The News of
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SUN CITY CENTER COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
Sun City Center
December 2023
CA SCHEDULE 4
DECEMBER
Board Workshop Rollins Theater – 9 a.m. Zoom ID: 823 6155 6785 Passcode: 505448 13 Board Meeting Rollins Theater – 9 a.m. Zoom ID: 859 3388 0446 Passcode: 032677 19 Club Leaders Meeting Florida Room – 10 a.m. Zoom ID: 869 1425 9822 Passcode: 690347 24 All Facilities Closed at 1 p.m. 25 All Facilities Closed 3
National Lawn Bowling Tournament At SCC
By Paula Lickfeldt T h e Na t i o n a l L a w n B o w l i n g Tournament was held in SCC November 1 through November 7. The opening ceremonies were held on October 31 with the honor guard from MacDill Air Force Base presenting the flag and the Men’s Chorus “Par for the Chorus” singing the National Anthem. World champion Anne Nunes, of California, competed in the tournament. Anne is the first American to ever win the
world title. Players came from the eight divisions in the United States. Sun City Center had three players who won the southeast division to compete in the nationals. They are Eric Porr and Joe Mignogna in Men’s Pairs and Bob Fladung in Men’s Singles. The winners of the tournament were: Women’s Singles, 1st place Anne Nunes (SW Stripes) 2nd place Dee McSparran (SCD) Women’s Pairs, 1st place Martha
Nilsen/Sandy Wall (SED), 2nd place Val Tilton/Mare Beath (SCD). Men’s Singles 1st place Charlie Herbert (SW Stripes), 2nd place Bill Brault (SW) Men’s Pairs 1st place Frankie Napoli/ Scottie Marzonie (PIMD) 2nd place Angel Gomes/Peter Richie (SW Stripes). Our SCC players made a good showing for themselves. Joe Mignogna and Eric Porr (SED) won 4th place in Men’s Pairs and Bob Fladung (SED) won 3rd place in Men’s Singles.
JANUARY, 2024
Annual Membership Meeting Community Hall – 3 p.m. Zoom ID: 823 6090 5682 Passcode: 922171 Agendas for the monthly Board Meetings will be posted on the Official Bulletin Board in the Atrium the Friday before and on the CA web site www.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
Opening Ceremonies
“Hi, Neighbor!” Is a Rousing Success
By Bob Sanchez Residents flowed into Community Hall on November 2, marveling at the variety and energy of all the clubs here in Sun City Center. SCC Events Coordinator Lew Lewis said that 82 of the more than 100 SCC clubs had displays in the hall, all clearly eager to show what they had to offer. Some, like the Photo Club, signed up several new members on the spot, most offering literature about their organizations, including meeting times and locations. One of the many volunteers on hand was Ann Hammond, who eagerly enlightened visitors about the benefits of the Rotary Club. “I’m on a Rotary high,” she enthused with a broad smile.
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At WSCQ’s table, volunteer Karen Showalter confessed that although she has lived in SCC for 20 years, this was her first visit to “Hi, Neighbor!” “I am impressed with the varied clubs and services that participated and the number of community people who attended,” Showalter said. “It was an excellent way to learn more about SCC and what is available to us. It was an informative evening provided by the CA.” After several years assisting Claudia Hinson, this is the first “Hi!, Neighbor!” that Lew Lewis has run. “I think it went well,” he said. The Community Association has made the fall event a Sun City Center fixture for decades and takes place on the first Thursday of each November. But if you missed the event or simply want to contact a club, visit “suncitycenter.org/residents/ club-contacts” and click on the Club Presidents link.
2 - CA REMINDER TO VOTE ON 2024 DUES & ELECTION OF DIRECTORS Tuesday, December 5, 2023 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sandpiper Room in the Atrium Wednesday, December 6, 2023 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Room 3, SCC Community Hall
CA membership card or photo ID required Absentee Ballots are available at the CA Office until 3 p.m., December 6, 2023
Sun City Center Community Association, Inc. ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2024 3:00 PM – COMMUNITY HALL REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED AT 2:30 PM ALSO VIA ZOOM Meeting ID:823 6090 5682 Passcode: 922171 200 SCCCA members required for a Quorum CA Membership Cards are required for admittance (Your 2023 stickers will be accepted)
I. II.
December 2023
The News of Sun City Center
-AGENDA-
Call to Order/Pledge of Allegiance Approval of Minutes: October 25, 2023 III. Installation of newly elected Directors IV. President’s Report V. Treasurer’s Report VI. Community Manager’s Report VII. Long Range Planning Committee Report Central Campus Plan Update-PI Architects VIII. Samaritan Services – How we serve the CA. IX. General Discussion by Members X. Adjournment
President’s Report
By Ron Clark, CA President The Design of the new Applied Arts Building is under way as Pi Architects has most of that process completed. Accompanied by a Long Range Planning Committee representative and Community Manager Reitz, Pi Architects met with the Club Boards for all five clubs that will be moving to the Applied Arts Building to discuss the specific design features for their Club rooms. The meetings went well, and all five Clubs will be pleased with their future new rooms. Pi Architects will provide a design update at the January 3 Membership meeting. The design has the Pottery, Ceramics, Stained Glass, and Weavers Clubs located on the Cherry Hills Drive front side of the building with display windows to provide a Main Street vibe. Billiards will be located in the rear of the building towards the shuffleboard courts. The September 13 Club location decision by the Board saved over $300,000 in expense and preserved the use of the Armstrong and Heritage rooms for over 900 member meetings per year. This decision by a majority of the Board was in the best interests of the Community Association members. This decision did not lose any grant money for the CA. The former Grants subcommittee of the LRPC had not applied for any grants. The current Grants subcommittee under the leadership of Nancy McCall has applied for three grants totaling $70,000 and are reviewing other potential grants. Members can also make donations to the SCCCA Future Facilities Fund. If we raise money for the Central Campus Upgrade to supplement the Capital Fund, we will be able to complete the project sooner. As we enter the Holiday Season of December, a time for joy and kindness, let’s focus on Community Civility. A big thank you to the volunteers on Boards, Committees, Clubs, and HOAs who are doing what they believe is best for their organization. Let us all be positive, respectful, kind, calm, and have fun in our senior years. Happy Holidays.
Statement of Purpose
The Sun City Center Community Association serves the residents of Sun City Center by providing assistance for the elderly, assistance and essential services to tax exempt entities, and operates in lieu of a municipal government, thereby lessening the burdens of government (Hillsborough County, Florida).
LRPC Report: We Are Following the Master Plan
By Debbie Caneen, Chair, Long Range Planning Committee By creating a space for all members (not just club members), the Long Range Planning Committee (LRPC) with approval of the Board of Directors is working to keep costs low but provide a space where we will all enjoy a Dine in Restaurant, Entertainment Space, Bar and Resort Style Pool. Pi Architects identified the need to relocate Billiards away from the Rollins Entertainment area due to shared utilities. By relocating Billiards, this provides members with an additional 2,000 sq ft of social gathering space in the Rollins area. This turn of events has been a blessing. As a Club, Billiards would have been locked to nonmembers, reducing space from the future Rollins Entertainment area. With creative input from Pi Architects, the Billiards Club will now be strategically located in the back of the Applied Arts Building, maintaining its private Club space and allowing for more seating in the new Rollins Dining, Entertainment and Bar area. Originally, the LRPC had suggested placing Billiards into the Armstrong/Heritage space. The Board voted for an alternative as a deeper look into that option would have created disruption to over 1,187 annual member visits to Armstrong/Heritage rooms and created collateral costs as shown below: Conceptual Cost Projection Billiards into Armstrong/Heritage and other club relocations • $30,900 - Loss of New partition costs
• $30,000 - Re-engineering lift station • $25,000 - Create safe storage for organs in Caper room • $25,000 - Expand woodcarvers into ceramics • $40,000 - Sawdust Engineers into Woodcarvers and Model Railroad to Woodcarvers • $20,000 - Soundproof walls due to sound of banging billiard balls • $30,000 - Close in outside porch area as new exterior wall • $15,000 - Run AC to new enclosed area • $13,000 - Run electric to new enclosed area • $7,000 - Remove 2 kitchen set ups - back of the rooms • $25,000 - Update flooring throughout • $10,000 - Permits for all • $8,000 - Paint, patch, extend trim where needed • $10,000 - Doors • $6,000 - Trim out new openings (former and new doorways) • $50,000 - Converting former spaces into meeting rooms • $18,000 - Add sink stations in two of the above rooms to replace those in Armstrong/Heritage $362,900 TOTAL ($45,310) Increased cost to accommodate Billiards (197 sqft more) $317,590 CA Board decision projected savings overall + 10 to 20% to meet building code requirements and elements of inflation and cost escalation and would delay the project.
By Paula Lickfeldt Hazel Reagan and Becky Tyttle started the synchronized swim club in 1983. During that time, they put on shows for the SCC residents and competed with other synchronized swim clubs. In 1987 the club adopted the name Swim Dancers. Members of the club no longer compete with other clubs. The Swim Dancers have two performances annually, one in March and one at FunFest. They have a luncheon each month to celebrate any birthdays in that month. The Swim Dancers travel to Palm Harbor to be a part of the October show of their sister club, The Synchrobelles. In March, The Synchrobelles came to SCC to be a part of the Swim Dancers show. Members of the Swim Dancers swim for pleasure, to learn new skills and to build physical strength and endurance. There are 26 members of the club that pay $15 dues each year. The members range in age from the 50s to the 80s. To join the club, you need fundamental swimming skills.
Members of the club teach each other the rest of the skills. The club is open to all SCC residents and card holders from Kings Point. Practices are in the lap pool at the Atrium Building on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 7 until 8:30 p.m. and Friday morning from 7 until 9 a.m. For more information about the Swim Dancers Club call Barbara Rezner at 860-8413282.
SCC Swim Dancers
Newcomers
List prepared from CA staff data. Report corrections, additions to CA at 633-3500. 10/12, 2023 thru 11/15, 2023
Local Adress 2206 Arbor Glenn Court 1511 Arrowhead Drive 1021 Bluewater Drive
Name Jaime & Debra Diniz Marie Was Debra Freeman Joseph Sanelli Donald Vargo Michael & Corrine Steele
Hometown Bristol Grayslake Brandon Philadelphia Detroit Delaware
State/Country Phone RI 401-252-1213 IL 630-800-0573 FL 813-731-5203 PA MI 313-974-1555 Ontario, Canada
704 Brannen Circle 1712 Council Drive 813-634-8795 241 Courtyards Blvd., #106 Neil & Judy Mcallister Fishkill NY 1010 Del Webb Blvd., E. Cynthia Hulse West Bend WI 717 Desert Hills Way Gonzalo & Amelia Torres 1025 Emerald Dunes Drive Steve Chilton Curryville MO 2421 Emerald Lake Dr, #216 Brenda Long Lakeland FL 1201 Fordham Drive Bruce Callahan Venice FL 1106 Jasmine Creek Court Craig Ross/Michelle Soda Denver CO 1111 Jasmine Creek Court Michael Karry Detroit MI 106 Kenley Way James & Christie Betts Riverside IL 1350 Misty Greens Drive Richard & Valerie Wagner Waconia MN 1409 Nashua Circle Curt & Dorothy Decoux Edina MN 1924 New Bedford Drive Scott & Julie Lomas Cleveland GA 2246 New Bedford Drive Kevin & Sondra Witt Capac MI 304 Noble Faire Drive Thomas Lesh/Limin Wu Canton OH Otavio Vasconcelos/Sueny Pereira San Paulo Brazil 2227 North Creek Court 628 Oakmont Avenue Tamara Woods Melbourne FL 608 Ojai Avenue Richard & Faye Baker Paso Robles CA 210 Pebble Beach Blvd., S. Deborah Golden Lakeland FL 2103 Platinum Drive Rosemary Downes Yonkers NY 2130 Platinum Drive Timothy Fussell Odessa FL 305 Stroll Lane Jake Webb Wilmington DE 319 Stroll Lane Thurman & Nancy Little Oakland CA 309 Thornhill Place Lee & Marilyn Marion Saline MI 1212 Valley Forge Blvd. Michael DeAngelo Toledo OH Colleen Cashman 1921 Wolf Laurel Drive Jeffrey & Vilanna Gaither Ruther Glen VA
813-633-9684 618-567-7094 813-417-7494 540-219-1996 863-288-4092 941-586-2633 716-512-9761 805-708-1690 630-818-5938 952-215-1070 952-451-0223 734-624-5664 810-614-4350 330-323-7421 801-634-7624 321-961-6600 805-423-4292 863-398-7514 914-606-0649 770-364-8265 484-356-7886 813-696-7780 734-383-3513 419-346-9537 804-380-8837
December 2023
Board of Directors Meeting
By Bob Sanchez In its November 8 meeting held in Rollins Theater, the Community Association Board of Directors approved three motions. The Board approved $5 per Nuovi Amici Bocce Club member per day up to a maximum of $350 per month paid monthly to Kings Point for the use of Kings Point bocce courts temporarily until courts can be constructed on CA property. This will be expensed to Operations Account #66800-000-1, Contingency. The Board approved rolling the Communications committee, the Public Relations committee, and the Web Site into one committee called Communications Website committee, with Geri Roberts as chair. The Board approved a Pi Architects contract in the amount of $22,500 for change in scope of the original master plan Phase 1a & b contract. This will be expensed to Capital Fund Account #64612-000-2. President Ron Clark reported that the Board is back to full strength with four interim Director assignments expiring
January 3, 2024, and that the Long Range Planning Committee (LRPC) still has some openings that residents can apply for. Pi architects is well into the design of the new Applied Arts building, where Pottery, Ceramics, Stained Glass, Weavers and Billiards Clubs will reside. The S ecurity Patrol leadership approached the Board with an idea for an Emergency Center that would include the Security Patrol, the Emergency Squad, and the Sheriff ’s Department, and would comprise one acre. The Board is not ready to make that commitment due to unknowns about future Community needs. Treasurer Ron Zieg reported the following numbers: Operations Fund $1,728,271 Capital Fund 5,383,859 Replacement Fund 1,868,580 Renovations Fund 43,453 House Transfers 38 - 1 refund= 37 Net for $111,000 for the Capital Fund Community Manager Lyn Reitz mentioned the Golf Cart Parade on December 2 and FunFest on March 9. Current CA membership is 11,415.
Community Association Meeting
Standing room only at the CA meeting.
By Mike Lee The Sun City Center Community Association held a meeting in front of a full house at the Community Hall on October 25. The meeting began with the introduction of new interim board members that were appointed to fill several open seats for the remainder of the year. The new board members are Tom Arthur, Nancy McCall, Julie Porto, and Geri Roberts. Candidates for the upcoming board election were then introduced, with three candidates running for one open two-year term, and four candidates running for three open three-year terms. Board President Ron Clark reported t h at a c c omp l i s h m e nt s i n 2 0 2 3 included more transparency, increased volunteerism in the community through the Help Us Govern (HUG) program, support for clubs by reducing reporting requirements, approving the formation of some new clubs, allowing reciprocal play for sport clubs by allowing free play for visiting clubs so long as SCC clubs enjoy the same privilege in other communities, and reducing the fee for Kings Point residents to be able to join SCC clubs, as long as those clubs accept KP residents that would like to join them. It was noted that the return of the July 4 breakfast raised about $7,500 in profit for the community. The chair of the Long-Range Planning Committee, Debbie Caneen, and the design architect, Pi Associates, updated
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The News of Sun City Center
members on the current plan that will be proposed this winter for a vote by residents. Caneen indicated that the proposed new Applied Arts building will consolidate all clubs that utilize kilns into one space, so that ventilation can be efficiently handled. The building will face Cherry Hills Drive near the Community Association building on North Pebble Beach. The building will also house the Billiards Club on the rear of the building, with an entrance that is not visible from Rickenbacker Drive. The new resort style pool will be the centerpiece of a new gathering area, which should also include a new restaurant and bar and a multi-purpose building that can be utilized for a variety of activities. As previously reported, any construction that is approved by residents will be completed debt free, with money that has been received with fees from home sales already in the bank. Additional construction in the future will also be completed debt free. Residents will be asked to vote on proposed spending for the initial construction phases early in 2024. C l a r k s a i d t h at t h e b o a r d i s recommending a dues increase of only $9 per year per resident, despite a significant amount of inflation taking place. It was stated that the minimum cost increase was possible due to improvements in CA investments, and responsible cost cutting measures by the board.
NOTICE OF RECALL VOTE The Board of Directors of Sun City Center Community Association, Inc. provided notice on November 24, 2023, of its receipt of a recall petition, without cause listed, to remove Ron Clark as a member of the Board of Directors of Sun City Center Community Association, Inc. The notice was given in compliance with Article IX of the Articles of Incorporation. A referendum to enable the members of Sun City Center Community Association, Inc. to vote with respect to that recall petition will take place no earlier than 30 days after the date of the November 24th notice and no later than 60 days after the date of the notice. Notice of the date of the referendum with respect to that recall petition will be provided per Section 1 of Bylaw VIII.
Long Range Planning Update
By Debbie Caneen, Chair, Long Range Planning Committee Remaining Debt Free • How We Pay Along the Way Remember: Home Sales (Capital Fund Fees) (NOT dues) pay for Capital Improvements $4,800,000 — 12/31/23 - Capital Fund Approximate Balance $1,260,000 — 2024 home sales – Projected 35 sales monthly $ 420,000 — Jan to Apr 2025 – Projected 35 sales monthly $6,480,000 — Total Estimate (Minus any new approved Capital Fund Projects) Important Dates: Feb/Mar 2024 - Membership Votes on Final Plans for Phase 1A April 2024 – Construction Begins April - October 2025 – Phase 1A Construction Complete During this same time, Phase 1b - Entertainment Complex - Resort Pool design, bid, etc. takes place.
Club Presidents
Now that our Snowbirds are returning and hosting meetings and holiday parties, we are asking if clubs will allow a representative from the Long-Range Planning Committee to present to your club members for approximately 15 minutes. We would like to provide members with an update on the progress of the renovation of the Master Plan as
the proposed Phase 1A & 1B Central Campus Upgrade. This time will allow members to ask questions and provide input. We would like to lock your date in our calendar and provide someone from the committee to accommodate you. Please email DCaneen@suncitycenter. org with your time and location of your meeting.
Shuffleboard Turkey Shoot
By Mike Lee The Sun City Center Shuffleboard Club recently held its semi-annual turkey shoot competition. The competition is a fun event for members and nonmembers alike. It consists of several trick shots, with high scorers receiving prizes. In addition to the competition, the club also hosted a lunch near the courts. In the competition, Mike King was the winner, scoring 59 points. Roger Reed came in second with 56 points, and Paul Motz came in third with 50 points. The shuffleboard club encourages anyone interested in learning how
to play to come to the courts, which are next to the lawn bowling club, for free lessons every Friday at 12:30. In addition to regular play, the club also has several special events during the year, including dinner dances and the turkey shoot competitions. Come Join the fun!
L to R: Roger Reed, Mike King, & Paul Motz.
Table Tennis Winners
By Mike Lee The Sun City Center Table Tennis Club recently had a ping pong tournament for its members. The tournament had 12 players, with each playing with every other player in a round robin format. Spectators cheered in an exciting spectacle, with David Lemley taking the gold medal with 113 points. The silver medal went to Roy Schumacher with 111 points, and Club President Victor Davis won the bronze medal with 110 points. Congratulations to the winners, as well as to the other participants! The Table Tennis Club meets to play in Room 5 in Community Hall from 8:00-12:00 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. It also usually meets on Tuesday evenings at 6:00 and Saturday mornings at 10:00. Anyone interested in playing is encouraged to come join
the fun. All levels of players participate, from novices to experienced.
L to R: Roy Schumacher, David Lemley and Victor Davis.
Monday Movies Rollins Theater
Movies are normally shown the second and fourth Monday, 1 p.m. of each month. Attendees must present a current SCCCA ID Badge, a SCCCA Guest Card or a Kings Point card to attend. Dates and time may be changed if necessary. Theater capacity is limited to 145 attendees per the Hillsborough County Fire Code. Only one movie will be shown in December. December 11 • Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret • 1 hour 45 minutes Eleven-year-old Margaret is uprooted from her life in New York City for the suburbs of New Jersey, going through the messy and tumultuous throes of puberty with new friends in a new school. She relies on her mother, Barbara, who is also struggling to adjust to life outside the big city, and her adoring grandmother, Sylvia, who isn’t happy they moved away and likes to remind them every chance she gets. Starring: Rachel McAdams, Abby Ryder Fortson, Elle Graham, Benny Safdie, Kathy Bates Genre: Comedy, Drama Rating: PG13 for thematic material, some suggestive material, sexual education
CLUBS 4 - CA
The News of Sun City Center
December 2023
NOTICE: Each community and club in Sun City Center and Kings Point has specific rules about membership and attendance. Unless specifically stated or posted, most venues, meetings and events hosted on the Community Association campus and in Kings Point require attendees to bring their SCC CA or KP ID or come with a resident member. When in doubt, contact the club in question - not the venue or association - prior to arrival. Thanks.
SCC History Society
The History Society is moving forward with the completion of the marker and juggling schedules to find a time and date that works best for everyone for the installation and unveiling. The information will be made available as soon as confirmed. We certainly hope we can have a good attendance for the occasion when it happens. The Family Connections Gathering will be held in the Florida room on January 28 from 2 - 3:30 p.m. Join SCC members who have connections to previous generations of family and friends that lived here. Stories of the past as well as refreshments are shared.
Multicultural Heritage Club Gala
December 9, doors open at 5:30 p.m. SCC Community Hall at 1910 South Pebble Beach Blvd. Buffet dinner by Banquet Masters starts at 6 p.m. Remember to BYOB. Once again DJ Willie Matos will keep your toes tapping. Tickets are $40 and will be available for purchase at the Atrium on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10 until noon. Partial proceeds will be donated to the SCC Security Patrol. Attendees will be eligible for basket raffles, a door prize, and a 50/50 raffle. If further information is needed, you may call 813-400-3480.
Sun City Swim Dancers
The Sun City Swim Dancers will be celebrating the holidays out of the water at a Christmas party in the home of member Linda Falkner on December 26. This is not the only time the swim dancers take to land. Every Monday and Wednesday they are in the dance studio practicing their routines before jumping into the pool for more rehearsing. The 2024 show will be on March 4 and much work is done in the dance studio, pool and in homes where costumes and props are created. The 2024 theme, Beach Party, will be lots of fun for the ladies and the audience. For further information, please contact Barb Reznor at 860-851-3282.
China Painters Club Fundraiser
Tuesday, Dec. 12, Thursday, Dec. 14, and Saturday, Dec.16 from 1 to 3 p.m. SCCCA Arts and Crafts Bldg., 960-B Cherry Hills Drive China Painters will be hosting a Make and Take Painting Parties Club room. A Christmas Angel ornament will be the subject. The ornaments will be painted on the day of class, fired and may be picked up at the club after the event. This fundraising activity is open to everyone. The cost is $20. Each of the three classes are limited to 10 people, so stop by the club on any Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday morning and sign up early!
Computer Club Monthly Meeting
Wednesday December 13, at 7 p.m. Atrium, Florida Room Judy Taylour from the APCUG Speakers Bureau will present “Social Media for Seniors”. Computer Club Class Smartphone Special Interest Group – Friday, December 15, from 10 to noon. Tuition is payable upon registration. For additional information email: Judy Lee, Education Director at “judyleeswtaddy@yahoo.com”. More info: www. scccomputerclub.org or in the Computer Lab.
SCC German-American Club Dinner Dance
Thursday, December 7, doors open at 4:30 p.m. SCC Community Hall, 1910 South Pebble Beach Entertainment will be provided by the fabulous Eva Adams. A scrumptious buffet will be provided by Banquet Masters. BYOB. Cut-off date for reservations will be December 3. Tickets will be picked up at the door. Ladies are encouraged to dress to impress. Men are encouraged to wear a jacket. Tickets are $30 for members, and $35 for non-members. Send or drop off your check, payable to the SCC GermanAmerican Club, to any of the following: Fred Rathke, 1058 Emerald Dunes, SCC, 813-938-4845 Lenny Crooks, 2425 Emerald Lakes Drive, SCC 813-493-1644 John Pryor, 2216 Platinum Drive, SCC, 860-633-0852.
Stained Glass Club of SCC
The Stained Glass Club located in the Arts & Crafts Bldg on Cherry Hills Dr., welcomes everyone to stop in and check out the many Christmas ornaments our members are making as well as some beautiful panels. Pictured is our yearly raffle panel . The beach scene is 21 x 24 inches and incorporates copper foil with fused art. Mark your calendar for the Holiday Walk on December 9, there will be some special prices for Christmas.
Metaphysical Society Presentations
Wednesdays, at 10 a.m. Heritage Room, 951 N. Course Lane Metaphysical presentations are intended to awaken our inner spirit, expand our minds and open our hearts. December 6 • Daniela Delcastro presenting, “Taking Down Your Heart Walls, Living your Life Potential.” December 13 • Christmas party and club elections. Open to SCC Metaphysical Society Club members only. Officer elections will precede our fantastic and fun holiday party. December 20 • Sally Menniges will present “How to Survive 2024,” exploring numerology for the year ahead. December 27 • Vicky Sand, current president of the SCC Metaphysical Society, presents 2024 Astrological Predictions For You. For more information call: Roger at 813-326-3697, program chairman; Vicky, president 786-475-5297, and Nancy, membership director, at 813-541-1945 for membership information. The club thanks all who donate a “love” offering to help defray costs of programs and events.
Potter’s Wheel Ready For Holiday Shopping
County Fair Photo Winner
One of the members of the SCC Photo Club competed in the Hillsborough County Fair recently and came away a winner. Joe Sclafani entered two pictures that won ribbons, including the Grand Prize for “best in Show” . The Fair was held from November 2 to the 12 at the Hillsborough Fairgrounds. The club is very proud of Joe’s accomplishments.
The Potter’s Wheel Club is raffling several of their famed garden totems in conjunction with the Holiday Walk craft sale on Saturday December 9. Three totems will be included in the raffle drawing, including “Carousel of Life” by Mary Buccilli and “A Day at the Beach” by Becky Wagner, along with a beautiful garden-themed totem from the club. The pottery studio shelves are loaded with handmade ceramic pieces for holiday gifts including many holiday-themed pieces on sale during the Holiday Walk, which features artwork from twelve of the SCC arts and crafts clubs. Raffle tickets are available in the Potter’s Wheel Studio, located directly south of the outdoor pool during the Holiday Walk (9 a.m. – 2 p.m.), and Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m. Cost is $2 per ticket or six for $10.
Happy Holidays of Sun City Center & South County News Line: 813.938.7441 • Ad Line: 813.938.8721 • www.soco.news • December 2023
On Veterans Day, SCC Remembers Those Who Served
By Bob Sanchez Hundreds of veterans, their spouses, family, and friends joined in commemoration of Veterans Day at Community Hall. Walter Dowdy, a Buffalo Soldier and Korean War veteran, served as Grand Marshal, and Dr. Michelle Halcomb was the event’s honored speaker. The recently retired Sun City Center dentist is a former Navy Lieutenant Commander who
Paul Wheat and featured speaker Dr. Michelle Halcolmb.
the Veterans Memorial outside Community Hall. Coffee and cookies were served by the Colonel George Mercer Brooke (SCC) chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
said that she joined the Navy to see the world, “but I just saw Florida.” She spent years “down in the mouth,” doubtless an old dental joke. She commended all veterans for their roles in helping keep America safe and free. Veterans of America’s wars were asked to stand and be recognized, beginning with those from World War II and ending with the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Many people participated in the heartfelt ceremony of recognition and remembrance, sponsored by the Military Veterans Organizations of
It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas in SCC
By Ilona Merritt Christmas is an annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed primarily on December 25 as a religious and cultural celebration among billions of people worldwide. Many countries have traditions that go back centuries and have been brought to our country. We have residents who brought their practices to their new homes in Sun City Center. Born in Italy, Carmine Todaro brought his tradition to SCC and his first home in East Northport, Long Island. Many Christians celebrate the Epiphany of
Christmas from December 25 to January 6. Many residents in SCC take down their lights and decorations on December 27, but the Todaros keep them up throughout the Epiphany. In Italian Christian tradition, the big Christmas trees and the
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Christmas continued on page 2.
Sun City Center. In addition to Halcomb and Dowdy, they included Dennis Heaps; retired Army Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Paul Wheat; former Navy Petty Officer Janet Taylor; cadets from Sumner High School JROTC; Army LTC (ret) Benny Blackshire; USAF LTC (ret) Gordon Bassett; Lily Meyers; the Trinity Singers of the SCC Baptist Church, directed by Rev. Jeffrey Sheffield; former USAF Staff Sergeant Gary Mull; former USAF Captain Vernon Elarth. The Sun City Center Funeral Home donated the wreath that the Grand Marshal placed at
JROTC color guard from Sumner High School.
Jurassic Park
Six baby Komodo dragons will be on display at Zoo Tampa shortly. This is a great opportunity to see a unique reptile.
By Kai Rambow “This is the most exciting thing to happen in my career,” enthused Jasmine Pierola, Animal Care Professional at Zoo Tampa. The most exciting thing is the birth of six baby Komodo dragons. Zoo Tampa has a male and female Komodo dragon and they knew the female was pregnant. When the female started to build test burrows in the habitat, staff knew she was ready to lay the eggs. The female was closely monitored for a very good reason. Once the eggs were laid, they would be in danger. The next time the male was in the habitat, he would smell the eggs, dig them up and eat them. Cannibalism is the “in thing.” In the wild, females will sometimes eat some of the eggs they just laid. This definitely has
a feel of Jurassic Park. Once the eggs were laid, staff dug them up and placed them in an incubator. There is a network of zoos who willingly help staff here with advice from their own experiences with Komodo dragons. There are now six babies. Soon they will be displayed in a new habitat. Jasmine shared that the babies are social, curious and intelligent. If I recall correctly, I believe that was the same description of the velociraptors in Jurassic Park. This is a great opportunity to see an exotic creature without the danger. There’s More This is not the only birth to check out. There is a new baby rhino. He has started to be on display, but only for about an hour at a time. This little tyke (75
Zoo continued on page 2.
2
The News
The Editor’s Corner
Giving Thanks
By E. Adam Porter Editor, News of SCC & South County With apologies to the most recent holiday, December is my favorite time of year to give thanks. Whatever I’m doing—setting up the Christmas decorations, shopping for presents, singing carols, attending concerts, cruising around checking out lights, spending time with family and friends, planning for the coming year, even paying bills—I always find myself reflecting on my blessings. It doesn’t take very long for the list to grow. If I was taking a cue from Bing and Rosemary and officially Counting My Blessings, it might take all month. Sure, there are things I could complain about, but nobody wants to hear all that—myself included. Instead, I’ll take a few hundred words here to tip my hat in gratitude. John Wolf and Nancy Jean are top of the list. We’ve been working together at The News for going on 15 years now, and I say without reservation, they are the best production team in the biz. Our advertisers will know and appreciate John’s smiling face and big personality. He has never met a stranger and genuinely cares about the people he serves. He also does an incredible amount behind the scenes that no one ever sees to make this machine run. Nancy is the artist who puts it all together. From the magic of— somehow—making it all fit every month to ad art to dealing with last minute changes, she handles it with incredible skill and professionalism. From our very first meeting, Nancy had a vision for how The News should be presented, and the paper has looked amazing every issue since. Thinking about The News, I can’t say enough about our editorial staff. Our team of reporters has changed over the years, but the group has always been enthusiastic and professional. Most of these folks did not come to the paper with training as journalists, but they brought serious dedication and a willingness to do it right. Over the years, each member of our team has left their stamp on this paper and in this community, delivering good news you can use each and every month. Each of these folks cares deeply about this work and about SCC, and it shows in all they do. I’m also grateful for the Greater Sun City Center community. I’d known about this area for years prior to joining The News. I had relatives who retired here, and they loved this community. When I put on the editor’s visor
December 2023
and went out and about, I was Zoo continued from page 1. welcomed with open arms. to 100 pounds at birth) has a them. Tip: Ask about the best Invited to clubs and events, and precocious personality. Another times to see the babies, when made to feel part of the unique rhino is pregnant as well. Soon you arrive. You may not get fabric of Greater SCC. From there could be two babies to to see all, but even one is fun. the fun of “Hi, Neighbor!” to see. Remember if you go this month the whimsy of the Holiday Golf Also, the zoo has two baby the Christmas decorations are Cart Parade, attending plays, impalas. I did not get to see out as well. Have fun! concerts, and other events to being invited to try my aim at Christmas continued from page 1. archery, work on my woodcraft, painting, and picking, I’ve had glitz of the Holidays are not in the business and, to this day, a blast getting out into this as important as a Christmas helped their father with setting community and getting to know village and the celebration of up the decorations. When they bought their house everyone. It’s easy to see why all the birth of the Christ child. In East Northport, Carmine and his on the corner of El Rancho and of you love SCC so much. wife, Rose, owned a restaurant Wintersong, a Christmas village This month—and all the named Carmine’s for 18 years was made for the large corner others—I’m also thankful for my and served authentic Italian lot, and Carmine remade new family. As I write this, my eldest food and pastries. But half of outdoor decorations. He also fills son, daughter-in-law, and their dining room was turned in with purchased pieces, and grandson are driving up through into an Italian Christmas village every year, more are added. the Great White North headed for my son’s next duty station in at Christmas. People came from Carmine and his family have the great state of Alaska. It’s an long distances to enjoy their already spent about five days incredible adventure for them, food and admire his authentic setting up the decorations so and I’m a bit jealous. They will Christmas village. When they left they will be lit after Thanksgiving. have arrived by the time this Long Island for SCC, they sold So when our residents drive hits mailboxes, and I hope to most of their village buildings around SCC to see the lights, be inundated with photos and and statues. Their two sons and don’t forget to drive along El videos of the trip. And, yes, my their daughter were all involved Rancho. Buon Natale! bride and I are already planning a visit to the Last Frontier next summer. Gotta go see that grandbaby! Meanwhile, she and I are busy raising our two younger boys. They’ve both entered those adolescent years where they of SCC & South County are discovering who they are Is a publication of NOKPmedia and who they want to be in PO Box 6212, Sun City Center, FL 33573-6212 the world. They’re tall, strong, News Line: 813.938.7441 • Ad Line: 813.938.8721 and eating us out of house and home—and I love every second. Submission Deadline: 15th of the month prior to publication. ADVERTISING: Neither NOKPmedia, nor its representatives or publications are I’m proud of the young men liable for errors in advertising. THE NEWS does not endorse and cannot verify they are becoming, and I plan the accuracy of claims or representations made by advertisers who are solely to enjoy every day with the kids responsible for advertisement contents. they currently are. SUBMISSIONS: THE NEWS is proud to be the ONLY print media publication distributed Looking a bit further afield, to EVERY home and business in Greater Sun City Center, as well as several nearby the world remains a curious, communities in South Hillsborough County. We are dedicated to providing you a mystifying, and occasionally local paper with a “hometown” feel. Submissions we accept include: community or business news, club or group announcements, stories and poems, as well aggravating place. I have great events as your favorite joke, song, photo, artwork, or travel story. friends and neighbors, and there NOKP Media (Publisher) reserves the right to edit or otherwise refuse all is always something new and submissions. Neither the publisher nor the editor assume any responsibility for the interesting to learn or see or try. return of submitted items. Mailed submissions can ONLY be returned if a correctly Yes, local and national politics sized SASE is included with the submission. Basic paragraph format required for all submissions. Submissions including ALL remain frustrating. I worry about CAPS, multiple colors, and other ‘flyer-type’ formatting will not be considered for division and partisanship, about publication. inflation and supply chains, and Email submissions are preferred. Submit stories and photos to “editor@soco. wars in all the usual places. news”. Place the content in the body of the email and attach pictures in .jpeg And, when I’m driving, I worry or .png format. Submissions may be submitted via the SUBMISSIONS link at www. about the person in the car in soco.news Mailed submissions should be sent to: front of me, driving too slow, The News of Sun City Center & South County drifting back and forth as they C/O NOKPmedia PO Box 6212 “multitask,” managing to do Sun City Center, FL 33573-6212. none of those “tasks” well. LETTERS: The News of Sun City Center & South County will not publish any political, Truth is, I have all the same proselytizing, or complaint letters. We will consider “thank you” notes for good worries as everyone else, so I service directed toward local people, organizations, or businesses. choose not to focus on those. DECLARATION: No part of this publication may be reproduced without the There’s far too much wonder in express written consent of NOKPmedia. All editorial copy is strictly the opinion the world. So much to see and of the author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of this publication, its share. From the microscopic officers or employees, or the Sun City Center Community Association. wonders my youngest son sees through his new microscope to E. Adam Porter John Wolf Nancy Jean Editor in Chief Advertising Design and Layout the vast and mighty landscapes 813.938.7441 813.938.8721 art@soco.news my eldest is driving past as he editor@soco.news newsofsccads@gmail.com traverses frozen Yukon territory, and everything in between— the world and this life are Ilona Merritt Paula Lickfeldt Kai Rambow magnificent and bewildering in Reporter Reporter Reporter equal measure. imerritt@soco.news plickfeldt@soco.news krambow@soco.news And, finally, thank YOU for reading. I’ve heard from many of you over the years, and it’s Mike Lee Bob Sanchez always appreciated. This month, Reporter Reporter wherever you find yourself and mlee@soco.news bsanchez@soco.news whatever your situation, I hope you have at least one reason to say “thank you.” Looking for Andrea L.T. Peterson Gezil Andrews those opportunities has gotten Reporter Reporter me through some pretty difficult apeterson@soco.news gandrews@soco.news days, and for that, I’m grateful. Happy Holidays from all of us here at The News of SCC & South Contributors: Frank Kepley, Garry Higgins, Bob Monahan, Peggy Burgess, Joanne Baskinger, County. Debbie Caneen, John Lampkin, Cathy Meyerhoff, and Ron Clark. (CA President).
December 2023
The News
3
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COMMUNITY 4
December 2023
The News
SAR Supports Veterans Gravesite Cleanup Efforts
Members of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) cleaned veterans gravesites at the Ruskin Community Cemetery in preparation for the November 11 Veterans Day celebration. South Shore SAR Chapter compatriots Ron Windsor and Ed List (pictured) assisted Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) members in the beautification project. The local George Mercer Brooke DAR Chapter has organized a monthly program to identify and groom veteran’s graves at the Ruskin location. The SAR/DAR chapters support a number of patriotic functions in Sun City Center.
Left Center Right Club
First and third Saturday of every month 2 to 4 p.m. Kings Point East Social Room Remember Left Center Right? That fun game in which 3 quarters and 3 dice can win you untold riches? Well it’s here at Kings Point! Because there are five Saturdays the dates are 12/2 and 12/16. B.Y.O.E! snacks to share are always welcome. If you are coming in from outside Kings Point let the guard know you are here for LCR. Questions? Contact Michelle Mason 813-492-8920 or “mmason@ seniorsinservice.org”.
Tech Trek Campers Speak to AAUW
Saturday, December 9, at 9:30 a.m. brunch; 10 a.m. speakers Atrium, Florida Room AAUW (American Association of University Women of SCC sponsored five middle school girls from the local area to attend the camp centered around STEM activities last summer. Join us to hear the girls speak to us regarding the week and their experiences. Call Margie Castiglia at 813-633-8253 for Tech Trek camper Saramyia reservations. $10 donation at Simpson meets with AAUW Tech the door is requested to pay for Trek Chairperson Diane Waronka food. Anyone interested in more prior to the meeting. information regarding AAUW should contact Angie Maze at 813505-8998.
Elks Lodge Events
This one-of-a-kind 1930 Ford roadster is the Roamin’ Oldies November cruiser of the month.
Car Show to Brighten Local Kids’ Christmas
The Sun City Center Roamin’ Oldies Car Club will present a special car show December 3 to brighten the Christmas holidays for area children and families. The event, from noon to 5 p.m. at the Mira Bay Winn-Dixie plaza on US 41 in Apollo Beach will offer cruiser of the month and other special awards, and door prizes. Classic vintage and holiday music will be provided by DJ Joey Ferrante. The show is expected to attract about 150 of the area’s finest antique and collectible vehicles, including the club’s November cruiser of the month 1930 Ford roadster shown by Skip and Diane LaVine of Wimauma. Skip spent six years building his one-of-a-kind car, combining historic design elements with a high-performance V8 engine, automatic transmission and other updated components. The show is open to all area collector vehicles. Admission is $5 plus a new unwrapped toy for show participants and free for spectators, who are also encouraged to bring a gift or cash donation. All proceeds will benefit families in the South Shore area. If needed, the rain date is December 12.
1630 S US-41 in Ruskin December 2: Ladies Holiday Luncheon at 12 p.m. featuring a high tea luncheon. Cost: $15. December 3: Elks Memorial Day service honoring all the past deceased members 1 p.m. Free. December 6: Entertainment by Titto & Deb. Karaoke performing at 6-8 p.m. Dinner is available from 5 to 7 p.m. December 7: Thursday Night Social Night with Bill Lindsey, Elvis Impersonator performing 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Cost $5. December 9: Annual Christmas 40th Anniversary Party Gala featuring a delicious dinner by Chef Denise and tunes by Jim Peditto, DJ: Cost $25. December 13: Accordion players perform your favorite music at 5:30 to 8 p.m. Dinner is available from 5 to 7 p.m. December 17: Sunday Pancake Breakfast from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost: $8 (children over 5 years, cost: $5). Cash Bar will be open after 11 a.m. December 20: Entertainment: Bill & Karen Shepherd performing 5 to 8 p.m. Dinner is available from 5 to 7 p.m. December 27: Entertainment: Charlieman performing 5 to 8 p.m. Dinner is available from 5 to 7 p.m. The Lodge will be closed on Christmas Day and resume activities on Wednesday, January 27 at 2 p.m. All Elk Members and their guests are welcome to attend. All events planned will have a Cash Bar except for the evening of December 7. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit the South Hillsborough Elks Lodge #2672, 1630 HWY 41S, Ruskin on M-W-F from 2 p.m. to closing or call 813-645-2089.
Community continued on page 5.
We Welcome Selina J. Lin, M.D.
813-633-3065
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:
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December 2023
The News
Community continued from page 4.
Galaxy Bridge Luncheon
December 7, at 11 a.m. United Methodist Church, 1971 Haverford Avenue The lunch price is $18. For reservations or cancellations, call Kathie at 1-410-879-1112 or Annetta at 813-633-3277. If you leave a voicemail, one of them will call you back to confirm. This group is open to all women of Sun City Center women, Freedom Plaza and Kings Point Gold Card members who are interested in bridge.
Kings Point Artist of the Month
Lori Konerza is fairly new to watercolor. Growing up, Lori always had a good eye for color but never pursued any formal art. Seeing how much she enjoys it now, she wishes she had started painting earlier. Lori’s first exposure to any art instruction was when she joined her mother at a community art class for oil painting shortly after her marriage. She loved doing the 10 paintings but quit to raise a family. Once retired and settled in at Kings Point, she was excited to try watercolor. She enrolled in Diane Simon’s class when the room opened up in January 2020 and took her first class. From the very first painting, she was hooked. Diane is a most extraordinary teacher and she feels blessed to have her guidance. Lori’s work can be viewed in the North Clubhouse Art Room window at the end of the east wing.
5
DAR Holiday Luncheon
Wednesday, December 20, at 12 noon Aston Gardens, 2421 Emerald Lake Drive Join Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) for their Holiday Luncheon. All members, prospective members, and their guests are welcome. Please RSVP by December 12 with your payment and meal choice to CGMB-Gretchen, PO Box 6343, Sun City Center, FL 33571. For nonmembers please contact Kay Adkins, Regent, at mujerdragona@yahoo.com.
South Shore SAR to Host Luncheon
Saturday, December 9, at 11:30 a.m. The Plaza Club, 3932 Upper Creek Drive The South Shore Chapter Sons of the American Revolution will host a luncheon. All members, spouses, and guests are welcome to attend. For reservations, call William Barron 813-340-1860 or email “sarsouthshore@gmail.com”. The planned program will feature installation of year 2024 Chapter officers in a ceremony presided over by Mr. Alfred Parks Honeywell, Regional Vice President of the Florida Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. 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.
South Bay Genealogical Society Meeting
Tuesday, December 19, at 10:30 a.m. UMC Life Enrichment Center, 1971 Haverford Ave. Round Table Discussion, followed by a sit-down luncheon at noon, and then the presentation by our Guest Speaker at 1. Our speaker will be Lori Coffey who will be presenting, “The Women of 1862”. 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 Genealogical Society, PO Box 5202, Sun City Center, FL 33571. Your check must be received by December 7.
Landsharks to Jam at Patrol Fundraiser
By Mike Lee The Sun City Center Security Patrol will be hosting the Landsharks Tribute Band, who played with Jimmy Buffett for 20 years, at a fundraising event on Sunday, January 14 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the SCC Community Hall located at 1910 S. Pebble Beach Blvd. Gather your family and friends for a memorable afternoon of fun while enjoying songs such as Margaritaville, It’s Five O’clock Somewhere, and Cheeseburger in Paradise. Included in the $30 ticket price will be a fabulous silent auction. BYOB and snacks. Tickets, payable by cash, checks or credit cards are being sold through the Security Patrol office at 1225 N. Pebble Beach Boulevard from 9 to 3 Monday through Friday. Info: 813-642-2020. The Sun City Center Security Patrol has been serving the community for 42 years, and has over 600 volunteers who give of their time and patrol 110,000 miles a year to protect homeowners and businesses in Sun City Center. The Patrol functions as the “eyes and ears” of the community. Drivers, Dispatchers, Captains and the Board of Directors are all volunteers and help make the Patrol run smoothly 12 hours a day, 7 days a week. All of the Security Patrol’s operating funds come from donations, grants, bequests, and fund-raising projects. Volunteers are always needed. If you are interested in volunteering to help keep Sun City Center the safest area in Hillsborough County, stop by the Patrol office during business hours or call (813) 642-2020.
Bob Sullivan, President, SCC Men’s Club; Bruce Shanker, guest speaker; Ed Barnes, VP of Programs, SCC Men’s Club
SCC Men’s Club Learns About Historical USA Immigration
The monthly membership luncheon of the Sun City Center Men’s Club heard a timely talk on immigration during the history of the United States of America. Bruce Shanker was guest speaker and noted that historically five subjects have influenced immigration in the USA and then explained how the economy, social pressures, political climate, demographics, and environmental concerns have determined how immigration was increased or lessened over time. Mr. Shanker defined the various opponents and proponents during different periods of increased and decreased immigration. A Q&A session followed the presentation. The SCC Men’s Club membership is open to residents of Sun City Center and Kings Point. For information about becoming a member please call Bruce Fraser, VP of Membership, at 813-419-4013.
Community continued on page 6.
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December 2023
The News
Community continued from page 5.
Heartland Club Holiday Pasta Night
December 4, doors open at 5 p.m. Kings Point North Clubhouse Veterans Theater, 1900 Clubhouse Dr. The holidays this year are bringing to the Heartland Club members and guests a special holiday celebration with a catered threecourse Holiday Pasta Night. Entertainment by magician and mentalist Star Newman. Water and ice will be provided but don’t forget your beverage glass. BYOB. All residents of the Sun City Center area, members, and their guests are welcome. Members: $25, nonmembers $29. RSVP to Bev at 309-525-2871, or email “jbwohlrab@gmail.com”.
Eagle Audubon Society Meeting
Monday, December 18, at 1 p.m. St. Andrew Presbyterian, 1239 West Del Webb The speaker this month is Dr. Ed Sherwood, Executive Director of Tampa Bay Estuary Program. He will share his informed perspective on seagrass status, habitat conditions, and restoration efforts for the bay. Seagrass is a vital component of the ecosystem in Tampa Bay. A Chapter of National Audubon, our meetings are free and open to all.
SCC Bluesmen Open for Buddy Guy
Don Becker and Harold Davis were the opening act at Buddy Guy’s Legends Blues Club in Chicago 11/12/23. They played four original blues songs “Punch, Cry, Scream”, “Cross the Mississippi”, “Tampa Train Blues”, “Rollin” and “The Thrill Is Gone.” Harold Davis has written and produced two musical comedies titled “We r just men” and “That Old Moon ‘’. Harold and Don play Wednesdays 2-4 p.m. in the Rollins Theatre with the SCC Front Porch Pickers’ club and were featured at the Cherry Hills Drive gazebo concert Saturday, November 18, with “Out of the Blue” band. The band is known for being the house band at Bunkers before its recent closing.
ta Jus nute mi om 20 e fr ter n iv dr y Ce t Ci Sun
L to R: Elliot Bart, Asst. Treasurer, SCC Men’s Club, Steven Shiveley, Meteorologist US Weather Service, Bob Sullivan, President, SCC Men’s Club
US Weather Service Meteorologist Speaks to Men’s Club
By Jay Sparkman Stephen Shively, a meteorologist with the US Weather Service, Ruskin station, was guest speaker at the November luncheon meeting of the SCC Men’s Club. Mr. Shively spoke about his personal history before he joined the weather service and about his career with the service. He explained that the Ruskin Weather Station is one 122 local offices in the USA. The SCC Men’s Club is open to residents of Sun City Center and Kings Point. Please call Bruce Frazer, VP of Membership at 813-419-4013.
Join Sun City Center Resident Pastor Mac Clements at 10:30 this Sunday Morning 9912 Indiana Street Gibsonton, FL
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December 2023
The News
Come Dance With Us
January 13, doors open at 5:30 p.m. Kings Point North Clubhouse Live entertainment by LB and Chloe. Cost $5. Ice and water provided. BYOB. All are welcome. Info: Ken (513-582-8449) or Rosemary (513-258-8238).
DANCING
Swing & Country Dance Club
Free Beginner Tap Dance Lessons
Thursdays at 3 p.m. Dance Studio 2 The class is designed for seniors who may never have tapped before or have not tapped since they were children. An SCC CA Card, Freedom Plaza ID or a King Point Activity Care is required to attend. For more information please call Cindy at 630 235 1277,
New Year’s Eve Dinner Dance
December 31, doors open at 5:15 p.m. SCC Community Hall, 1910 S. Pebble Beach Classix returns to rock in the New Year with some of the best, crowd pleasing, classic rock tunes. Tickets will be available at the Atrium Kiosk Mon., Wed., and Fri., through Dec. 27, with reserved table seating of eight. Tickets are $35 for members and $45 for nonmembers; checks preferred. No tickets will be sold at the door. Holiday attire is suggested, BYOB, 50/50 drawing. Open to all. Info: Kathy Kerschke “jfkfunnsun@yahoo.com” or Barbara Gocek “bgocek1@gmail.com”.
Senior Social Dance Group
December 5 and 19, doors open at 5:30 p.m. St. John Divine Episcopal Church 1015 Del Webb East These dances are always open to everyone and admission is $6 per person payable at the door. Come and enjoy music of the 50’s & 60’s with all types of dances featuring entertainer Thor Stevens and his keyboard and sax. Info: Judy Furman, 813-606-1233 or email “judyannfurman@gmail.com”.
SCC Dance Club
Member Appreciation Holiday Buffet and Dance Saturday December 16, from 5:15 to 9 p.m. SCC Community Hall, 1910 South Pebble Beach Blvd. Catered by Banquet Masters, music by Mike & Peg. Cost: Members free, nonmembers $30 for SCC residents, Freedom Plaza residents (with Access Card), and Kings Point with Gold Card / Dance Card. Dance Only 7- 9 p.m. members free. Walk-in’s $6 at the door for above noted attendees. BYOB. Make checks payable to SCC Dance Club. RSVP must be received by Dec 11. Mail to SCC Dance Club % Amy MacDougall 2106 West View Dr., Sun City Center, FL 33571-6182. More info: (813) 729-3911.
Friday, December 8, and 15 Studio 1, next to walking pool in the CA Atrium Free dance lessons in December for residents who have an SSC Community Association ID, a Freedom Plaza ID, or the $30 Kings Point Gold Card. Info: 630-235-1277. 6 - 6:30 p.m. Beginner West Coast Swing 6:30 – 7 p.m. Intermediate West Coast Swing 7 – 7:30 p.m. Open Dancing And Individual Instructions
Kings Point Dance Club “Jingle Bells“ Dance
Wednesday, December 6, doors open at 6:30 p.m. Kings Point North Clubhouse, 1900 Clubhouse Drive Ballroom Music by: Dan Fugazzotto. All KP, SCC, singles and guests are welcome. Members free, guests $5. More info: Eileen 813-2964038.
Come Dance With Us
Dinner Dance, December 16, doors open at 5 p.m. KP North Clubhouse Veterans Theater Buy advance tickets December 9 in the North Clubhouse lobby. Cost $20 for members; $30 for nonmembers. Performers: LB and Chloe. All are welcome! Info: 513-582-8449 or 513-258-8238.
Moonglow Dance Club
Holiday Ball Open To The Public December 28 SCC Community Hall, 1910 S Pebble Beach Blvd. 6 p.m. dance lesson. 7 p.m. dance to Kevin Brooks music. Dressy event. Members free. Guests $6 at the door. Everyone is welcome.
Do You Wanna Dance Club
Friday, December 8, doors open at 6:30 p.m. SCC Community Hall, 1910 S. Pebble Beach Celebrate the start of the holiday season with the sounds of American Idols’ Kamryn Emory and her band Social Fabric! Tickets will be available at the Kiosk on Mon., Wed., and Fri., through December 8, from 10 to noon or at the door until 7:15. Tickets are $5 per member and $10 per nonmember. Open to CA, Freedom Plaza Access, Kings Point Activity Cards or guest pass holders. Info: Kathy Kerschke “jfkfunnsun@yahoo.com” or Barbara Gocek “bgocek1@ gmail.com”.
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HOLIDAY December 2023
The News
Let’s Dance Ballroom Holiday Dance
Saturday, December 2, from 7 to 9 p.m. SCC Community Hall, 1910 S. Pebble Beach Dance to your favorites with Thor Stevens as your DJ. Dress is casual or holiday attire. BYOB and snacks. Water, cups 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. Also, Kings Point residents with a $30 Dance Card are welcome. Info: Peter Steitz at 608-609-0309.
Sounds of Christmas
Monday, December 4, at 7 p.m. United Methodist Church, 1971 Haverford Ave. Rejoice in the spirit of Christmas melodies with friends, family and colleagues. The 34 member South Shore Concert Band creates an endearing and impressive performance entitled “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year’’ fit for the excitement of your friends and family. The concert will feature traditional Yuletide favorites of both American and Canadian composers and arrangers. Enjoy 10 different song collections. Cost is $10 at the door.
South Shore Community Chorus Holiday Concert
December 5, at 7 p.m. Northside Baptist Church, 1301 N U.S. Hwy 41, Ruskin. A mix of festive tunes, both secular and religious, will be sure to put you in the holiday spirit. $10 love offering suggested.
Kindred Spirits Holiday Party
December 6, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Kings Point Banquet Room Second annual Holiday Party and cookie exchange. What better way to kick off December than a holiday party with all the Kindred Spirits. Games, line dancing, and cookies! Can it get any better? Bring 12, take 12 cookies to share. Store bought is okay as we know how busy you are. Will have plenty of time to roam around the room and maybe meet another woman to build a new friendship. Maybe even a christmas carol ? If you are coming in from outside Kings Point let the guard know you are here for Kindred Spirits. Questions? Contact Michelle Mason 813-492-8920 or “mmason@ seniorsinservice.org”.
9
Holiday Walk Gazebo Concert
Saturday, December 9, at noon Music on the Green Club is proud to host the Front Porch Pickers as they perform a mix of tunes at the gazebo during this year’s annual Sun City Center Holiday Walk and shop event. Please come out and support our craft clubs by picking up some handcrafted gifts for your friends and families and enjoy another great performance at the gazebo, this time from our very own Front Porch Pickers Club.
Toast of Tampa and Heralds of Harmony Celebrate Christmas
Sunday, December 17, at 3 p.m. United Methodist Church of SCC Celebrate Christmas in the barbershop harmony style with the beautiful sounds of the Toast of Tampa Show Chorus and the Heralds of Harmony Barbershop Chorus! Under the direction of Tony DeRosa, both choruses will help get you in the holiday spirit as we sing beautiful songs of Christmas. Tickets are available at the Pages of Life Bookstore (M-Th 9-12:30) at the Church Office (M-Th 8:30-4) and on the Church website (www. sccumc.com) under the Events Tab. Info: Larry Hirchak, concert series coordinator, at 646-831-4008.
Kings Point Italian Club
Holly Jolly Christmas Party Tuesday December 19, doors open at 4:30 p.m. KP Veterans Theater Food provided by Banquet Masters. We supply coffee, tea, soda BYOB. Music by Two of a Kind. Members $30, guests $35. Tickets on sale December 12 and 13 from 9 a.m. to noon at the North Clubhouse lobby. Please make checks payable to the Italian Club. Tickets can only be purchased on those dates. Info: 813-300-4010 or “www.kpitalianclub.com”.
SCC Holiday Walk December 9
The Clubs in Sun City Center present “Holiday Walk” Saturday Dec. 9 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Each of the clubs will be making available their own unique wares and gifts for purchase for the Holidays. Come out and support our clubs. Participating clubs are Art Club, Pottery Club, Lapidary Club, Weavers Club, Porcelain China Painters Club, Shell Crafters Club, Stained Glass Club, Bunka Club, Diamond Painting Club, Needle Crafters Club, Ceramics Club, and Sawdust Engineer's.
Women’s Chorus “Old Fashioned Christmas”
The sights and sounds of “An Old Fashioned Christmas” will be ringing in the holiday season with style in Sun City Center this year. The Women’s Chorus of Sun City Center is preparing their annual holiday concert with a touch of nostalgia and a lot of beautiful voices. Director Jeff Jordan has selected many traditional songs that have been arranged in new and wonderful ways. You’ll recognize Silent Night, The First Noel, and I’ll Be Home for Christmas, but you’ll love the new harmonies and interesting variations of the melodies. Another highlight will be Angels From the Realms of Glory, which features Jeff and accompanist Teodora Mitze-Circiumaru on a four-hand piano accompaniment that is breath-taking. Also, Danny Chavez, an extraordinary percussionist, will add his rhythmic stylings to several upbeat Christmas tunes, including It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year and Winter Wonderland. Seven talented vocalists will be featured within various songs, including It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year, Blue Christmas, That’s Christmas to Me, and Somewhere in My Memory. Finally, a small group from within the chorus, called Major Treble, will present The Christmas Song and Linus and Lucy from A Charlie Brown Christmas. This concert will provide something for everyone that will bring back memories of past Christmas celebrations and put a smile on every face in the audience. You won’t want to miss it! Two concerts are scheduled for early December. The first is Monday, Dec. 4, at 3 p.m. at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 1239 Del Webb Blvd. W in Sun City Center. The second concert will be on Friday, Dec. 8, at 7 p.m. at The United Methodist Church, 1971 Haverford Ave. in Sun City Center. $10 will be collected at the door.
Golf Cart Parade Saturday, December 2nd at 10 a.m.
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SPORTS 10
December 2023
The News
LAWN BOWLING • TENNIS • GOLF • SOFTBALL• PICKLEBALL & MORE!
2023 Novice Lawn Bowling Singles Championship
By Garry Higgins The Sun City Center Lawn Bowling Club Novice Championship (bowling two years or less) was completed recently. Seven players were entered in this single-knockout event and in the final match, it was Don Prazak defeating Barb Turney. Congratulations to both. If you are a member of the Sun City Center Community Association and would like to see what the sport of lawn bowling is all about, please feel free to drop Lawn Bowling Novice Champion, by the Club (Main Campus) and Don Prazak speak to any members there. Also, there is lots of information on the Club’s website, “suncitycenterlbc.com”.
Tampa Bay Active Life Games
By Paula Lickfeldt Sun City Center held a qualifier for the 42nd Annual Tampa Bay Active Life Games on October 7. In total, 24 women and 20 men competed in an age brackets of 55-59, 60-69, 70-79, 85-89. Each of the players is now qualified for the state games. The state games for tennis are scheduled for Friday, December 1, through Thursday, December 7. The games will be held at the Sarah Vanderbilt Berg Tennis and WellnessCenter at 6585 Simons Road in Zephyrhills, Florida 33541.
CWGA-18 Fall Meeting and Scramble
Tennis BBs to Orlando
The Sun City Center USTA 65+ 6.0 team, named the Bumblebees, qualified for the Florida sectionals in Orlando Nov 7-9. Players from left to right: Deb Lowe (co-captain), Kathy Norton, Monty Montgomery, Mary Huntington (captain), Sheryl Doom, Juanita Vila, and Janet Smith.
By Aileen Engel The Caloosa Women’s Golf Association 18-hole league (CWGA18) met for its fall general meeting and luncheon after our ABCD scramble on Wednesday, October 25. Thank you to Rosemarie Bryan for arranging the delicious lunch. It was a beautiful day for golf and the scores were close. The first place team of Judy Tickles, Jill Wright, Mary Lou Anderson, and Honey Jenks had a score of 69. Two teams tied for 2nd place with a score of 70 - Bobbie Cesarek, Sharon Mathieu, Jennifer Keser, Joan LaMar and Judy Wagner, Mary Ellen Laprade, Ellen Desisto, Joyce Shade. Congratulations to all the winners.
HOLE IN ONE
Accomplished By: Randy Peterson
Caloosa Golf and Country Club’s House Director, Randy Peterson, got his first hole-in-one recently. This event on Hole #13 was witnessed by John Houldcroft, Mike O’Brien and Max Ellingson.
Accomplished By: Tom Garrison
Tom Garrison scored a hole in one on Scepter Golf Course Hole #5 Osprey (134 yards) with an 8-iron. Witnessed by Chuck West, Clarence Lobaugh, Carl Nunn. Randy Peterson
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December 2023
south County Events Provided by Debbie Caneen, Director Admissions, Sun Towers
MON. DEC 4 - SCC SECURITY PATROL TOY DRIVE Unwrapped gifts for infants thru six years old will be collected at the Security Patrol offices at 1225 N. Pebble Beach Blvd. from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. daily. This year the Patrol will be gathering toys in support of Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission. You can help a child enjoy a Merry Christmas by donating a gift. Stop by the offices at 1225 N. Pebble Beach Blvd or visit the website at “sccpatrol.org”. TUE. DEC 5 - SUN CITY CENTER LIONS CLUB LUNCHEON AND PRESENTATION 1st and 3rd Tuesdays at noon for lunch and scheduled speaker at Sun Towers Retirement Community, 101 Trinity Lakes Drive, Sun City Center. Questions or to RSVP: Lions Club Membership Chairperson and a Lion with over fifty years of service: Lion President Bob Jenkins cell 586295-5135 email rwj045@gmail. com TUE. DEC 5, 12, 19, 26 - TRIVIA CLUB WITH BECKY CLARK 5:00 - 7:30 p.m. at Sun Towers Retirement Community, 101
The News Trinity Lakes Dr. SCC. Brand new time and location for a longlasting trivia group. We believe we have found our forever home at Sun Towers. This will be a weekly game and it is B.Y.O.E! Questions? Contact Michelle Mason 813-492-8920 or “mmason@seniorsinservice. org” or Debbie Zoeller 502-5999461. WED. DEC 6, 13, 20, 27 THERAPEUTIC TAI CHI FOR HEALTH 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. at Sun Towers Retirement Community, 101 Trinity Lakes Drive, Sun City Center. Our therapists have advanced training in therapeutic Tai Chi for Seniors and will provide guidance in this healthy exercise. For more information, contact Debbie Caneen at 813-892-2990. THU. DEC 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 referralbased business growth. Join us! Questions? Call Debbie Caneen 813-892-2990. THU. DEC 7 - OPTIMAL HEALTH CLASS 10:00 a.m. at Sun Towers Retirement Community, 101 Trinity Lakes Drive, SCC. 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. Yours in true health, Dinah Allison.
SunTowers Retirement Where Couples Stay Together and Singles Find Friends
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THU. DEC 7 - CRAFT BEER & WINE CLUB OF SUN CITY CENTER “Fermenting Fanatics” 1:30 p.m. at Sun Towers Retirement Community, 101 Trinity Lakes Dr. SCC. December kicks off another full month dedicated to the holidays. It is the perfect time of year to enjoy rich reds, yuletide nogs or sparkling. We request our members bring either 2 bottles of beer or a bottle of wine for tasting. This month our theme is new beginnings. 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. DEC 8 - LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. at Sun Towers Retirement Community, 101 Trinity Lakes Drive, Sun City Center. Join us for our monthly meeting and holiday party. Questions? Contact Michelle Mason 813-492-8920 or mmason@ seniorsinservice.org THU. DEC 14 - FREE BALANCE SCREENING TO REDUCE YOUR RISK OF FALLS 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. in the 2020 Building at Kings Point. Provided by Sun Towers Outpatient Therapy Dept. Did you know one in four adults aged 65 and older falls each year? Have your fall risk screened at no cost to you! This simple screening takes less than ten minutes. See the results before your eyes through biofeedback. Call to schedule (813) 331-3035. MON. DEC 18 - PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP OF SUN CITY CENTER 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. at Sun Towers Retirement Community 101 Trinity Lakes Drive, Sun City Center in the theater. If you have Parkinson’s, or are caring for someone with this disease, be sure to attend this support
group! For info, call Debbie Caneen 813-892-2990. THU. DEC 21 - FREE BALANCE SCREENING TO REDUCE YOUR RISK OF FALLS 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon – Sun Towers Outpatient Therapy Dept. Did you know one in four adults aged 65 and older falls each year? Are you at risk? Have your fall risk screened at no cost to you! This simple screening takes less than ten minutes. See the results before your eyes through biofeedback. Call to schedule today! (813) 331-3035. THU. DEC 21 - DIABETES SUPPORT GROUP IS BACK 1:30 p.m. at Sun Towers Retirement Community, 101 Trinity Lakes Dr. SCC. Shirley Sullivan, Nutritionist and founder of Southshore Wellness, integrates a holistic approach, as well as providing other natural products to support your wellness goals. Shirley specializes in diabetes and heart health and facilitates free support groups in south Tampa. Healthy intent is key to reaching your wellness goals. Embrace the journey. For info, call Debbie Caneen 813-8922990. THU. DEC 28 - WHISKEY UNIVERSITY CLUB FOR SUN CITY CENTER 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Sun Towers Retirement Community, 101 Trinity Lakes Dr. SCC. Whiskey University is a prep, undergraduate and graduate school that teaches a series of “Tasting Classes” on the topics of Bourbon and Whiskey. Instructor led so we understand the history that is built into the taste. We meet the 4th Thursday of every month and provide several tastings as well as food. Questions? Contact Michelle Mason 813-492-8920 or “mmason@seniorsinservice. org”.
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The Sun City Center, FL Military Order of the World Wars (MOWW) Chapter held their monthly meeting/luncheon at the Renaissance Club, Sun City Center, on October 19, 2023. In addition, the MOWW recognized some Youth Leadership Conference (YLC) high school students from several area high schools. This program is an extension of the main Leadership Tallahassee program Dwight J. Brown was introduced for adults, bringing together a and honored as a Patriot by diverse group of high school Commander Charlie Conover, LCD juniors from public and private USA. schools that have demonstrated leadership potential in formal and informal situations, and preparing them to become ethical leaders committed to active community involvement. During the four-day conference, the students were given several projects and various lectures on leadership, U.S. History, the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the private enterprise system. They also visited the Florida State Capitol, the Florida House of Representatives, the Florida Senate, and the Florida Supreme Court Veterans qualified for MOWW membership are those in current military service, retired military service, or former military service and members from the Korean War, Vietnam War, Gulf War, War in Afghanistan, War in Iraq, and peacetime service. Inquiries regarding joining the Chapter should be directed to Veterans qualified for MOWW membership are those in current military service, retired military service, or former military service and members from the Korean War, Vietnam War, Gulf War, War in Afghanistan, War in Iraq, and peacetime service. Inquiries regarding joining the Chapter should be directed to LTC Charlie Conover 813-470-0208.
12
December 2023
The News
TRAVEL
Be Careful of Scammers
Scammers are pretending to be Publisher’s Clearinghouse. Residents have been receiving phone calls from the “Publishers Clearinghouse Prize Team’’. They claim you have won millions of dollars and a new Mercedes Benz. They will convince you to pay various fees and/or taxes. They ask for thousands of dollars to deposit into banks, cash to send in the mail, or through the purchase of gift cards. They tell the victim not to tell friends or relatives because it might jeopardize their winnings. Remember, if you have to pay money to get money, it is a scam. You always have time to verify, do not let them take that away from you. If they insist that you need to pay now, it is a scam, end the conversation and hang up.
Join us for our Travel Meeting
Speaker: Stew Carrier Tuesday, December 5th, 2023 • 10 a.m. Please RSVP! Kings Point Main Clubhouse Ripple Room • 1900 Clubhouse Dr.
It’s time to start thinking about a Christmas gift … to yourself! How about ALASKA! Stew Carrier, professional Alaska tour director and guide. Stew is just back from another year of leading tours to Anchorage, Denali National Park, Fairbanks and many other Alaska destinations. Come visit with Stew as he shares stories of some of his Alaska tours.
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Harold Singer Birthday Surprise
Photo credit Lisa Myers Harold Singer was surprised June 25th by family and friends with a 90th birthday party. It was a wonderful opportunity to take a 5 generation family picture.
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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.
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TRAVEL December 2023
The News
13
Meet Big John
Big John, the largest triceratops discovered so far, is most impressive. You can see it at the Glazer Children’s Museum.
Two girls playing at the Publix store.
By Kai Rambow If you have young grandchildren or visitors with youngsters, then this is a great destination. There’s even something special for you—Big John. Designed for children, the Glazer Children’s Museum has plenty of interactive activities. On the first floor there are water activities. Children could easily spend 30 minutes playing here. Here’s the amazing part: the design allows kids to play with the water without really getting wet. When you’re on this level, be sure to look at the lighting display near the far windows. These constantly changing lights are beautiful to look at. On the second floor there are real life activities for children to try. There is a firehouse with a pole for kids to use. While this is very popular, it is not the most popular activity. If you were to guess, you’d probably get it wrong. Ready for this? The most popular activity here is shopping at Publix. There is a mini-Publix where children can take on all kinds
bones were pieced together. It is estimated that when alive Big John weighed about 12,000 pounds and had a length of 26 feet. It is massive. There are fun little pieces of information for the children. A short tunnel with bubble pop ups for kids provides fun views of Big John. Not to be missed is a digital activity. Children can color a dinosaur. They can use whatever colors they want. Then it is scanned. They can then watch their dinosaur hatch and roam the large screen.
of activities. Shopping is the obvious one, however, being a cashier appeared to be a popular choice. The experience comes complete with fake food items, shopping carts and cash registers. At one point it was packed. It’s just a lot of fun for children. You can tell it’s children’s play. After the “store” emptied out there was a section where the fake food was all over the floor. No doubt that’s where the parents had shopped. Also on the second floor, there is a climbing maze that is sure to amaze and delight children. On the third floor is where you can meet Big John. Big John is the world’s largest triceratops. It is absolutely huge. The triceratops is one of the most recognizable dinosaurs. We are privileged to have it here. The fossil was discovered in South Dakota, assembled in Italy, then auctioned. It sold for a record, over seven million dollars to Tampa businessman Siddhartha Pagidipati. He later announced it would be loaned to the museum. Sixty percent is original bone, the rest is rebuilt. More than 200
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Tips for a Great Trip Earlier in the day is probably better for a visit with fewer kids in the museum. Plan at least two hours for a visit. Let the kids enjoy the museum. They’ll have a blast and be ready for bed come nighttime. You just need to keep an eye on them, plus you’ll most likely enjoy Big John too. The first floor has a snack bar, so if anyone gets hungry after two hours, you won’t have to go far. Another possibility is to plan a picnic. The museum is right
beside Curtis Hixon park running along the Hillsborough river. This could be a lovely spot to picnic. Parking: The William F. Poe garage is right beside the museum. Use GPS to get there. Once parked, take the elevators to the lower floors. Here you’ll find a timed ticket machine. You will need to have your license plate number. The good news is once you have your ticket you don’t have to return to your car. As long as you haven’t gone over time, the system will recognize your plate when exiting and raise the barrier. Rates are reasonable. We all seem to have a fascination with dinosaurs, probably from our childhoods. This can be a wonderful excursion. Enjoy. William F. Poe Garage 800 N. Ashley Dr. Tampa, FL 33602 (813) 274-8179 Glazer Children’s Museum 110 W Gasparilla Plaza Tampa, FL 33602 (813) 443-3861 www.glazermuseum.org
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Adogable Pets Pet Salon & Spa
December 2023
The News To show our support Adogable Pets is offering Law Enforcement & 1st Responders a 15% discount on all Grooming services for your civilian pets. K-9 Officers Grooming services are 100% on us! In lieu of our services, Officers are welcome to use our facility to bathe their own police dog ! For an appointment call 813-419-4972
Quality, Convenient & Dependable
Sun City Center’s Premier Grooming Salon & Holistic Pet Supplies Store
4884 Sun City Center Blvd. east end of Publix Plaza
813-419-4972 Mobile Grooming
813-300-7902
Call for an Appointment
www.adogablepets.com
SCCCA Thanks Community for October Breast Cancer Support
By Renee Bray, Event Chairperson On October 18, the SCCCA sponsored an event to raise money for Moffitt Cancer Center, specifically breast cancer research. The committee set out to raise $15,000. When it was all said and done, the event raised over $28,000. Highlighting the event was the SCC Golden “Chip’nDales” whose performance was enjoyed by all. The following Major “HOT PINK” Sponsors donated at the $1,000+ level, helping to get the fundraising started: Aston Gardens SCC and Aston Gardens Courtyards, Freedom Plaza, Sun Terrace and Sun Towers, Humana, Robin Bennett of Century 21 Beggins, Sandy Tams of Century 21 Beggins, and the SCC Pickleball Club. The sponsors at the “Cherry” level of $500 - $999 included Katherine J. Benoit foundation, Linda Dunn, Parts N Carts, and Sunset Grill and Beach Bar. Many other businesses, clubs,
organizations and individuals contributed in a variety of ways to help. Our local SCC clubs that contributed included the Ceramics Club, Dog Owners Group, Euchre Club, Ladies Bunco Club, Men’s Club, Metaphysical Club, MOAA, Morning Fitness Club, Needlecrafters Club, Pottery Club, Sawdust Engineers, Lawn Bowling club, Sew’n Sews, Swim Dancers, Security Patrol, Stained Glass Club, and Tennis Club. Also contributing was the Kings Point Quilters Club. Joining in the planning committee was the GFWC SCC Women’s Club and the AAUW, who partnered to manage the gift basket raffle and donated several baskets themselves. Spirit Entertainment volunteered their services to provide music. The SCC Community joined together to support the cause by volunteering their creative works of art, their donations, and their time as well. Thank you to all that contributed to this worthy cause.
Some of the car show participants like to show their cars with a sense of humor.
Local Car Show Expands Significantly
By Kai Rambow Started last year, the Friendship Baptist Church car show had almost double the number of participants as last year and significantly more attendees this year. Sometimes it takes a while for a new annual event to gain traction, but it looks like it has happened fairly quickly due to the hard work of organizers and volunteers. There were a variety of cars kept in beautiful condition. Custom paint jobs added dynamic colors, and my favorite, some of the fun display aspects a few people added. Even non-car enthusiasts had a good time.
YOU Need US. WE Need YOU. “It came on very quickly; Elysa suddenly didn’t
know where she was or where she’d been. I didn’t know if this was a stroke, but I called the Emergency Squad and they arrived in minutes. We were reassured by their professional and calm demeanor and they got Elysa to the Emergency Room in record time. We are incredibly grateful to have them in our community, looking out for all of us.” Vern Hendricks Profiles in Compassion—Frank and Sally Reid
In the Spring of 2020, shortly after Sally Reid had fully retired, she decided she was interested in joining the Emergency Squad. But then the pandemic happened. However, she got into a class in July, while Frank was visiting family out of town. Within the first few days, she was texting Frank, “I think you’d like this! Better check it out!” And she kept telling him all the interesting lessons she had in Emergency Medical Responder training, feeding him little tidbits about the class. Soon after Frank returned to Sun City Center, he also joined and went through EMR training that October; then Driver Training shortly after. By the Summer of 2021, both Frank and Sally had signed up for EMT class. “I love the feeling I get when I’ve helped someone who is having a terrible day. Being able to reassure and calm them, and get them to the Hospital, is a fantastic feeling,” said Sally Reid, who is now our Director of CPR training. “Neither Sally, nor I had any medical or healthcare experience before coming to the Squad. Here, I’ve not only been able to expand my knowledge about healthcare, I now get to train others so we can continue our mission of “Neighbors Helping Neighbors.” Frank Reid is now Assistant Chief of Education. Both he and Sally serve on our ambulances, providing care to the residents of our community.
We are FREE, because we are all volunteer. Please consider giving your time. Without you, our service and time in the community, may not last.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
For more information, contact Chris McCann, Assistant Chief of HR at 813-434-4184
December 2023
The News
Garage Sales Tell a Community Story
By Gezil Andrews Garage sales are serious business. The process helps us not only clean out our homes, garages, and storage units, but put our life in order. Get rid of outdated things, make room for new things, and make a little money at the same time. Consider National Garage Sale Day, the Second Saturday in August. You must be a pretty big deal to have a national holiday. Here is a bit of trivia for you: The best time to start the garage sale is 7 a.m. The best day for the sale is Saturday. The average price of a sale item is $.90. Garage sales are a big market to draw a crowd for churches and nonprofits. I was recently on a bike ride and came across a garage sale wrapping up for the day. The sale was to have begun at 8 a.m., but some folks had lined up outside the driveway at 7 a.m. The garage sale homeowner, SCC resident, Dawn Dayringer, heard “Don’t worry about us, we are just going to look around while you set up.” Several of Dawn’s neighbors were chatting while the teardown was in place. Garage sales are amazing friend gathering opportunities. Having help makes a difference during the sale and in the “let’s put this leftover stuff away” process. Some people circle the garage sales in the area until prices on something they want have been cut. But as most of us have learned, the good stuff goes early, so don’t pass on something you really want. You can always ask the owner to bargain, and you may come out fine! Garage sales are a wonderful place to practice your bargaining skills, but don’t bully the owner. As you shop at the sale, you will begin to see the lifestyle and personality of the owner come into play. Mike and Lori Burgess’ careers took them to Germany for almost 30 years, so they were
Mike and Lori Burgess
eager to build out their home in Sun City Center with a fresh style – Florida! Lori had some unusual items such as a doll she had for over 20 years! I don’t typically frequent garage sales, because I have an impetuous buying side and I sense I need something I don’t, but I did stop into Julie Nelson’s garage sale and became enamored with her dried palm leaf collection. Julie and her husband, Ron, collect a lot of beautiful yard art, often refurbishing the items into vivid remnants of the South. The phenomenon of yard sales came into play for Lori. She did not sell a set of end tables with lovely blue turtles on them so the next time I visited her (to pick up my dried palm), I realized she had reclaimed the units, and they were now in their TV room! It’s not uncommon for garage sale owners to reconnect to a piece once others show interest in the items. One seller reflected on why she was selling so many smaller items. She had a family member who was a hoarder who left the house a “mess” for her to clean out before any sale could take place. She wants to make sure she doesn’t keep stuff that has no real tangible value to anyone else! There are hundreds of garage sales in our community every year. Check the garage sale ads on the web or in a local paper and you can fill your day with a lot to see and buy. There are traffic jams that can be found with cars, SUV’s, walkers, and golf carts lining up for the sale. Be careful going around a vehicle or stepping into the street to get to the sale. Buying or selling typically requires cash or a check. A garage sale refers to one property, even though there can be community garage sales or a shared sale, with items being set up in the garage. Yard sales represents items for sale outside the garage, such as on the lawn, in the driveway, etc... Estate sales are a bit different as there is often a third party involved – the garage sale coordinator and organization representing the homeowner. Make sure your sale is easy to find. If your Property Owner Association (POA) permits, add colorful balloons, streamers, or flags. Also, make sure your signs can be read from a distance by using large fonts. If possible, hold
Julie Nelson
L to R: Walter Mary, Susan Scott, and Madeline Mary—Neighbors and garage sale helpers for Dawn Dayringer.
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your sale on a day that there are other sales in your area. Activity breeds activity”! Have fun. Make money and
make new friends. Connect with your neighbors. A garage sale is a meaningful event with the right effort put into it. Ready. Set. Go!
Dawn Dayringer (garage sale owner) and friend, Mike DeFreeuw, manned the sale and connected with buyers.
Turtle table at garage sale, unique as the owner!
Answers to Puzzles on Pages 18 and 19
Catch The NEWS on the web at www.soco.news
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December 2023
The News
SCC Security Patrol
The Sun City Center Security Patrol cooperates with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office in educating residents on Florida statutes and Hillsborough County ordinances covering “vehicle parking”. Security Patrol captains will be placing educational (NOT citations) information cards under the windshield wipers of vehicles violating parking laws. There are no fines associated with these cards. Cards will be placed on vehicles on roadways or easements (not private property). Examples of violations with higher occurrences in recent education actions included: ● On or blocking a sidewalk (even in your own driveway) ● On a bicycle path or exclusive bicycle lane ● In front of a public or private driveway ● Against the flow of traffic The Security Patrol has no authority to direct drivers to move a vehicle. The purpose is to educate residents. Should a Deputy encounter the same situation, residents are subject to a citation and/or a fine.
BOOK REVIEW Rachel Beanland Is on Fire
Security Patrol Annual Meeting By Mike Lee
The Sun City Center Security Patrol thanked its volunteers and elected new board members recently at their annual recognition luncheon and annual meeting in Community Hall. A full house enjoyed a catered meal, heard from honored guests, and conducted business at the luncheon. The board will have Donna Dickinson, Fred Fiedler, Dick Hillyer and Jeff Stephanz as members in 2024. Officers will be determined by the board at its December meeting. The meeting was highlighted by annual reports to the membership by Board President Bob Lochte and Chief Tim Broad. The members were thanked for their spirit of volunteerism and for doing their part to help keep the Sun City Center area the safest community in Hillsborough County. Volunteers are asked to only work a minimum of three hours monthly. A variety of positions are available, including drivers and dispatchers, among other positions. If you are interested in joining the team, please stop by the Patrol’s headquarters at 1225 N. Pebble Beach Boulevard from 9 to 3 Monday through Friday, or call (813) 642-2020.
News of Freedom Plaza
Photo credit to Virginia Historical Society or Historic Richmond.
By Andrea L.T. Peterson Author of Florence Adler Swims Forever, Rachel Beanland, has written a wonderful, new novel: The House Is on Fire. Historical fiction, this book is about the 1811 Richmond theater fire that took the lives of 72 of the 600 or so theater goers during the Christmas holiday season. Adhering closely to the historical facts, Beanland weaves together the stories of four Richmonders intimately involved in the event. I asked Beanland why this story, why now? It happened like this: “I was in Richmond for a job interview in 2007. I heard about the fire in my first two hours in Richmond! I’ve done book events here [in Richmond] where only one quarter of the locals had even heard of the fire, yet it was a huge event, not just locally, but nationally! The Realtor who picked me up at the airport drove me around Richmond to see some of the city. As we passed the Monumental Church on Broad Street, he pointed out the window and told me how there had been a theater there, people had died, including the newly-elected governor of Virginia, and their remains were buried on the site, and the church was a memorial to the 72 victims of the fire. “I wasn’t a novelist at the time, but I thought, ‘I’d read a novel about this.’ It wasn’t until 13 years later during the COVID pandemic that I started thinking about this as a novel. The project I was working on at the time would require research and that meant travel—being sheltered at home, I couldn’t do what I had planned. Thinking about a possible project closer to home, I
thought of the theater fire. There are archives and museums and plenty of rich resources here [in Richmond], so it became my ‘pandemic project.’” Thanks to the in-depth work already done by Meredith Henne Baker for her non-fiction book, The Richmond Theater Fire: Early America’s First Great Disaster, Beanland had not only a great resource in the book, but also in the author who “very generously provided a grocery bag full of photocopied materials” from her own research. Baker’s “was the first book I read,” Beanland told me. “After reading it, I thought ‘You could write 100 novels about this. There were about 600 in the theater that night. Everyone in Richmond was affected by the fire. Either they were there or they knew someone who had been there. There was seating for enslaved and freed people of color as well as white people. That extended the reach of the fire. It was a compelling story. “I almost felt like I was writing four novellas,” she explained, telling the stories of four different people of different races, classes, and genders. “I only wanted to connect them when it made sense.” And the best, most rewarding part: “I loved getting to know Richmond’s history, beyond the Civil War. I was surprised by how fascinated I was by the time period and some of the historical figures who were roaming around Richmond at the time— including the governor! It was interesting and fun to get to the bottom of it all.” The novel is a page-turner; it is “a super compelling story;” and you probably will stay up all night reading it!
By Peggy Burgess Burlesque at Freedom Plaza? Yes, indeed, and the folks there love it! It comes in its original form, as perceived on the entertainment scene of 16th Century France: burl, meaning a practical joke, fun, ridiculous; esque, indicating “in the manner of”. The later version of burlesque, its association with “girly shows”, evolved, in America, in the 1870’s. The perpetrators of burlesque at Freedom Plaza are a group of fun-loving residents called “The Way, Way-Off Players”. That name refers to off- Broadway productions and it also describes the group’s theatrical material. The name is appropriate as this group is led by resident Joe Birnbaum, known–and appreciated--for his, way-off sense of humor made manifest in his stage plays. These have included: A Sheep in Wolf’s Clothing and Yes, Dear (starting with Adam and Eve). The latest of Joe’s shows, Alice in Blunderland, played recently in the Freedom Plaza Auditorium to a full house, bringing constant chuckles and belly-laughs. Via donations at the door, it also brought a substantial cash
offering to benefit the Freedom Plaza Scholarship Fund, Inc., sponsor of the event. The generous contributions of Freedom Plaza residents, through a variety of sources, this year enabled the scholarship program to fund educational grants of $3,000 to 23 deserving employees. On the Scholarship Board’s fund-raising agenda for the coming year is another comedy, this one in dinnertheater form. Pistols, Passion & Pasta will be presented on January 26, 2024, at the Plaza Club, with reservations open to the public on January 15. (Information: 813-634-8046). The residents of Freedom Plaza e x t e n d warmest Holiday Greetings to their neighbors in the Sun City Center Community and invite all to join them in a The White Rabbit new year (a.k.a. Joe of “Having Birnbaum) of Freedom Plaza’s fun for the Alice in Blunderland. Fund”!
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FAITH &service December 2023
The News
Donations Down at Our Lady’s Pantry Can You Help?
“First of all, many thanks to the community for supporting Our Lady’s Pantry all these many years,” says director Tom Bullaro. “We will soon be starting our 25th year of service and could never have kept our doors open all these years without the power of community.” According to Bullaro, until a few years ago, the Pantry had one truck going to Feeding Tampa Bay (FTB) twice a week to pick up food we had ordered at wholesale prices. Today, FTB is serving hundreds more pantries, so there is little food left for us. We now have three trucks on the road almost every day, picking up donations and retail orders from all over the county. Our Lady’s Pantry is located at: 16650 U.S. Highway 301 South; Wimauma, Fl. 33598. To learn more about the Pantry, please visit us at www.ourladyspantry.com.
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Hot Lunches to Go
Tuesdays, 11 to 12:30 p.m. United Methodist Church of SCC Cost $10. Lunch includes an entrée, dinner roll, and a dessert. Call 813-347-4464 to hear each Tuesday’s menu and place your order no later than Friday by 3 p.m. Be sure to leave your name, phone number, and the number of lunches you would like to reserve for pick-up.
SouthShore Christian Women’s Connection
Wednesday, December 13, from 11:30 - 1:30 p.m. United Methodist Church, 1971 Haverford Ave. “Let’s Be Merry and Bright” is the theme of our luncheon. All women are welcome to join in a good time. You’ll enjoy a delicious lunch for only $22 (including dessert!). Feature will be Shelly Molter, owner of South Shore Boutique in Lithia. Shelly will bring samples of her merchandise and coupons! Most of her items can be monogrammed for personal holiday gift-giving. Our Guest Speaker will be Dorothy Smith. Dorothy’s talk is titled, “It’s Christmas - Let’s Celebrate”. Reservations with payments by December 6. Please call 317414-9062 or email “SSCWCFlorida@gmail.com” by Wednesday, December 6. Send your 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.
Comedy Coming to Beth Israel in Sun City Center
Sunday, December 24, at 2 p.m. • 1115 E Del Webb Blvd. Welcome to an evening of stand-up comedy and laughter by Rabbi Bob Alper. He will be performing a stand-up comedy act featuring current events as well as his favorite stories. This will be 80-minutes of non-stop laughter. Come and join us for a cost of $25 per person. There will also be an earlier 1 p.m. “Meet and Greet” reception featuring Bob Alper, wine/cheese and crackers for an additional $10 cost per person. If you attend both parts of the program the total cost is $35. Reservations only, due by Friday, December 15. Please make checks payable to Beth Israel and send to Beth Israel, The Jewish Congregation of Sun City Center, P.O. Box 5203, Sun City Center, FL 33571-5203.
Dining In The Dark
By Paula Lickfeldt Monday evening, November 6, 110 people ate a three-course meal while wearing a blindfold. The event was a fundraiser for the Low Vision Club as well as a unique experience for the attendees to get an idea of what it is like to eat a meal that you cannot see. Before the meal began, Peter Swartz and Hal Knight both gave their perspective on what are some of the trials they face. They spoke of things like, how do you find something that you dropped on the floor? How do you find your way to and around
a public restroom? What do you do when you are walking down the street and a car is parked on the sidewalk or a garbage can has been left on the sidewalk? And the important question for the evening, how do you know where the different foods for the meal are found on your plate. After the meal, the winners of each of the 34 raffle baskets were announced. The event was a very successful undertaking bringing in a profit of $7,789 for the Low Vision Club. A special Thank You goes out to all of the people who helped make this event a reality.
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December 2023
The News SOLUTIONS TO PUZZLES ON PAGE 15
December 2023
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December 2023
The News
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