News of Sun City Center September 2023

The News of Sun City Center

CA SCHEDULE

Pool Party Proves Popular

By Bob Sanchez

With temperatures well into the 90s on August 12, what better way to spend a Sun City Center afternoon than at a pool party? Dozens of Sun City Center residents donned their bathing suits and hats and brought along their noodles to the SCC pool at Cherry Hills Drive. DJ’s Chris and Addie Combs of Spirit Entertainment provided the music. This was the second pool party sponsored by the Community Association this summer.

Board in the Atrium the Friday before and on the CA website www.suncitycenter.org) – under “Residents” – Upcoming Meeting Agendas). They will also be sent via “What’s New in the CA’’ email.

History Society of SCC

Lawn Bowlers Ready For Active Life Game

From the SCC History Society, a most sincere thanks to residents and groups for their generous donations toward the Historic Marker fund. We have succeeded in reaching our goal to cover costs and can move forward with the production. As previously mentioned we are planning on an unveiling of the marker in January 2024 in the area by the entrance to the CA office.

Prior to that we have another exciting presentation and dedication to make. This presentation will take place in the Atrium in early October near the History Society’s dedicated display board. This presentation is for our new Historian Plaque, on which are proudly

listed the names of SCC’s historians who have worked tirelessly over the years to document our history from beginning to current times. Light refreshments will be available after the presentation. Additionally, anyone interested in learning more about how SCC began and has grown over the years can purchase a copy of a book “Sixty Years in Sun City Center” which documents much of it. The book is available in the History Society office which is located in the Information Center.

The History Society office is open most Tuesdays 1:30 to 3 p.m. and Thursdays 9:30-11 a.m. The books cost $25 and there is a copy to look through prior to purchasing. There are also applications for the book available during Information Center hours if that is more convenient. The Atrium display board will be updated as well to honor our past historians.

Catch The NEWS

on the web at www.soco.news

By Mike Lee

The Sun City Center Lawn Bowling Club will be hosting a competition for the Hillsborough County Active Life Games on October 11. The competition is for Hillsborough County residents that are age 50 and up.

“We’re expecting a good number of our members to participate,” according to Ed Mattia, President of the club. “It’s for anybody. You don’t have to be a lawn bowler to participate.” The local club will help new players learn rules and basic strategies.

“One thing this game is so exciting is the ball has a bias, so the ball is going to curve. So, you have to get that part down,” according to Mattia.

Kings Point residents can participate as well. It is expected that there will be participants from all over the county, in addition to Sun City Center residents.

The local organizer of the event is Joel

Deitch. The lawn bowling greens that are in SCC are very high-end greens that require a significant amount of maintenance. The SCC facility is of such high quality that it is hosting a national championship event starting on November 1. “The speed of the balls has to meet the national’s requirement,” Mattia said.

There are several different athletic activities that have competitions in the Active Life games. Anyone interested in participating in the games can access the website at floridaseniorgames.com. An application is on the website, and additional information is available as well.

The Lawn Bowling Club is open to all CA members, as well as KP residents that have a KP Club users badge. Free lessons are available, and new players are allowed to play for 30 days for free before they must join the club. The annual membership cost is $135.

Photo by Ed Mattia

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT FOR SCCCA MEMBERS ONLY

If you want to be sure not to miss any important announcements, sign up for the “What’s New with the CA” news blast via email. Two ways to sign up”. See the Receptionist at the CA office (1009 N. Pebble Beach Blvd.) or send an email to “sccboard@suncitycenter.org”. Include your name, address, CA badge number, email address, and the subject line: “Please add me to CA new blast”.

President’s Report

By Ron Clark, CA President

Members have noticed the flagging in the Central Campus. This is part of the design work for Phase 1 of the Master Plan. A civil survey is being conducted to determine our property boundary lines and the exact location of our facilities. Civil engineering is also being performed to determine the location of infrastructure below grade. Both are needed to design the accurate position of new facilities and to take appropriate action for the below grade infrastructure. The Board will continue to seek member input about the club location plans as well as the design plans for Phase 1.

As a result, the membership vote on the design and construction cost will likely be in January or February. Again, this project will be debt free and paid for by the Capital Fund that is funded by home purchase Capital Fund fees and not by member dues. The Board will hold off on any new Capital Fund expenditures until we know the cost for Phase 1 later this fall. The focus is on designing the facilities that meet the needs of CA members.

The Board is working in a business-like fashion to secure revenue from sources other than membership dues and to lower expenses without reducing membership services. For instance, the Board, with Treasurer Zieg at point, is prudent in investing CA funds in certificates of deposit and money market accounts to increase revenue by approximately $100K over the next 12 months. At the August 9 meeting, the Board voted to change our insurance broker to Brown & Brown.

They previously presented a plan showing how they could lower our premiums while increasing the amount of coverage from AAA carriers who focus on our type of community. In the last two years the total premiums for our six major policies for property and liability insurance went up a staggering 81%. This $157K increase in cost had an approximate $13 incremental impact on members’ dues. The Board took action to lower this insurance cost curve for 2024.

By the time this News issue is distributed, paving should have been completed for Cherry Hills Dr., Valley Forge Blvd., N Pebble Beach Blvd. from 674 to Cherry Hills, and a small portion of S Pebble Beach Blvd. near the Community Hall. The Board will continue to work with the County to repave additional roads in SCC.

We may be in the doldrums of a hot summer, but the Board is working hard on the central campus upgrade and other issues to make SCC an even greater place to live in.

OFFICIAL NOTICE

BUDGET PRESENTATION FOR CA MEMBERS

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2023

FLORIDA ROOM

9:00 AM

ZOOM ID: 849 8643 7918

PASSCODE: 963895

YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO REVIEW AND DISCUSS THE 2024 COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION BUDGET

APPLICATIONS FOR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

are available in the CA office

There are three positions open for 3-year term

January 3, 2024 – January 6, 2027

There is one position open for a two-year term to complete former Director Eric Porr’s term of office.

January 3, 2024 – January 7, 2026

Applications to be returned by 3 p.m. on October 4, 2023

Veterans Photo Shoot For SCCCA Members

The next photo shoot for the Veterans Wall of Honor Project as shown in the Atrium will be held on Saturday, September 16, from 10 to noon in the Photo Lab located in the multipurpose building at the corner of North Course Lane and N. Pebble Beach Blvd. This is available for all Community Association members who served honorably in any branch of the U.S. Military. Please call Carol Donner in the CA office (813-633-3500) to register, along with your CA membership number, by noon on Thursday, September 14 and you will be assigned a specific time.

LRPC September Update

LRPC continues to work on Phases 1A & 1B of the Master Plan. The summer months have been filled with research and communication with the clubs. LRPC surveyed the club presidents to determine the number of active members and the amount of square footage they occupy. They also examined the layout and configuration of the spaces for efficiency of use. This data was passed on to the architects for analysis. We met with club leaders to listen to their concerns, answer questions, and seek input on moving to the new building. We’ve compiled this information and are in the process of developing a suggestion for the Board’s consideration. The clubs that move will be getting a new building and the opportunity to work with the architects on design of their new space. One of the major goals is to give priority to the long-term operation and maintenance costs for the CA. For example, Ceramics, Pottery, and Stained Glass Clubs all use kilns. Placing the kilns in a privately accessible, central location will economize on the cost of power, ventilation, and required service equipment.

In an email to the club presidents, Gary Pate stated, “Not one of the five clubs is losing any space (most are gaining SF) and they are getting a new building with improved power and ventilation and a chance to custom design the interior to meet their needs.

The CA plans to pay for this construction from the Capital Improvement Fund (the fee you pay for

buying a house in SCC). No borrowing of funds. No dramatic increase in maintenance is anticipated - newer, more efficient buildings.”

We also have a contractor working on a site survey which includes sewer, water, power lines, etc. that may impact construction. The site survey results will provide the CA with cost data and a more accurate time estimate. When cost is determined, a proposal with cost information will be presented to the community for a vote.

The Landscaping and Beautification subcommittees have been working very hard to develop a proposal for Phase 2 Design which will include the South Community Hall and the pond area next to the hall South Campus. Virginia Bratt chairs both of these committees and will be presenting a proposal to the Board. Have you noticed the new plantings that have been added in and around the big rocks in front the Community Hall? If not, please take a few minutes to go check them out. They are beautiful and require little to no ongoing maintenance. We are all very grateful to committee members June Fiorelli, Lynda Kolling, Cindi Malin, Christine Rogers, Ernie Zeigler, and Virginia Bratt for donating, planting, and watering the plants. We are so lucky to have volunteers in our community who truly want to make a difference!

We will continue to provide updates as they become available.

SCC Euchre Club

By Paula Lickfeldt

Sun City Center residents who are from the Midwest are probably familiar with the card game Euchre. I am sure that a lot of you have played it. But, did you know that there is a Euchre Club in SCC?

The SCC Euchre Club meets in the Sandpiper Room at the Atrium Building every Friday night. Play begins at 6:30 p.m. and ends at 9:30 p.m. The club has 73 dues paying members, membership is $5 per person per year. The cost to play is $1 each Friday. At the end of the evening, scores are tallied and the top four or five scores split the money that was collected that night. There is also a booby prize for the lowest score, and this reporter has sadly won it a few times.

“Face Quilt” Hanging At SCC Library

By Paula Lickfeldt

Kathy Yeager took a quilting class in North Carolina. In the class she learned how to make a face quilt. The quilt block has three layers, called sandwiching in quilt speak. It is a face but not necessarily yourself, it has a name and a story. When she returned to SCC, she thought it would be fun to teach the class to the Sew’n Sews.

Visit the SCC library to see what the members of the Sew ‘N Sews created. Kathy Yeager made four blocks; “Ms Frizzy Frazzle”, “Sophie”, “Baby Peacock” and “Leila in Hiding”. Margaret Mustin made “M.M.” Jan Ring made “Lolita”.

LuAnn Achermann made “Recycle Rhonda”. Tamera Denton made “Rough and Ready Ralph”.

Barbara Baker made “Lillie May”. Jan Kemmer made “Emmaline”. Carol Zeller made “Darlene the Donut Queen”. Barbara Aldridge made “Patty Pansy”. Theresa Westervelt made “Suzie Sew’n Sew”.

The Sew ‘N Sews are located in the Arts and Crafts Building on Cherry Hills Dr. Visit their workspace and shop to see examples of many different projects that they are involved in. They have items for sale, you can get information about the club and join the fun for only $10 a year.

SCC Volunteers Rock

By Cindi Malin

If you have visited the CA Community Hall on our South Campus, you may have noticed the first steps of our Beautification Committee in action! On a very warm July 14, five women of the committee came together to transform the north portion of the circular drive. Armed with plants (succulents generously donated by friend of the committee Karen Fredricks and plants from their own gardens), moss, dirt, and a good dose of determination, they created another garden area. The large limestone rocks were power washed by CA staff and then prepped for a myriad of plants.

Led by chairperson Virginia Bratt, volunteers spent hours digging new edges and planting around the rocks and in the rocks’ crevices as well as in the trees creating a lush, green space. Committee members June Fiorelli, Lynda Kolling, Christine Rogers, and Cindi Malin all volunteered their time, tools, supplies, and sweat to accomplish this for our CA members.

Ernie Zeigler, one of the three men

on the committee, joined the women, taking turns watering the area daily for the first two weeks as members babied their creation. It’s exciting to see the rocks which are not only flowering, but spider plants are sprouting babies!

The Beautification Committee hopes you enjoy this update and are excited for you to see our future plans.

By John Lampkin

For their tunnel excavation skills, let’s give the mole a big hand. Wait… Mother Nature gave moles a big hand already! Since moles spend nearly all their time underground, one seldom gets a good look at their anatomy. However, an Eastern Mole showed up dead of unknown causes on the SCC Nature Trails during our Earth Day celebration and gave us a rare opportunity to explore how moles can tunnel beneath our toes at a rate of 18 feet per hour.

On the palm’s right side is a swollen growth that looks like a second thumb starting to develop. But an X-ray would show that the bone is not a digit at all, but rather a long extension of a wrist bone. Together with the impressive claws, the result is a paddle-like paw that can move a lot of terra firma in a hurry. It’s all in the wrist. So we can say then that the tunneling mole singlehandedly gives fresh meaning to the

The club has two parties a year. A pizza party that is usually in the spring before the snowbirds leave and a Christmas potluck in which that club provides the meat. The party takes place before the play begins.

Andy Simmons, president

All residents of Sun City Center and Kings Point gold card holders are welcome to join the club. Come to play any Friday night, as a guest. Try it out, it is a good time!

Trail Blazing

term “carpal tunnel syndrome.” Hah. There is a “rule” that mammal species are allowed only a total of ten fingers so despite the mole’s apparent infraction, the rule does hold at a skeletal level. The growth of extra digits does occur in mammals as a genetic aberration and is known as “polydactyly” (sounds like something a parrot would have). As a professional pianist I often wished for an extra pinky or thumb for particularly tricky virtuosic passages, but I quickly realized that it would then be difficult to find gloves that fit. When they do occur in humans, superfluous digits are excised soon after birth. But wow, I’ll bet that a mole would give its right arm an extra thumb or two!

The Nature Trails trailhead is located opposite North Lake on Del Webb West between Vincennes and Seton Hall. John Lampkin leads walks on the first Tuesday of each month at 9 am. Join us as we give a big thumbs up to the wonders of Nature.

CA Board Appoints LRPC Chair

By Bob Sanchez

At the August 9 meeting, the Community Association Board unanimously approved Kim Roush to chair the Long-Range Planning Committee after the resignation of Eric Porr. Roush had been serving as vice chair. On a 5-3 vote, the Board decided to change insurance brokers from McGriff Insurance Services to Brown & Brown Insurance.

Also, the Board unanimously approved Carrie Blaylock’s proposed addition to the policy manual, which goes into effect immediately.

Policy VI. Facilities Section 6.01.A.5.m

No bicycles, scooters or Segways are permitted inside pool areas, on paver decking, in bushes, chained to trees, fencing or handrails or on sidewalks for safety. All bicycles, scooters and Segways are to be placed in bicycle racks provided throughout all campuses.

President Ron Clark said that “the Board continues to work with the Long-Range Planning Committee on reviewing what clubs will need to be relocated or have their facilities improved as part of Phase 1. We will continue to seek member input about the club location plans as well as the design plans for Phase 1. Member input will be critical in developing a plan that will result in member approval at the upcoming vote on construction funding.” He also noted that “this project will be debt-free, and the Board will hold off on any new capital fund expenditures until we know the cost for Phase 1 later this fall. The focus is on designing the facilities that meet the needs of CA

members,” and that the membership vote will likely be in January or February.

The Board is seeking to increase 2023 and 2024 revenue without affecting membership dues, so they are carefully investing funds and certificates of deposit and money market accounts. In addition, they expect Brown & Brown to help find them lower premiums.

In his report, Treasurer Roger Zieg provided the following numbers:

Operations Fund $2,379,839

Capital Fund $5,223,673

Replacement Fund $2,081,190

Renovation Fund $43,446

42 house transfers for July which produced $121,500 for the Capital Fund.

Director Bratt has sought assistance on SCC’s roads from Hillsborough County for the last three years. After making some road improvements in 2022, the county said they had no funding for 2023. But Bratt persisted, and at the August 2 County Commissioners meeting they found some money for SCC. As a result, paving will start for Cherry Hills Dr., Valley Forge Blvd., N. Pebble Beach Blvd. from SR-674 to Cherry Hills, and a small portion of S Pebble Beach Blvd. near the Community Hall.

Bratt said in an email that he is working with Assistant County Administrator Kimberly Byers for the county to repair deteriorating asphalt on Berry Roberts Drive, Deep Lake Drive, Opal Lane, Peridot Lane, Westminster Way, Captiva Court, and Platinum Drive.

In her report, Community Manager Lyn Reitz said that the pickleball courts are getting windscreens. The total number of residents is 11,461 and total membership dues are 11,511.

Committee Chair Virginia Bratt with other volunteers.

photos by Christine Rogers

Ernie Zeigler, one of the three men on the committee.

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.

Lifestyles After 50 Event

September 7, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

SCC Community Hall

Flu Shots

Wednesday, September 20, and Wednesday, October 18

9 to 1 p.m.

Sandpiper Room

Metaphysical Society Presentations

Wednesday, 10 to 11:45 a.m.

Heritage Room, 951 N. Course Lane

Sept. 6 • “The meaning of being a Spiritual Reader & Medium” by Sharon Whitney.

Sept. 13 • “Cell Talk—Deja Vu and You” by Dr. Carolyn Jaffee.

Sept. 20 • “Soul Braid Walk In” by Ken Lloyd.

Sept. 27 • “Pranic Healing” by Diane Miralis.

For more information call Roger at 813-326-3697, program chairman; or Vicky 786-475-5927 club president and Nancy, membership director at 813-541-1945 for membership.

SCC Photo Club

The next photo competition will be held on September 12, at 6:30 p.m., in the Caper Room in the Atrium. This will allow the members who like to compete a chance to show their best pictures and be judged by a certified photo judge. The Photo club welcomes CA and KP residents, who have a KP Club usage badge, to participate in their club, regardless of skill level.

Computer Club Monthly Meeting

Wednesday September 13 at 7 p.m. Florida room

Judy Lee, a director of the South Bay Genealogical Society, will present Beginning Genealogy.

Computer Club Classes

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

Beginners class II • Thursday, September 14, from 10 to noon.

Beginners class III • Thursday, Sep 21, from 10 to noon.

Introduction to Excel • Saturday, Sep 9, from 9 to noon.

LibreOffice • Tuesday, September 19, from 10 to noon.

Scam Awareness • Tuesday, September 5, from 10 to noon.

Smartphone Special Interest Group • Friday, September 8, from 10 to noon.

Tai Chi Club Sun City Center

Tai Chi is a non-aggressive form of martial arts for health and exercise. The 108 movements done in a slow and meditative state build body strength, balance, coordination, stamina, and body awareness. Join us Tuesday and Thursday 3-4 pm in the Atrium Dance Studio. Classes start October 16. Enrollment ends November 14; please wear comfortable clothes and flexible shoes.

Multicultural Heritage Club

Friday, September 8, from 12 to 2 p.m.

Atrium Building, Caper Room

The Multicultural Heritage Club invites everyone to a free seminar entitled “Let’s Talk about Finance.”

Gabriel Mbulo, an experienced Financial Advisor at Edward Jones, will present information about becoming debt free, living well, investing and saving. Gabriel will provide refreshments and drinks.

Please register at multiculturalheritageclub@gmail.com

Artist of the Month

Faye McKeown is a multiple award winning artist who has resided with her husband in Sun City Center since 2008. It wasn’t until moving here and joining several clubs, including stained glass, pottery and art, that she realized her joy in the field of art. Her interests also include various kinds of arts and crafts such as jewelry making and hand painting wine glasses and bottles.

Ultimately, her passion is pastels. McKeown says she thoroughly loves working with her fingers laying colors over colors bringing her subjects to life. She loves doing the detailed work of fur and feathers in her pet portraits, her favorite, for her many clients. Her motivation is witnessing the joy and awe in the owners’ eyes when they see the final beautifully created image. “My goal is for my creations to bring a smile to those who see them,” says McKeown.

Over the last several years Faye has entered her works in the Sun City Center Art Club Show winning multiple first place ribbons and working her way up to the Expert Category. Her works have been displayed in the Art Club Gallery on numerous occasions and have been donated for fundraising events.

Find Faye’s works on display in various locations in Sun City Center including the Art Room window, SCC Library, SCC Information Center as well as the dental office of Jacobs and Thatcher and La Boutique Salon.

Monday Movies Rollins Theater

Second and Forth Monday, 1 p.m.

Movies are normally shown on the second and fourth Monday of each month in the Rollins Theatre at 1pm. Movie attendees must present a current SCCCA ID Badge, a SCCCA Guest Card or a Kings Point Gold Card to attend. Dates and time may be changed if necessary. Theater capacity is limited to 145 attendees per the Hillsborough County Fire Code.

September 11 • 80 FOR BRADY • 1 hour, 38 minutes

Inspired by the true story of four best friends living life to the fullest when they take a wild trip to the 2017 Super Bowl LI to see their hero Tom Brady play.

Starring: Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda, Rita Moreno, Sally Field, Tom Brady

Genre: Comedy, Drama, Sports

Rating: PG13 for some suggestive references, drug content, brief strong language.

September 25 • Living • 1 hour, 42 minutes

Martha Cummings, an active member of the Duplicate Bridge Association of Sun City Center turned 100 years old on July 7, 2023. Martha started playing when she was 12 years old. Later she joined the Vanderbilt Club and was astonished by a new method of play in the club, she said “at that time they were introducing the Strong Two convention, and it was new to me, I played Weak Twos”. She played a lot during World War II, improving her skills during Social Bridge games. In 1980 Martha was introduced to Duplicate Bridge. Her husband, an avid duplicate bridge player, retired in 1981 and Martha in 1985, they partnered until his passing in 2011. Martha moved to Sun City Center, FL in 2014, joined the DBASCC; not having a permanent partner, she registered on the Partnership Desk as a rotational player. In 2015, Martha found her permanent partner in Don Acker. They have been partners ever since.

In 1953, London shattered by WWII is still recovering. Williams (Bill Nighy), a veteran civil servant, is an impotent cog within the city’s bureaucracy as it struggles to rebuild. Buried under paperwork at the office, lonely at home, his life has long felt empty and meaningless. Then a shattering medical diagnosis forces him to take stock - and to try and grasp fulfillment before it goes beyond reach.

Starring: Bill Nighy, Aimee Lou Wood, Alex Sharp, Adrian Rawlins, Hubert Burton

Genre: Drama

Rating: PG13 for some suggestive material, smoking.

SCC Bridge Club Member Martha Cummings 100

Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Chief Dennis Jones Named Florida Career Fire Chief of the Year Transformational

leader honored for more than 40 years of dedication to community, fire service

Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Fire Chief Dennis Jones was named the Florida Career Fire Chief of the Year by the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association at an awards ceremony held at the Naples Grande Beach Resort in Naples, Florida.

Chief Jones has led Hillsborough County Fire Rescue since 2015 and has implemented numerous policies, programs, and initiatives that have transformed and enhanced the department and the more than 1,200 firefighters, paramedics, and staff that serve Hillsborough County.

“I was truly humbled to receive this recognition and am extremely proud to be a member of Hillsborough County Fire Rescue,” Chief Jones said.

Chief Jones is the sixth fire chief in the history of Hillsborough County Fire Rescue. It is the fourth-largest fire department in Florida and has 46 stations, covers over 909 square miles, and answers nearly 140,000 alarms for service each year. Since taking the helm at Hillsborough County Fire Rescue,

Chief Jones has overseen the opening of numerous stations that have been rebuilt, three new stations, and the state-ofthe-art Public Safety Operations Complex (PSOC), which serves as Hillsborough County’s emergency operations center during hurricanes and other emergency declarations.

Hillsborough’s Adaptive Sports Wins

37 Medals at Move United Nationals

Under his tenure, the department has added more than 200 new positions. For the upcoming budget, he has proposed a new master plan that would include an additional two stations a year for the next 10 years, enhancing response times for the protection and safety of Hillsborough County

residents and visitors. These stations feature the latest safety measures, including decontamination systems, modern station-alerting systems designed to prioritize the mental well-being of first responders, and custom-made individualized bunker gear for all of the County’s firefighters. He also developed quick response squad units, which have been implemented to assist in reducing the stresses of increased call volume. Under his command, 12 additional Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulances and a second Heavy Rescue unit have been added, along with a new fireboat, a new rescue boat, two personal watercraft, and an aerial truck.

Chief Jones also oversees Hillsborough County Fire Rescue’s Office of Emergency Management, which is responsible for planning and coordinating actions to prepare, respond, and recover from natural or man-made disasters

Registration Open for Active Life Games

Hillsborough County Adaptive Sports won 37 medals and broke eight national records during the 2023 Move United Nationals tournament.

The tournament, the largest and oldest in the country featuring adaptive sports, was held July 13-19 in Hoover, Alabama. Hundreds of athletes from around the country competed in track and field,

archery, para powerlifting, para triathlon, shooting, swimming, and wheelchair tennis.

In all, Hillsborough County Adaptive Sports won 29 gold, six silver, and two bronze medals.

Emanuel Martinez was given the “Hartford Human Achievement Award’’ for serving as an advocate for the adaptive sports movement and inspiring others. The award carries a $2,500 cash prize.

A signature program of Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation, Adaptive Sports offers year-round sports and recreation programs to promote healthy lifestyles, independence, and personal growth for people with physical disabilities.

Courtesy Hillsborough County

Exercise is great for the body and mind and is particularly important as we age. The Active Life Games, organized by Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation, help promote physical and mental fitness through an Olympics-style competition that attracts hundreds of adults age 50 and older each year.

Registration is open through September 22 for the 2023 Active Life Games, which began in the 1980s and offers a variety of contests for all skill and fitness levels. This year’s Active Life Games will be held Oct. 2-13, with events ranging from track and field to shuffleboard to pickleball to billiards and horseshoes. Individual competitions are held over two weeks at a variety of locations throughout Hillsborough County.

This year’s Active Life Games

includes new games and new venues. For the first time, basketball shoot-out and lawn bowling will be part of the competition. Lawn bowling will be held at the Eberhart building in Sun City Center, and the Active Life Games closing ceremonies will be at the newly constructed New Tampa Performing Arts Center.

Registration continues through Sept. 22. Cost is $25 for one event or $30 for unlimited events. There is an additional $30 charge for those participating in the golf competition, which includes a cart.

In addition to being a lot of fun and a great way to stay in shape, the Games serve as a regional qualifier for the Florida Senior Games.

Registration and a complete schedule of events can be found online, “hillsboroughcounty.org”.

Courtesy Hillsborough County

Hillsborough County Fire Chief Dennis Jones with Award and Staff (Photo credit: Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association).

Chief continued on page 2.

The Editor’s Corner

Thought for Food

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

If you are reading this, we have moved past National Food Bank Day, September 1, on this year’s calendar. For 34 million Americans, including more than nine million kids, turning the page on hunger is not so easy. About one in ten Americans are in the group described as “food insecure.”

“Food insecure” is one of those modern, sanitized terms that abandon useful meaning in a quixotic pursuit of avoiding offense. According to Feeding America, quoting the USDA, “food insecure” is defined as: “A lack of consistent access to enough food for every person in a household to live an active, healthy life.” Put plainly: They do not have enough food, nor the means to change that. This circumstance may be temporary or longer term, and this need exists in every county in the United States.

“Temporary” can also mean “reoccurring.” Some families are dependent on school food programs for breakfast and lunch. When school is out, these children often come home to empty pantries.

Some years back, I had the opportunity to meet some of the good people trying to help those kids. They were volunteers with Feeding America, Feeding Tampa Bay, and Boys & Girls Club. The B&G club volunteers worked with kids in their program to craft handmade bowls for a Feeding Tampa Bay fundraising event called “Empty Bowls.” Each person who came to the event donated the price of a ticket and, in return, received a hot, healthy meal and a bowl to keep. I have one of those handcrafted bowls on the window sill in my kitchen. Every time I see it, I’m reminded how fortunate my family is, and I’m challenged to do what I can to help those who are not.

Many of the kids who made those bowls came to their local Boys & Girls Club because there was nothing and no one for them at home. Mom and dad

Chief continued from page 1.

in Hillsborough County. He was a founding member of Florida Task Force 3, an urban searchand-rescue team of trained firefighters from Hillsborough County, Tampa, and St. Petersburg that respond to and assist major disasters. He has both deployed and directed deployments across the state and nation. Two years ago, he deployed Florida Task Force 3 to Surfside, Florida., to assist after the collapse of the Champlain Towers South condominium building.

were working, sometimes two or three jobs just to keep a roof over their heads. As I talked with them and the volunteers who help them, this became a recurring theme.

Another inescapable truth: Hunger happens for a variety of reasons. Parents in some families were between jobs, dealing with chronic illness, or trying to budget for their own family and take care of infirm parents in the face of mounting medical costs. Some had sick children. The time spent arguing with health insurance companies could constitute a third full-time job. I lost count of how many times I heard “We asked for help because we were tired of having to choose between copays and groceries.”

These families were among the 49 million people who depended on food programs last year. Some only needed a few bags of groceries to get them through a rough patch, others needed help for a bit longer. Most of them would have had nowhere else to turn.

Over my 14 years in this community editing The News, I have had the opportunity to meet and support several incredible volunteers helping fight the tide of hunger in South Hillsborough County. They all offer good, healthy food and some also offer programs that help people through a difficult time and become more selfsufficient.

If you or someone you know would like to volunteer to help hungry folks in our community— or you are in need yourself— please take a moment and reach out to these good people:

Our Lady of Guadalupe Food Pantry

Wimauma, FL - 33598

(813) 741-2000

St. Anne Catholic Church

Ruskin, FL - 33570

(813) 645-1714

Riverview United Methodist Food Pantry

(813) 677-5995

Feeding Tampa Bay

Tampa, FL - 33605

(813) 254-1190

ECHO of Riverview Food Pantry Riverview , FL - 33578

(813) 540-9880

Beth-El Farmworker Ministry Food Pantry

Wimauma, FL - 33598

(813) 633-1548

Many churches, clubs, and groups are also involved in Sun City Center’s Meals on Wheels program. This organization provides hot meals for seniors who are unable to prepare a

The physical and mental health of his firefighters has been paramount in the professional decisions Chief Jones has made. Under his direction, Hillsborough County Fire Rescue created a Health and Safety Chief, a Peer Support Team, resource portals, an enhanced and vetted Employee Assistance Program, and a chaplaincy program. A contracted behavioral health specialist program also is planned for the near future.

Courtesy Hillsborough County

meal for themselves. The GFWC Sun City Center Woman’s Club, Samaritan Services, and South Bay hospital work together to make that happen in our community. These local groups each take turns delivering food:

Beth Israel Jewish Congregation, Daughters of American Revolution, Duplicate Bridge Club, United Methodist Church, Redeemer Lutheran Church, Trinity Baptist, The Men’s Club, The Rotary Club, St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, The Knights of Columbus, St. John the Divine Episcopal Church, and The GFWC Sun City Center Woman’s Club. For more information, reach out to SCC Connects or fill out the form

online: Go to “seniorsinservice. org” and search “Meals on Wheels”.

“No one should go to bed hungry.” That’s a creed the people at Feeding America (feedingamerica.org) and countless others volunteering at food pantries across this community and country work toward every day. From helping fire victims in Hawaii to working with local organizations to help families going through a rough patch much closer to home, they are doing good work. And every single one of them could use help—nonperishable food, willing hands, and monetary donations—to keep fulfilling that promise.

of SCC & South County

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

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

Community Art & Craft Show

Saturday, September 23, from 9 to 1 p.m.

South Hillsborough Elks Lodge #2672

1630 S. US-41, Ruskin Info: 813-645-2089

Free Yoga Class

Saturday, September 23, from 9 to 10 a.m.

SCC Community Hall, 1910 S. Pebble Beach Learn from a certified instructor. Chair options are encouraged and demonstrated throughout.

DAR Meeting

Wednesday, September 20, at 12:30 p.m.

Atrium, Florida Room, at 945 D North Course Lane Speaker Dan Madden, presentation “Bobsled Ride to the Revolution”. Sun City Center and Kings Point residents and anyone interested in joining the DAR are invited. Any questions please contact Kay Adkins, Regent, at mujerdragona@yahool.com.

Cat Lovers Club Arts & Crafts Show

Saturday, September 23, from 9 to 1 p.m. Come shop and enjoy. Something for everyone! Food available as well. Find new treasures and meet new friends! Free event. Info: “info@catloversclub”. Elks Lodge #2672, 1630 US-41S in Ruskin.

South Bay Genealogy Society Meeting

Tuesday, September 19, at 10:30 a.m.

United Methodist Church,1971 Haverford Avenue

Round Table Discussion, followed by a sit-down luncheon at noon, and then the presentation by our Guest Speaker at 1 p.m. Our speaker will be Karen Fortin who will be presenting, “Dead Men Do Tell Tales: Reconstructing Life in a Community Using Death Certificates”. The cost is $18. RSVP to Vicki at 360-608-1647. Make your checks payable to SBGS and mail it to South Bay Genealogy Society, PO Box 5202, Sun City Center, FL 33571. Your check must be received by September 7.

Feline Folks Jewelry Sale Fundraiser

Wednesday, September 13, from 10 to 1 p.m.

Kings Point North Clubhouse Ripple Room

Entry is a donation of a gently used piece of jewelry or $5. The items for sale start at $3. Payment will be accepted by cash, check and credit card. Feline Folks is happy to welcome everyone in the Sun City Center, Ruskin, Wimauma area to this fun event. 100% of the proceeds will help Feline Folks continue feeding, neutering, vaccinating and re-homing our community free roaming cats during these challenging times. www.felinefolks.us.

Cat Lovers Club Meeting

Tuesday, September 19, from 10 to 11 a.m. Trinity Baptist Church, 702 Del Webb Blvd W. The Cat Lovers Club will be hosting Corporal Michael San Juan from Hillsborough County Animal Control on Sun City Center. Corporal San Juan is an Animal Abuse Investigator. He has worked in Animal Control for 19 years. He regularly investigates animal cruelty and neglect cases as well as cases involving the hoarding of animals.

Left Center Right New Club

New club built around the fast and fun dice game Left Center Right. Have quarters burning a hole in your pocket or want something to do on Saturday night? Join us the third Saturday of every month in the East West Social Room at Kings Point. We play from 3 to 5 p.m. This is also a potluck so feel free to bring a dish to share. Questions call Michelle Mason at 813-492-8920 or “mmason@seniorsinservice. org”.

Kindred Spirits Meeting

September 6, at 3:30 p.m.

Come meet other women to enjoy life with and build friendships. In September we are having financial literacy Bingo! Maybe your significant other handled the finances or maybe you don’t know the difference between a Treasury Bond or a Municipal Bond, then this is a fun way to learn. Morgan Stanley will be here talking about all things financial, so you feel confident the next time you talk to your advisor. Info: Michelle Mason at 813-492-8920 or “mmason@seniorsinservice.org”.

Galaxy Bridge Luncheon

September 7, at 11 a.m.

United Methodist Church, 1971 Haverford Avenue

The lunch price is $18. For reservations or cancellations, call Kathie at 410-879-1112 or Annetta at 813-633-3277. This group is open to all women of Sun City Center, Freedom Plaza and Kings Point with a Club usage badge who are interested in bridge.

SCC Men’s Club Learns About SCC Audubon Club

Peter Alutto, Sun City Center Audubon Club member, spoke to the Sun City Center Men’s Club July membership luncheon meeting. Mr. Alutto spoke of the artistic work John J. Audubon created that can be found in the book “Birds of North America”, the founding of the national Audubon Society, and the history and current activities of the Sun City Center Audubon Club.

The SCC Men’s Club is open to residents of Sun City Center and Kings Point. For more information please call Bruce Fraser, Membership VP at 813-419-4013.

Community continued on page 5.

•

•

L to R: Ed Barnes, SCC Men’s Club Program VP; Peter Alutto, SCC Audubon Club; Bob Sullivan, SCC Men’s Club President; Denny Gray, SCC Men’s Club President Elect.

Community continued from page 4.

Men’s Club Provides Lifeline to Samaritan Services

Samaritan Services is delighted that The SCC Men’s Club is providing Lifeline service to our organization. Lifeline is a personal emergency response system that allows someone who is alone to have ready access to first responders who can help them. If someone is alone in our building, the Lifeline pendant will provide security and ‘peace of mind’ that help is just a buttonpress away. Pictured are Bruce Fraser, a trained Lifeline installer, showing Thursday morning receptionist, Marilyn Gargiulo, how to use the Lifeline button. Thank you Sun City Center Men’s Club. We appreciate what you do for our community.

By Peggy Burgess

“It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere”

the words of that Jimmy Buffett song rang out—though it was still before noon—at Freedom Plaza’s 31st Anniversary Party. The celebration, beginning with a gathering in the Atrium, got an early start by Executive Director Angie Rohr’s proposing the traditional Champagne toast at 11:30 a.m. on July 13. Almost immediately Buffett’s musical invitation to “party” signaled the multitude of resident attendees, most wearing some version of beach attire, to begin their celebratory “Beach Blast.”

characters—entirely of damp sand.

SCC Woman’s Club Cools It

On Wednesday afternoon, August 16, members from the GFWC SCC Woman’s Club, participated in an Ice Cream Social at Jack’s Shack where they enjoyed delicious delights, played word games

The invitation was offered by the D.J., Thor, a regular at Freedom Plaza, and he repeated his summons for joyous libation at various times during the daylong event. It was accepted and thoroughly enjoyed, especially by the celebrants making good use of the Atrium’s portable dance floor. Food and beverage stations added flavor and party spirit to the festivities. However, the merry making was not limited to eating, drinking, music, and dancing; it took several other entertaining forms. One of the most unique pleasures was watching a sand sculpture being built indoors! On the tiled area fronting the Atrium’s American Grille sandartist Steve Schomaker of St. Petersburg spent the day creating a “Mount Rushmoretype” replica of cartoon

The second-floor mezzanine, set with small eating tables, offered additional refreshments plus a view of the Atrium activities. It also contained Johnny’s Photo Booth where residents selected from an assortment of beach hats and props to enhance their souvenir photos furnished by photographer/proprietor, Johnny Newbeck. The adjoining card room was constantly alive with on-going games of Beach Blanket Bingo, winners of each game issued chances on the bountiful basket of beachrelated gifts and goodies. A drawing for the prize was held at the magic hour of “5:00 O’Clock Somewhere.”

The Beach Blast Festivities of the Day culminated in an unforgettable stage show by the Landsharks Band with “A Tribute to Jimmy Buffett and the Beach Boys.”

Residents Rosalyn Doty and Dianne Bergman shared a comic photo made at Freedom Plaza’s “Beach Blast” 31st Anniversary Party. (Photo Courtesy Johnny’s Photo)

Seniors and Their Dogs Have an Idyllic Relationship

By Gezil Andrews

Did you know that Sun City Center has a Dog Owner’s Group (D.O.G.) and a dog park on the south part of the community that is open from dawn to dusk all year for members of the D.O.G. club?

Check out “sccdog.org”. The site is informative and delightful. If you and your dog are socially inclined, you can find joy in the fact that there are two dinner socials a year. You can also see the park from SR-674 if you just want to stop by and check in.

All dogs are to be on a leash. Neighbors sit and talk with one another while watching their pets. You can meet new friends and their dogs. Be respectful and follow the rules.

Cruising through the community on my bike is another opportunity to interact with residents and their dog friends. People love to stop and chat and introduce me to their furry pals.

John and Duke are my neighbors, and I am smitten with Duke’s coat. He is quite an elegant guy. Duke is John’s eighth collie and provides great comfort to John. If you didn’t know, collies are herders. John mentioned that if a group of people were in his house or his yard, Duke would likely herd them until all together and

behaving.

Camelia who lives on Camilla Court with her little frisky dog, Callie. Camelia is always a picture-perfect style in her wardrobe whenever I take the circle on her court. She knows all the neighbors and they know her. Camelia has become a friend over my two years of bike riding.

I stopped on the way home to say hello to Cindy Sheehan, a neighbor, and her daughter, Julie Desautelf. Sylvia, another neighbor, was walking a friend’s dog, Buffy, when I stopped to take the picture.

And, what about JD (Just Dog). Aka John DeLorean, who sallied his way up to me. JD proudly belongs to Stephen Perrewe. JD was delivered to Stephen by a young woman, Mercedes, who took a plane ride with JD from Michigan to guarantee his safe delivery. Mercedes was one of four girls, each with a dog on the plane to deliver. JD was bred to be a show dog. It is evident in his proud stance.

Another fine specimen of a dog is Alexander, pet of Sarah Gamoran. Sarah is a retired police officer. Alexander has been fully trained as a service dog. Both he and Sarah are proud of his amazing gifts.

While I didn’t get to spend much time with all the dog owners I photographed. I have an appreciation for all. I briefly chatted with Laura Reuterfors, while walking her dog, Hector, 15 years old. I learned that Hector passed away after we met. He was a good friend and pet. Laura appreciates his mention in this story.

Dawn Wagner-Medine left me with a big smile after photographing her and her Dalmatian Mix, Remi, off Emerald Lake Drive.

Dogs are life-long friends offering companionship and unconditional love. They truly are wonderful… just ask any of these happy owners.

John and Duke

Laura Reuterfors and Hector

Camellia and Callie

Dawn Wagner and Remi Sarah Gamoran and Alexander

Halcomb, D.D.S. General Dentistry

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Sudden onset of a severe headache

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PERFORMINGARTS

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

Halloween Dance Monster Mash Costume Bash

Friday, October 27, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

SCC Community Hall

Tickets $5 in advance, $7 at the door. Available at the ticket kiosk October 16-25, MWF from 10 to 1 p.m.

DANCING

Senior Social Dance Group

Welcome back dances. RSVP Required.

Tuesday, September 5 and 19

5:30 p.m. with dancing from 6-9 p.m.

St. John Divine, 1015 Del Webb Blvd E. Cost $6 at the door. Our entertainer is Thor Stevens and his sax. BYOB, ice, set-ups, and snacks. Info: Judy Furman 813-606-1233 or “judyannfurman@gmail.com”.

Do You Wanna Dance Club

Saturday, September 16, at 6:30 p.m.

SCC Community Hall, 1910 S. Pebble Beach Blvd. “Scarlet Drive” will provide our entertainment with their energetic rock sounds. Tickets MWF Atrium Kiosk, Sept. 11, 13, 15, from 10 to noon. $5 members and $10 nonmembers. Info: “jfkfunnsun@yahoo. com” or “bgocek1@gmail.com”. Tickets also at the door.

Come Dance With Us

September 16 and 30, doors open at 5:30 p.m. Veterans Theater, KP North Clubhouse

Performers: LB and Chloe. Please call to be placed on a list at KP Visitor Entrance: 513-258-8238 (Rosemary). KP visitor fee is $5 to be paid at the entrance of the clubhouse and dance entrance fee $2. BYOB accepted: Water and ice provided. Questions call Ken at 513-582-8449.

SCC Line Dancers

Tuesdays, at 5:15 (beyond beginners) and 6:30 (beginners) at SCC Community Hall. Friday dances at Atrium Building Dance Studio, 2:15 p.m. and 3:15 p.m.

September Dance Schedule

September 4, 11, 18, 25

4 p.m. Intermediate Silver Foxtrot

5 p.m. Intermediate 3 Count Hustle

6 p.m. Intermediate 1 Rumba

7 p.m. Beginning East Coast Swing

St. John the Divine Episcopal Church, Parish Hall, 1015 East Del Webb Blvd. Info: Bernice DuBro “dancewithbernice@gmail.com” or 813-482-6784. Cost: $30 for four-week month or $8 per lesson. All are welcome.

New York Club Halloween Dinner Dance

Monday, October 2, at 5 p.m.

Kings Point Veterans Theater

Music by Southshore Cruiser Band. Food by Banquet Masters. Members $25, guests $28.50. Info: 813-633-8942.

MHC Cultural Unity Dance

Saturday, October 21, doors open at 5:30 p.m. SCC Community Hall, 1910 South Pebble Beach Blvd.

Music will be courtesy of DJ Chris Bouille of Florida LiveSound. Tickets are just $15. On sale at the Atrium MWF, from 10 to noon. BYOB event.

Do You

Wanna

Dance Club

Friday, October 6, from 7 to 10 p.m.

SCC Community Hall, 1910 South Pebble Beach Blvd.

Performer: Sounds of Soul.

Tickets – MWF – 10 to noon. $10 for members. Available for nonmembers September 13 for $20. Info: “jfkfunnsun@yahoo.com” or “bgocek1@gmail.com”.

Billy “Elvis” Lindsey

Friday, September 29, at 7 p.m.

UMC of SCC, 1971 Haverford Avenue

Benefit to fight Alzheimer’s Disease

Lindsey has been giving “Elvis” tribute concerts for years and is the winner of numerous awards for his “ELVIS” act. Tickets are available up to the day of the concert for $10 at the United Methodist Church. Office hours are 8:30-4:00 Monday - Thursday, and on Sunday from 9-noon. Tickets at the door the night of the concert will be $15 and are subject to availability. Tickets are also available online by logging on to the UMCSCC’s website at www. sccumc.com and clicking the Events tab. Info: 646-831-4008 or “ larry@sccumc.com”.

less than two months I wanted to be sure to go over a few important topics regarding ticket sales and just how the shows work with SCCCA. The atrium kiosk is located on N. Course Drive and the Community Association office is at 1009 N. Pebble Beach Blvd. All SERIES tickets will be purchased in person starting Monday, October 23 for CA members. Kings Point members will be able to purchase SERIES tickets on October 30. Please remember to have your CA or KP badge when making purchases and we only accept cash or checks. Individual ticket sales will start for CA and KP members on Monday, November 6. Kiosk is open M-W-F from 10 to noon. The 2023-2024 Season ticket will be $90 for SCCCA and KP members. All seats and tables will be chosen at the time of purchase.

If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact Tiffany Rivers, Activities Director at activities@suncitycenter.org or 813-642-2001.

VYBE - $20

10-Nov. at 7 p.m.

Dance

Fleetwood Gold - $20

19-Nov. at 2:30 p.m.

Tribute to Fleetwood Mac

Celebrate - $20

1-Dec. at 7 p.m.

Dance

Rhythm is Gonna Get You - $20

10-Dec. at 2:30 p.m. Gloria Estefan tribute

Sound Society - $19

12-Jan. at 7 p.m.

Dance

Showcase of Talent - $11

24-Jan. at 2 p.m.

Variety of Talent

Foreigners Journey - $20

21-Jan. at 2:30 p.m.

Tribute to Foreigners & Journey

Rocky & The Rollers - $20

9-Feb. at 7 p.m.

Dance

The Olivia Show - $20

25-Feb. at 2:30 p.m.

Tribute to Olivia Newton

Yesterdayze - $20

8-Mar. at 7 p.m.

Dance

Heart Breaker - $19

24-Mar. at 2:30 p.m.

Tribute Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers

Southwest Florida Rheumatology

of:

SCCCA Entertainment Season Series

Tiffany Rivers

Every Day is National Friendship Day at Freedom Plaza

Freedom Plaza, a senior living community, is celebrating National Friendship Day by highlighting the incredible bond formed within its Coffee Club. Established over six years ago, this club has become a cherished gathering place for residents, fostering support, camaraderie and a sense of purpose.

Every morning, the Coffee Club meets from 7 a.m. to approximately 9:30 a.m. in The American Grille, a cozy bistro at Freedom Plaza. The core group of approximately 8-12 men, known as the “jump starters,” welcomes both regulars and newcomers, creating an atmosphere where everyone is

encouraged to participate.

“The Coffee Club gives many residents the motivation to get out of bed,” said Mike Anderson, a founder of the club and a resident at Freedom Plaza. “It is truly the best way to start the day – with a cup of coffee and great friends. I always leave with a big smile on my face.”

In addition to their daily gatherings, the Coffee Club organizes an annual cruise, with 10% of the proceeds donated to the Freedom Plaza Scholarship Fund. This initiative not only strengthens the bonds and friendships within the group but also contributes to the community’s philanthropic efforts.

Military News

Military Order Supports Local Youth Leadership

From July 12-15, 2023, 41 students from across the Tampa Bay area attended a Youth Leadership Conference in Fruitland Park, FL. We enjoyed students from 15 different high schools in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Charlotte counties. Participating high school juniors and seniors came from Alonso, Bloomingdale, Brandon, Charlotte, Durant, East Bay Christian, Freedom, King, Newsome, Dunedin, Plant City, Riverview, Spoto, Steinbrenner and Strawberry Crest high schools. We also had a student from the Civil Air Patrol. The letters of thanks were numerous and heartfelt and were addressed to both our Chapter and the sponsoring military instructor or counselor. My favorite quote from a letter to MOWW: “the team building skills were my favorite aspect of the Conference and I will carry it into everything I do for the rest of my life”.

LTC Conover and Carter Young (Outstanding Student) & 1LT Hart

Coffee Club Members: Rocky (Robert) McCutcheon, Mike Anderson, Bill Ciota, Carl Bohnenkamp, Mark Stefenelli, Joe Balazik, Bill Pappmeier, Dick Moore, and Al Hurlbrink.

SPORTS

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

It was a beautiful noise at SCC Pickleball Courts on Saturday July 29. Instead of the steady dink/dink of the pickleball, the thump/thump of rock n roll, country, Motown and pop music could be heard. The reason being, the club held a social event “Making Music on the Courts” so newer members could meet other members. A fun time was had by all and some new pickleball friendships were made. The winners were: David Brown, groovin’ to Motown; Carolyn Ray, boppin’ to pop ; Curtis Sellard, 2-steppin’ to country; Darlene Nicolay & Diana Foster, rockin’ N rollin’. In conjunction with playing, we used this opportunity as a “Giving Back to the Community” event, collecting school supplies for local students and their teachers

Senior Basketball is Back

By Bob Monahan

After a short summer layoff basketball players aged 50-plus are welcome to dust off their sneakers and join a group of seniors enjoying the game at the Ruskin Recreation Center. The Ruskin Recreation Center is a Hillsborough county facility located at 901 Southeast 6th Street just off SR 674, three miles west of Sun City Center.

All county residents are welcome to play on Mondays and Fridays from 9:30 to 11:30 am. Unlike full court basketball, seniors play a half court game and take as many breaks as needed. The facility is a modern air conditioned building with hardwood floors that can accommodate two games at the same time. This allows participants to play at the speed they feel comfortable with and gradually get into shape at their own pace. Injuries are at a minimum and friendship is the focus.

The county charges $10.75 per month to play. You pick the months you want to play and only pay for those months. Included in the fee is the use of indoor pickleball, volleyball courts and the fitness center.

We look forward to re-establishing friendships and starting new ones. You can sign up to play by registering with Joy Robinson, Director at RobinsonJ@HCSLGov.net, or call 813-672-7881 or just come prepared to pay via charge card and then play.

Bisons Win It All

The Bisons team won the recent summer softball session that ended July 11th. Playing Senior Softball is fun but like my son’s football coach used to say, “winning makes it more fun.” Congratulations to the Bison’s team.

Local Senior Basketball Player Wins National Championship

By Bob Monaghan, Senior Sports Writer Neal Westendorf, a

member of the South Shore Basketball

Club out of Ruskin took his senior age 75+ team to the National Championships in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania and came home with the gold medal in hotly contested games. Neal, a successful business man and outstanding basketball player, sponsors the team known as the “Westendorf Bucketmakers”. We are proud to play with Neal in the winter months as he drives all the way from Sarasota to play in Ruskin.

HOLE IN ONE

To find out more information about the Southshore Basketball Club yards), using an 8-iron.

Treat Your Legs Well to Be a Fitter Person

By Bob Monahan, Sports Writer

As we age, most seniors may find their shoes are not fitting right and their feet are sore more often. This article will focus on the legs from toes to hip.

It is common for the foot to increase one half size and the foot flatten with aging according to orthopedic studies of the senior foot. Recently, as an athlete, I have bought one half size larger sneakers and selected those with a rounded front staying away from the narrow toe variety which can pinch the toes. My socks are always of the wicking variety that removes moisture from the foot thus minimizing blisters. The socks I select are extra cushioned at the balls of the foot and the heel. After the sneakers are broken in, I add a soft gel insert cut one size smaller than the shoe size to give extra cushioning without pinching the toes. These cost about $10 at department stores.

Talk to your doctor about the best vitamins and supplements to fit your lifestyle. There are good ones, bad ones, and ineffective ones. Your doctor or nutritionist will help you know which is which.

Strength and flexibility are also important to maintain. Everyone has different abilities and risks. Talk to your doctor about which programs and exercises might be safe and effective for you. If you’re interested in a stretching and flexibility program, I enjoy the Flexercise Club at Sun City Center. The flexibility component will make it less likely to get injured when participating in rigorous activity. Dancing is also great exercise for maintaining strength, flexibility, and cardio health.

Again, consult your doctor before beginning any exercise routine. Take good care of your legs and they will take good care of you.

L to R Standing: Harve Turner, Larry Whitehead, Clay Groce, Peter Hyjek, Billy Sherman, Tony Wall, Wayne Keyes, Steve Torres. L to R Kneeling: Sherri Shedlowsky; Diane Barnes, Rick Flude.

Neal Westendorf on the left.

FAITH &service

Our Lady’s Pantry Needs Help

Saturdays for Food Distribution

“We don’t have enough helpers able to work outside to give out food,” says Tom Bullaro, director. “If you can possibly spare some time on Saturday morning, we would be so grateful. If you come at 6:30 a.m., please ask for Anita, Kim, or Karen. Or if you come at 8:30 a.m., please ask for Tom, Kim, or Karen. And work until 11 a.m. if you possibly can.”

Our Lady’s Pantry is located at: 16650 U.S. 301 South in Wimauma — just south of Sun City Center Blvd. and across from Aldi’s. www. ourladyspantry.com

Watoto Children’s Choir

Returns To UMC of SCC

1971 Haverford Avenue

Friday, September 15, 7 p.m.

The Choir is based in Kampala, Uganda, at the Watoto Church, is composed of 16 children and tours internationally. Their tours raise money as well as awareness for the Watoto orphanages in Kampala and for vulnerable women and children in Uganda and South Sudan. Info: 646-831-4008 or www.sccumc.com.

Interfaith Council Awards Grant to Collins Elementary

Collins Elementary School has new non-fiction books for its students provided by a $2,500 grant from Interfaith Social Action Council of Sun City Center. The Interfaith Council strives to enhance and improve the lives of our residents and organizations within the South Shore community. For more information check out our website at 813-642-9099 or “www.interfaithcouncilscc.com”.

Israel 75th Anniversary Program

Mark your calendars! Sunday, October 1, from 2-4 p.m. at Beth Israel, 1115 E Del Webb Blvd, Sun City Center. Light refreshments will be served. RSVP to Ricki Bauman at “baumanrc@gmail.com” or 813-841-1555.

GriefShare

UMC of SCC, 1971 Haverford Ave.

Help and encouragement after the death of a spouse, child, family member, or friend, GriefShare is a weekly support group where you’ll find a warm, caring environment at this 13-week GriefShare program starting Tuesday, September 12 at 5:30 in Room 30 in the Sanctuary Building. Register by calling 813-634-2539 or “joelle@ sccumc.com”. A $20 donation for materials is requested, waivers freely available.

Interfaith Council Awards Grant to Summerfield Elementary

With students back at school, Summerfield Elementary has extra curriculum and materials for its students provided by a $1,625 grant from Interfaith Social Action Council of Sun City Center. Amber Daniels, Summerfield Elementary Media Specialist, accepted the check from Barb Caleca, Interfaith Council and Nancy Sealy, a volunteer from the Nearly New Store. For more information check out our website at 813-642-9099 or “www.interfaithcouncilscc. com”.

County Events

Provided by Debbie Caneen, Director Admissions, Sun Towers

WED. SEP 6, 13, 20, 27THERAPEUTIC TAI CHI FOR HEALTH 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. at Sun Towers Retirement Community, 101 Trinity Lakes Drive, Sun City Center. Our therapists have advanced training in therapeutic Tai Chi for Seniors and will provide guidance in this healthy exercise. Tai Chi has been proven to increase strength and balance! This class is offered every Wednesday. For more information, Debbie Caneen at 813-892-2990.

THU. SEP 7, 14, 21, 28 -

PARTNERS IN NETWORK – BUSINESS REFERRAL MEETINGS Every Thursday

8:30 – 9:30 a.m. at Sun Towers Retirement Community, 101 Trinity Lakes Dr. Sun City Center. Partners in Network links professionals together to facilitate referral-based business growth. Questions? Call Debbie Caneen 813-892-2990.

THU. SEP 7 - CRAFT BEER & WINE CLUB OF SUN CITY CENTER “Fermenting Fanatics”

1:30 p.m. Sun Towers Retirement

Community, 101 Trinity Lakes Dr. SCC. Do you feel that nip in the air? Signs of fall are everywhere. Our favorite time of year is here. Oktoberfest beers are starting to appear. September kicks off two full months dedicated to Oktoberfest. We meet the first Thursday of every month and have a field trip to a local establishment. Questions?

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

FRI. SEP 8 - LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. Sun Towers Retirement Community, 101 Trinity Lakes Dr. SCC. Be My Eyes has launched a beta for Be My AI and we will be checking it out and making comments. While we will have a speaker, we encourage sharing among members. Questions?

Contact Michelle Mason 813492-8920.

THU. SEP 14 - CENTER 4LIFE LEARNING – Ringling Museum, Sarasota 8:30 a.m., To register for the trip: Ringling Museum, $55, register online www.sccumc. com/4lifelearning or at Center

4Life Learning on the campus of United Methodist Church of SCC, 1971 Haverford Ave, SCC, with cash, check or credit card. Office hours: 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., 813-634-8607.

MON. SEP 18 - PARKINSON’S

SUPPORT GROUP OF SUN CITY

CENTER 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. at Sun Towers Retirement Community 101 Trinity Lakes Drive. This month, our speaker will present

Rhythmic Resilience! If you have Parkinson’s, or are caring for someone with this disease, be sure to attend this support group! Complimentary valet parking available at entrance. For additional info, call Debbie Caneen 813-892-2990.

TUE. SEP 19 - SOUTH BAY GENEALOGY SOCIETY MEETING

Beginning at 10:30 a.m., the South Bay Genealogical Society will meet at the United Methodist Church in the Life Enrichment Center (LEC), 1971 Haverford Avenue, Sun City Center. There is an optional round table discussion, followed by a sit-down luncheon at noon, and then the presentation by our Guest Speaker at 1 p.m. The cost is $18 per person for the meal and the presentation. For reservations and meal choice, call Vicki at 360-608-1647. Make your checks payable to SBGS and mail it to South Bay Genealogy Society, PO Box 5202, Sun City Center, FL 33571. Your check must be received by September 7, 2023.

WED. SEP 20 - DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION (DAR) WELCOME BACK

“mujerdragona@yahool.com”.

SAT. SEP 23 - FREE YOGA CLASS

9:00 - 10:00 a.m., in Community Hall, 1910 S. Pebble Beach Blvd, in honor of fall equinox. Certified instructors will offer a safe, accessible class open to the public with a focus on balance, a critical aspect of healthy aging. By team teaching the class, participants will get a taste of what yoga would be like from each teacher. Chair options are encouraged and demonstrated throughout, as Chair Yoga is a complete practice for anyone.

THU. SEP 28 - WOMEN - PLAN YOUR FINANCIAL LEGACY

MEETING

The meeting will begin at 12:30 p.m. with refreshments and conversation. The regular meeting will begin at 1:00 with our speaker Dan Madden, a local author and teacher. The title of his presentation will be “Bobsled Ride to the Revolution”. in the Florida Room of the Atrium at 945 D North Course Lane

10:00 - 11:00 a.m. at Sun Towers Retirement Community, 101 Trinity Lakes Drive, Sun City Center. Our presenter, Richard J. Rios is a Certified Financial Planner® and First Vice President-Investment Officer with Wells Fargo Advisors who has been involved in Sun City Center for over 30 years. Learn how to leave a legacy based on your direct instructions for future generations. RSVP is needed due to limited seating. Please call Debbie Caneen 813-8922990. Free valet service will be available at the entrance.

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.

Age is Just a Number at Our Lady’s Pantry

At a recent thank you brunch at Our Lady’s Pantry after closing one Saturday morning, director Tom Bullaro gathered the age-80 and over volunteers present for a photo and a special thank you.

Tom and his wife, Anita, have worked at the Pantry since 2004, when they moved from upstate Pennsylvania. Together, this couple has worked many days out of every week for a stunning 39 years!

“And we are not alone,” says Bullaro. “We have quite a few senior volunteers more than 80

Dining in the Dark

By Paula Lickfeldt

Walk a mile in their shoes. Dining in the Dark is a unique experience and fundraiser shining light on low / no vision individuals who live right beside us.

Sun City Center Men’s Club, Kiwanis Club of Southshore, and Rotary Club are teaming up with Seniors in Service to host a dinner in which all attendees will eat a three course meal while blindfolded. The fundraiser will be held on Monday November 6 in the Florida Room of the Atrium Building. Tickets for the event will cost $40 per person and can be purchased at Kings Point main clubhouse on Monday and Wednesday from ten until noon the months of September and October. Tickets may also be purchased at the Kiosk of the Atrium Building on Monday and Friday from ten until noon in September and October. The evening will not only be an event to help with understanding the trials of low /no vision individuals but the proceeds will be used to buy a machine that will magnify writing for the low vision person and enable them to read. The cost of each machine is nearly

$4,000. The machine will be housed in a location where all SCC and KP, visually challenged people will be able to use it. The hope is, that with future fundraising events, additional machines can be purchased. The event will begin with your arrival between 4:30 and 5:30 at the Heritage Room of the Atrium Building. There you will register and get your mask. We will also be offering 50/50 tickets for sale and selling tickets for the raffle baskets. When all of this is finished, you will walk through the Atrium Building to the Florida Room where you will put on your mask and be escorted to your table, Dinner will be served at 6 p.m. As the server places your meal in front of you, you will be told where each food item is on your plate, using the face of a clock. A blind or low vision member of the Low Vision Support Group will be seated at each table to answer questions.

Before dinner and after dinner pictures will be taken so you can see how well you did getting your food from your plate to your mouth. Keeping this in mind, you probably do not want to wear your best clothes.

years of age. We actually have more volunteers in their eighties. Some of these individuals had

conflicts and were unable to stay for our brunch today. In fact, we even have volunteers who are 90!

“But doctors tell us to keep active as we grow older, and working at the Pantry is a good way to keep moving — and help fight hunger at the same time.”

Historic Marker

By Mike Lee

All needed funding for the proposed SCC historical marker has been obtained, thanks to recent donations from several clubs in the community, according to David Lemley, a member of the History Society who has been working to make the project become a reality.

“The idea for the marker began several years ago by Marilyn Cote Miller. They gave us the paperwork that she had started with. We wanted to promote Del Webb, who was the founder of the community, and the history of the community itself,” said Lemley. The other side of the marker will reference the history of Sun City Center, and the growth that has taken place since its inception.

Del Webb was a very large property developer in his day, with projects including Madison Square Garden in New York City and the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas. He also developed multiple senior communities in the western United States. Sun City Center was the first planned senior community in Florida. The History Society can always use donations to continue

their work documenting the history of the community.

Donations can be made at the CA office by putting a check in an envelope marked for the History Society. The History Society office is located in the Information Center, and has someone there on Wednesday and Thursday from 12:00-2:00.

The History Society has a Facebook page, and information can be accessed on computers in the library. Residents who are interested in joining the History Society can go to their monthly meetings on the second Tuesday of the month at 10:00 in the CA Board Room.

to use the Glucose Monitoring System and its components according to the instructions for use provided with

properly consider

indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and cautions in those instructions for use may result in

mia (high blood glucose) occurrence and/or making a treatment decision that may result in injury. If readings do not match symptoms or expectations, use a fingerstick value from a blood glucose meter for treatment decisions. Seek medical attention when appropriate or contact Abbott at 855-632-8658 or FreeStyleLibre.us for safety info.

Men’s Club Supports Samaritan Services

Join

Travel Meeting

Guest Speaker Hong Ngo from Royal Caribbean Cruise Line

September 5th, 2023 • 10 a.m.

Please RSVP!

By Bob Sanchez

The Men’s Club of Sun City Center recently donated the funds for Samaritan Services to purchase a 2023 Toyota Camry. The brand-new $32,000 vehicle will help Samaritan transport eligible Sun City Center residents to in-town appointments and shopping, as well as to Wimauma, Riverview, Brandon, Bradenton, and Tampa for appointments. Samaritan benefits 25,000 residents in the Sun City Center Community Association, Kings Point, Sun Towers, Freedom Plaza and Aston Gardens.

Men’s Club president Bob Sullivan consulted with his Board of Directors, and they agreed that this would be an excellent gift not only to the Samaritans, but to the entire community.

“Samaritan Services doesn’t charge our residents for their services,” Sullivan noted in an email, and they survive on donations like ours to provide the wonderful services they give to the community.”

“When you see a Men’s Club member, please be sure to thank them for their very generous and benevolent donation,” reads a statement on the Samaritan website. Of course, the Samaritans deserve your thanks as well. SCC is fortunate to have so many great organizations in our community.

For more information about the Men’s Club, visit “sccmensclub. org”.

For more information about Samaritan Services, visit “sccsam.org”.

Kings Point Main Clubhouse Ripple Room • 1900 Clubhouse Dr.

OCT 2, 2023

BAHAMA’S

5 Days /4 Nights

Royal Caribbean Independence of the Seas

• Port Canaveral • Nassau

• CocoCay • Port Canaveral

From $712 pp Balconies!

OCT 9, 2023

CANADA NEW ENGLAND

12 Days / 11 Nights

Royal Caribbean Jewel of the Seas

• Quebec City • Saguenay • Charlottetown • Sydney

• Halifax • St. John • Portland

• Boston

• Cape Liberty

NOV 6, 2023

MEDITERRANEAN HIGHLIGHTS

7 Days / 6 Nights

Royal Caribbean Rhapsody of the Seas

Haifa • Santorini • Palma de Mallorca • Barcelona

From $1399 pp Jr Suite!

NOV 19, 2023

WESTERN CARIBBEAN NEW SHIP

8 Days / 7 Nights

Royal Caribbean Wonder of the Seas

• Port Canaveral • Cococay

• Cozumel • Roatan

• Costa Maya • Port Canaveral

From $1654 pp Balconies! Plus, Includes Perks!

DEC 9, 2023

WESTERN CARIBBEAN

8 Days / 7 Nights

Royal Caribbean Enchantment of the Seas

• Tampa • Costa Maya • Belize

• Roatan • Cozumel • Tampa

OCT 5, 2023

WESTERN CARIBBEAN

5 Days / 4 Nights

Royal Caribbean Grandeur of the Seas

Tampa • Cozumel • Tampa

From $304pp Includes Perks!

NOV 4, 2023

WESTERN CARIBBEAN

8 Days / 7 Nights

Royal Caribbean - Radiance of the Seas

• Tampa • Cozumel • Roatan

• Costa Maya

From $664 pp! Plus, taxes & fees

NOV 13, 2023

TRANS-ATLANTIC BARCELONA TO TAMPA!

15 Days / 14 Nights

Royal Caribbean Enchantment of the Seas

Barcelona • Malaga • Ponta Delgada • Nassau Tampa

From $566 pp Includes Perks!

NOV 26, 2023

EASTERN CARIBBEAN

8 Days / 7 Nights

Royal Caribbean Wonder of the Seas

• Port Canaveral • Cococay

• St. Thomas • Philipsburg

• Port Canaveral

From $1383 pp Balcony! Includes Perks!

DEC 11, 2023

BAHAMA’S!!

5 Days / 4 Nights

Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas

• Port Canaveral • Nassau

• CocoCay • Port Canaveral

The Sun City Center Community Association will be hosting a BYOB fundraising event called “Closer to a Cure” on Wed. October 18 at the SCC Community Hall, 1910 S. Pebble Beach Blvd. This event is part of a community-wide event where 100% of the proceeds will go to Moffitt Cancer Center Foundation earmarked for Breast Cancer research. The event will include two female adult comedy performances, a gift basket raffle, 50/50, CC’s Dessert and Coffee Bar, a prize for the best PINK outfit, and a special performance by the SCC Men’s “Golden Chip’nDale” Review. Spirit Entertainment will provide music. The event starts at 6 p.m., with doors opening at 5:45. Tickets to the event are $25. Take

advantage of an opportunity to honor a friend or loved one that has fought or is fighting breast cancer; for a $100 donation (at the kiosk or contact Renee Bray at RBray@suncitycenter.org), your loved one will be listed in the event brochure and running on the screen overhead prior to the event. Donations are tax deductible. Tickets go on sale at the Atrium Kiosk on N. Course Drive September 1 for SCCCA members, and September 15 for the public.

All activities the night of the event are cash only so please bring cash. This event is sure to sell out quickly, so get your tickets early.

For any questions, please contact Renee Bray at “rbray@ suncitycenter.org”.

From $445 pp Includes Perks!

FEB 8, 2024

WESTERN CARIBBEAN

5 Days / 4 Nights

Radiance of the Seas

• Tampa • Cozumel • Tampa

From $312 pp plus taxes! Includes Perks!

From $341 pp Includes CC Perks!

MAY 16, 2024

SOUTHERN CARIBBEAN

8 Days / 7 Nights

Jewel of the Seas

• San Juan • Bridgetown

• Trinidad • Tobago • St. Lucia

• St. Martin • San Juan

From $549 pp Includes Perks!

Men’s Club in red shirts, L to R: Dan Meier, Elliott Bart, Bruce Fraser, Bob Sullivan, Harvey Berman, Jim Rottman, Denman Gray. Samaritan Services in Blue shirts Bottom Row L to R: Pat Rapach, Larry Smith, Ann Weber, Kirk Warren, Office Manager. Samaritan Services in Blue Shirts Top Row: L to R: John Mayoka, Jim Butner.

L to R Bottom: T. Broad, R. Vilasi, J.Collins, T. Smith, S. Serbin. L to R Top: N. Schecodnic, J. Merry, J.Marshall, J. Sauber, G. Hanson. Missing: R. Clark, M. Permuth.

Hong

The Dali Dome

By Kai Rambow

It’s new. It’s interesting. It’s so Dali. The Dali Dome is a specially built exhibit combining classic works with modern media. It has only been open a month, but is sure to get lots of visitors as people share their experiences.

The dome was built right in the garden. It fits in seamlessly, as if it has always been there. The show covers Dali’s life in his own words and artwork. The quotes are interesting, the artwork is brought to life. Using technology, the art is animated providing some stimulating experiences.

There are a few key things you need to know to have a great time.

The show runs several times a day, but must be booked in advance, online. If you just show up, you can’t get a ticket. When you book online, you’ll be purchasing a regular admission ticket plus an extra ticket for Dali Alive 360 exhibit.

They have limited the number of people for each show, so it shouldn’t feel crowded. I caught the first showing and we had slightly fewer people. Recommend lining up early for your showing. The reason is to get one of the few seats available. Most people will stand or sit on the floor for the 36-minute show,

however, I’m pretty sure you want to be more comfortable. If you place yourself facing the show titles on the screen, you’ll be in a good position. This positioning enables you feel surrounded by the screen without feeling the need to constantly turn your head. You can just look straight ahead and not miss anything.

If you like Dali’s artwork and/or art shows, this is definitely worth seeing. Until October 22

and/or dessert. Pay on your way out. The front does have a covered, sit-down patio. Recommend checking out the menu online before going and walking throughout the market before ordering.

It’s about a 10-minute drive. Be sure to use GPS because there’s no parking out front. You’ll have to work your way to the street around back. Just drive one block, turn right, take the

next right to traverse the street behind.

The Dali 1 Dali Blvd, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 (727) 823-3767

thedali.org/exhibit/dalialive-360/ Mazzaro’s Italian Market 2909 22nd Avenue North St. Petersburg, FL 33713 (727) 321-2400

www.mazzarosmarket.com

The specially built dome houses the museum’s newest exhibit Dali Alive 360. Surrounded by Dali’s art, this is an immersive experience.

Adogable Pets

Pet Salon & Spa

Family Connections: Anne Ladue and Tonya Weight

By Paula Lickfeldt

Anne and Tonya both are from Vermont. Anne was a nurse for 40 years in VT, 24 of those years were with IBM. Tonya was in the U.S. Navy for 22 years, followed by an additional 18 years of teaching elementary school for the Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA), overseas. Anne has four children, six grandchildren and four great grandchildren and Tonya has two children and one grandchild.

In 1998, Anne was sent by IBM to Fort Lauderdale for a company project. Her brother and his wife, David and Connie McGee lived in SCC, and she visited their new home. Several times after that Anne and her husband, Bill, came to SCC to visit and enjoy the good weather. Upon their retirement, they decided to move to SCC to be close to her family. Anne decided to resume her career as a nurse in the Outpatient Department of South Bay Hospital for an additional ten years.

BOOK REVIEW

After Tonya retired from the US Navy in 2002, she was employed by DODEA and taught elementary school in

Japan and Germany. Because her parents, David and Connie McGee, had a home in SCC, her family had visited many times.

Tonya considered SCC “home.” In preparation for retirement, Tonya and her husband, David, bought a home in SCC.

Tonya’s husband, also a DODEA educator, continues to teach middle school in Puerto Rico. During school breaks Tonya and David enjoy cruising. She often travels back and forth to PR during the school year and David comes to SCC during his school breaks,

Anne still works at South Shore Hospital, but now as a volunteer. She is active at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, The Sawdust Engineers, her HOA board and she volunteers for the Security Patrol. As a retired nurse, she also takes care of neighbors and she loves to go on cruises.

Anne and Tonya have many things in common, like their love of shopping. They say it is good to shop with someone who will tell you how something really looks on you. They do many things together when Tonya is in SCC. They both enjoy being in SCC.

Hedwig Hoss, The Upper Tailoring Studio, and the Dressmakers of Auschwitz The True Story of the Women Who Sewed to Survive

By Andrea L.T. Peterson

I don’t know about you, but I can’t remember the last time I read a truly amazing book. I read over 100 books a year (not bragging, just offering perspective). Dozens of those, invariably are books about the Holocaust—fiction and nonfiction. Keep in mind, I am only offering my opinion and I’m fully aware there are hundreds or thousands more than I could read in a lifetime. However, among those I’ve read, “The Paris Architect,” “The Alice Network,” “The Lilac Girls,” “The Invisible Bridge,” “The Tattooist of Auschwitz,” several “The Wife of or The Daughter ofs,” stand out. What must a book do to get that high a rating from me? Well, it must be very well written, typo and grammatical error-free, and it must really both move and teach me something. The latest book that goes above and beyond is “The Dressmakers of Auschwitz.”

Written

by Fashion

Historian Lucy Adlington, I learned so much about the fashion industry, the power of fashion, the role of European Jews in the most prominent fashion houses in Europe, and the truth to the old: “the clothes make the man!”

But just when I thought I

could learn no more about life in Europe—not just England, France, and Germany but in Eastern European countries, as well—an incredibly wellresearched and -written book like The Dressmakers of Auschwitz comes along and shows me just how little I know! I must say, as a student of Holocaust Literature, it was humbling to read this book. The downright sadistic tendencies and the cruel treatment, not just of the Germans or the French doing Hitler’s bidding, but of prisoners with more “prestigious” positions in the camps, unleashed on lesser prisoners.

I found it amazing how so many of these women, the dressmakers of Auschwitz—some of whom knew one another before the war, but most of whom first met in the camps— found that sewing/tailoring quite literally saved their lives. Equally (based on interviews with survivors and historical documents), it is amazing how many risked their own lives to find a safe place for those too weak for physical labor, even if they had never held a needle before. The experienced taught the newcomers. How many saved their meager rations to share, not only with their own

sisters, cousins, or mothers but with women they had only just met.

The author tells us: “At the height of the Holocaust 25 young inmates of the AuschwitzBirkenau concentration camp— mainly Jewish women and girls— were selected to design, cut, and sew beautiful fashions in a dedicated salon for elite Nazi women. It was work they hoped would spare them from the gas chambers.” The “elite salon” was set up by Hedwig Hoss, wife of the camp’s commandant. It was patronized by officers’ wives and girlfriends. The salon

did, in fact, spare them from the gas chambers. In addition, it often meant scraps of food to supplement the meager food provided by the camp shielding them to some degree from the ravages of starvation.

After the Holocaust, the few who survived Auschwitz, found that sewing held an important place in their new lives. What they suffered and survived is beyond the imaginations of most of us. Adlington does a tremendous job of bringing them and their lives to us. I couldn’t recommend this book more highly.

Tonya and Anne

SOLUTIONS TO PUZZLES ON PAGE 9

Shemushi Nasreen, MD

Khushi Dhaliwal, MD

Amy Kwok, MD