on page 7.

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.

Tiffany Rivers

Jeff Jordan, Kevin Goodenow, Al Horne, Bob Brandoni, Tom Hinkebein, Jim King, Peter Aluotto, Jim Gutelius.

Dancing continued from page 6.

Moonglow Dance Club

Hawaiian Night

May 25, from 7 to 9 p.m.

Community Hall, 1910 S. Pebble Beach Blvd.

All SCC residents are welcome. Kings Point and Freedom plaza show your card. $6 at the door members are free.

Swing & Country Dance Club

Free dance lessons for residents who have a SCCCA ID card, a Freedom Plaza ID, or the Kings Point Gold Card.

Every Friday

6 - 6:30 p.m. West Coast Swing

6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Open Dance

Second and Third Sunday 6 - 6:30 p.m. Hustle

6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Open Dance

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

Social Ballroom and Latin Dance Lessons

Monday, May 1, 8, 15, 22

4 p.m. Intermediate Samba

5 p.m. Silver Foxtrot

6 p.m. Intermediate Cha-cha

7 p.m. Beginning Slow Dance

Location: St. John the Divine, 1015 East Del Webb Blvd. Contact: Bernice DuBro, 813-482-6784 “dancewithbernice@gmail.com”.

Cost: $30 per person for a four-week month or $8 per lesson. All are invited to attend.

Social Dance (Ballroom and Latin)

Monday, May 29, doors open at 6 p.m. St. John, 1015 East Del Webb Blvd. Cost is $6 per person.

Kings Point Italian Club Pink Flamingo Fandango Party

Wednesday, May 10, doors open at 4:30 p.m. KP Veterans Theater

Food provided by Banquet Masters. We supply coffee, tea, soda. BYOB. For your dancing pleasure: Tommy Bacha. Members $25, guests $30. Please make checks payable to the Italian Club. Tickets on sale May 2 and May 3, from 9 to noon in the KP North Clubhouse lobby. Contact Frank Oleskewicz, 813-300-4010.

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 855-632-8658 or FreeStyleLibre.us for safety info.

www.soco.news

Community continued from page 4.

Ohio Club Kentucky Derby Party

Saturday, May 6, doors open at 5 p.m.

SCC Community Hall

The 149th Running of the Roses will be shown on our large screen TV screen around 7 p.m. Dinner will consist of a three-entree buffet. All attendees are urged to wear their most beautiful Derby hat or apparel for prizes. As usual, the club will provide the mint julep mix. You bring the bourbon. The cost is $24 for members and $28 for guests. Send your reservation check to Beverly Matthews at 1406 Emerald Dunes, or place it in the Ohio Club Drop box on the stoop.

Adult Writers Wanted

Adult writers of any level of experience meet from 1 to 3 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month at the Beth Shields branch of the HC Library. This is open to all adult writers of any genre where the group members exchange their most recent work with each other and receive constructive feedback in a non-critical environment. For more information, stop by our next meeting to see how things are done. The library is located at 15816 Beth Shields Way in Ruskin.

Daughters of the American Revolution Meeting

May 17, at 12:30 p.m.

As is our custom we will end our season with our Chapter Memorial Service. This year we have lost a Daughter that has been a very active member in DAR and in our Chapter, Patty Ellenberger Fricke. Our meeting will be held in the Florida Room at the Atrium, 945 D North Course Lane. All members, Sun City Center and Kings Point residents and anyone interested in joining the DAR are invited. Info: Kay Adkins, “mujerdragona@yahoo.com”.

Home Safety for Seniors

Tuesday, May 2, at 10:30 a.m.

Redeemer Lutheran, 701 Valley Forge Blvd.

A representative from Hillsborough County Fire Department will provide a presentation on home safety for seniors. Many different aspects of safety will be covered, some of which many of us have never considered. Come and learn how to make your home safer. A light lunch will follow the presentation. The event is free, but registration is required. RSVP at 813-634-1292.

Mental Health Care Truly Matters

Saturday, May 6, from 9 to noon

SCC United Methodist Church, 1971 Haverford Ave., Room 30 CAHT (Campaign Against Human Trafficking and Domestic Violence- Southshore) is offering as part of their mental health series, Wellness on the Go, presented by author and certified instructor, Lisa Ulliven. She will share with participants with five key concepts of recovery to apply to everyday life, hidden causes of eating disorders and tools we can apply to help us navigate our daily life stress. The three-hour course is free and open to the public. To register go to “web.spcollee.eduu/survey/35035” or contact Kathi Brown at 727-344-8027 or Annie Garrison at 434-409-1618.

DAR Presents Community Service Award

By Jan Bassett

It is an immense pleasure and honor to nominate Debbie Caneen for the 2023 Colonel

George Mercer Brooke Chapter’s Community Service Award. Debbie Caneen exemplifies outstanding service through volunteering. Her hand touches almost every phase of life in the Sun City Center and Hillsborough County’s South Shore Communities. Debbie’s name is synonymous with the volunteerism in Sun City Center, Florida. Debbie is a resident who has given unselfishly of her time and energy for worthwhile causes to better her community and to help others.

Repurpose Howard Frankland Bridge Says Men’s Club Speaker

By Jay Sparkman

Neil Consentino, a leading member of Camelot 1 Florida, a group organized in an effort to repurpose the current Howard Frankland Bridge upon completion of the new bridge span in 2025, was the guest speaker at the March membership meeting of the Sun City Center Men’s Club. Mr. Consentino is an advocate of repurposing the bridge rather than demolishing the span at a cost of $35 million dollars as the State of Florida plans. A solar panel canopy, walking paths, running trails, fishing areas, and other recreational ideas are some of the uses visualized for a repurposed span. The Sun City Center Men’s Club is open to residents of Sun City Center and Kings Point. For more Information call Bruce Fraser, VP of Membership, at 813-419-4013.

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One-Of-A-Kind ‘37 Ford Roamin’ Oldies Top Pick

A custom-built 1937 Ford sedan shown by Ray Redell of Bradenton was selected as Cruiser of the Month at the Roamin’ Oldies Car Club’s April show. Ray said “I wanted something different,” and he certainly got that when he found the metallic blue-and-gray showpiece. Compact but potent, it’s powered by a 375-horsepower V8 engine coupled to a 4-speed automatic transmission riding on an updated suspension with Mustang front-end components. Ray drives his Ford regularly, and it’s a frequent winner at both local shows and major events.

The Roamin’ Oldies host a cruise-in from 1 to 4 p.m. the first Sunday of every month, with a rain date the following Sunday, at the Mira Bay Village Shopping Center on US-41 in Apollo Beach. About 100 of the area’s finest antique and collectible cars often take part, accompanied by classic oldies music played by DJ Joey Ferrante. For information, call Frank at 856-373-8497.

This custom-made 1937 Ford sedan delivery owned by Ray Redell of Bradenton is the cruiser of the month

L to R: Ed Barnes, SCC Men’s Club; Neil Cosentino, guest speaker; Bob Sullivan, President, SCC Men’s Club.

Grand Canyon: From the Most Popular Views

By Kai Rambow

It is quite simply one of nature’s most impressive wonders. The Grand Canyon, especially the south rim, is fairly easy to reach. From Phoenix it is about a three-and half-hour drive. This is the most common drive from east to west most people experience when seeing the south rim. Almost every stop is worthwhile, including little pullouts not shown on the map.

First tip: Start really early. One busy July, I arrived at the east entrance before the rangers. An automated machine just past the ranger’s window enables you to pay and continue. If you have an annual pass, you can just drive through.

Desert View: Very shortly after entering the park, Desert View is the first stop. The huge parking lot is a clue to the popularity of the views from here. The early start meant there were only a handful of cars. The biggest challenge: where to park with all those empty spots.

This stop is also the scene of a major air disaster. The Grand Canyon air crash in 1956 changed aviation, making flying much safer for the generations that followed. If you’d like to learn more there are several videos on YouTube, explaining what happened and the changes made to improve aviation safety.

Navajo Point and Lipan Point: These viewpoints offer great views of the canyon with slightly different perspectives. The next stop, Moran Point, is some distance.

Do not speed. Wildlife may be nearby, the drive is pretty ,and you won’t really get anywhere any faster. If you’re early, you may see almost no traffic.

Second tip: Take a map when you enter the park. The next stop is Buggeln. A picnic stop with no canyon views. Why

might a map help? This stop has restrooms. You cannot assume every stop has facilities. The map will be a big help, if needed.

Grandview: This appropriately named stop has grand views of the Grand Canyon. The views here are definitely different from Desert View with more than 180 degrees of views.

Duck on a Rock: This interesting and fun view is not marked on the map. Shortly after leaving Grandview, it will be on your right. Another good reason to drive the speed limit of 45.

As you continue the drive you’ll be driving through pine forest. When most of us think of Arizona, we think of the desert. At this altitude and location, there are forests providing a lovely drive.

The next drive to the right will state “Kaibab Trailhead and Yaki Point.” You cannot take your car down this road. Almost immediately after there are parallel parking spots. This is for Pipe Creek Vista. This viewpoint is not well marked, so when you see the cars or spots, park.

Shortly after you’ll have a number of places and choices to make. To make the most efficient use of your time, head towards Yavapai Point and the Geology Museum. There are a handful of parking spots here, and if you left early, you should be able to find a spot. On my last trip, I finally made it here and I loved the views and small museum.

Now head to the Visitor’s Center. It will be busy and slightly confusing here. Find a spot and take a picture with your phone of where you parked. They have a small restaurant here with pretty good food choices or you could picnic here. You may encounter elk wandering through here, so keep your eyes open.

Your best animal sightings will happen early in the day. I’ve seen wild horses, elk and mule deer on trips.

There is a store with a wide variety of items, some great, three-dimensional maps of the park and a movie. The wait time for the next movie was 20 minutes. I moved on to other activities, upon my return the wait time was only three minutes.

Mather and Yaki Point: Mather is a short walk from the visitor center with popular views. Yaki is only accessible by shuttle bus. I left this for last because at this point you lose some control. You’ll have to wait for the bus at both ends. Is it worth it? Yes.

Mather Point provides plenty of viewing opportunities.

An early start ensures that you’ll be able to enjoy the view like this without crowds.

SPORTS

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

Polk County Champions

This group of six players played against themselves in the upper age brackets representing Hillsborough County due to a lack of competition in the 70 plus age brackets. Left to right: Bob Monahan, Keith Oakley, Neal Westendorf, Lee Saucier, Paul Thomas, and Gary Sutton. All players play for the Southshore Basketball Club. New players are always welcome. Call 401-5271718 for more information.

Recurve Bow Winners

The recurve bow winners of the SCC Archery Club’s 2023 “Skill & Luck” Shoot contest are: 1st place Qin Yang, 2nd place Mark Erickson, and 3rd place Bill Regis. If you are a CA Member, or a Kings Point resident with a Gold Card you can try archery for free. Call Jerry Anderson at 330206-7048 to schedule your free lesson. Contact club president Mark Erickson at 813-634-0796 for questions about the club not

HOLE IN ONE

Accomplished By: Bill Robinette

Bill Robinette scored his first ever hole in one on the Par 3 #8 at 146 yards on Sandpiper Lakes. Witnesses

Lawn Bowling Singles Championship

By Garry Higgins

One of the highlights of the lawn bowling season is the final playoff for the overall Club Singles Champion. The Women’s Singles Champion this year, Lynn Cranch, faced the Men’s Singles Champion, Dave Wilson. The 50 spectators on hand were treated to a great match. Dave Wilson prevailed and is the Club Singles Champion.

SCC Inductees Into Lawn Bowling Hall Of Fame

By Paula Lickfeldt

The SCC Lawn Bowling Club is proud to announce that Cindy Higgins and Bob Faldung have been inducted into the Southeast Division of Bowls USA Hall of Fame. These two not only were inducted together, but have been mixed pairs partners for nearly eight years. Cindy has been bowling in SCC for 11 years and Bob for 8 years. As a pair they have won 15 tournaments and placed 2nd or 3rd another 11 times. They both hold training classes across the state.

Cindy has won multiple Division Singles titles, Pairs twice, and Fours once. She has been the overall Club Champion twice, Women’s Champion five times and Mixed Pairs Champion five times; she has been Southeast Open Bowler of the Tournament three times, and has won the Polk Senior Games twice.

Bob has won the Junior Championship three times, Men’s Singles title once, Men’s Pairs five times, Men’s Triples once, West Coast League twice, SED Triples 2022, Polk Senior Games twice, Fall League Champion twice and Central Florida League Champion 2019. Cindy and Bob were both honored and excited about being inducted into the Hall of Fame, but they were especially grateful that they were inducted into the Hall of Fame together.

SCC Tennis Association

On April 1 a group of SCC Tennis Association members had a scrimmage match against six Valencia Lakes tennis doubles teams. SCC came out on top with a 4-2 victory over their Valencia Lakes hosts. We hope to reciprocate this fall on our home courts. SCC players included, l to r: Neal Peterson, Bob Astone, Wayne Booker, Jan Booker, Billy White, Edna Carlin, Lorraine Yahgoobian, Mary Taylor, Gary Taylor, Melody O’Sullivan.

The Caloosa Casual Party Club held a Spring Fling dinner dance on April 3. Jeanne Crofton, Jeanne Bartell, Deb Zieg, Pat Iacurci, Nancy Clark, and Nancy Williams wore their Easter Bonnets. For Caloosa Golf and Country Club membership information, call 813634-6841.

Club President, Ed Mattia (left), presents the Club Championship Trophy to Dave Wilson.

were Ruben Jones, Greg Banks, and Mike Arghittu.

B.E. F.A.S.T. To Reduce Stroke Impact

Balance

Sudden loss of balance

Eyes

Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes

Face

Sudden facial weakness or drooping

Arms

Sudden weakness or numbness

Speech

Sudden slurred speech or difficulty speaking

Terrible Headache

Sudden onset of a severe headache

For more information: BayCareStroke.org

EVERY 4

SECONDS

Someone in the U.S. has a stroke*

*On average

When it comes to stroke, every second matters. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, don’t wait. Get help immediately. Learn the signs and symptoms of a stroke, and the location of your closest BayCare emergency room.

County Events

WED. MAY 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 - THERAPEUTIC TAI CHI FOR HEALTH 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. at Sun Towers Retirement Community, 101 Trinity Lakes Drive, Sun City Center. Our therapists have advanced training in therapeutic Tai Chi for Seniors and will provide guidance in this healthy exercise. Tai Chi has been proven to increase strength and balance! FYI, You will be required to wear a mask to protect our residents. For more information, contact Debbie Caneen at 813-8922990.

WED. MAY 3 - THE SCC CA FRONT

PORCH PICKERS CLUB 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. meets every Wednesday in the Rollins Theater. About two dozen pickers sing and grin, tell stories and pick acoustic instruments to an audience averaging 75 fans who enjoy live, free entertainment.

THU. MAY 4, 11, 18, 25PARTNERS IN NETWORKING

Every Thursday 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. at Sun Towers Retirement Community, 101 Trinity Lakes Dr. Sun City Center. PIN hosts

weekly meetings where business professionals throughout the Tampa Bay area get together, promote their businesses, and provide each other with quality business referrals. Join us! Questions? Call Debbie Caneen 813-892-2990.

THU. MAY 4 - CRAFT BEER & WINE CLUB OF SUN CITY CENTER “Fermenting Fanatics”

1:30 p.m. at Sun Towers Retirement Community, 101 Trinity Lakes Dr. SCC. This month’s theme is Mothers! Bring something that all the mothers would like. Don’t worry men, next month is for you. We gather to create craft beers and wines, enjoy tastings as a club and learn about the process of fermenting along with participating in field trips! As always, we request our members bring either two bottles of beer or a bottle of wine for tasting. Questions? Contact Michelle Mason 813-492-8920 or “mmason@seniorsinservice. org”.

FRI. MAY 5 - COMEDY! MIKE RIVERA AND FRIENDS AT THE FIREHOUSE 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. at Firehouse Cultural Center, 101 1st Ave NE, Ruskin FL 33570. Location: Firehouse Cultural Center. Come out and meet America’s Most Hilarious Teacher Mike Rivera. He is a decades-long headliner. Call in for tickets: 813-645-7651. Ticket prices: $23 members $28 future members. All Reservations are in advance.

THU. MAY 11 - FREE BALANCE SCREENING 1:00 – 3:00 pm -

Kings Point 2020 Building. Did you know one in four adults aged 65 and older falls each year? Are you at risk? Have your fall risk screened at no cost to you! This simple screening takes less than ten minutes. Call to schedule today! (813) 331-3035.

FRI. MAY 12 - LOW VISION

SUPPORT GROUP 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. at Sun Towers Retirement Community, 101 Trinity Lakes Dr. SCC. This month we are learning about safety in the home and will be scheduling a visit from an Occupational Therapist to your home. While we will have a speaker, we encourage sharing among members. Questions? Contact Michelle Mason 813492-8920.

SAT. MAY 13 - TBONE

HAMILTON BAND AT THE FIREHOUSE 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. at Firehouse Cultural Center, 101 1st Ave NE, Ruskin FL 33570. TBone is focusing on the new version of the TBone Hamilton Band, which will include many different styles of music, jazz, blues, rhythm and blues, funk, rock, NOLA grooves and originals. Ticket prices: $23 members $28 future members. All Reservations are in advance: Call for tickets: 813-645-7651.

MON. MAY 15 - PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP OF SUN CITY CENTER 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. at Sun Towers Retirement Community 101 Trinity Lakes Drive, Sun City Center in the theater. Our speaker this month will be Jonathan Dychko, MD. Jennipher Lenoir, COTA with Sun Towers Outpatient Therapy Department will facilitate. If you have Parkinson’s, or are caring for someone with this disease, be sure to attend this support

group! Complimentary valet parking available at entrance. For additional info, call Debbie Caneen 813-892-2990.

TUE. MAY 16 - ESSENTIAL TREMORS SUPPORT GROUP

2:30 - 3:30 p.m. at Sun Towers Retirement Community, 101 Trinity Lakes Dr, Sun City Center, FL 33573. The International Association of Essential Tremors (IETF) has appointed Gezil Andrews, Sun City Center resident as the Support Group Leader (SGL) for this new Support Group. Questions? Call Gezil Andrews at 309-660-1091. Gezil also has a blog for all who deal with Essential Tremors: “Awomanandherstories.com”.

THU. MAY 18 - FREE BALANCE SCREENING 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon – Sun Towers Outpatient Therapy Dept. Did you know one in four adults aged 65 and older falls each year? Are you at risk? Have your fall risk screened at no cost to you! This simple screening takes less than ten minutes. Call to schedule today! (813) 331-3035.

THU. MAY 18 - VETERANS

VALOR CAFE

3:00 - 5:00 p.m. at Sun Towers Retirement Community, 101 Trinity Lakes Drive, Sun City Center. Are you a Veteran or First Responder? Valor Cafes are social hours during which veterans and first responders find camaraderie. We provide refreshments, coffee, soft drinks or adult beverages and you provide the conversation. This will be recurring the third Thursday of every month. Questions contact Michelle Mason 813-492-8920 or “mmason@seniorsinservice. org”.

FAITH & services

Thank You Again, Kings Point The Power of Community!

Thanks to the kind invitation and support of Vesta’s Matthew Permuth, Mabel Corcuera, and Eddie Jacobs, Our Lady’s Pantry was invited to host a food drive in Kings Point on April 4.

“We appreciate this opportunity to restock our shelves with food,” says Pantry director Tom Bullaro. “In fact, most of the donations collected in Kings Point on April 4 were probably in our families’ homes by the following Saturday, April 8. All in all, we received an estimated 3,000 pounds of food — plus monetary donations as well.”

According to Bullaro, the Pantry’s supply of unexpired nonperishable foods is low right now because of more individuals and families coming for food all the time, so donations are always welcome.

If you wish to bring food donations directly to the Pantry, the best time would be on Tuesday or Friday morning. The Pantry is located in the classroom building on the far right campus of Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission just south of Sun City Center Blvd., at 16650 US301 S., in Wimauma.

Provided by Debbie Caneen, Director Admissions, Sun Towers

Thanks to Pantry volunteers helping at the Food Drive: (From left) Karen, Mike, Joyce, Helen, Rhonda and Geri. Not pictured: Lyle and Doug.

hookups first. Then they will work on building a barn structure, for indoor climate controlled multipurpose event space, with a his and her bunkhouse upstairs. Additionally, they will build two or three small houses for staff to live onsite. The last thing to be built will be a large lodge facility with eight to ten private bedroom suites with private bathrooms. My Warriors Place will continue honoring the veterans who have sacrificed their lives and limbs for the American people. If you would like to donate to the 501(c)(3) organization contact “www.mywarriorsplace.org”, email “kelly.mwp@gmail.com”, or call “813-321-0880”.

Adogable Pets

Pet Salon & Spa

Family Connection To SCC: Cheryl And Sandy

By Paula Lickfeldt

Cheryl Herath and Sandy Carney Alves are sisters who lived and worked in Maryland. Their father had lived in Sun City Center for 30 years. Cheryl and Sandy have two other sisters and they all visited their dad in SCC. All four sisters initially said they never wanted to live in SCC. Two now live here, and they love it! They both said that they really like being able to drive their golf cart everywhere.

Sandy and her husband, Jorge, bought a home in 2012. They are snowbirds, and they travel back and forth to SCC from Maryland in their RV with their

two Havanese dogs, Murphy and Bailey. Sandy still works. She is the president of the CarneyTalley Management, LLC, which does business consulting,

project management, global marketing, and event planning. Since she is the president and owner of the company she can be flexible as to where she works. While in SCC, she and her husband play pickleball; they golf at least three times a week; they go to the fitness center and the pool; and Sandy is on the board of their HOA.

When the time came for Cheryl and her husband Mark to retire, they decided to move to SCC. They were visiting and they looked at several houses but did not find one that they liked. When they left to go north, they told Sandy and

Jorge to find a house for them and they did. They bought their home in 2018 but did not move here until 2019. Cheryl was an assistant events coordinator for her sister’s company and for the last sixteen years of her working life, she worked for the local school board. They are in SCC year round and they play Pickleball, are in the Corn Hole Club, the Billiards Club and play shuffleboard. Cheryl is in the Ceramics Club, she line dances, and is on the board of her HOA. Both families like to play cards and games with their friends and they have lots of cookouts together. Life is good in SCC.

Kings Point Hosts Food Drive for Our Lady’s Pantry

The North Campus of Kings Point is typically a happening place, with folks coming and going to the North Club, the pool, or the gym all day long. But on the first Tuesday of February, things were really hopping!

Jen’s Market was open alongside the pickleball court, as usual for the first week of the month. Then, thanks to an invitation from Matthew Permuth, manager, Vesta Property Services, Our Lady’s Pantry brought its truck into the back parking lot for a drivethrough food drive.

“Thanks to the generous

By Kai Rambow

residents of Kings Point, the food drive was a huge success,” says director Tom Bullaro. “We collected a stunning 148 big banana boxes of food at an estimated 3,700 pounds of food. We also received unexpected monetary donations of $330!

“This was our first food drive at Kings Point and we hope to be invited again,” says Bullaro. “We are especially appreciative of the support of Vesta, not only for preparing the signs to advertise the upcoming food drive, but also the signs in the street safely directing traffic to our truck.

“Beyond these courtesies, we

appreciate the enthusiastic welcome of Mabel Corcuera, also of Vesta Property Services, who helped us set up safely. In addition, Mabel worked sideby-side with us, accepting bags of food from cars and golf carts driving through all day long.”

According to Bullaro, this food drive was made possible thanks to many helpers, including Karen, Rhonda, Geri, Lisa, Mike, Joe, Doug, and Dan, who worked together to do everything that needed to be done.

“This drive would not have been successful without your help,” he says. “Thank you.”

Congratulations to Big Cat Rescue

Many of you love animals.

Imagine working for over 20 years for the betterment of big cats. That’s what Carole Baskin of Big Cat Rescue did. Those of you who’ve visited Big Cat Rescue might remember that one of Baskin’s goals was to put herself out of business. That is to say, there would not be a need for Big Cat Rescue. Last year the Big Cat Public Safety Act was passed. This is a big accomplishment!

What does the bill do? It stops cub petting and photo ops. Private owners cannot breed or acquire more cats. Cats won’t be living in terrible conditions, and we won’t have them roaming the streets as we have in Texas.

A few people were breeding tiger cubs for photo opportunities. “You can only use a cub for petting for a few months, otherwise they become too big and dangerous,” pointed out Howard Baskin in a recent interview. Then most tigers were kept in poor environments. This bill stops the practice.

Carole Baskin has been

working on a national bill since 1998. “Rescues” were doubling every year and Big Cat was having to turn down rescues.

A bill was passed in 2003, but it had some flaws. Efforts to fix the bill from 2003 to 2011 never went anywhere. In 2011 a serendipitous meeting put several animal organizations together. They decided to work together.

A bill was introduced in 2012 just to get the ball rolling. It’s

not uncommon to build support over time. Every time there is a new Congress, the process starts again. A sponsor may have retired or lost an election. Then there may be bigger issues and bills taking up time and attention.

Finding co-sponsors is important, basically a commitment to support a bill if it comes up for a vote. I ended up on the same flight as the Baskins from DC. They had spent the day trying to

get co-sponsors. They made a few of these trips every year. It helps to have more than one way to look at a bill. Howard Baskin explained, “It helps to find groups unrelated to you to help support the bill. You might have a legislator who doesn’t care about animals but does care about first responder safety. First responders show up to a house and there is a tiger inside.”

So, Baskin reached out to the National Sheriffs’ Association and got their support. The work did not stop with the passing of the bill. The Baskins were recently in DC to ensure enforcement would take place.

Within the next 20 years, no more roadside petting zoos will exist, and no more private owners will have big cats in deplorable conditions. When I first heard of Carole Baskin’s goal not to have a need for a Big Cat Rescue, I thought it was extremely ambitious. Carole and Howard Baskin pursued the goal smartly and relentlessly. Animals all over this country will benefit as a result. To support these efforts, donate at www. bigcatrescue.org.

Howard and Carole Baskin with Jasmine at Big Cat Rescue.

Cheryl with Murphy on her lap and Sandy with Bailey on her lap.

cancer screening and nontherapeutic research. The focus was on Moffitt’s mission and the cutting-edge research and services that will be offered at their new facility.

But not to be missed was “Concert for a Cause” with the Moffitt band, The ReMissions, which includes Moffitt physicians. In the theater lobby, a silent raffle raised funds for colorectal cancer research.

The entire presentation was cohosted by Dr. Jennifer Permuth, Vice Chair of Research in the Department of Gastrointestinal

The Men's

Have you ever wondered what would happen if you lived alone and there was an emergency? Or do you like to take your dog for a walk but are concerned about falling and no one being there to assist you? For Greater SCC residents who think they need a medical alert button and don't believe they can afford it, the Men's Club of Sun City Center would like for you to contact our office.

Because the Men's Club is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit club, we offer the Philips Personal Emergency Response System (PERS) at a more competitive rate than what Philips charges at the national level. Our pricing is comparable to other systems in the market as well – just compare systems with similar capabilities. Installation and all service calls are completed by Men's Club volunteers at no charge to the Subscriber.

The Men's Club was formed in the early 1960's. In 1991, the Men's Club decided to offer Philips Lifeline Personal Emergency Response System (PERS) to residents of Sun City Center and Kings Point with no annual contract.

Oncology and Matthew Permuth, General Manager and Regional Vice President of Kings Point Community at Sun City Center. They honored their sister Rachel, an epidemiologist who died from colorectal cancer in May 2022.

“Thank you to Moffitt Cancer Center for choosing to provide its world-class services to the people of South Hillsborough County,” said Matthew Permuth.

“I can tell the people here in Sun City Center are excited to have this resource just three miles up the road.”

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.

Matthew and Jennifer Permuth

Location of new Moffitt site (image from Moffitt website)

Moffitt continued from page 1.

BOOK REVIEW

Agent 355 Was Just the Beginning

By Andrea L.T. Peterson

How does a science teacher and mother of teenagers find a niche in historical fiction? I asked author Kit Sergeant that and she told me that at first she was writing contemporary women’s fiction, but even though her book won an Amazon award that resulted in Amazon publishing it, the book didn’t sell. Like most success, which often seems to appear suddenly one day, like magic, Sergeant’s was slow coming.

She became intrigued by “historical women in history no one ever heard of,” especially spies. As she began her research, she discovered Agent 355, who was instrumental in helping prisoners of war escape from the ship where they were being held during the Revolution. Agent 355 wasn’t the only woman spy she found, dating from the Revolution to WWII. Using the University of Michigan’s archives, she dove into Agent 355’s life and service. That research became her first historical fiction work, aptly named 355: The Women of Washington’s Spy Ring She researched when and where she could, including the historical museum in Dundee, Illinois. And “down the rabbit hole,” she went.

She read Virginia Hall’s A Woman of No Importance, Lynn Olsen’s The Secret War, and many others, historical

and historical fiction. She encountered Mati Hari who Sergeant says was “a martyr who was framed, and a terrible spy. She was nothing at all like the stories we hear about her.”

“It was kinda cool,” she says of the stories of these women, “unsung heroes. Often secondclass citizens. And all the sacrifices they made went unrewarded: mothers left children, wives sought a way to take part while their husbands and sons went into battle, they were rarely awarded and when they were, the recognition was not commensurate with their sacrifices (including their very lives in many cases).

As I read the “resistance” trilogy, I was amazed and impressed with how Sergeant kept all the spies, all their networks, who did what, where and when straight. I did not read 355: The Women of Washington’s Spy Ring, or her next book, Underground: Spies and Traitors in Lincoln’s War Then came L’ Agent Double (French for Double Agent): Spies and Martyrs in World War I.

Of all the wars, she says, “World War II is way more popular.” Which brings us to the “resistance trilogy:” The Spark of Resistance, The Flames of Resistance, and The Embers of Resistance.

“What’s next?,” I asked. Since World War II is so popular, “I’ll stay with WWII, working on one woman at a time.” I, for one, will be looking forward to them.

Wedded Bliss in Bartow

The Women’s Chorus Celebrates 60th Anniversary

By Jayann Michael, Chorus Past President

The year 2023 marks the diamond anniversary for The Women’s Chorus. The chorus was organized in 1963 by the GFWC Sun City Center Women’s Club. At that time all singers were members of the Women’s Club. Ten years later, the chorus reorganized and separated from the Women’s Club. They became an independent choral group in order to provide all women in the area with an opportunity to meet together in friendship to perfect their skills in choral singing under the guidance of a competent and artistic director and skilled accompanist. The chorus has been under the leadership of Director Jeff Jordan since 2015. He never fails to entertain and delight the audience. The chorus successfully wrapped up their spring season presenting two full concerts to the community. The theme was “You Must Remember This...The Women’s Chorus Goes to the Movies!” Concerts featured film music beginning with the 1935 classic Top Hat, all the way up to the 1997 epic romance

Titanic. The chorus appreciates the wonderful support from the community both in attendance and from the generous freewill donations received. The 2023 celebration continued at the chorus’ annual business meeting and banquet with the theme “Starry Night at the Movies”. Chorus members had fun posing for pictures on a red carpet and participating in skits of movie songs. The business meeting included an election of Executive Officers. New President Pam Greer, Vice President Nancy Starewicz, Secretary Connie Pearson, and Treasurer Rena Egan will serve for the next two years. They will be busy coordinating details for the fall season which begins in September. A special evening holiday concert is planned for 7 p.m. on December 8 at The United Methodist Church of Sun City Center. An afternoon concert will be held on December 4 at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church. The chorus is available for additional performances by request. For more information, please call Pam Greer at 404790-9746.

News of Freedom Plaza

By Peggy Burgess

Leapin’ leprechauns! Some of those frisky little beings scampered into Freedom Plaza early this year, two days before St. Paddy’s Day! However, they had good cause: they wanted to help the Freedom Plaza Scholarship Fund present an “Informational & Fundraising’’ event. It took place in the Freedom Plaza Atrium on March 15, and, thanks to some “leprechaun luck”, was very successful.

At the end of the day, $4,300 had been raised through donations plus the raffle. It will go toward supplying the $69,000 required to fund the twenty-three new 2023-2024 scholarships to be presented at the Scholarship Awards Ceremony slated for

May 4. At that event, residents will be commended for their continuing, generous support of the Freedom Plaza Scholarship Fund, a program that has awarded well-over a million dollars in educational grants to Freedom Plaza employees.

Women’s Chorus Officers, L to R: President Pam Greer, Secretary Connie Pearson, Vice President Nancy Starewicz, and Treasurer.

Freedom Plaza Scholarship Board members Barbara Winter (left) and Jeanne Nenarella (right) sold raffle tickets at the event.

Many couples gathered in Bartow to exchange vows in a group wedding ceremony (Photo by Bob Sanchez).

Michelle Mason and Seniors in Service

By Paula Lickfeldt

Michelle Mason suffered a brain aneurysm, and she was in a coma for a year. She woke up, but had to relearn almost everything. She lived in a skilled nursing facility for three-and-ahalf years and an independent living facility for one-and-a-half years. Michelle lived on her own for the first time when she moved to Kings Point in October of 2021.

Michelle firmly believes that volunteering helps others as well as the volunteers themselves. She was so thankful to all of the people who helped her through her years of struggle, that she wanted to pay it back. She decided that paying it forward by helping others was the way to go. Being engaged and being part of a community and having that camaraderie and that sense of connection is what makes her feel good.

Shortly after moving to Kings Point, they had a health fair and Michelle went to it. She

had studied the internet and had gotten a lot of information about Seniors in Service. At the event Seniors in Service had a booth and she met Chris Noble. Through conversation with Chris, Michelle knew that she wanted to be a part of the organization. She learned that when Seniors in Service was founded in 1984, it had 17 employees and 450 volunteers serving Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties. The nonprofit helps disadvantaged children, frail

elders, overwhelmed caregivers, disabled adults, struggling veterans, hungry families and others. Today Seniors in Service has 38 employees and over Sun City Center and Kings Point, under the umbrella of Seniors in Service, has nine ongoing clubs and serves over 450 residents. Ongoing clubs include: Low Vision Support Group, Veteran’s Club Valor Cafes, and The Kindred Spirits Club. Recently, SCC and Seniors

in Service signed a Memo of Understanding which means that Seniors in Service will provide for volunteerism both recruiting and maintaining members in various clubs. They are already working with Music on the Green, Pickleball, Computer Club, and So You Wanna Dance Club.

Michelle has recruited several women to help with the organization and operation of the clubs. These women lovingly call themselves Michelle’s Minions. Michelle is the catalyst that gets everything started and keeps it moving. She is very creative and comes up with ideas for new clubs and activities for the existing clubs. Seniors in Service recently hosted an appreciation party for members of various groups in our area. If you are interested in paying it forward by volunteering with Seniors in Service, contact Michelle and she will find a place for you. Questions call Michelle 813-492-8920 or email “mmason@seniorsinservice.org”.

Looking Back: 40+ Years in Real Estate in SCC

By Andrea L.T. Peterson

“I did enjoy real estate, absolutely,” says newly retired A1 Connection broker and agent Marge Connolly. Over more than 40 years, she’s seen plenty change in Sun City Center. It might be more appropriate to say she saw a young Sun City Center housing market grow and the businesses within its borders change and grow, as well.

In the 70s, she told me while making a broad sweeping gesture to all around and in front of her office on Rickenbacker Dr., “none of this was here. On the south side of SR-674 was a small airport. The airport is now on 674 east of Wimauma. There were cows!” Before it was A1, it was Bess Janes Realty. Janes, Connolly says, “sold real estate on horseback." Connolly’s mother managed the Janes’s office located, at the time, on Imar Drive. Dianne Buckley, later a partner with Connolly and three others at A1, was secretary at Janes. When Bess Janes passed away, her son sold the brokerage to Dickman Realty. Connolly got her sales license in 1977, and her broker’s license the following year. She worked for Century 21 for about 15 years

before starting A1. Likewise, Buckley got her license shortly after joining Bess Janes Realty. After about 10 years, the building on Rickenbacker Dr., now awaiting new occupants, became available. Beverley Parker, then an agent together with her friend, Gertrude Coleman, had a half a dozen rentals and owner of an estate sale business here in town, approached Marion VonBargen—the agent whom Connolly says “was a star. She was really good!” Her husband, Pete, worked behind the scenes. VonBargen didn’t want to take

over the business—Coleman Connection--so she said to Connolly, “You do it!”

Connolly took the leap and Coleman Connection became A1 Connection, to keep the "connection" to the Coleman Connection. Back in those years, “The Kings Inn motel and restaurant was really popular. Tuesday night was Chicken Night. That was extremely popular. There was always a long line to get in," says Buckley.

Connolly said “Everyone came out for it. My parents would go in just for a drink. The Winn Dixie was on the north side of 674—where Sav-a-lot is now. There was a movie theater that eventually died out, and a travel agency,” she recalled.

Connolly herself lived in a mobile home in Wimauma for about eight years then in Ruskin where she lived for about 25 years in a farmhouse and owned a couple of rentals. She later owned rentals in Sun City Center and she, herself, lived on La Jolla for many years, before only recently downsizing.

“Many clubs we have now were here way back when. The Spanish Club was very active.”

Connolly was urged to “get a hobby” because she worked

long hours and long days. She joined the Lapidary Club, making jewelry at the club as well as at home. She also joined the Cygnet Yacht Club, but business “interfered with her boating time,” Buckley said.

Buckley, a full-time agent once she got her license, became Connolly’s right hand at A1 (though she says “she was just a sweet, young woman who worked all day then went home), backing Connolly and handling much of the business and office maintenance of A1 Connection—“sort of an office manager,” says Connolly, until circumstances caused her to retire.

Buckley noted the major change the town felt when The Copper Penny and the Wooden Nickel left the southwest corner of US-301 and SR-674. At that time, several businesses either closed or moved out to make room for Aldi’s which now sits on that corner.

“We’ve been blessed, really for years. We’re kind of encapsulated here” within the boundaries of Sun City Center.

So, the retirement of Connolly, the end of A1 marks the end of an era. Wishing Connolly a happy retirement!

Michelle’s Minions L to R: Karin Smith, Michelle Mason, Paula Lickfeldt, Jill Mask, Debbie Wolfe. Jeannie Steinhilber, Sharon Bernico and Anne Kramer.

SOLUTIONS TO PUZZLES ON PAGE 15

Shemushi Nasreen, MD

Khushi Dhaliwal, MD

Amy Kwok, MD