Agendas for the monthly Board Meetings will be posted on the Official Bulletin Board in the Atrium the Friday before and on the CA website “suncitycenter. org” – under “Residents” – Upcoming Meeting Agendas). They will also be sent via “What’s New in the CA” email.
CA Contact Information
Administration Office
1009 N. Pebble Beach Blvd, SCC
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
By Debbie Caneen, Chair, Long Range Planning
What have we been busy with this past summer? On April 17th, the membership approved funding the construction of our Central Campus Upgrade - Phase 1A for up to $4.2 Million.
With that vote, our “3rd space” is getting closer!
What is a 3rd space? It’s our community living room! It’s a place where we can come together without being required to belong to a club. The Rollins transformation will be a place for dining, beverages and fellowship, where current and future members will feel a sense of ownership and pride. The new Applied Arts Building will provide a state-of-theart space that will be energy efficient. This upgrade maintains our unified vision for the future of Sun City Center. Our Central Campus upgrade ensures that SCC maintains high standards for development and amenities, thereby preserving and enhancing property values.
From the moment the membership approved funding, the Long-Range Planning Construction Subcommittee began working with CA Board President Ron Clark to acquire three bids from vetted contractors. Our Board of Directors met on several occasions with Pi Architects and Appono Consulting,
Scan the code with your smartphone to find us online. www.newsofsuncitycenter.com
The House at 1002 Cherry Hills
By Paula Lickfeldt
The house at 1002 Cherry Hills Dr. was built in 1961. It was one of the first ten model homes built by the Del E. Webb Corporation. At the time of construction, a brass plaque was placed at the end of the driveway, which says, Del E. Webb Corporation 1961. It is still in place today. The house originally sold for $14,000.
Based on SCC History Society research through the archives, the first documented resident of the house was Mrs. Arthur H. Stein as found in a community phone book dated 1996. The house changed ownership three more times between 1972 and 2001.
In 2004, with the expansion of the Central Campus, the property was purchased by the Sun City Center CA. At the same time the SCCCA also purchased the homes at 1004 and 1006 Cherry Hills Dr. All three of the homes were part of the original ten model homes. The homes at 1004 and 1006 were later torn down.
In November of 2005, the CA Board decided that the property would become the home of the Visitor Center and the History Society which had been operating out of Old Town Hall. In 2015, the Information Center, formerly known
as the Visitor Center, and the History Society moved to a new home on the corner of Cherry Hills Dr. and North Pebble Beach. At this time, the Men’s Club Lifeline Group and the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) moved their offices into the property.
During the time that the property was the Visitor Center and History Society, a room in it was dedicated to Ann Marie Leblanc. Ann Marie was a longtime volunteer in SCC. She and her husband Raymond, moved from Michigan to SCC in 2002. She was a CA Board member from 2007 through 2012,
LRPC Update
LLC to review options and after careful consideration, chose The Diaz Fritz Group, Inc. (DFG).
At the September 11 meeting, the Board voted to allow President Clark to sign a contract with The Diaz Fritz Group (DFG) to construct Phase 1A (new Applied Arts Building) for $3,849,000.
As Chair of the Long-Range Planning Committee, I am pleased to share that our committee worked well with President Clark as his incredible tenacity and experience in negotiations secured the final cost below the $4.2 Million previously approved by members.
Permit applications are in process for Site Plan approval for both Phase 1A and Phase 1B (new pool/restaurant).
South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) has already given approval. We continue to work through additional permits with the county. On September 9, additional information was given to the County, and we hope to secure approval for the site plan in 2 to 6 weeks. Once site plan approval is received, DFG can begin site work, and our engineers can then submit a Building Permit application for the Applied Arts Building.
As we move forward and have updates, the Board will be sharing via the “What’s New With The CA” email blast. If you are not yet a recipient of the updates, please contact the CA office at 813-633-3500 to get connected. We’re all looking forward to an exciting groundbreaking so please stay tuned!
"Hi, Neighbor!” Community Hall
6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Thursday, November 7.
she created the SCC Holiday breakfast, she also chaired FunFest and the 50th Anniversary celebration. Ann Marie was instrumental in starting the 4th of July fireworks celebration, she worked in the Information Center and was awarded the Woman of Distinction Award from the American Association of University Women.
Now, in 2024, we say goodbye to the only remaining original Del Webb model home that was built in 1961. The property will be part of the expansion of the community’s phase 1.
DEADLINE FOR BOARD APPLICATIONS IS OCTOBER 4, 2024 BY 3:00 PM
APPLICATIONS MUST BE RETURNED TO THE CA OFFICE BY 3:00 PM, OCTOBER 4, 2024
Applications available in the CA Office
There are three (3) positions open For a three (3) year term January 2, 2025 – January 5, 2028
President’s Report
By Ron Clark, CA President
Time marches on and fall is here and the Snowbirds will soon be returning. Progress continues to be made on important projects. At the September 11th meeting, the Board voted to allow the President to sign a contract with The Diaz Fritz Group, Inc. to construct Phase 1A (new Applied Arts Building) for $3,849,000. Construction will begin once the county permits are secured. Please see the nearby article from Long Range Planning for more details.
The Board is still pursuing county permits to clear land in the south campus and to construct the volleyball courts. The county has had an insatiable appetite for more information and some minor land clearing was performed to provide more engineering information. The Board has also hired a new engineer who recently submitted a new application as well as a permit attorney to help shepherd the submittal through the county approval process. We hope to have county approval by the time you read this.
The Art Club meeting room was renovated in September to meet current club needs and to look fresh and modern. This renovation is similar to what was done this spring to renovate the Needlecrafters Club room.
The 2025 Budget Season is also upon us. The Budget Committee and the Board have been hard at work trying to keep costs down and dues affordable. The CA sees the same increase in costs for supplies, utilities, insurance, etc. that members experience in their personal budget. This column is being written before the September 18 Budget Presentation to the membership and we look forward to receiving your feedback before the Board votes on the 2025 Budget at our October 9 meeting. At this point, it appears that a 2% or less dues increase will be proposed to the membership for approval in order to continue to provide the appropriate level of service to our membership.
Included in the CA’s proposed $3.9 Million 2025 Operating budget is $19,000 for the annual lease for 8 cameras provided by Flock Safety Co. These cameras would be strategically located at the entrances off SR674 to the CA residential streets. They will capture a “fingerprint” (license plate and vehicle characteristics) of vehicles entering and leaving our residential entrances. They are connected to the FBI/County data bases and will trigger alerts for vehicles with warrants or other infractions linked to them. They will also allow investigators to review data after reports of criminal activity and scams to identify who was in the area when that occurred. The data is owned by the CA, never sold to a 3rd party, only viewed by authorized law enforcement, and erased after 30 days on a rolling basis. More will be presented on this at our 3 p.m. October 23 Membership meeting in Community Hall. We hope you have this important meeting on your calendar to attend in person or via Zoom.
Speaking of budgets, the Board has been in contact with the county and has urged them to include road resurfacing in the CA area in their fiscal 2025 budget. They had no funding for our roads in their fiscal 2024 budget.
In conclusion, the Board is working hard to keep dues affordable while increasing safety and maintaining our status as the #1 Retirement Community in America. As always, let us all be respectful, positive, kind, and have fun in our senior years!
MEMBERSHIP SHREDDING DAY
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25TH
9:00 AM TO NOON
PARKING AREA JUST NORTH OF NORTH COURSE LANE OFF OF NORTH PEBBLE BEACH BLVD.
MUST SHOW YOUR MEMBERSHIP BADGE AS THIS IS A COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION EVENT ONLY.
SCCCA MEMBERSHIP MEETING
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2024 3:00 PM – COMMUNITY HALL REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED AT 2:30 PM
200 SCCCA members required for a Quorum CA Membership Cards are required for admittance -AGENDA-
I. Call to Order/Pledge of Allegiance
II. Approval of Minutes: March 27, 2024
III. President’s Report
IV. Treasurer’s Report 2025 Budget Presentation
V. Community Manager’s Report
VI. Flock Safety Cameras Update
VII. Emergency Squad Update
VIII. Fitness Center Committee Update
IX. New Applied Arts Building (Phase 1A) Update
X. General Discussion by Members
XI. Adjournment
Budget Committee Proposes
$7 Dues Increase
By Bob Sanchez
On September 18 in the Florida Room, CA Treasurer Roger Zieg presented the Budget Committee’s proposal to set the 2025 dues at $340 per member, a $7 (2.1 percent) increase. The Board of Directors will vote on the budget in its monthly meeting in the Rollins Theater on October 9. Then the increase will be subject to a vote by the SCCCA membership on December 3 and 4.
Zieg said that $303 of each member’s dues would go towards the Operations Fund, $30 to the Replacement Fund, and $7 to the Furniture and Equipment Fund, accounting for the total of $340.
Members of the Budget Committee are chairperson Jeff Williams, Debbie Riley, Susan Grosskopf, Dianne Baker, Al Baker, and Roger Zieg. To view the entire budget presentation, visit “suncitycenter.org/residents”, and scroll down to “Things You Need to Know.”
Veterans Photo Shoot For SCCCA Members
Saturday, October 19, from 10 to noon
The next photo shoot for the Veterans Wall of Honor Project as shown in the Atrium will be held in the Photo Lab located in the multi-purpose building at the corner of North Course Lane and N. Pebble Beach Blvd. The address for the Photo Lab is 1203 North Pebble Beach Blvd. This is available for all Community Association members who served honorably in any branch of the U.S. Military. Men should wear a shirt with a collar and women should not wear dangling earrings.
Please call Alisha Marshall at the CA office (813-6333500) to register, along with your CA membership number, by 10 a.m. on Friday, October 18, 2024 and you will be assigned a specific time.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Fundraising Sponsor
CA Board Approves Phase 1A Building Contract
By Bob Sanchez
The Sun City Center Community Association Board of Directors met on September 11 in the Rollins Theater and approved a contract with Diaz Fritz Group General Contractors for $3,849,000 for the construction of the Applied Arts Building and associated Phase 1A site work.
They also voted to approve a contract with Flock Safety for $19,000 for the installation and lease of security cameras at eight intersections in Sun City Center. Although crime in our community is low, several board members stated that the cameras would provide additional security for the residents. According to Flock Safety, video recordings will be deleted every 30 days.
Finally, they voted to add Alisha Marshall’s name in place of Carol Donner as the registered agent of the Corporation.
Secretary Debbie Caneen acknowledged the following donations:
• Claire McDermott $100 to the Future Facilities Reserve Fund
•Fox and Friends Animal Hospital
$300 for fundraising sponsorship
•Community Foundation of Tampa Bay $20,000 for the DAS system in the Atrium
•Al and Dianne Baker $1600 for the History Society bulletin board
•Sun Towers $250 for fundraising sponsorship
•Freedom Plaza $750 for fundraising sponsorship
•Design One Garage Doors $500 for fundraising sponsorship
President Ron Clark recapped the major steps the board has taken in the Central Campus Upgrade process. He said that on September 9, engineers hired by the CA submitted a revised site plan application to Hillsborough County,
supplying additional information required for the approval process. Construction will begin upon receipt of a building permit from the county. Clark expects construction to start “later this year.”
Treasurer Roger Zieg reported the following fund balances as of August 31:
• Operations Fund
$2,116,319
• Capital Fund
$6,328,554
• Replacement Fund
• Renovations Fund
$1,908,015
$46,615
He said there was a net of 33 house transfers in August, adding $99,000 to the Capital Fund. On average to date in 2024, there have been 37 house transfers per month.
Community Manager Lyn Reitz said that the monthly Club Leader meetings are starting again after a summer break. This is a great source of information for the community’s club presidents and club board members. The CA board will discuss and vote on a budget in its October meeting, which will be subject to a vote by the residents in December. She reminded residents that community projects are ongoing and that they should please steer clear of cones and roped-off areas.
The resident count as of August 31 is 11,338 with membership dues of 11,437. Reitz also mentioned that she’s received calls about tall weeds and grass in areas such as the dog park and the archery range, but that mowing has been impossible due to soggy ground. Mowing in some of these areas would damage the grass by causing ruts, but it will resume as soon as possible. Plants in the median strips are also being trimmed to improve visibility.
Director Carrie Blaylock said that the Golf Cart Parade will be on December 7. The theme will be “Merry Grinchmas.” The annual Holiday Walk will follow.
“Hi, Neighbor!”
By Bob Sanchez
If you’re new to town, there is no better way to catch the buzz than by attending the annual “Hi, Neighbor!” event in Community Hall between 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 7. This long standing community tradition showcases the rich array of clubs to choose from. And if you’ve been here awhile, stop by again, because you may find something new, or ask questions of club volunteers, or just soak up some of the positive energy in the hall.
“Hi, Neighbor!” Chairperson Carrie Blaylock predicts a big crowd once again this year. Don’t miss this signature Sun City Center event!
Sprucing Up
Masters of the Green
Movie attendees must present a current SCCCA ID Badge, a SCCCA guest card or a Kings Point club use card to attend. Dates and time may be changed if necessary. Theater capacity is limited to 145 attendees per the Hillsborough County Fire Code. October 14 • Retro Movie Monday • GHOST 2 hours, 7 minutes
This 1990 movie stars Patrick Swayze as banker Sam Wheat and Demi Moore as artist Molly Jensen who are madly in love. After being murdered by friend and corrupt business partner Carl Bruner over a shady business deal, Sam is left to roam earth as a powerless spirit. Upon learning of Carl’s betrayal, Sam seeks the help of a psychic, Oda Mae Brown, to set things right and protect Molly from Carl and his goons.
Also Starring: Whoopi Goldberg, Tony Goldwyn, Vincent Schiavelli
Genre: Romance, Fantasy
Rating: PG -13
October 28 • Ordinary Angels 1 hour, 56 minutes
Based on a true story, Ordinary Angels centers on Sharon Steves, a fierce but struggling hairdresser in small-town Kentucky who discovers a renewed sense of purpose when she meets Ed Schmitt, a widower working hard to make ends meet for his two daughters. With Ed’s youngest daughter waiting for a liver transplant, Sharon sets her mind to helping the family and will move mountains to do it. What unfolds is the inspiring tale of faith, everyday miracles, and ordinary angels.
Starring: Hilary Swank, Alan Ritchson, Nancy Travis, Amy Acker, Tamala Jones
Genre: Drama
Rating: PG
For twelve weeks, on Friday, members of the SCC Lawn Bowling Club have a “bowl off.” At the end of play, the two bowlers with the highest scores bowl each other. The highest score in that competition moves to the final round which comes at the end of the twelve weeks. Each weekly participating member puts $5 in the “pot” which is part of the prize given to the top two bowlers in the “final bowl off” which comes at the end of the twelve weeks.
The final contest is with all of the winners from each of the twelve weeks and was held on August 30. Twelve bowlers competed for the top two scores. Joe Mattia had the highest score and Bob Fladung was second. After a final competition, Joe won the Green Hat, the trophy, which he gets to keep for one year and a cash prize. Bob came in second and he was awarded a cash prize. It was a beautiful partly sunny day in Florida and everyone, spectators and participants, had a good time.
Workers stand in one of the Laurel Woods ponds, sprucing up the shoreline.
By Bob Sanchez
Joe Mattia
Bob Fladung
Gone Stampin Card Sale
Saturday, October 19, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
New location! Gone Stampin’ Club’s sale is in our new work area in the BUNKA room of the Arts and Crafts building on Cherry Hills Dr. Prices remain $2 for one card or $1.50 each for more than one, envelopes are included. This new room has sparked even more creativity and increased our membership.
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.
Cat Lovers Club of SCC Meeting
Tuesday, October 15, at 1:30 p.m.
Trinity Baptist Church, 702 W. Del Webb Blvd.
Multicultural Heritage Club
“Team Jersey Dance”
Friday, October 11, from 6 to 10 p.m.
SCC Community Hall, 1910 S. Pebble Beach Blvd.
Dance to the music of Chris Bouille. Tickets are just $10 in advance, with a table just $80. At the door the tickets will be $12 and a table $96. At the dance there will be raffles for a Ninja Foodi, a $100 gift card, and a 75 inch TV! Don’t miss this opportunity to have a great time with friends and win a prize at the same time. We look forward to seeing you there in your favorite team jersey.
New England Club Event
The Sun City Center (SCC New England Club (NEC) Presents their ‘Welcome Back Snowbirds’ Dinner on Friday, November 22, at the Community Hall, 1910 South Pebble Beach Blvd, Sun City Center. This event is open to the public and features David DeLuca, Singer Impersonator. The event opens at 4:30 p.m. with an appetizer bar. The Banquet Masters catered buffet dinner starts at 5:30 p.m. and includes carved steamship roast beef, chicken marsala, bourbon glazed salmon, roasted red bliss potatoes, vegetable medley, salad bar, rolls, assorted desserts, coffee, tea, and water. BYOB. Price for NEC Members is $29 and for the public is $33. Completed reservation form with check(s) is needed by November 14. For forms and additional information go to “SCCNEC.NET”.
SCC Pickleball Club
Introduction to Pickleball Lessons
In order to promote this wonderful sport of Pickleball to our neighbors, the PBC offers Introduction to Pickleball lessons to all SCC Community Association members. Our classes are given every Tuesday and Friday from 1 to 3 p.m. over a six-week period. At the end of six weeks you’ll graduate and be able to confidently play PB with your friends and make new friends with members of the club. Our first session for 2024 will start on Tuesday, October 15, with new sessions starting every two weeks.
We ask for a $5 per person, non-refundable registration fee for students who are not yet a member of the PBC. To get more information and register for classes go to the club’s website at “sccpickleball.club”, then click on the “LEARN” link at the top of the page. Click on the “signupgenius” link to register for a class. If you have problems registering, email the club at “sccpickleball002@gmail.com” with a brief message, your name and phone number.
History Society of SCC
We certainly didn’t slow down for “the lazy days” of summer. We’ve had a very busy and productive July and August. We began with the retrieval of the “time capsule” and again a big thank you to Capt. Bryan Smith, firefighters Jason Fabrizi, Stephen Shelton and Chris Snell for handling that. Their professionalism and knowledge of equipment and the execution of the project were clearly demonstrated as they worked. They were a wonderful example of the Hillsborough County Fire Dept. The retrieval was followed a couple of weeks later by the “big opening” of the capsule. The low point was the discovery that the capsule was empty. The high point was that out of the many guesses that we collected, which certainly proved to be an interesting assortment, we actually had a winner. Thanks to Mr. Richard Lesko, with the guesses of “nothing, empty, unrecognizable” for taking the time to enter the contest.
We also had our goodbye ceremony to the Little House at the Rollins Theater. There were several speakers covering some of the history of SCC and the importance of the Little House. It closed with a special song beautifully arranged and performed by The Silver Moon Barbershop quartet. Several History Society members accompanied by Community Association Manager, Lyn Reitz, went to the house for a last look and to remove any original pieces to help to expand the artifacts collection for future display. We were assisted by both Ms. Reitz and Jay Hanson, a member of the CA maintenance crew, in the removal of the pieces we selected. We thank both of them for their help and the time they spent with us, in collecting bits and pieces of SCC history, prior to demolition of the house. Moving forward, we would like to let people know of the upcoming fundraiser, hosted by the CA and assisted as required by members of the History Society. It will be a trivia game, which will be held on Friday, November 1st, at 3-5 PM in the Florida Room. The requested donation of $10 will go toward the Future Facilities Fund for phase B. Watch for more info in the coming weeks but start thinking about who you are going to ask to be on your team. It will be a fun event and test your knowledge of places, things, locations and in general a test of attendees’ knowledge and familiarity of SCC.
One last reminder and request. Anyone who has any artifacts, mementoes, flyers or other items from the bygone years of SCC, please consider donating them to the History Society. We are trying to expand our collection and hope to display these artifacts and items in the Atrium and in several future locations in other SCC facilities.
Cat Chats are informative presentations on topics related to the well-being and happiness of cats and their humans. Visitors and new members are always welcome! Annual dues are $20 for an individual or $25 for a couple/family. Cat Lovers Club of SCC is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, all-volunteer organization which provides cat food to local low-income pet owners. Memberships, donations, and our Coins for Cats project help to put food into the tummies of hungry cats in need. Please bring your coins in a Ziploc bag labeled with your name and address. For more information, see our website: CatLoversClub.org, or email “info@catloversclub.org”.
Computer Club Meetings
Wednesday, October 9, at 7 p.m., Florida room
Judy Lee, a director at the South Bay Genealogical Society as well as our Director of Education, will present “Beginning Genealogy”. If you are interested in discovering where and how your ancestors lived, Judy will show how you can use “Ancestry”, “FamilySearch”, and other genealogical databases to uncover your ancestor’s interesting and sometimes surprising history. Computer Club Classes
The Computer Club Lab is open from 12:30 to 4:30, every day except Sunday. Signup for classes can be done online. Students must be a member in good standing at Sun City Center or Kings Point. Tuition is payable upon registration. For additional information email: Judy Lee, Education Director at “education@ scccomputerclub.org”. Listed here are brief descriptions of the classes being offered. More info, visit the club or online at “scccomputerclub.org”.
Wednesday, October 2, from 9 to noon: ipad/iPhone Monday, October 14, from 9 to 11 a.m.: How to buy a Computer Monday, October 28, from 10 to 11 a.m.: Using Google Maps
Metaphysical Society Meetings
Wednesdays, 10 a.m.
Heritage Room, 951 North Course Lane
Membership is $10 annually. SCCCA residents are allowed one visit before joining. Kings Point residents may join with an active Club Card obtained at the SCCCA office. Others may only attend with approved guest passes obtained at the SCCCA office.
• October 2 • “THE REIKI MODALITY” Richard Beebee will cover the 5 Principles & 3 Techniques.
• October 9 • “SOUND HEALING THERAPY” – Millie Cruz-Reynoso will explain how sound can help facilitate healing.
• October 16 • “METAPHYSICAL ANATOMY” – Jeremy McDonald covers the reasons we carry things in our bodies from past trauma.
• October 23 • “SOUND CAN HEAL THE BODY” & “ANIMAL COMMUNICATIONS” with duo speakers today.
• October 30 • “SPINE TINGLING STORIES OF THE PARANORMAL”, Apollo Paranormal Investigations, co-founders, Cliff and Lisa Kennedy share evidence they acquired from cases at different locations in Florida.
Our mission is to seek and explore paths of universal oneness, self-discovery and infinite potential. Phone club office at 813 398-7033 for more information.
Christmas and Hanukkah came a little early this year for members of the Sew’n Sews Club of Sun City Center. Members have stayed busy cutting fabric and sewing beautiful holiday products to sell in the shop as well as at the Holiday Walk in December. Projects include table runners, hexagonal table toppers, gift bags in varying sizes, coasters, and more. Start your holiday shopping early and stop by the Sew’n Sews Club to get your head start on holiday gifts. While you are there, inquire about membership in this very active and fun club.
Sews is located in the Arts and Crafts Building on Cherry Hill Drive.
Sew’n
A Brief Trip to Albuquerque
By Bob Sanchez
Temps hit 100 degrees on our recent family visit to Albuquerque, New Mexico, but the dry air made the outdoors bearable. The Sandia (Spanish for Watermelon) Mountains dominate the city skyline, and they often turn watermelon pink in the setting sun. In the past we’ve taken a tram to the summit. This time our son drove us up a back road along the spine of the mountains where sunflowers bloomed by the thousands. From the top, the
city spread out below while a paraglider drifted high above. We also took in Old Albuquerque, highlighted by San Felipe de Neri, a Catholic church with roots dating back to 1793. We strolled across the town plaza and found an outdoor area where vendors, mostly Native Americans, spread out their handmade wares. Southwest Airlines made the trip easy, with a brief layover in Houston. When we go again next winter, we’ll drive up to
Free Little Library
By Gezil Andrews
What thoughts are sparked by the terms “sharing books network,” “150,000 countrywide,” and “community?” You got it! Little Free Libraries!
Libraries come in several types, each designed to serve specific purposes and cater to different audiences. Libraries are broadly divided into four types: Academic, Special, Public Library, and National.
Little Free Libraries certainly are special – they are smaller, manageable sizes that can be about anywhere in your community. You can take a book and leave a book to share your own reader likes! It’s a journey all its own!
Let’s focus on Little Free Libraries right here in Sun City Center, Florida. The libraries are identified by their “box-like look,” not a bird house, usually in a small garden or park-like setting or near the street, set up to look like a small personal building. They are often built by a local wood crafter, family, friend, spouse etc. and open to the public. You can take any book you want… No sign out or
Scan the code with your smartphone
return requirements. It is always appreciated if others will donate books, so the library stays vibrant and current. It helps you meet your neighbors and others and stimulates conversation about different topics! In other words, it’s a community builder!
As a difference, a main street library, such as our own Sun City Center Library is a formal
brick and mortar facility set up with volunteers and a fulltime librarian. A much different purpose, but still bringing knowledge, entertainment and meeting individual interests for the community.
About five years ago, there were two Little Free Libraries in our community, says Andrea Peterson, owner of one of the first Little Free Libraries built here – at 1203 Fordham Drive. SCC resident Nan Dorsey first brought the idea to Andrea and friend, Ann Fenimore, with Nan’s experience in Free Libraries for kids in the Wimauma school district. This put the spark behind the idea! That spark has fired the growth to seven Little Free Libraries here today.
Richard Kelley, a local woodcrafter, helped Andrea with her Little Free Library. I understand he helped many others as well. He had a fully outfitted workshop with every tool imaginable in his garage, and he had the heart for helping others. Several of our Little Free Libraries have a memorial plaque to Richard.
The first Little Free Library was built in 2009 by the late Todd Bol from Hudson, Wisconsin. Bol mounted a wooden container, designed to look like a oneroom schoolhouse, on a post on his lawn and filled it with books as a tribute to his late mother, a book lover and school teacher who had recently died.
Bol shared his idea with his partner, Rick Brooks, and together they built and installed more of the book houses in different areas of the Midwest. Little Free Library officially incorporated as a nonprofit organization on May 16, 2012. The Little Free Library nonprofit organization, “littlefreelibrary. org” has worked to promote
Pam and Dave Simmons
Richard Kelley memorial Library
San Felipe de Neri
Woman setting up for an outdoor market
The Editor’s Corner
Blessed Are the Curious
By E. Adam Porter Editor, News of SCC & South County
On my computer screen, the weather man is prognosticating. A storm is forming—or very likely will form—and it may or may not come this way. But don’t worry, he admonishes—at least not yet
By the time you read this, we will all know, definitively, if there was reason to worry, but, for now, I will do as I always have. Be calm. Be prepared. I close that window and look away, pondering possibilities and implications, what Paul Simon called “incidents and accidents, hints and allegations…” I’m thinking, “where is the meaning in maybe…” when from across the desk, I see deep brown eyes watching me. The furry face is gray—much more so in recent months—but the expression is the same: a mixture of anticipation and acceptance. An expression that says, “I don’t know what’s about to happen, but I’m already happy about it.”
That’s a dog in a nutshell. Happy to be with you,
regardless of circumstances or possibilities. I smile, start to call him over, but he’s already moving, laying his muzzle on my leg, those brown eyes looking up, hopeful. I’m watching him, thinking about how gray he’s gotten, when I remember, it’s his birthday. Eight is not so old, even in dog years, but it can be a good run for a bigger fella, and he is one. I recall his brother, who made it to a week shy of his seventh birthday when cancer took him. It’s been some time now, but that loss still stings. I think loss like that is a bit like being stabbed by one of Tolkien’s cursed blades. The wound heals but never completely.
I spare a moment to curse cancer in all its forms and reach down to scratch fluffy ears and shake a paw or three—always three—one, then the other, then the first one again, just for good measure. This Good Boy has done that since he was a puppy.
I wonder, as I have done many times, at the nature of dogs. What did humans do to deserve such bottomless loyalty and affection? Not nearly enough, I think. No, not nearly enough. We give them a floor to lay on, an occasional belly rub, and a nibble of leftovers now and again. For that, we receive a being who will stand between us and the world, who understands when we are sick or sad or beset with cares—sometimes even before we do.
It’s a strange thing… go to any bookstore or search online, and
you will find innumerable books about health and happiness. Tomes that promise the secret to how to be a better person, a greater version of yourself, how to win friends and influence people, on and on and blessedly on… ad infinitum
Meanwhile, my dog has it figured out. Be content with everything and up for anything. Give it a shot. Stay close to your friends. Ignore the idiots. Keep smiling, because the world is a place full of endless opportunity. Sure, it’s also full of scammers, schemers, illness, debt, and jerks… but those things are not worth our attention, beyond a bark or two. It’s much better to take a walk with friends, play a game, enjoy a meal, and grab a nap in a quiet, comfortable spot. That’s a pretty good way to spend the day.
I’m wearing a shirt right now that says: “Blessed are the curious. For they shall have adventures.” My dog would love that idea—though perhaps
not wearing that shirt. He’s too comfortable in his own skin to bother about fashion. It’s funny… curiosity is a virtue we tend to ascribe to cats (to their own demise, traditionally), but it’s perhaps better attributed to dogs. They are endlessly curious, always learning and experiencing, consumed with wonder. And, yet, they also seem fundamentally content. You rarely see a dog upset by the notion of relaxing, but they are always up for an adventure. I think about all these things as I look into those brown eyes and that gray face. I wonder, not for the first time since losing his brother, how much longer we will be blessed to enjoy the company of this delightful creature. It’s a melancholy thought, bittersweet, especially on his birthday. And I realize, that idea never crossed his mind. The gray-faced doggo doesn’t worry about the time that won’t be. He’s too focused on the time that is. I think I’ll join him.
of SCC & South County
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The News of Sun City Center & South County
Sun City Center, FL 33573-6212.
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Contributors: Frank Kepley, Garry Higgins, Bob Monahan, Peggy Burgess, Joanne Baskinger, Debbie Caneen, John Lampkin, Cathy Meyerhoff, Judy Cesarski and Ron Clark. (CA President).
ER at Sun City Center, an extension of Manatee Memorial Hospital, is a full-service emergency department that provides care to those in need 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
We are located at 16504 S. U.S. 301 in Wimauma, adjacent to Walmart®.
ER at Sun City Center features:
• Full-service laboratory and imaging services (X-ray, CT and ultrasound) (A physician order is required.)
• Care for all ages
• Shorter wait times*
• On-site ER physicians and nurses 24/7
• Ten treatment areas, including seven exam rooms and three rapid medical exam spaces
• 10,884 square feet
- Tina - Enid
- Margaret
CT Heart Score Fall Special: $75*
• Learn your heart disease risk
• Appointments available Monday-Friday
• Call 941-745-7391, option 1
New York Club Halloween Party
Monday, October 7, at 5 p.m.
Kings Point Veterans Theater
Costume party. Dinner dance. Music by Gene Cannon. Food by Banquet Masters, which includes full salad bar and full dessert bar, three entrees (bourbon salmon, lasagna with meat sauce, and beef bourguignon), veggies du jour, coffee and iced tea. BYOB. Members only $25 and guests $28.50. Info: Frank Gatto at 813-6338942.
South Bay Genealogical
Society Meeting
October 15, at 10:30 a.m.
Optional Round Table Discussion, followed by a sit-down luncheon at noon, at the United Methodist Church in the Life Enrichment Center (LEC), 1971 Haverford Avenue, Sun City Center.
Following lunch, at about 1 p.m., our guest speaker, Karen Fortin will present “Identifying Female Ancestors.” The cost is $18 per person for the meal and presentation. For reservations and meal choice, call Vicki at 360-608-1647.
Make your check payable to SBGS, and mail to South Bay Genealogical Society, PO Box 5202, Sun City Center, FL 33571. Your check must be received in our PO Box by October 3rd. Allow 4-5 days for mailing. Late reservations will not be accepted.
Info: Victoria Sorensen, Director of Ministry, at 813-634-2539, “sccumc.com”.
Center 4Life Learning Fall Semester
Begins October 7
Life is an adventure. Come join the fun. Open to all adults in the community. Registration is open now. Study or enhance your knowledge on sign language, conversational Spanish, finances, art, history, electronics, finances, and current events discussion groups, world culture and much more. All are “Miracle Grow” for your brain. Visit our website at “sccumc.com/4lifelearning” for more information and register online for classes or visit the Center 4Life Learning office.
The Center 4Life Learning office is open, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. We accept credit cards, checks, and cash, in the center office. Signup today. Popular classes fill up quickly. Center 4Life Learning is on the United Methodist Church of Sun City Center campus, 1971 Haverford Avenue, Sun City Center. For more information, call 813-634-8607 or email “center4life@sccumc.com”.
SAR Fundraising Yard Sale
The South Shore Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution is planning to hold a Fundraising Yard Sale at 649 Fort Duquesna Drive, Sun City Center on October 19, 2024 from 8 to 1 p.m. In case of extreme weather, the date and time will be moved to the following Saturday, 26. All proceeds from this sale will help support our Patriotic outreach programs with community JROTC and Eagle Scout groups to continue to make a positive impact in our community, “sssar. org”.
COMMUNITY
Weight Watchers
Saturday mornings, two meetings, 7:30 and 9 a.m.
UMC of SCC, 1971 Haverford Ave.
If you are interested in participating in Weight Watcher or just need some additional information about the program, please contact Helen Cook, “helenw8watchers@gmail.com” or Victoria Sorensen, the Director of Ministry 813-634-2539 extension 1010, or email “victoria@sccumc.com”.
South Bay Genealogical Society
Tuesday, October 15, at 10:30 a.m.
UMC of SCC, 1971 Haverford Avenue
Round Table Discussion, followed by a sit-down luncheon at noon. Following lunch, at about 1 p.m., our guest speaker, Karen Fortin will present “Identifying Female Ancestors”. The cost is $18 per person for the meal and presentation. For reservations and meal choice, call Vicki at 360-608-1647. Make your check payable to SBGS, and mail to South Bay Genealogical Society, PO Box 5202, Sun City Center, FL 33571. Your check must be received in our PO Box by October 3. Late reservations will not be accepted.
Kindred Spirits
October 2, from 3:30 to 5 p.m.
Kings Point Waterside Room
This past month two of our members spent 11 days traveling to nine countries in a celebration of another year older. At this meeting we will share our trip including a pairing we did. Yes, wine is really better with chocolate. As life changes, we often find ourselves missing a companion to be active with. Are you tired of going to restaurants, movies, and events alone or maybe not going at all? We have the solution. It’s the Kindred Spirits Club! Come meet other women to enjoy life with and build friendships. Please let the gate know you are here for Kindred Spirits. Questions? Contact Michelle Mason 813-492-8920 or “mmason@seniorsinservice.org”.
South Shore SAR to Host Luncheon
Saturday, October 12 • The Plaza Club, 3932 Upper Creek Drive
South Shore Chapter Sons of the American Revolution: Social time will begin at 11:30 with luncheon at noon. All members, spouses, and guests are welcome to attend. For reservations, contact William Simms at “wmsimms1@gmail.com” or call (309) 826-6554.
The planned program will feature a presentation by Gordon Bassett who will speak about his experience in Vietnam while at Pleiku Air Base. He was assigned as a pilot to the 362nd Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron. The talk is entitled “Combat Cougar-A Flyer’s Story.” He flew 155 combat missions in an old, WWII vintage C-47, from July 1968 to July 1969, and will discuss its battlefield reconnaissance mission. Gordon is a Charter Member of the Southshore Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution and served as its first President (2013-14). He is a retired USAF Command Pilot and also served as a Strategic Air Command FB-111A fighter/bomber commander and as an air attaché in Brazil.
The South Shore Chapter of Sons of the American Revolution (www.sssar.org) -- a patriotic organization of descendants of Revolutionary War Patriots -- welcomes visitors from southeastern Hillsborough and northern Manatee counties.
Community continued on page 5.
Coastal Eye Institute is pleased to welcome Dr. Selina Lin to our Sun City Center office. Dr. Lin is a Board-Certified Ophthalmologist and Fellowship-Trained Retina Specialist with expertise in:
• Macular Degeneration
• Diabetic Eye Care
• Flashes & Floaters
• Laser Surgery of the Retina
Community continued from page 4.
All About Bees
Tuesday October 8, at 9:30 a.m.
Redeemer Lutheran, 701 Valley Forge Blvd.
Sam Goodwin, a licensed Florida beekeeper and Army veteran, will be covering the three types of honey bees found in a hive; their differences and specific jobs. He will talk about pollination, food gathering, honey production, bee removals, reproduction, what it’s like to keep bees in Florida, and give hands-on experience. Beekeeping equipment will be on display and participants will be encouraged to touch, explore and ask questions. Program will begin with a complimentary breakfast. The event is free, but registration is required. To register, call the church office at 813-6341292 by October 6 and leave your name and phone number.
America’s Got Talent Bubble Magic Show
Saturday, October 19, doors open at 1 p.m.
St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 1239 W. Del Webb Blvd.
The GFWC SCC Woman’s Club has booked Blaise Ryndes, Sphere’s Bubble Show entertainer, as seen on America’s Got Talent, to perform at their annual fall fundraiser ‘Bubbles, Bangles, and Bites.’ Blaise is a Florida resident and is nationally known. He has received the honor of Guinness World Record holder for the 4th time. Event is from 2 to 4 p.m. This is sure to be a sellout show. Tickets are $30 per adult. Tickets are available at the church Mon- Thu 10 to 1 p.m. Info: Shawna Wainright, 302-740-4098 or SCCWomansClubFund@gmail. com.
Order of Hibernians Craft Fair
Saturday, October 19, from 9 to 2 p.m.
Prince of Peace Church, 702 Valley Forge Blvd.,
All craft fair items are hand made by our members and local artists. Seasonal table runners, towels, jars of preserves, greeting cards, kitchen items, wall décor, religious items, holiday gift items, ceramics, crocheted items, water colors, and wreaths. Bake sale. Also, luncheon items will be available for purchase. Many vendors accept credit cards, but, for those who don’t please bring cash. Info please contact Helen Giancola, “helengia@hotmail.com”.
South Shore Democrats Club
Thursday, October, 10
St Andrew Presbyterian, 1239 W Del Webb Blvd.
All likeminded people are welcome. Hear representatives from local, regional, state and national government and organizations speak on issues that affect our lives in Florida. “Politics is all local” Bring your mail-in ballots and we can discuss the amendments and answer questions. Light refreshments will be served. Help with voter registration and Vote By Mail renewals will be available. Info including time: “southshoredemocrats.org” or “SSDmembership@ gmail.com”.
Republican Club Meeting
Tuesday, October 29, at 2 p.m.
St. Andrew Presbyterian, 1230 W. Del Webb Blvd.
All Republicans and like-minded voters are invited to attend. The Club meets every month. Entrance to the Fellowship Hall is at the rear of the building. Social time, including light refreshments, precedes the meeting. Each month we present local government officials or candidates for questions and answers. Come early to meet our speakers.
2nd Annual Military, Veteran, and Survivors Benefits Forum
Wednesday, October 30, from 2 to 4 p.m.
SCC Community Hall, 1910 South Pebble Beach Blvd.
Presented by The Surviving Spouse Committee of SCC Chapter of The Military Officers Association of America. Register for this free event by emailing: “moaasccsurvivors@gmail.com”.
Arts and Crafts Fair
Saturday, November 2 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Redeemer Lutheran, 701 Valley Forge Blvd.
With over 40 vendors present, this is a great opportunity to find unique gifts just in time for the holidays. A wide variety of items crafted by local artists and crafters will be available: fine art paintings, jewelry, hand sewn and crocheted, pottery, leatherwork, glassware, ceramics, wooden products, wreaths, holiday gifts, books by Southshore authors, a painting demonstration, and much more. There will also be a bake sale, food truck, and some awesome raffle baskets. This is an event that you won’t want to miss.
Community continued on page 6.
L to R: Jim Rottman, VP Special Projects, SCC Men’s Club; John Romano, Sports Columnist, Tampa Bay Times; Denman Gray, President, SCC Men’s Club; Ed Barnes, VP Programs, SCC Men’s Club.
Sports Columnist Speaks to SCC Men’s Club
By Jay Sparkman
John Romano, Sports Columnist for the Tampa Bay Times, was guest speaker at the August membership meeting of the Sun City Center Men’s Club. Mr. Romano related his career highlights and his everyday routine, told of his time as a reporter covering U of Florida sports, and had stories and answered questions about the Tampa Bay Rays, Bucs, and Lightning.
The SCC Men’s Club is a combination of fellowship and community service. Our main service commitment is the Lifeline Personal Emergency System. SCC Men’s Club membership is open to residents of Sun City Center and Kings Point. For more information call Bruce Fraser at 813 419-4013.
Have you ever wondered what would happen if you lived alone and there was an emergency? Or do you like to take your dog for a walk but are concerned about falling and no one being there to assist you? For Greater SCC residents who think they need a medical alert button and don't believe they can afford it, the Men's Club of Sun City Center would like for you to contact our office.
Because the Men's Club is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit club, we offer the Lifeline Personal Emergency Response System (PERS) at a more competitive rate than what Lifeline charges at the national level. Our pricing is comparable to other systems in the market as well – just compare systems with similar capabilities. Installation and all service calls are completed by Men's Club volunteers at no charge to the Subscriber.
The Men's Club was formed in the early 1960's. In 1991, the Men's Club decided to offer the Lifeline Personal Emergency Response System (PERS) to residents of Sun City Center and Kings Point with no annual contract.
The PERS offering began with the purchase of four units with installation provided by Men's Club volunteers. This offering continues today with multiple systems from which to choose - including one that will work anywhere in the U.S., a dedicated office staff, and over 25 trained Men's Club volunteers who provide personable and knowledgeable service for our Subscribers.
Get prompt caring assistance at the push of a button, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
continued from page 5.
SCC-KP Singles
Dating Group Update
I am happy to inform you that the SCC-KP Singles Dating Group is now at 142 people on the roster 42 men and 114 women. We already had many events and so many more are planned. Every month we have our monthly business meeting for information, and suggestions from the members, at 4 to 6 p.m. on the 2nd Sunday of the month in the Ripple Room in the North campus in Kings Point. Just call us to join, and you can be part of our group. Call Steve 781264-1215 or Nancy at 813-416-8203.
Wisconsin Club Tailgate Party
Thursday, November 14, doors open at 5 p.m.
SCC Community Hall, 1910 S. Pebble Beach Menu will be brats, hotdogs, sauerkraut, baked beans, potato salad and dessert. Bring your own plates, and BYOB. Cost will be $15 per person. Music by The Bluewater Band. For questions contact Mary Kay Johns at 920-901-2893. Please mail reservations and payment to Mary Kay Johns, 1618 Faxton Drive, Sun City Center, FL 33573. People wanting to sit together must provide all names and payment in one envelope. Reservations and payment due November 6. No walk-in or payment at the door. For more Wisconsin Club information check out our “sccwisconsinclub.com”.
SCC Lions Club Live Christmas Wreath Sale
The Sun City Center/South Shore Lions Club will once again be taking orders for their 22” mixed greens, live Christmas wreaths beginning Tuesday, October 1 through Sunday, November 10. The cost is still $30, payable by check or cash. Checks made payable to Sun City Center/South Shore Lions Club. Wreaths are expected to be delivered the week of December 1. A Lion will contact you to deliver the wreath to your door.
The smell of these fresh greens wreaths bring back memories of the old time Christmas with cookies and goodies baking in the oven, and decorating the Christmas tree.
We know you would love to have one of these beautiful wreaths for your home. Please help the Lions by purchasing a wreath for your holiday. If you don’t know a Lion, please feel free to call Maryanne Eberle at 609-694-8235 or Ellen McGovern at 813-633-4202. If no one answers, leave a message, and we will call you back as soon as possible.
Thank you in advance for supporting the Lions Club. The Lions meet the first and third Tuesday of the month at Sun Towers at 11:30 a.m. Please join us.
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Eagle Audubon Society
October 21, doors open at 1 p.m.
St Andrew Presbyterian, 1239 West Del Webb Blvd.
Our own Dr Julie Stocksdale will introduce us to Avian Reproduction and the wide variety of ways that birds perpetuate their species from courtship through fledging. Our meetings are free and open to all.
Tomiak Foundation Donates to Emergency Squad
In July, the Emergency Squad received a $7,500 donation from the Gladys & Mildred Tomiak Foundation. The Check was presented to Deputy Chief Ed Whitehead by Susan and Arthur Bailyn and their sons. The Tomiak Foundation has been very generous to the Emergency Squad through the years.
Feline Folks Annual Spay-ghetti No Balls Fundraising Dinner
Thursday, November 14, Doors Open at 4:30
Kings Point Veterans Theater
Save the Date for Feline Folks Annual upcoming Spay-ghetti No Balls Dinner. This fundraiser dinner and the raffle gift areas with all the great raffle items has always been an exciting event and a sellout. Dinner served in our “Meow Ristorante” at 5 p.m. by Kings Point Vesta Catering. Tickets are $20 and will be available October 1 at the Kings Point Box Office located at 1900 Clubhouse Drive. The event is open to everyone.
Feline Folks is a nonprofit operating on donations and through the kindness of volunteers. If you are interested in learning more about this wonderful group of people who daily feed and care for the community cats contact us at “Info@FelineFolks.us” or visit our Facebook site “Feline Folks of Sun City Center.”
Meals on Wheels Community Service Teamwork
Seek medical attention when appropriate, including for any medical emergency.
SAFETY STATEMENT
Failure to use the Glucose Monitoring System and its components according to the instructions for use provided with your device and to properly consider all indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and cautions in those instructions for use may result in you missing a severe hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) or hyperglycemia (high blood glucose) occurrence and/or making a treatment decision that may result in injury. If readings do not match symptoms or expectations, use a fingerstick value from a blood glucose meter for treatment decisions. Seek medical attention when appropriate or contact Abbott at 855632-8658 or FreeStyleLibre.us for safety info.
The Sun City Center Rotary club provided daily Meals on Wheels (MOW) delivery support for the month of August. Meals on Wheels is an example of shared community service. Samaritan Services provides the direction that makes it work throughout the year, including collecting meal requests and generating daily driver routes. HCA hospital food services staff cooks and packages the meals. This photo shows representatives from all three organizations for a single Meals on Wheels day.
The SCC Rotary Club meets each Tuesday for lunch with a topical speaker at Freedom Fairways. For more information visit its Facebook page “facebook.com/RotarySCC” or call Bill (membership) at 813634-3936.
AAUW Meetings
Besides supporting mature women to attend Hillsborough Community College in Ruskin AAUW (American Association of University Women) Sun City Center SouthShore Branch has also taken on the commitment of giving scholarships to girls entering 8th grade attending nearby middle schools to attend STEM summer camps called Tech Trek. It is a one week camp on a university campus with STEM activities and experiments along with various professional women mentors. This last June we sent 8 girls representing Eisenhower, Beth Shields, York and Girls Of The World. Join us if you desire as they make presentations about their experience at our October 12 meeting. It will be held that Saturday at 9:30 a.m. for Brunch items and socializing then the program at 10 a.m. Location is the Florida Room of the Atrium Building (945 North Course Lane) in Sun City Center.
Many ladies in the local area love attending Janet Carr Fashion Shows titled Accessories and More. The primary reason they are so popular is because not only are they current and fun fashions but she brings all the clothes with her in all sizes—so people can try them on right away and take them home that day...no further shopping required! Our AAUW Branch has been holding these shows every two years for quite a while now. This is advance notice that the next show will be our November 9 meeting and will also be held in the Florida Room of the Atrium Bldg. This year instead of lunch or dinner items offered by Banquet Masters the time will be 9:30 a.m. -with breakfast/lunch foods served at 10 a.m.- followed by the models (then shopping of course). Information on price and purchasing tickets will follow. For now this is simply notice to mark your calendars now!
Any questions regarding either meeting please contact new AAUW President Gezil Andrews at 309-660-1091.
Dr. Julie Stocksdale
WED. OCT 2, 9, 16, 23, 30THERAPEUTIC 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! Info: Debbie Caneen at 813-8922990.
THU. OCT 3, 10, 17, 24, 31BUSINESS REFERRAL MEETINGS
Every Thursday 8:30 – 9:30
a.m. at Sun Towers Retirement Community, 101 Trinity Lakes Dr. Sun City Center. Questions? Call Debbie Caneen 813-892-2990.
THU. OCT 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 -
OPTIMAL HEALTH CLASS! 10:00
a.m. at Sun Towers Retirement Community, 101 Trinity Lakes Dr, SCC. Our speaker shares: “I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t fascinated by the healing properties of food. My classes are free, and I do not sell anything. I am just truly passionate about
sharing my knowledge with anyone who wants to live long and be healthy in this journey called life.”
THU. OCT 3 - CRAFT BEER & WINE CLUB OF SUN CITY CENTER 1:30 p.m. at Sun Towers Retirement Community, 101 Trinity Lakes Dr. SCC. Oktoberfest is here! We gather to discuss craft beers and wines, enjoy tastings as a club and learn about the process of fermenting along with participating in field trips! If you are interested in craft beer or wine and tasting local offerings, check us out “facebook.com/groups/ craftbeerandwineclub”. Info: Michelle Mason 813-492-8920 or “mmason@seniorsinservice.org”.
FRI. OCT 4 - CENTER STAGE COMEDY: GIRLS NIGHT OUT AT THE FIREHOUSE 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. Firehouse Cultural Center, 101 1st Ave NE, Ruskin FL. Girls Night Out: Catherine Maloney, Larry Venturino and Trish Keating will be bringing the laughs. Call for ticket info: 813-645-7651.
FRI. OCT 11 - LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP 1:30 - 2:30 at Sun Towers Retirement Community, 101 Trinity Lakes Dr. SCC. Low Vision Support Group provides information and resources to the members of the low vision and blind community. Questions? Contact Michelle Mason 813-492-8920 or “mmason@seniorsinservice.org”.
THU. OCT 17 - FREE BALANCE SCREENING: REDUCE YOUR RISK OF FALLS 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon – Sun Towers Outpatient Therapy Dept, 101 Trinity Lakes Dr. SCC. Did you know one in
four adults aged 65 and older falls each year? Are you at risk? Our therapists at Sun Towers Retirement Community are on a quest to reduce the risk of falls before they happen. Have your fall risk screened at no cost to you! Call to schedule today! 813331-3035.
MON. OCT 21 - PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. at Sun Towers Retirement Community, 101 Trinity Lakes Dr. SCC. This month, we are excited to have Jill Mask. Jill is a fitness professional who’s been heavily involved in Parkinson’s Support groups and specialized Parkinson’s programs for the past
10 years. If you have Parkinson’s, or are caring for someone with this disease, be sure to attend this joint support group! Questions? Call Debbie Caneen 813-8922990.
SAT. OCT 26 - MEMPHIS RUB BAND AT THE FIREHOUSE 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. Firehouse Cultural Center, 101 1st Ave NE, Ruskin FL. Back at the Firehouse, the Memphis Rub Band is a 4-piece band from Florida’s Suncoast area. They perform a blend of blues and rock with a bit of R&B and funk mixed in. Come out and see The Memphis Rub Band, a dynamic group, Call for ticket info: 813-645-7651.
Camp Bayou Fall Events
By Dolly Cummings, Director Camp Bayou
Fright Fest will be held on Saturday, October 5, starting with some spooky crafts and activity tables at 4 p.m. First walks will start at 6 p.m. for the young ones, learning about our native nocturnal wildlife. The 7 p.m. and later walks will be stories about past misadventures at Camp Bayou and the spirits who can’t rest. Then join us by the campfire for s’mores! Registration required. Email Dolly at “campbayou@ gmail.com”. Pay just $5 when you check in.
Camp Bayou continues to offer day paddle trips on the first and third Saturdays each month at 9 a.m. The tour is $25 if you need to use one of our canoes or kayaks and $5 if you bring your own. Registration required call 813641-8545.
For those who are interested in helping with registered groups, Camp Bayou is looking for enthusiastic volunteers who love the outdoors and want to pass along that passion to others through hands-on activities, walks and canoe tours, as well as help with maintenance and exhibits. Contact Becki at 813641-8545 or fill out the form at “campbayou.org”. We are
mainly looking for folks to help teach school groups K-6 but there are other opportunities as well.
Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center is neither a campground nor a summer camp. It was an RV park before the county’s ELAP program purchased the land but it is now open for day use only, open to the general public. Through volunteers, donations, supporters and grants, the managing non-profit- B.O.L.D.offers pre-registered programs to schools, youth groups, adult groups and families. The Center is open from Thursday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for passive recreational pursuits such as wildlife watching, nature photography and trail walks. General admission is still free.
The Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center is a publicprivate partnership between Bayou Outdoor Learning and Discovery, Inc. (B.O.L.D.), and Hillsborough County Conservation & Environmental Lands Management. Camp Bayou is located three miles south of SR-674 at the end of 24th St SE in Ruskin. Info: “campbayou. org” or call 813-641-8545.
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.
Live Music: Sunday Drive Returns
Friday October 25, at 7 p.m.
UMC of SCC, 1971 Haverford Ave.
“Breaking Boundaries” tour. Country, gospel, vocal harmonies with a fresh and unique style. Sunday Drive strives to be a light to the world and to share the good news of their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Tickets: $15 in advance, $20 at the door and are available at the Pages of Life Book Store Sun 9:30-12:30 and M-Th 10-2, in the Church office M-Th 8:30-4 and online at www. sccumc.com/events. Info: Larry Hirchak, 646-831-4008.
Billy “Elvis” Lindsey Back By Popular Demand
Friday, October 11, at 7 p.m.
UMC of SCC, 1971 Haverford Ave.
Country Gospel Artist Chris Golden
Friday, October 4, at 7 p.m.
UMC of SCC, 1971 Haverford Ave.
Chris Golden is a singer, multi-instrumentalist, producer, traveler, and father. He has deep roots from his tenure on tour with Alabama, Restless Heart, and the Oak Ridge Boys, but his heart for serving the Lord has led him to where he is today.
Daughter Elizabeth Golden, an exceptional artist in her own right, will be performing with her dad. Elizabeth is also an extremely talented fiddle player with a beautiful voice and a Grand Ole Opry favorite!
Tickets are $15 advance, $20 at the door and are available at the Pages of Life Book Store and online at “sccumc.com/events.” Info: Larry Hirchak, Concert Series Coordinator, at 646-831-4008.
PERFORMINGARTS DANCING
Billy “Elvis” Lindsey back with a concert to benefit the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. Lindsey has been giving “Elvis” tribute concerts for years and is the winner of numerous awards for his “ELVIS” act. He is the past winner of “The ELVIS Extravaganza” Contest at the Florida State Fair, Best Look-A-Like, and Fan Favorite. Tickets: available up to the day of the concert for $15 at the United Methodist Church of Sun City Center office and the Pages of Life Bookstore. Tickets at the door the night of the concert will be $20 and are subject to availability. Tickets are also available online at “sccumc.com”.
8. The Atrium Kiosk will open for ticket sales starting October 7, the Atrium is open Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays from 10 a.m. to noon. Ticket sales will begin for CA Members October 7, Kings Point members October 14. Individual tickets CA Members October 21, KP Members October 28. Please remember to bring your CA or KP Badge. On November 4 we will open ticket sales to the general public. Only cash or check is accepted. The Atrium Kiosk is located at 945 N. Course Lane, Sun City Center. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact Judy Cesarski, Activities Director at “activities@suncitycenter.org” or 813-642-2001.
Kings Point Dance Club
Wednesday, October 9, doors open 6:30 p.m.
Kings Point Veterans Theater
1900 Clubhouse Drive
Dancing from 7 to 9 p.m. Ballroom music by: DJ’s Mike and Peg. Singles and guests are welcome. Dress code, dressy casual, no shorts. BYOB. Members free, guests $5. Info: Eileen 813-296-4038.
Let’s Dance Ballroom Dance Club
Saturday, October 5, from 7 to 9 p.m.
SCC Community Hall, 1910 S. Pebble Beach
Dance to your favorites; country two step, a line dance or two, bachata, west coast swing, night club two step, swing, cha-cha, waltz. with Mike and Peg Johnston as your DJs. Dress is casual attire, no shorts! BYOB and snacks. Water and ice will be served. Bring your friends, or come and make new friends. Members are free, guests are $6, but you must be a SCC Card Holder (please show your card). Also, King’s Point residents with a $30 Dance Card are welcome. There will not be guest passes available for sale at the dance. Info: Tom Hart 810-923-8446.
Celebrate Fall Dance
October 12, dance and a lesson!
Come celebrate the return of cooler weather with a dance put on by the Sun City Center Dance Club on Saturday, October 12, at the SCC Community Hall from 7-9 p.m. A free dance lesson by Cindy and Wayne of the Swing and Country Dance Club will be given from 6:30-7 prior to the dance. DJ “The Wayne Train” will be playing all kinds of dance music. Dance the foxtrot, waltz, cha-cha, rumba, west and east coast swing, nightclub 2 step, country 2 step, hustle and a line dance or 2, plus more.
SCC Dance Club members are free, nonmembers pay $6. Event open to SCC Community Association residents, Freedom Plaza, Aston Gardens and Kings Point residents with SCC club use card. House guests of SCC residents should have a CA daily activity pass for the date of the dance. BYOB. Singles are always welcome! Wear your new fall season outfit--casual, but no shorts. For any questions, please call Sue Hicks at 813-633-6682.
Kings Point Italian Club
Columbus Day Party
Tuesday, October 15, doors open at 4:30 p.m.
KP North Clubhouse, Veterans Theater
You do not need to be Italian to join or attend our parties. Dinner served at 5 p.m. Food provided by Banquet Masters will be a buffet menu: bourbon glazed salmon, chicken parmesan manicotti with marinara sauce, vegetarian extra marinara sauce on the side, salad bar, rolls, desserts. We supply coffee, tea, and soda. BYOB. For your dancing pleasure: LB & Cloe. Members $30 per person, guests $35 per person. Please make checks payable to the Italian Club. Tickets on sale October 8 from 9 to noon, October 9 from 9 to 11 in the North Clubhouse lobby. Tickets can only be purchased on the above dates. Info: Jack Meyer “ccmeyer16@yahoo.com” or visit “kpitalianclub.com”.
Dance continued on page 9.
Senior Social Dance
October 17, from 6:30-9 p.m.
St. John Divine Episcopal Church, 1015 Del Webb East. These dances are always open to everyone & admission is $6 per person payable at the door. Come and enjoy music of the 50s and 60s with all types of dances featuring entertainer Thor Stevens and his keyboard and sax. Dressy/casual attire, no shorts or jeans please. BYOB, ice, set-ups and snacks/munchies, nothing furnished. For more info call or text Judy Furman, (813) 606-1233 or email “judyannfurman@gmail.com”.
Do You Wanna Dance Club
Friday, October 18, from 7 to 10 p.m.
SCC Community Hall, 1910 S. Pebble Beach
Come celebrate Halloween early with Tony Knight & Friends. Costumes highly recommended; not required. Prizes for best and most unusual costume. Tickets on sale at the Atrium Kiosk from 10 to noon, Monday, Wednesday, Friday, October 14,16, 18, and at the door on October 18. Tickets $5 members and $10 nonmembers. BYOB. Please bring non-perishable food items for Our Ladies Pantry. For more information email “jfkfunnsun@yahoo.com”, “bgocek1@ gmail.com”.
New York Club Halloween Party
Monday, October 7, at 5 p.m.•Kings Point Veterans Theater
Costume party. Dinner dance. Music by Gene Cannon. Food by Banquet Masters, which includes full salad bar and full dessert bar, three entrees (bourbon salmon, lasagna with meat sauce, and beef bourguignon), veggies du jour, coffee and iced tea. BYOB. Members only $25 and guests $28.50. Info: Frank Gatto at 813-633-8942.
Come Dance With Us
October 20, doors open at 6 p.m.
KP North Clubhouse, Veterans Theater Performers :LB & Chloe. Dancing from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Cost is $5. BYOB. Water and ice provided. Info: Ken 513-582-8449 or Rosemary 513-258-8238.
Oktoberfest Dinner Dance
German American Club of SCC
Thursday, October 10, doors open at 4:30 p.m. SCC Community Hall
New Year’s Dinner & Dance
December 31, from 5 to 10 p.m.
Ruskin Elks, 1630 S. US HWY 41, Ruskin, FL RSVP required. Menu: pot roast, garlic-herbed chicken, or swai baked fish. Sides: roasted red potatoes, carrots, green beans, salad, dinner roll, and assorted desserts, coffee and tea. Cash bar. Music by LB & Chloe. Tickets, advance only, reservations required: $35. Info: Ken 513-582-8449 or Rosemary 513-258-8238.
Social Ballroom and Latin Dance Lessons
October 7, 14, 21, 28
4 p.m. Intermediate/Advanced Tango
5 p.m. Intermediate Bolero
6 p.m. Intermediate 1 Bronze Waltz
7 p.m. Beginning Cha-Cha
St. John the Divine Episcopal Church, Parish Hall, 1015 East Del Webb Blvd. Sun City Center.
Contact: Bernice DuBro (dancewithbernice@gmail.com). Home: 813-634-3205. Cell: 813-482-6784. Cost: $30 person for a four-week month or $8 per lesson. All are invited to attend.
The entertainment will be provided by the inimitable Martin Gross and the Sonnenschein Express. The event will be catered by community favorites Banquet Masters. Tickets for members $30, with a cost of $40 for non-members. For current non-members who wish to join up, there is a special member’s price discount. Contact either President John Pryor at 860 402-2078, or one of the members listed below for further information. Checks made payable to the German American Club of SCC should be mailed to or dropped off at one of the following addresses: Robert Stubing, 1214 Peridot Lane, 973 670-2317; Lenny Crooks, 2425 Emerald Lake Drive, 813 493-1644; Wolfgang Kesselring, 2042 Grantham Greens Drive, 860 307-3342
Military News
Attention all Military Veterans
The next meeting of the American Legion Post 246 will be held on Friday, October 25, at 9:30 a.m. in Room 3, CA Community Hall,1910 South Pebble Beach Blvd., SCC. The program will include discussions on next year’s budget and how to expand our Post activities to better support our community veterans. Coffee and donuts will be available at 9 a.m. All veterans and spouses are welcome. For information call Paul Wheat at 813-391-7309 or email at “pawheatjr@aol.com”.
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Lucky Winner Hoping to Win Luxury Cruise Prize
By Gwen Brown
It was a lucky evening for Carol Wager of Ruskin when she recently attended a Pelican Players presentation of “Jack of Diamonds”. Not only did she have fun laughing at the antics of the characters on stage, but at intermission she learned that she had won this beautiful artwork given as a door prize by the Sun City Center Security Patrol.
Carol is taking this win as a lucky sign of her winning the raffle prize of a luxury cruise for two. Security Patrol is using this as their main fundraiser for this year and Carol is picturing herself with 8 days and 7 nights sailing the Caribbean and visiting the
Veranda Stateroom, exclusive dining in the upscale Blu restaurant, use of the thermal spa, beverage package, basic wi-fi package, and tips and gratuities. Security Patrol has even arranged for transportation to and from the port. Want to spend a little in the gift shop? There is $250 onboard spending credit included as well!
tropical destinations or relaxing aboard Celebrity Cruise Line’s
The prize offers a long list of amenities including AquaClass
If you share this dream, there is still time to get a chance (or several chances) at winning this fabulous vacation prize. Watch for the Cruise Raffle Ticket Crew at some local events including “Hi, Neighbor!” in early November.
There will also be tickets available for purchase when
Security Patrol supports the Walk to End Alzheimer’s Disease at the Sun City Center United Methodist Church on October 19. There are four dates to purchase at the Kiosk in the Atrium: October 7 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., October 18 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., October 30 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and November 9 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. And there are tickets available weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Security Patrol office at 1225 N Pebble Beach Blvd in Sun City Center. Ticket prices are $5 for each single ticket or can be purchased in bundles of 5 for $20, 15 for $50, 35 for $100, and 100 for $250. Cash or checks are accepted.
Alzheimer’s Charity Event Features SCC Golden Men’s Review
By Renee Bray
Mark your calendars for a great night of comedy and fun! A community-wide, BYOB charity event called “A Walk Down Memory Lane”, featuring two shows, will be held January 3 at the SCC Community Hall and January 4 at King Point (KP) Veterans Theatre. The event is being presented by the SCC Pickleball Club and Care Access, with music provided by Spirit Entertainment. The night opens with comedian Gid Pool, followed by an allnew 25-minute high-energy performance by the SCC Golden Men’s Review that will take you through four decades of music. The Review, formerly known as the SCC Men’s Golden Chip’nDales, performed a five-minute performance last year for Breast Cancer
Research at Moffitt which sold out in 40 minutes. Because of the popularity of this performance, they have expanded the show to include two performances, numerous acts, professional props and a multitude of costume changes. The public is invited to attend.
Other activities planned for the evening include a 50/50 chance
drawing, a ‘purple” best dressed costume prize and Honor a Loved One program. The event at Community Hall will also feature a gift basket raffle and CC’s Grill Sweet Bar. 100% of all monies raised will be donated to the local Alzheimer Assn. office in Clearwater, and earmarked for Alzheimer research.
Tickets will be available as follows:
Corporate Sponsor tables will be available October 1-31. These sponsors will get a full table of tickets (10 for SCC or 8 for KP), first choice of tables and promotion in the event program. The cost is $500.
Full Table purchases will be available November 1-30 for a price of $400. This early sales option provides you with a better choice of table selection. It also ensures you obtain tickets
together if you wish to attend as a group. These tickets will be available at the KP box office and at the SCC Club Kiosk, see details below.
Individual ticket sales start December 2 and are available until tickets are sold out. This includes tickets for bleacher seats or remaining available table seats at KP or at remaining table seats at SCC. The cost is $30 and the tickets will be sold at respective Box Office and Club Kiosk locations.
Other than Corporate Sponsors, tickets to the KP event will only be sold at the KP Main Clubhouse Box Office, which is open 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday – Friday. Tickets to the SCC event will be available only at the SCC Atrium Club Kiosk on N. Course
Charity continued on page 11.
Greg Eisman, Ron Clark, Jay Bowman, Tim Broad, Jeff Marshall, Glenn Hanson, Bob Quattrucci, Stan Serbin, and Mike Barkman. Not pictured: Eddie Jacobs, Jeff Merry & Mike Bardell.
Tombstone
By Kai Rambow
Bang! The first shot took everyone by surprise. We were expecting it, yet the gunfight at the OK corral still surprises us. It’s a little bit extra but worth the drive. Plan on reservations when you go. There are some fascinating spots.
There is plenty to do. One just has to choose wisely. For example, one can visit five gun recreations or one can visit one. Which one am I talking about? The one with the mannequins, at the OK corral.
If you choose correctly, one is all you need. Ask around. The one held near the site seems to have decent seating and a reenactment giving a decent explanation. At the corral, you realize just how small the space was.
After the Fight
After the fight, is there anything to see? There certainly is! A horse drawn carriage, the newspaper that carried the news, an original bordello are just some of the places to see. Again, the tourist office can help you see everything. The stores carry a mix of local history and then some.
The Boot Hill Cemetery
Perhaps no visit is complete without a trip to Boot Hill Cemetery. Here you’ll find graves and just that. Fortunately, it is early hours so you need not feel time’s a wastin’.
You will find, “No Les. No More.” He’s amongst those missing and will not be making any mysteries are the highlights.
The Other Stuff
The other stuff is whatever captures your attention. I opted for the journalistic background as well as the bordello.
Once a month, a journalistic attempt is still being put out. Of course, people are sent by themselves. Here at least they get to see how and where the news got out.
In the bordello, one can be
Charity continued from page 10. Drive Mon-Wed-Fri 10 to Noon. You are welcome to purchase tickets to either event, regardless of where you live. Both locations will be closed Thanksgiving Day, Black Friday, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, New Years Eve and New Years Day. This is sure to be the event of the year; you will not want to miss it. People are still talking about our local dancers, many of whom are dignitaries in the
overwhelmed by the building. Part of it is the size. No AC. In the darkest corners, one can only imagine the conversations that took place. It must have been pointed somewhere else that many women at that time didn’t have a lot of options. This way a whole lot of our history. Not pleasant to think about but essential. Be sure to look for a more recent history. Interesting to note that Wyatt Earp passed away in 1929. Imagine the changes he witnessed. Stories that made up the old west but were not told. These and other stories await.
Tips for a Great Trip
Driving: It’s a pretty easy drive there, it just takes time. Parking: There is plenty of parking across the main street. Where to Stay: A wide selection is available. A few give you options you wouldn’t normally have. Make reservations well in advance.
When to Go: Your best bet is morning, early in the day. The best time is before any of the shows start.
Tombstone Tombstone, AZ www.tombstoneweb.com
SCC and KP communities. Alzheimer disease affects so many in our community. This is your opportunity to make a difference.
For general questions, please contact Renee Bray at 585 3151740. To become a Corporatelevel sponsor, call Jane Keegan at (813) 380-4788. To honor your loved one or caregiver at this event, please call Carol Barton at (412) 999-4880.
TRAVEL
A horse drawn carriage is all the rage.
A real representation of the “men” almost exactly as they were.
“Les is More” is in full play.
literacy and access to books. A visit to the site will be a bridge builder for you.
Let’s take a virtual walk through our community and get familiar with several of our own Little Free Libraries and their librarians. Lou Anne Rossdeutscher has been involved in the Little Free Library of Nottingham Villas of 70 homes from the beginning. The HOA was offered $5,000 in the form of a neighborhood improvement grant from Hillsborough County and the Master HO gave them the land. The library has a lovely pavilion that sets it apart from many other Little Libraries. There is an area for magazines and a string of lights that go on at night. Several social activities occur around the Pavilion. Lots of community love and appreciation for this Little Free Library. Lou Anne shared with me that her children often gift her books for her enjoyment and to share with others! A great family tradition.
Sandy Alves and her husband Jorge worked with the Sawdust Engineers to shape out their Little Free Library - 912 Desert Hills Drive, identified as Unit 1 Library, a special spot for a lovely yellow and white library box – with real flowers growing under it. The community is one of our largest HOA’s with 406 homes! The community size lends itself to a wide range of library users! Sandy found one of her best personal books through her Free Little Library work – a near original condition of the Red Recipe Book – Betty Crocker
recipes!
Anne Fenimore’s Little Free Library can be found at 1207 Fordham Drive. Many Little Free Library owners accept any book that is in good condition, but some libraries have groups of reading they don’t care for such as self-help or religion. I asked Anne if the librarians often receive inappropriate material. She said yes, but rarely. She doesn’t judge, but she does put boundaries on what is acceptable. Anne had 10 boxes of books given to her that started her on her own Little Free Library. She now keeps extras in her garage so she can always replenish her library. Ann shares that “she removes books that don’t move… making room for new options.
Pam and Dave Simmons care for their Little Free Library at 1320 SW Danbury as a team - the roof on their Little Library looks a bit like the roof on their house so there is a lovely connect point to their two “homes.” Linda Cieszykowski, who moved here from Milwaukee and works at the official SCC Library, shares that her husband made her little library for her. Linda says, “I love him for his thoughtfulness, and I love my Free Little Library.” They have received an estimate for another Little Free Library but for now, they are going to stay with what they have. After all, the real purpose is sharing the books with others.
The Sawdust Engineers, here in SCC can help you with building a Little Library. They are open every day with a $15 annual
membership fee. Contact 813642-2038. Little Free Libraries run the gamut in cost – a custom made library can be several hundred dollars and some at a most basic, but meaningful in purpose, can cost as little as $25. Some HOAs and POAs require prior approval, so if this is hot on your to do list, check in before you take next steps.
In my research, I learned of the Little Free Libraries in the Navajo Nation – making a cultural impact. These amazing architectural gems are throughout the United States! In 2022, a program was developed within the Indigenous Library Program to grant little libraries to improve access to books where Indigenous people are located in the United States and Canada. The Little Free Library organization has worked to place book exchanges in locations where book access is important to improving literacy. Through this program, the Little Free Library aims to strengthen community, inspire readers, expand easy book access, support positive literacy outcomes, and make Little Free Libraries available in high-need locations serving Indigenous Peoples.
The fascination with Little Free Library design is growing – consider the repurpose of an aging, dying oak tree in the city of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, known to many as a sleepy lakefront resort town, a woman named Sharalee Armitage Howard has turned a dying 110-year-old black cottonwood tree into a
magical library.
Want to delve into this more in-depth? Go to Types of Library (Academic, Public, National & Special Library) - Library & Information Science Education Network (lisedunetwork.com) for a walk into the land of Free Little Libraries and learning. “A wonderful way to get “cool” on a fascinating topic.” And a great afternoon breakout session for grandkids, nieces, and nephews.
And while you are at it, take a walk, car ride, or bike ride to one of our community libraries and say hello to those who built and maintain the libraries. This is an amazing, caring, creative, inspiring group of citizens!
Entrance to Nottingham in Kings Point.
LaJolla between N. Pebble Bch Blvd. and Valley Forge.
Near SW corner of Torrey Pines at Desert Hills.
Riviera between Augusta and Desert Hills.
SW corner of Danbury at Del Webb W.
Library continued from page 1.
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By Paula Lickfeldt
By Andrea L.T. Peterson
Truly Great American Heroes
There is so much of our history as a nation--as a society--we simply do not know. For example, who among us knew that tens of thousands of “Asian-Americans” were drafted or chose to enlist in one branch or another of the United States Armed Services to fight in World War II for the Allies. These Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Filipino, and Pacific Islanders, many of whom faced discrimination, forced relocation and/or incarceration in concentration-style camps, chose to fight against the nations of their heritage to show and in some cases (as you will see) to prove their loyalty to the United States first.
As we approach another Veterans’ Day, there are some virtually unknown men and women, who risked and sacrificed their lives to keep Hitler and fascism from swallowing Europe whole.
I have chosen two very interesting characters for this exploration: Nisei (second generation Japanese) and Nebraska native Ben Kuroki and Chinese-American and native of Oregon, Hazel Ying Lee—both flyers for the Stars and Stripes. Kuroki flew nearly 60 combat missions over Europe, North Africa, and Japan during the second world war. He was the only American of Japanese descent in the United States Army Air Forces to serve in combat operations in the war’s Pacific theater.
Kuroki’s story comes to us from journalist and teacher Gregg Jones. His interest in Kuroki’s story, Jones told me, “is deeply rooted in my childhood and our family saga. My mother’s brother, L.H. White, was a radio operator when, on October 1, 1943, his crew disappeared. He was listed as MIA (Missing in Action) for seven years.”
Jones explained how after a year as MIA, their status
is changed to KIA (Killed in Action). So, he told me, “from 1944 to 1950 his status was KIA. In 1950,” Jones added, “telegrams showed up” inviting the families of Jones’s uncle and his crew to what amounted to a group burial of their remains [of the 8-man crew] in St. Louis, MO, at Jefferson Barracks.
There, the families began to get some answers to the questions haunting them: “Just what happened to that craft and its crew?” It seems, prior to this gathering in Missouri, none of the families knew that there had been a survivor of the suspected crash. ‘
According to this survivor, when their plane was hit and it began its spiral toward the ground, he (the survivor) “bailed and assumed it had crashed.” What this survivor didn’t know was that the plane got very close to the ground, and was seen by a young Austrian boy who saw the pilot regain control of the craft and try to land it— then it simply clipped a tree and crashed into perhaps the less visible low mountain hillside. The boy, 50 or 60 years later, said “It crashed hard and blew up!”
Fast forward to the 1960s. Jones’s grandmother had a
book about the raid over Romania to “take out Hitler’s oil fields” that sent his uncle’s plane plummeting to the ground. The book “had 60 pages of photos. Among the photos and airmen listed as having flown in this raid was Ben Kuroki. “I got deeper and
deeper into Ben’s story as I got deeper into my uncle’s story. The journalist in me tried to find out more.
“Ben’s story was this parallel story in my life. In December of 2021, I started thinking of it as a book.” The more Jones researched, the more Kuroki’s name would come up. “This huge public figure in WWII, Kuroki, had become a very private man.”
The Sun City Center Shuffleboard Club is returning to its winter hours on October 7. Club play will be Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday at 12:45, with sign-in at 12:30.
The club encourages all CA members to join and play this fun and entertaining game. Free lessons are given every Friday at 12:30, beginning on October 11.
In addition to providing fun and social activity during regular play, the club has special competitive events, social activities such as dances, and club tournaments. A reduced membership fee of $10 will insure your membership until the end of the year. Come give the club a try, meet new friends, and enjoy an active pursuit in the cooler weather as it comes.
Senior Basketball is Back
By Bob Monahan
After a long summer layoff basketball players aged 50 plus are welcome to dust off their sneakers and join a group of seniors at the Ruskin Recreation Center. The Center is a Hillsborough county facility located at 901 SE 6th St., Ruskin, just off 674, three miles west of Sun City Center. All county residents are welcome to play on Mondays and Fridays from 9:15 to 11:30. The county charges $10.75. You pick the months you want to play and only pay for those months. The fee includes use of the facility for all the functions such as pickleball, volleyball and the fitness center.
Seniors play half court pickup games in a modern air conditioned building with hardwood floors that can accommodate two games at the same time. New and rusty players play on one court and if they want they can play with the younger and or experienced players.
You can sign up to play by registering with Joy Robinson, Director at “RobinsonJ@HCSLgov.net” or call 813-672-7881 or just show up to register in person and then play. No one is turned away and most seniors aged 50-80 will slowly get into shape. For more details go to “SouthshoreBasketball.com” or call Bob Monahan at 401-527-1718.
Table Tennis Tournament
Three Ways To Vote
Vote By Mail ballots must be requested by October 24 and be in one of our
no later than 7 PM Election Day.
Vote in person at any of 27 different locations in Hillsborough County, open October 21 - November 3, 7 AM - 7 PM, including weekends.
Visit VoteHillsborough.gov/EarlyVoting for locations and wait times.
By Mike Lee
The Sun City Center Table Tennis Club held its first summertime tournament recently. Bob Mechlenburg took home the winning medal after finishing first. The first runner-up was Lauren Ning and the second runner-up was Jeff Williams. The tournament was followed up by a luncheon for the members.
The club has open play on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8 to noon, on Tuesdays from 6 to 8 p.m., and on Saturdays from 10 to noon. Play takes place in Room 5 in
the Community Hall on South Pebble Beach. Come join the fun. All levels of players are welcome, and experienced players will help mentor new players.
Blessing Of The Animals
Saturday Oct 5
United Methodist Church of Sun City Center
The church extends a special invitation to the community who may not usually attend the United Methodist Church of Sun City Center. Dogs, cats, birds, bunnies, ponies, chickens, and all creatures great and small are welcome.
Again, this year, our church photographer, Patricia Jones, will be present offering to take free photos of animal friends, starting at 8:30 a.m. The service will begin at 9 a.m. and includes prayers for healing humanity’s relationship with the earth, and for all the creatures who share the earth with us people.
All are invited to attend, with or without their animal companions. Stuffed animals are also welcome to be blessed, as are photographs of pets who would not find attending the event a blessed experience. Animals should remain leashed or kenneled.
For additional information about this and other events at the, please contact Victoria Sorensen, Director of Ministry, at 813-6342539. To learn more about the United Methodist Church of Sun City Center, please visit our website at “sccumc.com”.
St. Andrew Pizza and a Movie
Thursday, October 17, at 5 p.m.
St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 1239 Del Webb W.
All you can eat pizza with soft drinks and homemade desserts; $8 gets you all this and a great movie. For tickets and more information come to the church office Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 813-634-1252.
Hearing
Loss and the Aging Brain
Thursday, October 24, at 10:30 a.m.
Redeemer Lutheran, 701 Valley Forge Blvd.
Are you aware that hearing loss can affect the brain? To learn more about hearing loss and the relationship between aging in general and various aging diseases like dementia to hearing, come to a presentation. The presenter will be Dr. Lisa Tanner, a licensed audiologist and a fellow of the American Academy of Audiology. Dr. Tanner spent many years working in a neuro-otologist practice before opening her private practice, Advanced Diagnostics & Hearing Solutions, in 2009. She previously served on the Florida Board of the Hearing Loss Association. The presentation will be followed by a light lunch. The event is free, but registration is required. To register, call the church office at 813-634-1292 by October 21 and leave your name and phone number.
News of Freedom Plaza
By Peggy Burgess
If variety is the spice of life, then Freedom Plaza’s September entertainments qualify as “zesty”… with a pinch of altruism for seasoning. They began on the final day of August with the inimitable flavor of resident Joe Birnbaum’s humor in another of his plays, this one, “A Sheep in Wolf’s Clothing.” The residents performing on stage had almost as much fun as those in the audience in this amusing fundraiser for the Freedom Plaza Scholarship Fund.
The amusements continued with RAC (Retired Officers Corporation, based at Freedom Plaza) sponsoring the stage show, Mark Ralston. Mark is an extraordinary vocal impressionist who presents both singing and speaking characters, from Rat Pack favorites, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis, Jr. to Shriek and Donkey. This ticketed event was a fundraiser connected with Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
Next, with its “cause” to provide residents with a longanticipated pleasure, the 2nd Annual Glitz & Glamour event was held. Residents were radiant in their glittery garb as they sipped Champagne while enjoying a live swing band
FAITH &service
Great Gatsby Experience
October 12, from 6 to 10 p.m.
St. Andrew Presbyterian Experience the style and attitudes of the Roaring Twenties: the era which brought us the Charleston, tango, and black bottom dance crazes. Enjoy a taste of the popular foods of the Jazz Age featuring a delicious dinner of appetizers, entrees, and dessert. BYOB. Ladies are invited to take inspiration in dress attire from flapper fashion with all its fringe, sequins, feathers, and jewels. Table reservations for this evening of fun, dancing, and music can be made by calling the church office at 813-634-1262. Monday through Thursday from 10 to 1 p.m. Advance reservations only.
concert on stage, the dance floor put to good use. September brought yet another type of program that both entertained and supported a “cause”: this cause being to educate and enrich. It was called “John--Apostle, Author, and Saint,” one episode in a very popular, continuing series titled, The Rest of the Story, exploring the lives and times of people mentioned in the Bible. The script is written and presented by resident Peggy Dionne with husband Don, providing the PowerPoint enhancement. Peggy has been doing presentations of this sort for 20 years.
Members of the planning team
Southshore Women’s Luncheon
“Home Is Where the Heart Is”
Wednesday, October 9, UMC of SCC, doors open at 11 a.m.
All women are invited to a luncheon hosted by the SouthShore Women’s Connection. Enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by Chef Joe and served by the wonderful volunteers at UMC for only $20 (including dessert). As always, we will have fun door prizes for you to take home.
Please join us at the Life Enrichment Center of the Sun City Center United Methodist Church, 1971 Haverford Avenue, Sun City Center, Florida. Program runs from 11:30 to 1:30.
Our feature will be Paula Blanda, The Insurance Lady, sharing homeowners’ insurance facts and tips. Paula will bring games and prizes.
Guest speaker and music: Angela Dittmar, singer/songwriter, ”Songs From a Paper Piano”, Former nightclub singer shares how she found the song worth singing. Reservations and payments are required by Wednesday, October 4. Please call Amy with your reservation at 317-414-9062 or email “SSCWCFlorida@gmail.com”. Send your $20 check payable to Stonecroft Ministries to Nancy Decker, 5203 Admiral Pointe Dr., Apollo Beach, FL 33572. Please let us know if you are a first-time guest so we can have a gift ready for you.
Book continued from page 15.
and crewmates of his uncle and the other battalions from that raid. Jones discovered “their stories were similar: two farm kids with many parallel elements. [His] mother and her siblings left with so many unanswered questions.” But the publishers “felt my uncle’s story wasn’t unique enough.”
Telling Ben’s story was, in many ways, telling his uncle’s story. But Kuroki’s story has a wild card: his Japanese heritage. How would that play out with his All-American crewmates at each stage of his career? He wasn’t trusted, he was called names, he was refused when he practically begged the military to let him fly and to let him fly in the Pacific theater. As he was more accepted, he was given the nickname Most Honorable Son—a title that stuck and is the name of Jones’s book about “a forgotten hero’s fight against fascism and hate during World War II.”
He so desperately wanted to prove his loyalty to the United States that when he had flown the required combat missions over Europe and North Africa, he insisted on flying another five. Then he insisted on flying in the
Pacific theater and was finally sent.
Kuroki was the “poster boy” for Japanese recruitment, but many young Japanese refused to be drafted by the nation that took all they had and held them in internment camps. He ‘enlisted’ as a public speaker in San Francisco and elsewhere, speaking about the draft and serving as a Japanese American.
All those decades ago, Ben told listeners in a California auditorium: “Not only did I go to war to fight the fascist ideas of Germany and Japan, but also to fight against a very few Americans who fail to understand the principles of freedom and equality upon which this country was founded... the war is not over for me,” he went on, “Not for a lot of us Jewish Americans, Italian Americans, Negro Americans, Japanese Americans. While there is still hatred and prejudice, our fight goes on... I went to fight for my country, where freedom isn’t a color, but a way of life, and all men are created equal until they prove otherwise. That’s an old idea we have here in Nebraska!”.
