News of Sun City Center March 2024

The News of Sun City Center

CA SCHEDULE

MARCH, 2024

4 Board Workshop

Rollins Theater – 9 a.m.

Zoom ID: 884 6994 6378

Passcode: 986259

9 FunFest Central Campus - 9 am to 2 pm

13 Board Meeting

Rollins Theater – 9 a.m.

Zoom ID: 874 4581 6417

Passcode: 846620

25 CO-AP Meeting

Caper Room – 2 p.m.

27 Membership Meeting

Community Hall – 3 p.m.

Zoom ID: 844 5140 0831

Passcode: 911264

28 Supplemental Board Meeting Board Room – 1 p.m.

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

Weavers Club Celebrates Distaff Day

By Bob Sanchez and Rhonda Altman

The Sun City Center Weaver’s Club hosted its first annual “Distaff Day” on January 13 in the Sandpiper Room, drawing 50 fellow fiber enthusiasts from Hillsborough, Sarasota, Pinellas, Charlotte and Manatee counties.

So what is Distaff Day, you ask?

comes from the old-world tradition of women returning to regular household chores on that 13th day, and carries the name “distaff” from the medieval symbol of women’s work.

While women spun on their wheels in the evenings, they carried a drop spindle with them throughout their daily chores. A distaff is the rod that holds unspun fibers while using a drop spindle. It

LRPC Update Where we are in the Master Plan

The Long-Range Planning Committee (LRPC), working closely with the Construction Subcommittee, is in the process of compiling a Request for Proposal (RFP) from qualified contractors nearby. Pi Architects, working on our behalf, has compiled the required data such as design, surveys, etc. for consideration to receive the best bid pricing possible from potential contractors.

Once the bids are received, our Board will be vetting their proposals to choose the best fit for quality and cost and will then bring the proposal to the membership for a vote of approval.

How do we pay for this Master Plan update of our campus?

Each time a home is sold within the Sun City Center CA, $3,000 of the sales price is added to our CA Capital Fund which is now well over $5 million. The Capital Fund pays for new updates to our community amenities. This fund is held separately from our Operating Fund which pays to keep our amenities running by paying for electric, insurance, staff, etc. Our annual dues are applied to the Operating Fund, not the Capital Fund.

The order of construction:

A staging site must be set up for a contractor’s office, heavy equipment, supply delivery, etc. and is being proposed to take the footprint of the Men’s Club building. The Men’s Club will be relocated

to the space next door to Deputy Jeff Merry on campus to be easily accessed, keeping service organizations together. Seniors vs. Crime will also be relocated to that same area once their office space in Rollins is no longer available.

Why not build the Phase 1B new social gathering space and pool first since they were high on the resident survey desires?

To update the space that the Rollins footprint now occupies, we must relocate clubs presently in that space: Weavers and Billiards to the new Phase 1A Applied Arts Building and Seniors vs Crime as mentioned above. By relocating these uses, the space in Phase 1B becomes available for all 11,000+ SCCCA members to enjoy as a spacious location for us to gather and socialize.

Since our dues pay for electricity usage, in making a move for a renovation, we are keeping energy costs at the top of each decision. At present, we have three clubs with approx. 1,500 sq ft per club using electricity to not only fire kilns but to also air condition the ambient space for member comfort. Just think what your electric bill might be if you had a kiln at 1,000 degrees in your living room!

The plan requires Billiards, Weavers, Ceramics, Stained Glass, and Pottery clubs to be relocated to the new Applied Arts Building. The kiln rooms for the later three clubs will be located in the rear of the new building space and will be heavily insulated and ventilated to reduce the cost of air conditioning.

Once the new Applied Arts Building is complete, we expect to immediately begin the process of updating Rollins to become our new space where all 11,000+ members can come for dining and entertainment along with enjoying a new resort style pool.

facilitates the spinning process by keeping the fibers untangled for the spinner. This day is also called “Rock Day,” as the weighted end of the drop spindle was often a rock.

Spinning today is a hobby rather than a necessary chore. As such, present-day crafters have adopted this day not to return to work, but to gather together and share our love of the fiber arts.

The most common fibers to spin are wool, cotton, silk, alpaca, other kinds of animal hair, and flax, for making linen.

Rhonda Altman, Weaver’s Club past president, organized the event, which the club hopes will become annual.

L to R: Rhonda Altman, Joey Cosby and Karen Simpson

SCCCA MEMBERSHIP MEETING

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2024

3:00 PM – COMMUNITY HALL

REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED AT 2:30 PM ALSO VIA ZOOM

Meeting ID: 844 5140 0831

Passcode: 911264

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

I. Call to Order/Pledge of Allegiance

II. Approval of Minutes: January 3, 2024

III. President’s Report

IV. Treasurer’s Report

V. Community Manager’s Report

VI. Hillsborough County Transportation

VII. History Society Presentation

VIII. PI Architects – Phase 1A and 1B

IX. General Discussion by Members

X. Adjournment

President’s Report

By Ron Clark, CA President

The Long Range Planning Committee and the Board have been hard at work with Pi Architects (Project Design) and Appono Construction (Construction Monitor) on the Central Campus Upgrade Project. As a result, a Request For Proposal (RFP) along with specification and design documents was sent on February 16 to four prequalified General Contractors.

The RFP requests separate bids for Phase 1A and 1B by March 15. Assuming that we receive a suitable bid, the current tentative plan is to have a membership referendum vote on April 16 and 17 for approval of the construction cost. Depending on the cost of the bids we receive, the Board will decide if this vote is for Phase 1A only or for both Phase 1A & 1B combined. Please add the following key March events to your calendar.

FunFest 2024 will be held on Saturday March 9 from 9AM to 2PM at the Central Campus. Please come, join the fun, and enjoy the booths of CA Clubs and Service Organizations, free entertainment, and great food to purchase.

A Membership meeting will be held at 3:00 PM on Wednesday March 27 at Community Hall. Pi Architects will present the construction design for Phases 1A & 1B and the project cost will be discussed. Please join us and be fully informed for the April referendum vote.

The Board and our Committees are functioning very well and are all pulling together for the common good. However, we could always use more volunteers for several Committees, the Information Center, and the July 4 Breakfast event. Please consider joining the CA team of volunteers and completing the HUG-SCC form available online at “suncitycenter.org/wp-content/ uploads/HUG.pdf” or in print at the CA office and dropping it off at the office or emailing it to “sccboard@ suncitycenter.org”.

This is a wonderful time to be living in the Community Association of SCC. We are financially strong with a sound plan to upgrade our central campus. Plus, spring is in the air and the weather is improving! We have a lot to be thankful for. As always, let us all be respectful, positive, kind, and have fun in our senior years!

CA Board to Focus on the Central Campus Upgrade

By Bob Sanchez

On February 14, the Sun City Center Board of Directors held its monthly meeting in the Rollins theater.

Corporate Secretary Debbie Caneen acknowledged contributions of $2,000 from the Dog Owners Group, $1,200 from the Pickleball Club, $2,500 from the Softball Club, and $10,000 from the Sun City Center Tennis Association. These amounts were all for maintenance of their respective facilities. Caneen also certified the recall results, which were 2,076 in favor of keeping Director Clark and 1,303 against.

President Ron Clark noted that the vote total of 3,379 reflected the highest election turnout in the past nine years. The focus now is the Central Campus upgrade, he said. The board hopes to have a membership vote on phase 1A and 1B by mid-April, but that could change, depending on circumstances.

Treasurer Roger Zieg reported the following numbers:

• Operations Fund $3,679,228

• Capital Fund $5,618,639

• Replacement Fund $1,693,477

• Renovations Fund $43,461

• Morse Trust $988,405

House transfers in January were 26, with $78,000 added to the Capital Fund. February house transfers to date are 14.

Lyn Reitz noted that FunFest is March 9, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Residents are now required to have their 2024 stickers to use the SCC facilities. If you don’t have your sticker, please come into the CA Office to get it. Resident count is 11,363 and total membership dues are 11,408. In new business, the Board approved:

• $25,300 for an outside audit and $2800 for 2023 tax preparation, both using a certified public accounting firm.

• Six hardship waivers for 2024 dues, funded by donations.

• Various committee chairs

• A new Arts and Crafts Club

• A new Grant Committee intended to request grant money

• A Fundraising Committee

• Responsibilities for the Pool Committee

• Responsibilities for the Communications and Website Committee

• Renaming the Kings Point Gold Card, which will now be called the Kings Point Club Usage Card. The cards themselves will not change.

Don’t Miss FunFest

March 9, from 9 to 2 p.m.

By Carrie Blaylock, CA Director, FunFest Chair

One of the best ways to celebrate spring is by attending Sun City Center’s Annual FunFest. This year’s event will be Saturday, March 9, 2024. The festivities kick off at 9 a.m. with opening ceremonies at the Gazebo by CA President Ron Clark, and FunFest Chair Carrie Blaylock. Followed by a flag raising courtesy of the American Legion, and the singing of the national anthem by Lily Meyers.

More than 60 clubs will be showing off talents and selling one-of-a-kind handmade crafts. Delicious foods and desserts will be available in the food court area. Health booths will be offering blood pressure checks, vaccines and other screenings. There will also be information inside the Atrium along with live music and lots of wonderful dances, and shows all afternoon. The event runs rain or shine till 2 p.m.

Please Note: Cherry Hills Drive will be closed between North Pebble Beach and North Course Blvd. Limited car parking available behind the Atrium. Golf cart drivers should park in the field north of North Course Lane. Parking available at Community Hall with shuttle service available thanks to Aston Gardens.

Get Fit at FunFest

By Kai Rambow

Physiologist Sherry Rumel is coming back to FunFest. I know you’re probably thinking, “Why would I think about getting fit at FunFest?” So you can have more fun longer.

Sherry and her company, Fitworks Perfect Posture, work with just about everybody and do an amazing job. Working with our skeletal muscles, all kinds of problems can be alleviated. Skeletal muscle accounts for approximately 40 percent of our body weight.

By strengthening these muscles we can provide relief to our bodies. Patients have been taken off surgery lists. As one doctor said to his patient, “I don’t know what you’re doing, but whatever it is, keep doing it.”

Fitworks has worked with several doctors who loved what they were doing. It makes perfect sense to them, because it is using the body in natural ways. For example, resistance bands are used. You get guided through the movements. There are no drugs. Fitworks doesn’t even have to touch someone. By improving our posture, we gain all kinds of benefits. Good posture sends good hormones through our bodies.

If you have any type of discomfort or pain, Fitworks may be able to help. Full disclosure here, I worked with them last year for something minor and was super impressed with everything. I’m a big fan of eliminating problems or challenges

naturally.

The most surprising group of clients are athletes. Fitworks has worked with plenty of them to help improve what they do in their training and workouts.

Last year Fitworks was in the Caper room. Look for them and check them out.

Veterans Photo Shoot For SCCCA Members

March 16, 2024

The next photo shoot for the Veterans Wall of Honor Project as shown in the Atrium will be held on Saturday, March 16, 2024 from 10 to noon in the Photo Lab located in the multipurpose building at the corner of North Course Lane and N. Pebble Beach Blvd.

This is available for all Community Association members who served honorably in any branch of the U.S. Military. Please call Carol Donner in the CA office (633-3500) to register, along with your CA membership number, by noon on Thursday, March 14 and you will be assigned a specific time.

Judy Cesarski is the New Activities Director for the SCCCA

By Paula Lickfeldt

Judy moved from Connecticut in 2016, where she worked as a Life Enrichment Director of a large community. She has a degree in Therapeutic Recreation and has found a passion for working with seniors since she was 17 years old. After she moved to Florida, Judy worked as a Memory Care Director at a facility in SCC. She was recently at an assisted living facility in Tampa where she was in charge of daily activities with a focus on entertainment and a variety of activities. She said that she loves to see the enjoyment on the faces of the people she worked with. She loves seeing them involved.

At the beginning of this year, Judy became the Activities Director for the SCCCA. Her main focus is on entertainment. She looks forward to working with seniors who enjoy getting out and staying active. She will be in charge of the Entertainment Series both on Friday night and Sunday afternoon, as well the Gazebo Music Series. She is looking forward to providing a wide variety of entertainment. Residents of

SCC and KP can buy their tickets for the series at the Atrium Building Kiosk on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings. Watch our ARTS section in The News for important dates and concert information.

In her spare time, Judy likes to go to the beach, especially Treasure Island, and the Disney Theme Parks. She likes to decorate and do flower arranging. She spends what time she can doing crafts like silk flower arranging and decorating her home. She enjoys going to antique stores and craft fairs. Judy can be found in her office at the CA office building Monday through Friday.

Cat Lovers Club of SCC Meeting

The Cat Lovers Club of SCC will meet for a Cat Chat on Tuesday, March 26 at 1:30 p.m. at Trinity Baptist Church, Fellowship Hall, 702 W. Del Webb Blvd., SCC. Cat Chats are informative presentations on topics related to the well-being and happiness of cats and their humans. New members are always welcome! Annual dues for 2024 will be accepted: $20 for an individual or $25 for a couple/family. Info: CatLoversClub.org, or email “info@catloversclub.org”.

SCC German American Club Kaffeeklatsch

Sunday, March 10, at 2 p.m.

Redeemer Lutheran, 701 Valley Forge

All members of the SSC German-American Club, their guests, and interested parties are invited. The event will feature a selection of German themed baked goods, coffee, a travelog, and good fellowship. The event is free, with voluntary contributions to defray expenses most welcome. All participants are encouraged to bring mementos or photos of visits to Germany to share with their fellow guests.

Marian Crowe’s 100th Birthday

On Feb.1, the Galaxy Bridge Luncheon bridge players celebrated Marian Crowe’s 100th birthday at the Methodist Church. We are always looking for new members. This is a fun bridge group that meets once a month. We meet the first Thursday of the month at the United Methodist Church in the Life Enrichment Center. To Join: Membership is $10. Luncheon is $18. Contact our President Diane Lea at 813-361-1348. Or email “dlea88@verizon.net”.

CLUBS

Thanks.

Wisconsin Club Event

The Wisconsin Club of Sun City Center will be hosting “A Bit of Ireland –Wisconsin Style” on March 14th at the Community Hall 1910 S. Pebble Beach Blvd. Doors will open at 5 p.m. and dinner starting at 5:30 p.m. Banquet Masters will be providing dinner at $25 per person. Music provided by “The Riverview Jukebox band”. Public is welcome. For questions contact Hede Horne at 262-496-8081. Please mail reservations to: Hede Horne, treasurer, 1226 Caloosa Creek Court, Sun City Center, FL 33573. People wanting to sit together must provide all names and payments in one envelope. Reservations and [lV1] payment due March 5. No walk-ins or payments at the door. www.sccwisconsinclub.com.

Jazzmatazz Dance Performance

The performance season for Jazzmatazz Dance Club starts this year on March 9 at the Sun City Center FunFest. Enjoy a short program of dances at 10 a.m. in the Atrium Building Dance Studio. Next up, Jazzmatazz will be performing for the 2024 Vesta Follies, “A Blast from the Past,” on March 15 and 16 at the King’s Point Veterans Theater.

Dancing is recognized as one of the best forms of exercise to promote physical, cognitive, and emotional health and well-being. It helps improve balance, coordination, memory, agility and stamina. The Jazzmatazz Dance Club provides an opportunity for senior citizens to enjoy the camaraderie and friendship of others who share the love of dance, all in a fun and supportive environment. For those interested in exploring this type of experience, the Club offers a one-hour Beginner’s Class, which includes musical theater dance. Please contact Jazzmatazz President Connie Ray at (859) 494-5337 to inquire about a Jazzmatazz performance for your organization or event, or to inquire about registering for the Beginner’s Class (class open only to those with an SCC Card, Freedom Plaza ID, or KP Club Usage Card)

Clubs continued on page 4-CA

Using a resistance band to improve. Fitworks works with our skeletal frames and muscles to improve posture and help eliminate physical challenges and problems. Check them out at FunFest.

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.

Clubs continued from page CA-3.

New England Club Spring Fling

Thursday, April 4, doors will open at 5 p.m. SCC Community Hall RSVP now. All are welcome! Music by DJ Jon, catered dinner by Banquet Masters. Admission is by pre-paid reservation only. BYOB. Reservations are $29 per person for NEC club members and $33 for non-members. RSVP must be received by Tuesday, March 26, NO EXCEPTIONS. Annual club membership dues are $5 per person. Your ticket will be your name tag provided at the door upon your arrival. Reservation forms with complete details and SCC New England Club membership forms are available on our website at www.SCCNEC.net. Info: Linda Anderson with any questions at 813-633-9643

SCC Swim Show

On March 2, the Sun City Center Swim Dancers presented their annual show titled “Beach Party.” Seventeen swimmers filled the water with beautiful moves including Flamingos, waterwheels, and Eiffel Towers.

Fun numbers included “Dock of the Bay” in which two prize fish were caught. They were swimmers Barb Reznor and Sharon Axtell. Another number was “Water” with the gals toasting beer bottles and wearing cowboy hats. And the popular Swim Dandies entertained the crowd with their antics to Wipeout. If you are interested in joining the SCC Swim Dancers please call Barb Reznor at 860-841-3282.

Sew’n Sews Goes to Airing of the Quilts

Several members of the Sew’n Sews club went to Airing of the Quilts in Sarasota. The display of quilts on clotheslines is put on by two Sarasota Modern Quilt Guilds. Their members display the quilts they have made during the year, some of which are based on a selected theme. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect for this beautiful display of their work. The Sew’n Sews members then enjoyed lunch out and stops at quilt shops on the way home. Membership in Sew’n Sews is open to SCC association members in good standing as well as to Kings Point residents with a Club Usage card. For more information about the club, classes and items for sale, visit “ssc.sew.n.sews@gmail.com” or call 813-505-9503.

Art Club of SCC

Our 55th Annual Art Show, “A Sea of Color” was a huge success! Thanks to all who participated and all the volunteers who helped make it a success. There were 55 awards handed out, including “Best of Show”, entitled “The Breathe” by Liz LInk , and the “People’s Choice Award”, called “Sadie” by Larry Schafer. We have so many talented artists in our town and love sharing our work with everyone.

The Art Club will be hosting a special Showcase Gallery that will open March 9 for FunFest, in the Art Club. This gallery will showcase all the ribbon winners from the show. If you enjoyed the show and want to see them again, or if you missed it, please join us.

March 9 • FunFest is fast approaching and we are always there to celebrate the club. Hours are 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Live demo’s inside and outside!

March 18 • We will be hosting a watercolor demo in the Rollins Theater at 1 p.m., for those who love watercolor, and those who might be interested in giving it a try. This demo is open to all members, their friends and guests, CA members, and Kings Point Club Usage Card holders.

March 23 • The pastel workshop will be held in the art room for club members that have signed up. Helen Dobbins, who demoed in February will be doing a workshop. These are all day events for members. The cost is $40 and must be paid at sign up.

Sew’n Sews Makes Items for Students

The members of Sew’n Sews made dining aprons and fidget aprons for the students in Ms. Gonzalez’s Access Point Class at Beth Shields Middle School. The ladies used their creativity in pairing towels with fabric that would appeal to middle school students. The children were excited to see these items made especially for them.

Membership in the Sun City Center Sew’n Sews is open to SCC Association members in good standing, as well as to Kings Point residents with a KP Club Usage Card. For more information about the club, classes and items for sale, visit “ssc.sew.n.sews@gmail.com” or call 813505-9503.

Computer Club Meetings

Wednesday March 13, at 7 p.m.

Atrium, Florida Room

Supervisor of elections, Craig Latimer, will join us to share important information on what we need to be doing to make sure we’re ready to vote in the upcoming elections. He’ll also describe the measures in place to ensure the integrity of the elections and the accuracy of election results. There will be plenty of time for questions and answers about elections and voting in Hillsborough County. Bring your friends.

Computer Club Classes

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

• Beginner Class I – Wednesday, March 6, and Friday, March 8, from 10 to noon

• AI Discussions – Thursday, March 7, from 10 to noon

• Beginner Class II – Tuesday, March 12, from 10 to noon

• Starlink – Wednesday, March 13, from 10 to 11 a.m.

• Ipad/iPhone for Seniors – Thursday, March 14, from 10 to noon

• How to Buy a Computer – Monday, March 18, 9 to 11 a.m.

• Scam Awareness – Wednesday, March 27, from 10 to noon

• Smartphone SIG – Friday, March 29, from 10 to noon

South Lake Donut Party

The South Lake Association recent social event in the Florida Room was a donut party. Following the dinner buffet, the social committee had a Valentine Trivia contest between tables. Then a unique handmade Donut Ring Toss Competition was fun for all the members and guests. Winners included: Larry Parkin (1st place), Gene Goad and Nancy Williams (3rd place – tie).

Monday Movies

Rollins Theater

Second and Fourth Monday, 1 p.m. Only one movie shown in March

Movies are normally shown the second and fourth Monday of each month in the Rollins Theatre at 1 p.m. Movie attendees must present a current SCCCA ID Badge, a SCCCA Guest Card or a Kings Point Usage Card to attend. Dates and time may be changed if necessary. Theater capacity is limited to 145 attendees per the Hillsborough County Fire Code. There will only be one movie shown in March. March 25 • Past Lives •1 hr., 46 min.

Nora and Hae Sung, two deeply connected childhood friends, are torn apart after Nora’s family emigrated from South Korea. Two decades later, they are reunited in New York for one fateful week as they confront notions of destiny, love, and the choices that make a life, in this heartrending modern romance.

Starring: Greta Lee, Teo Yoo, John Magaro

Genre: Romance, Drama

Rating: PG-13 for some strong language

Ms. Gonzalez and Mary Lou Bogdan (Sew’n Sews member) delivering the fidget aprons and dining aprons.

Fly Eagles, Fly

By Kai Rambow

In a rare opportunity, two eagles were released into the wild at Bok Tower. They had been helped to recover. One was injured in a territorial dispute with another eagle. The other had been shot by someone.

Living here it is easy to forget all of the wildlife work done by

volunteers and organizations. The birds were rescued by the Raptor Center of Tampa Bay and rehabilitated by the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey. Birds of prey are helped by these and other centers. Turtle nesting sites are monitored every day during the season. Larger mammals, such as manatees, are rescued and helped by organizations such as Zoo Tampa and the Florida Aquarium.

Interestingly enough, when they released the eagles, a few minutes apart, both headed in the same direction. It was a brief, enthralling moment. It was marvelous.

What

By Bob Sanchez

Recently two rehabilitated eagles were released at Bok Tower. Bok Tower has helped as a release site before. Their wide, open spaces provide plenty of room for birds to safely return to the wild.

Photo by Bob Sanchez

Photo by Robert Winch

Photo by Joe Sclafani

Photo by Jim Seaton

The Editor’s Corner

Dog Days

By E. Adam Porter Editor, News of SCC

“I want to be the person my dog thinks I am…”

This quote comes in a variety of forms and has been attributed to countless people through the years. It’s one of those timeless bits of wit that endures, regardless of attribution. Likely, someone said it “first”… as did someone else… before someone else said it first again. Who said it, though, or when, are less important than the nearuniversal sentiment expressed in the phrase.

As I write this, my own dog is curled on my feet, occasionally lifting his head to smile, sniff

what they might be missing.

There’s a lesson there, I think. Dogs are focused on moments and people that bring them joy. They might squabble. They may get up to ill-advised shenanigans. In that way, they are very human. Outside of those moments, though, a dog’s natural preset is “joy.” They measure their days not in time spent or time left, but in moments shared with the friends they love. As far as metrics go, that’s a pretty good one.

Sitting here, Golden Retriever on my feet, I wonder how different the world might be if more of us focused on what brings us joy and a whole lot less on what makes us mad. Sure, we all have things that grind our gears, but do we really need to feed that tendency to find fault and seek grievance? Do we really want to live in a world where an industry that promotes and propagates rage is one of the most popular and profitable?

Yes, there’s injustice in the world. Some take more than they should, and others get less than they deserve. There is pain and disease and people

According to my dog, happy days are all about perspective. He might be hurt or sick or tired… but he’s always excited to see his family and friends. Regardless of the circumstances, he’s always up to play ball or sit in the sunshine. Always ready to share a treat with a friend… always ready to revel in something simple, something we might forget as soon as it happens.

“Forget as soon as it happens…”

That’s generally how my dog treats the bad stuff. It’s gone and forgotten as soon as possible. He savors the good stuff, though. Well, except for Beggin’ Strips. He swallows those things without chewing half the time. Kind of like how we enjoy our favorite cookies.

But it’s the forgetting part that has me thinking… How much different would life be if we let the bad stuff go. The stuff that makes us impatient and frustrated… just let go of it… and

embrace those things that bring us joy?

What would happen to our hearts, our communities, and our country if we turned away from the people who profit from our hurt and our anger, and, instead, we invested our time doing things and thinking about things that bring us joy? How much better would our days be if they were more like dog days?

I don’t know. I’m not going to make any promises or any predictions. Tens of millions of Americans are habitually addicted to consuming ideas and images that make them mad and fearful and judgmental… It’s a self-inflicted cancer, and it’s got its hooks in us deep. There may come a day when many of us let go of that… In the meantime, I know one guy who can, and will. Maybe you will too. I hope so.

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In the meantime, it’s nice outside. I’m going to take my dog for a walk. Stewart

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Gezil

Whether you are traveling to your local farmer’s market or your favorite restaurant, accidents can occur at any time.

ER at Sun City Center, an extension of Manatee Memorial Hospital, is a full-service emergency department that provides care to those in need 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

We are located at 16504 S. U.S. 301 in Wimauma, adjacent to Walmart®.

ER at Sun City Center features:

• Full-service laboratory and imaging services (X-ray, CT and ultrasound) (A physician order is required.)

• Care for all ages

• Access 24/7

• On-site physician 24/7

• Ten treatment areas, including seven exam rooms and three rapid medical exam spaces

• 10,884 square feet

COMMUNITY

South Shore SAR to Host Luncheon

Saturday, March 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 Bill Barron 813-340-1860 or email “sarsouthshore@gmail.com”. The planned program will feature guest speaker, MaryAnn Rowe. Ms. Rowe is a member of the Colonel George Mercer Brooke Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and a veteran. Her presentation is titled, “Elizabeth Zane –– Revolutionary war Heroine and the Siege of Fort Henry.”

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.

SCC & KP Dating Club Update

The first meeting of the SCC & KP Dating Club had 43 participants, both men and women. Our second meeting in February continued with new members and more men. Based on suggestions of the members we have created different committees for the following:

•We are scheduling meet and greet events where members will sit at round tables of 6 or 8 members and then every 30 minutes, they will each go to different tables.

•We are also looking into a secure (password protected) website that only members will be able to get into.

•We also are having a social committee to provide for the events for the members.

•We also are looking into connecting with the other singles groups in our SCC/KP area to assist each other with more members for their events.

If you are currently not a member, it is never too late to join us. We meet at the SCC Security Patrol building on the second Sunday of each month at 4 to 6 p.m. For more information, contact Steve at 781-264-1215.

Sun City Center Dance Club donated $1000 to Samaritan Services. This was the proceeds from their Belated New Year’s Dance held on January 13, 2024. We thank the SCC Dance Club and everyone who attended the dance for making this generous donation possible. Pictured from left to right are Heidi Olegart, Wayne Rohr, Sue Hicks & John Spencer (board members of SCC Dance Club), Pat Rapach & Ann Weber (Samaritan Services board members). For Samaritan Services information call 813-634-9283. For SCC Ride, call 813-633-6111.

Kindred Spirits Meeting

March 6, at 3:30 p.m.

Kings Point Banquet Room

Aging Gracefully Together is our theme for March. We will talk about services you can receive at home. As life changes, we often find ourselves missing a companion to be active with. Are you tired of going to restaurants, movies, and events alone or maybe not going at all? We have the solution. It’s the Kindred Spirits Club! Come meet other women to enjoy life with and build friendships. We’ll continue to meet on the first Wednesday of every month. Please let the gate know you are here for Kindred Spirits.

Kings Point Italian Club Easter Parade

Monday, March 18, at 4:30 p.m.

KP Veterans Theater

Food provided by Banquet Masters. We supply coffee, tea, soda. BYOB. Music by Ron & The Classics. Members $30 per person, guests $35 per person. Please make checks payable to the Italian Club. Tickets on sale March 12 and March 13, from 9 to noon at the North Clubhouse Lobby. Tickets can only be purchased on the above dates. Contact: Frank Oleskewicz 813-300-401 or Edna May Fleming 813-419-4790. www.kpitalianclub.com.

Joan Kramer Honored as 2024 Woman of Distinction

The Sun City Center SouthShore Branch of AAUW (American Association of University Women) invites all in the local community to attend the ceremony honoring Joan Kramer as our 2024 Woman of Distinction. The ceremony and speech will occur Saturday, March 16, 2024 in the Florida Room of the Atrium building in Sun City Center. Social time and small Brunch items are shared at 9:30 a.m. with the presentation at 10 a.m. For reservations please contact Margie Castiglia at 813633-8253. Anyone interested in more information regarding this program or AAUW in general should contact President Angie Maze at 813-505-8998.

Joan gets things done! Moving to Kings Point with her husband in 2000, it was not long before she was President of her Homeowners Association. But she knew there were much bigger needs to tackle...so in 2000 she co-founded a now well-known area non-profit called Campaign Against Human Trafficking (CAHT). As President of this new group for several years, she oversaw much growth and success. While recruiting hundreds of local volunteers and members and learning the hard way how to raise funds, this organization helped establish four residential safehouses across the country.

Joan also decided to join the Board of Directors for the Enterprising Latinas located in nearby Wimauma. This non-profit has also grown much in achievement creating economic opportunities for local women of all backgrounds. It is no surprise that Joan currently serves as the President of the Board of Directors for Enterprising Latinas! She is also very active in the local synagogue Temple Beth Israel.

Community continued from page 4.

Left Center Right Club

First and third Saturday, 2 to 4 p.m.

Kings Point East Social Room

We offer both the traditional games as well as LCR Extreme! created by our own Rick Miles. B.Y.O.E! Snacks to share are always welcome. If you are coming in from outside Kings Point let the guard know you are here for LCR. Questions? Contact Michelle Mason 813-492-8920 or “mmason@seniorsinservice.org”.

South Bay Genealogy Society

Tuesday, March 19th, at 10:30 a.m.

UMC of SCC, 1971 Haverford Ave.

Beginning with an optional round table discussion, followed by a sit-down luncheon at noon, and then the presentation by our guest speaker at 1 p.m. Our speaker will be Shelley Bishop who will be presenting, “The Case Of The Missing Will.” 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 check payable to SBGS, and mail it to South Bay Genealogical Society, PO Box 5202, Sun City Center, FL 33571. Your check must be received by March 7.

Daughters of the American Revolution Meeting

Wednesday, March 20, at 11 a.m.

Atrium, Florida Room

Book Club discussion of the book, “DAR Murder Mystery” by Graham Landrum will begin at 11 am. All are welcome to attend.

Beginning at 12:30 we will have a social time with light refreshments, the meeting will begin promptly at 1 p.m. with speaker Jan Bassett, CGMB chapter member. We are honored to have so many talented DAR members in our chapter. Jan’s presentation is titled, “Love, Dave”. All members and their guests are welcome to attend. Info: Kay Adkins, Regent, at “DARcgmb@aol.com”.

Nearly New and Rotary Support Foster Children

The Sun City Center Rotary Club is grateful to be the recipient of a $6400 grant provided by the Interfaith Social Council of Sun City Center (ISAC) to fund a project called “Comfort Cases For Foster Kids”. Typically a child entering foster care is taken from their home because it is no longer safe for them. From the child’s view, a stranger comes into the home with a black trash bag. They are told to put their personal belongings into the bag. The parent may react negatively and refuse to allow the child to take anything with them. At that point the child is removed from the home with their trash bag.

The grant made it possible for Rotary to partner with the Hillsborough County Guardian Ad Litem, 13th District to implement this project. It is estimated that 60 children per month enter foster care in our local area, sometimes with as little as the clothing on their back. This grant will provide approximately 240 children per year with duffle bags filled with toothbrushes and toothpaste, blanket, stuffed animal, night light, flashlight, fidget, underwear and other items designed to ease the child’s transition and help them feel like they are cared for.

The SCC Rotary club will continue to work with Guardian Ad Litem to assess the effectiveness of this program. If you would like to make a monetary donation or donate any of the above mentioned items suitable for 3-10 year old children, please contact Ann Hammond at 770-548-8827.

South Shore Hospital and the HCA Healthcare Giving and Volunteering program.

The SCC Rotary Club meets each Tuesday for lunch with a topical speaker at Freedom Fairways Info: 813-957-6482.

Winnie Wright Interview

By Gil Todd

Winnie Wright is a long standing member of the Duplicate Bridge Association of Sun City Center.

On Saturday January 21, the Club scheduled a special game to celebrate Winnie’s 100th birthday. Gil Todd sat with Winnie to chronicle her journey.

Q: Winnie, tell us when you started playing bridge.

A: While I was in high school, I had a good friend whose aunt was an excellent bridge player, and she thought we should know something about playing bridge. She taught us a few elements of the game during those years. When I went to college during World War II, the men were all away, and there was not much going on. Our group started a bridge session, and we set up a table in our recreational area.

Q: So, you started early. Did you continue playing?

A: I was 17 years old when I started, but after graduating college I did not play much. I worked as a civil servant for the Quartermaster Corps, then married, and had a family. During that time, we had social bridge games... It was not until the children were grown that I got into Duplicate Bridge, and I enjoyed it very much.

Q: What does Bridge mean to you?

A: It means a lot. Between Bridge and exercise, that’s my life. I like to exercise five times a week and play bridge that many times.

Q: Is there an outstanding memorable bridge game or bidding contract?

A: Not so long ago I knew that a bid I was considering was very questionable. I knew I had the six notrumps contract but as an ego buster, I would have loved to say I made seven no trumps. Even though I knew seven not trumpets were not there, I bid seven. The six no trumps were cold; I tried but there was no way to make a seven no trumps contract. Instead, I lost the 990 points the 6 notrumps contract would have awarded, and the opponents received 50 points for my overbid contract!

Community continued on page 6.

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.

HCA Florida South Shore Hospital recently made a donation in support of Sun City Center Rotary Club projects. Shown are hospital senior leaders Lisa Howard, VP of Human Resources; Cathy Edmisten, CEO, and Alissa Kostyk, Director of Communications & Community Engagement. Lisa, a Rotary Club member, arranged donations totaling $2,000, from

Our Lady’s Pantry Thanks the FMC Foundation of Caring for Generous Gift

“Hunger is scary,” says Tom Bullaro, director of Our Lady’s Pantry. “Even the vision of hunger — like the long line of cars waiting for the Pantry to open on Saturday mornings. It reminds our volunteers repeatedly of why we are here.

“Too many people in our community don’t know the

source of their next meal,” Bullaro says. “This gift by the Florida Medical Clinic (FMC) Foundation of Caring will provide food relief, and hope, to our brothers and sisters, both those living alone, and those with lots of family around the dinner table.”

Angela Pottinger, executive

director of the FMC Foundation of Caring, thanks Our Lady’s Pantry for our efforts in trying to meet the needs of our community. They are pleased to give us this grant of $10,000 to purchase food for our Project Hunger. “We view our relationship with Our Lady’s Pantry as a collaborative endeavor and wish to be viewed

by the community in this light.”

According to Bullaro, Our Lady’s Pantry spent a stunning $105,243.51 for food from January through December 2023. We not only see food costs being higher and are having to purchase food at retail prices, but also more families are registering for food.

Imparting Values to Children: A New Writer’s Aim

By Bob Sanchez

If there’s one thing to know about Sun City Center resident Don Smith, he loves to help people. When he and his wife Connie lived in Continental, Ohio, he raised more than a quarter million dollars over a 15year period for the non-profit Diabetes Youth Services. “My career centered on children and on volunteerism,” he said. He recently took up writing as a hobby, and the Sun City Center Writers’ Club is helping him learn the craft. But still, his goal is to help others. With that in mind, he has written a series of booklets aimed at four- to eight-yearolds. He wants to help young children learn to read while imparting solid values, such as truth-telling and helpfulness, especially to the less fortunate.

In “It Just Ain’t Fair,” sevenyear-old Billy tells Mom he’s moving out because he doesn’t like his parents’ rules. But there’s a happy ending and a lesson learned. The story was a special feature in the April 15, 2023 issue of “Family: The Magazine for Military Families.” And more recently, his article “A family reunion like no other” appeared on the American Legion website, “legiontown.org”. Not bad for someone who says, “I’m not a writer.”

Community continued from page 5.

Don sells the booklets for $5 each, and “If I make any money it goes to the Lela’s Library Memorial Fund” to help the St. Dominic’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in Jackson, MS. He has also received donations to print copies, which he distributes for free to elementary schools and churches.

The New Hampshire native recounted meeting a woman and her small child in a waiting room. “Does your little one like to read?” he asked her. "Yes he does," she replied, so he went to his car and returned with a copy of “It Just Ain’t Fair.” Her son was

Eagle Audubon Society Meeting

March 18, doors open at 1 p.m.

Saint Andrew Presbyterian, West Del Webb Blvd.

Speaker is Dr. Julie Stocksdale. She will be sharing her experiences as an Audubon Florida volunteer for the annual survey of the Florida scrub-jays. “Julie’s Excellent Adventure” held in mid-July, bushwhacking through scrub, sweating, bear footprints, owls and finally scrubjays. The public is welcome to all our meetings.

Lemon Squeezy Chari-TEA & Variety Show Fundraiser

Friday, March 22, doors open at 1, event is from 2 to 4 p.m.

SCC Community Hall, S. Pebble Beach Blvd. Join the GFWC Sun City Center Woman’s Club, Inc. for a Lemon Squeezy Chari-TEA and Variety Show fundraiser. The fun afternoon includes tantalizing tea sandwiches, delectable desserts, and hot and cold beverages. The $30 ticket also includes a silent auction, a Variety Show with local entertainment being provided by the Silver Moon Men’s Quartet, Hula Honeys and Orange Blossoms Ukes and singers. Tickets may be purchased in advance at the FunFest in the Royal Room on March 9, at the SCC Atrium on Thursday, March 14, 10 to noon and Friday, March 15, noon to 2. Checks are preferred but cash is accepted. Info: Shawna at 302740-4098 or “SCCWomansclubfund@gmail,com”.

delighted, and months later the mother emailed Smith to say he’d inspired her eight-year-old son to take an interest in writing

and write his own first book.

For more information, write Don Smith at “dsmith1599@ tampabay.rr.com”.

Don Smith

PERFORMINGARTS

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

March Events at New Tampa Performing Arts Center

Mark your calendars for upcoming events at New Tampa Performing Arts Center (NTPAC). Tickets are on sale for the following events and performances:

SAGES Theater Presents Phoney Baloney

Sunday, March 10, at 2 p.m.

Phony Baloney is an original, thought-provoking one-act play designed to educate seniors and their loved ones on the dangers of phone scammers. To reserve free general admission tickets, visit SAGESTheater.org.

Broadway Film Series: In The Heights

Tuesday, March 12, at 7:30 p.m.

With music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, In The Heights follows Usnavi, a bodega owner who longs to go back to his native Dominican Republic. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at NewTampaArtsCenter.org/Tickets.

Opera Tampa In Concert

Friday, March 22, at 8 p.m.

Vocalists from Opera Tampa’s upcoming season will perform selections from the works that make up the company’s 2024 season. Tickets available through Opera Tampa.

TIMINI: A West African Cinderella Tale

Sunday, March 24, at 3 p.m.

Kuumba Dancers and Drummers will bring TIMINI to the stage! General admission tickets are $15 and can be purchased at “NewTampaArtsCenter.org/Tickets”.

Find out more about upcoming events at NewTampaArtsCenter. org. NTPAC is located at 8550 Hunters Village Rd., Tampa, FL 33647.

Broadway Blockbusters Act 1: 1929-1959

The most familiar and beloved music of Broadway will be brought to the stage of the United Methodist Church of Sun City Center by The Women’s Chorus, under the direction of Jeff Jordan, in a concert entitled “Broadway Blockbusters Act 1: 1929-1959.” The show will feature great music from every blockbuster hit that graced the Broadway stage throughout three decades. The audience will be singing along and tapping their toes because this is a program with something for everyone.

The Broadway musicals represented in the concert are Ain’t Misbehavin’ (1929), Porgy & Bess (1935), Oklahoma (1943), Carousel (1945), South Pacific (1949), Kiss Me, Kate (1948), The King & I (1951), My Fair Lady (1956), West Side Story (1957), The Music Man (1957), and The Sound of Music (1959).

The chorus is also offering a special program called “Adopt a Song” to the community for anyone who wants to dedicate a song in honor or memory of a loved one. The name of the donor and a special memory will be printed on a sticker to be attached to every copy of the selected song in the music library and will also be printed in the program. Anyone who is interested may email Paula at “zzzpaula1982@gmail.com” or call Pam Greer at 404-790-9746.

“Broadway Blockbusters Act 1:1929-1959” will be presented twice at The Methodist Church of Sun City Center located at 1971 Haverford Avenue. The dates are Friday, March 15 at 7 PM and Monday, March 18 at 3 PM. $10 will be collected at the door.

The SCCCA 2023-24 Entertainment Series is coming to an end.

The SCCCA Entertainment department would like to thank everyone for your support during the season. Please mark your calendars for the remaining shows. On March 6, Back Home Again, A Tribute to John Denver will be at 7 p.m. $20. Yesterdayze performs on March 8 at 7 p.m., and on March 24 at 7 p.m. for $20 The Breakers Sun (Heartbreakers). And newly added Magic Comedy Show Laughter without Luggage will be held on March 29 at 7 p.m. $20.

All shows will be held at The Community Hall 1910 S. Pebble Beach Blvd. Tickets can be purchased at the Atrium Kiosk 945 N. Course Lane, M/W/F 10-12 pm. Cash or check only.

Don’t forget FunFest 2024 will be held on Saturday, March 9, from 9 to 2 p.m. Entertainment under the Big Tent will be The Dukes, The Rogue Brothers and Bill “Elvis” Lindsey.

Many of our local clubs will provide entertainment as well. And is open to the Public.

Nashville Hall of Fame Tour

Friday, March 8, at 7 p.m.

UMC of SCC, 1971 Haverford Ave.

The United Methodist Church welcomes the Nashville Hall of Fame Tour (Charlie McCoy, Richard Kiser and Jason Coleman with a special appearance with Denise Kiser).

Tickets are $15 advance $20 at the door and are available at the Pages of Life Book Store Sun 9:30-12:30 and M-Th-10:00-2:00, Church Office M-Th 8:30-4:00 and online at www.sccumc.com/events.

Out of the Blue March Concerts

Sun City Center’s premiere dance and party band will be having two free concerts to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. The first concert will be at the Sun City Center gazebo on Cherry Hills Drive, 2 p.m. Saturday, March 16. The second concert will be 2 p.m.

Sunday, March 17 at the Kings Point gazebo near the Kings Point entrance on Kings Point Drive. Both gazebos are lawn chair and golf cart friendly.

DANCING

Let’s Dance Ballroom Dance Club

Saturday, March 30, 5:30 to 9 p.m.

SCC Community Hall, 1910 So. Pebble Beach Blvd.

A delicious dinner will be catered by Banquet Masters, followed by dancing from 7-9PM. Dance to fabulous music spun by Mike and Peg Johnston. Dressy casual attire; BYOB. Water and ice will be provided. Cost for non-members is $30 including both the meal and the dance, $10 for Club members; dancing only is $6. Attendees must be members of the Sun City Center Community Association (CA), Kings Point Club Usage Card holders. RSVP by March 22 in order to attend the dinner; all qualified dancers are welcome at the dance from 7-9PM. Send an email to Tom Hart at “tdhart123@gmail.com” for a reservation form. Call Tom for more details at 810-923-8446 or Peter Steitz at 608-609-0309.

Social, Ballroom & Latin Dance Lessons

Monday: March 4, 11, 18, 25

4 p.m. – Intermediate 2 – Cha-Cha

5 p.m. – Intermediate 1 - Samba

6 p.m. – Beginning/Intermediate 1 West Coast Swing

7 p.m. – Beginning Slow Dance

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

Contact Bernice DuBro-Clark (dancewithbernice@gmail.com) Cell: 813-482-6784. Cost: $30 per person for four weeks or $8 per lesson. All invited.

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

March 10, doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Dancing from 6:30 to 9 p.m. LB and Chloe with all genres of music. Charge is $5 with Ice and water provided. BYOB! All are welcome. Info: Ken 513-582-8449 or Rosemary 513-258-8238.

Senior Dance Group March Dance

March 7, doors open at 6 p.m.

St. John Divine Episcopal, 1015 Del Webb East. These dances are always open to everyone, admission is $6 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. Dressy/casual attire, no shorts or jeans please. Singles Tables available.

BYOB, ice, set-ups & snacks/munchies, nothing furnished. For more info call or text Judy Furman, (813) 606-1233 or email “judyannfurman@gmail.com”.

Dancing continued on page 8.

L to R: Russell Pawlowski, Harmonica Harold Davis, Pam Downey, Tony Morgera and Don Becker.

Dancing continued from page 7.

Kings Point Dance Club

“Tropical Breeze“ Dance

Wednesday, March 13, doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Kings Point Veteran’s Theater, 1900 Clubhouse Drive

Dancing from 7 to 9 p.m. Ballroom music by DJs Mike and Peg. All Kings Point, SCC singles and guests are welcome. Dressy casual, no shorts. BYOB. Members free, guests $5. Info: Eileen 813-296-4038.

Be Green & Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day!

March 16 from 7 to 9 p.m.

SCC Community Hall, 1901 S. Pebble Beach Blvd.

Popular DJ couple Mike and Peg will be playing your favorite dance selections. Event is open to SCC CA Members, Freedom Plaza residents and Kings Point residents with 2024 SCC Club Usage Card. Singles are welcome with a designated singles table and a dance mixer. SCC Dance Club members are free, guests are $6. Come dressed in green or casual and BYOB! For questions or additional information, please call Sue Hicks at 813-633-6682.

Do You Wanna Dance Club

Saturday, March 23, from 7 to 10 p.m.

SCC Community Hall, 1910 S. Pebble Beach

22N, the hottest band on W. Coast of Florida, will provide us with their classic rock sounds. The dance is open to all surrounding communities. Tickets will be sold at the atrium kiosk Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, February 26 through March 22, from 10 AM to noon, or you can purchase at the door unless sold out. Reserved tables with seating up to ten. Tickets are priced at $10 members, $20 nonmembers. Memberships are available at $40 per person per year. Casual attire, BYOB, single tables, and a 50/50 raffle. Doors open at 6 p.m. and close promptly at 7. Please bring nonperishable food items for Our Lady’s Pantry. For further information: “jfkfunnsun@yahoo.com”, “bgocek1@ gmail.com”.

Moonglow Dance Club

March 28 from 7 to 9 p.m.

SCC Community Hall, 1910 S Pebble Beach Blvd. Music by the Great LB and Chloe. Dressy casual. Members free, guests $6 at the door. All SCC residents are welcome. Kings Point residents, show your Club Usage card. Info: Sharon 918-845-7747.

Senior Basketball Tournament

This is the winning team for the annual Ruskin Recreation Center 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament. Ruskin Recreation Center is the home of the Southshore Basketball Club current state senior champions. The players are in all age divisions from 50 to 80.

A Diamond in the Rough

On a sunny Florida day at the SCC tennis courts, a guest from Apollo Beach, Deb Bell, was serving in the sun and kept seeing flashes of blinding light. With no success in finding a good ball toss position in which the light didn’t strike her, she stopped play and asked the other ladies to help her find the source of this reflection that was coming from the ground near the net. All the ladies went in on the search and they started displacing the granulated Har-Tru clay around the net. Shortly thereafter, Deb excitedly picked up a small object from the ground. It was a diamond!

Without hesitation, Deb gave the diamond to a CA member who contacted a Tennis Association board member in order to find the diamond’s rightful owner. Calls were placed to a foursome of women who play regularly on that same court and they were asked if anyone lost a diamond. One lady said that she’d been wearing her mother’s wedding ring for the past 30 years and

lost the diamond from it a few weeks prior. With hopeful anticipation, she and the TA board member set a time to meet to determine if the wedding ring and diamond were a match. The result? A perfect fit! After weeks of watering and sweeping of the clay courts, a beautiful displaced diamond surfaced and was reunited with its overjoyed owner.

L to R: Paul Ruckert, Matt Ruckert, Paul Lobosco, and Neal Westenforg.

south County Events

Provided by Debbie Caneen, Director Admissions, Sun Towers

TUE. MAR 5 - FRAUD EDUCATION SYMPOSIUM

Sponsored by Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the SCC Men’s Club and Community Foundation Tampa Bay. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon with doors open at 9:00 a.m. at Community Hall, 1910 S. Pebble Beach Blvd. The Men’s Club is providing Coffee and Donuts and Sun Towers Retirement Community is providing brownies. Door prizes.

WED. MAR 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. Tai Chi has been proven to increase strength and balance! For more information, contact Debbie Caneen at 813-892-2990.

WED. MAR 6 - FRONT PORCH

PICKERS PLAY FREE LIVE ACOUSTIC MUSIC 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. at the Rollins Theater on

Cherry Hills Drive. Free live acoustic music, open to players and listeners both. Come enjoy bluegrass, country, classic rock, country blues, and who knows what else in a fun relaxed atmosphere. Open to all Sun City residents and KP club usage cardholders.

THU. MAR 7 - PARTNERS IN NETWORK – BUSINESS REFERRAL MEETINGS Every Thursday 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. at Sun Towers Retirement Community, 101 Trinity Lakes Dr. Sun City Center. Partners in Network links professionals together to facilitate referral-based business growth. Join us! Questions? Call Debbie Caneen 813-892-2990.

THU. MAR 7, 14, 21, 28OPTIMAL HEALTH CLASS 10:00

a.m. at Sun Towers Retirement Community, 101 Trinity Lakes Dr., SCC. My classes are free and I do not sell anything. I am just truly passionate about sharing my knowledge with anyone who wants to live long and be healthy in this journey called life. Yours in true health, Dinah Allison “ The Functional Health Sensei.”

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

1:30 p.m. Sun Towers Retirement Community, 101 Trinity Lakes Dr. SCC. Can you believe it is already St. Patrick’s Day? Bring your favorite (green) beer or wine that you absolutely love. As always, we request our members bring either 2 bottles of beer or a bottle of wine for tasting. We

meet the first Thursday of every month and have a field trip to a local establishment. Questions?

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

FRI. MAR 8 - LOW VISION

SUPPORT GROUP 1:00 - 2:00

p.m. at Sun Towers Retirement Community, 101 Trinity Lakes Dr., SCC. This month we are excited to announce that Ana Garcia from the Division of Blind Services will be presenting. Ever wonder what the Department of Blind Services offers? Now is your chance to ask questions. We will review applications for the Department of Blind Services and who are the contacts. Questions? Contact Michelle Mason 813-492-8920 or mmason@seniorsinservice.org.

MON. MAR 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. This month our speaker will be Linda Bruns who is a contributing author of The Top 25 Change Makers and most recently discovered fourteen powerful women influencers whose life experiences impact the world by change. With the influx of newly diagnosed group members, the request for seasoned members to assist is needed and appreciated! 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.

TUE. MAR 19 – ESSENTIAL TREMORS (ET) SUPPORT GROUP 2:30 - 3:30 pm. (3rd

Tuesday of each month) at Sun Towers Retirement Community, 101 Trinity Lakes Dr. SCC. Gezil Andrews is the local coordinator for the group. Many residents have benefitted – you can too! Open to all communities, not just our local group members! Questions: Call Gezil Andrews at 309-660-1091. Gezil also has a blog for all who deal with Essential Tremors: “Awomanandherstories.com”.

THU. MAR 21 - FREE BALANCE SCREENING TO REDUCE YOUR RISK OF FALLS 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon – Sun Towers Outpatient Therapy Dept, 101 Trinity Lakes Dr. SCC. Did you know one in four adults aged 65 and older falls each year? Are you at risk? Have your fall risk screened at no cost to you! See the results before your eyes through biofeedback. Call to schedule today! (813) 3313035.

THU. MAR 28 - WHISKEY UNIVERSITY CLUB 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. 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.

Pelican Players Offer Zany Fun in Flamingo Court

By Bob Sanchez, photos by James Williams

In April, Pelican Players will present Flamingo Court, three short plays featuring retired Floridians. According to the Concord Theatricals website, “This three-part ‘slice of life’ takes place in three different condos and has audiences laughing at the truth they see in what might be their own neighbors – only zanier.”

They take place on three floors – 104, 204, and 304 – of the same apartment building. In the first, described as “Neil Simonesque,” Angelina begins to fall for her neighbor Dominic, even though she has a sick husband in the other room. The second is a shorter and more serious play about maturing relationships. And on the top floor, a lonely old man just wants to have fun despite his daughter and son-in-law, who want all of his money.

In Act I, the role of Angelina is played by Barbara Boyle; Marie by Lucy Malacos; Dominic by Harry Burgess; Marian by Beth Brooks; and Phillip by Paul Ansell. In Act II, Clara is played by Sandra Goldman-Foell; and Arthur by Kevin Steinke. In Act III, Harry is played by Dan Tackitt;

Mark by Stephen Preuss; Charity by Janine Reeves; Walter by Mike Galiszuski; and Chi Chi by Tarrie MacMillan.

James Williams is the director, Ruth Lake is assistant director, and Laurie Failing is stage manager.

Asked why they selected this play, Williams replied, “The consensus from the Pelican Players Community Theater Board of Directors was that Flamingo Court made us laugh, feel and think. That combination makes for a great show.”

Playwright Luigi Creatore is

best known for his songwriting. Surely we all remember Can’t Help Falling in Love, The Lion Sleeps Tonight, Honeycomb, What a Wonderful World, and Kisses Sweeter than Wine. “You can bet that we will integrate some of these songs into the play,” Williams said. Williams has written and directed several plays himself. Including: National Storyteller’s Championship, It’s Christmas, Murder at Flontrachet Vineyard, Crimes of Fashion, Scorned in SCC and Cirque de la Morte which will be released in May.

Performance dates are Friday, April 26, at 6:30 p.m.; Saturday, April 27, at 1:30 and 6:30 p.m.; and Sunday, April 28, at 2 p.m. Doors open 30 minutes before curtain. Tickets will be on sale at the Kings Point Box Office from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Evening performances are $16; $13 for matinees. Tickets will also be sold at the door for each show.

All performances are at the Kings Point Veterans Theater in the North Clubhouse, 1900 Clubhouse Drive, in Sun City Center.

L to R: Kevin Steinke, Mike Galiszuski, Dan Tackitt, Tarie MacMillan, Sandra Foell-Goldman, Stephen Preuss, Lucy Malacos, Laurie FailingStage Manager, Barbara Boyle, Ruth Lake Assistant Director, and James Williams Director.

L to R: Harry Burgess (Dominic in Act I), Lucy Malacos (Marie in Act I), Kevin Steinke (Arthur in Act II).

Masters Swim Winner

Sun City Center Masters Swim Club member Anne Gibson was one of 175 swimmers competing at Long Center Pool in Clearwater recently. They represented 25 swim clubs from Florida, Oregon, Maine, Maryland, and Texas. Anne came in 2nd overall in her 65-69 age group of 10 swimmers.

Lawn Bowling Men’s Singles Champion

By Garry Higgins

In the final match of the Men’s Singles Championship, it was Gilles Cayer over Eric Porr. Lots of spectators were on hand to watch this exciting game that was played to twenty-one shots. Last year’s winner, Sylvain Larocque, was on hand as the official marker.

For more information about the sport of lawn bowling and the club, visit www.suncitycenterlbc. com.

SPORTS

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

Lawn Bowling Men’s Pairs Champions

By Garry Higgins

The Pebble Beach (men’s) section of the Sun City Center Lawn Bowling Club completed a week-long playdown to determine the 2024 Pairs Champions. After the final sixteen end game, the new champions are Ken Martucci and Andy Davis. In second place, the team of Bob Fladung and Al Pelliccio. To see all the tournament results and learn more about the sport of lawn bowling, visit suncitycenterlbc.com.

SCC Lawn Bowling Women’s Pairs Champions

By Garry Higgins, Sports

In the final match of the Suncoasters (women’s) Pairs Championship, it was the team of Lynn Cranch and Connie Gilpin winning over Ava Casper and Barb Turney. The Sun City Center Lawn Bowling and Croquet Club offers free lessons. For more information, visit the website at www.suncitycenterlbc.com.

SCC Softball Club Women vs Men Game

By Bob Shedlowsky

In a specialty “Battle of the Sexes” game by the Sun City Center Softball Club, the Women defeated the Men 11-3. The teams were comprised of the women from the softball club and a selected group of men from the club to make it a competitive event. The tone of the game was set in the first inning as Fred Clare led off with a single but the Men were unable to get him to second due to great defense by the Women. In the bottom of the first, the women loaded the bases with 2 out and Robin DeArth drove a ball to left center field that rolled to the fence. All 3 runners scored and Robin was able to circle the bases for a grand slam.

Each team scored one run in the second as Dennis McPhail drove in the Men’s run and Tamme Macak drove in one for the Women. Stars of the game for the Men were Rich Yacovoni, who went 3-3 with 2 runs scored and Dennis McPhail, also 3-3 with 2 runs batted in. For the Women, stellar defense by the entire team ruled the day. Offensively, Deborah Lippay went 3-3 with a double, homer and 4 runs batted in, Robin DeArth drove in 4 with a homer and Tamme Macak had 3 hits.

Jodie Rector managed the Women and Tom Ulrich managed the Men. A very enthusiastic crowd showed up for the game and they witnessed a Women’s team that was very tough defensively and came up with some big clutch hits and, despite things not going the Men’s way, the guys displayed great sportsmanship and played hard until the final out was made.

Gilles Cayer, the “Pebble Beach”

Ken Martucci and Andy Davis 2024 Men’s Pairs Champions

‘Suncoasters” Pairs Champions, Lynn Cranch and Connie Gilpin

Don’t Miss FunFest

March 9, from 9 to 2 p.m.

By Carrie Blaylock, CA Director, FunFest Chair

One of the best ways to celebrate spring is by attending Sun City Center’s Annual FunFest. This year’s event will be Saturday, March 9, 2024. The festivities kick off at 9 a.m. with opening ceremonies at the Gazebo by CA President Ron Clark, and FunFest Chair Carrie Blaylock. Followed by a flag raising courtesy of the American Legion, and the singing of the national anthem by Lily Meyers.

More than 60 clubs will be showing off talents and selling oneof-a-kind handmade crafts. Delicious foods and desserts will be available in the food court area. Health booths will be offering blood pressure checks, vaccines and other screenings. There will also be information inside the Atrium along with live music and lots of wonderful dances, and shows all afternoon. The event runs rain or shine till 2 p.m.

Please Note: Cherry Hills Drive will be closed between North Pebble Beach and North Course Blvd. Limited car parking available behind the atrium. Golf cart drivers should park in the field north of North Course Lane. Parking available at community hall with shuttle service available thanks to Aston Gardens.

SCC Cloggersizers

By Paula Lickfeldt

Clogging is a form of dance that is very similar to tap dancing. The main difference is that clogging shoes have double taps on the front of the shoe and also on the back of the shoe.

Clogging is high level exercise both mental and physical. It exercises everything from the brain to the foot. The club has some clogging shoes that have been donated by people who no longer clog, that can be borrowed. Borrow a pair of shoes before you invest in a pair to make sure clogging is for you as the shoes can be pricey.

Watch the Nearly New Store and Goodwill because clogging shoes do turn up there. There are chairs around the room and you are welcome to come and observe the fun. If you decide to join the Cloggersizers, the club dues are $5 a year.

For more information about the Cloggersizers contact Joanne Kerr, president, at 321-591-4267 or “jograce55@AOL.com”.

The dues to join the Cloggersizers Club are $5 a year. The club meets on Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. in the dance studio at the Atrium Building.

Latin Fitness Dance Club

By Paula Lickfeldt

The Latin Fitness Dance Club meets in the dance studio of the Atrium Building from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. If you like dancing and exercising, this club is for you. You will need to wear closed toe athletic shoes (no sandals allowed) and exercise clothes to the classes. The membership dues are $10 per year, plus $1 per class or $5 per month for a month of Monday and Friday classes. The $5 will be payable at the beginning of the month. If you plan to dance and exercise on each Monday and Friday

of the month, it is more cost effective to pay the $5. Plus having already paid for the classes will give the incentive to attend. You can also try a class for a $2 fee.

Jan Ulics is the instructor, choreographer for the club. She started the Latin Fitness Dance Club in 2011 and has been the instructor and choreographer ever since. For more information about the club you can contact club president Debbie Zieg at 434-409-9470.

Must be members of the SCC Community Association Kings Point Club Usage or Freedom Plaza Usage Card holders.

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TRAVEL

Double Show at Selby Gardens

By Kai Rambow

I just kept staring at it. The goldfish in a sphere higher than the surrounding water is spectacular. The spring exhibition series at Selby Gardens is putting on its eighth show. It is, as always, stunning and worth a visit. Essentially the series is interpreting an artist’s work through the lens of nature.

This year Selby has tackled two artists: Georgia O’Keeffe and Yayoi Kusama. That’s not the double show though.

Phase One Completed

If you have not seen it recently, the first phase of a renewed and expanded Selby Gardens is finished. The most obvious part is the new parking deck. This open air, but covered parking garage provides 60 percent more parking. It has easy access from Mound St. or S. Orange Ave.

Recommend you take a little bit of time to view the new welcome center from the parking deck. The walk to the welcome center holds surprises. Notice the “plant” wall in the new building to the left. By the way, the cacti hanging upside down by the welcome center is part of the spring series show. On the backside of the welcome

center look for the cascade falls and the new water lily pond.

There are only a few flowers now; they will grow over time.

A new restaurant by Michaels on East should be open by the time you go. They do a fine job, so check them out. Check out all the facilities. It is a show by itself.

Yayoi Kusama:

A Letter to Georgia O’Keeffe

The show focuses on both artists with a heavier emphasis on Kusama. Understanding the connection between these artists is helpful. Kusama, as a young artist, reached out to O’Keeffe. O’Keeffe responded, even though Kusama was unknown to her.

Kusama is noted for her use of polka dots, spheres and repeated patterns. She also developed interactive art works. You will see this at Selby. A plant tunnel you walk through, a series of raised dots you can sit on by the water, a dotted path leading you through, and a maze with repeated shapes. This is immersive art.

Keep your eyes open for QR codes by the displays. Each will tell you a little bit more about what you are seeing.

Remember to stop by the Payne mansion with its appealing displays. As usual, the exhibit is in the conservatory, spread throughout the grounds and in the mansion. There is plenty here to experience and enjoy. Recommend planning in two to three hours.

Tips for a Great Trip

Get Briefed: You will almost always enjoy an exhibit more, if you have a little background. Technology makes this easier for us. Go to YouTube and put into the search bar Georgia O’Keeffe: Great Art Explained. After watching it, search for Yayoi Kusama: Great Art Explained. Each is about 15 minutes long. It will make a huge difference seeing the exhibit. Even if you have a strong background in

art, this will be helpful.

It will also help you recognize the genius of the team at Selby Gardens. The goldfish in the spheres is spectacular and probably my favorite of the show.

Drive Times: Increased traffic means a longer trip than you’re used to. Plan on a one hour drive. Since the gardens do not open until 10, you should have an easier drive because of less traffic.

Remember: to ask for an exhibit map, so you can see everything, and bring your smartphone to access the QR codes.

Selby Gardens

1534 Mound St, Sarasota, FL 34236 (941) 366-5731 www.selby.org.

Spheres raised above the water line allow goldfish to swim up and back out again. It is spectacular. You’ll find it in the conservatory.

A view from the new parking deck gives a nice perspective on the new welcome center. The changes to Selby Gardens are fabulous. Seeing the new structures is a show in itself.

This rock garden display is more complicated than people think. I understand it took several months to grow the rocks.

The February meeting of Silver Ospreys Squadron #64 was hosted by our XO, Leo Hill, CDR USN (Ret.). Leo introduced our speaker of the month John Scott, E-5 (AQE2), a member of the squadron. John’s topic

Silver Ospreys News

was Fire Control and Weapons Guidance Systems used on the F-4B Phantom II in Vietnam.

John began his presentation with a brief but well-illustrated account of the F-4B Phantom II, describing its performance

characteristics, records set, armament carried, etc. During the design phase of the Phantom II, and because of the sophistication of the Phantom II, McDonnell engineers decided that a two-man flight crew would

News

be required to accomplish its mission.

The account of his experience with the radar and weapons guidance systems he maintained was well received by an appreciative audience.

Guided Faceted Glass Tours

Residents of the Greater South Hillsborough community, their neighbors, and friends are invited to schedule a guided tour of fascinating faceted

glass murals at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 1239 Del Webb Blvd. The tour, called “These Rocks Shall Speak,” is FREE, but only available on specific dates and for a limited time. The next available tours

are Friday, March 15, at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., and Friday, April 12, at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. The engaging collection of contemporary, impressionist icons share the Biblical story through intricate stained glass

“These Rocks Shall Speak”

patterns. The tours are made possible by a Vital Worship, Vital Preaching Grant awarded to St. Andrew by The Calvin Institute for Christian Worship and the Tampa Bay Presbytery. Members of St. Andrew wanted to “reconnect the art glass present in (their) worship space to (their) worship, spirituality and community…”

The church members who brought this program to life said they “expect the congregation and visitors to give new value and appreciation for The Collection once they look and see…” adding, “We expect visitors to see and listen deep inside to what the art may be saying.”

The project provides many opportunities to engage each panel and discover the history, the art, the biblical texts related to the icon, and self-reflective questions. The congregants are excited to bring this program to the community, saying, “We expect to become sensitive to listening to God’s voice. We expect visitors to see and share the gifts of this Collection by listening to its story and feel enthusiastic about sharing with others…”

According to a release provided by the church, this program is made possible through a Vital Worship, Vital Preaching Grant from the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, Grand Rapids, Michigan, with funds provided by Lilly Endowment Inc. With combined funds from the Tampa Bay Presbytery’s Commission on Congregational Vitality, and St Andrew Presbyterian Church.

For more information see the advertisement in this issue or call the church office at 813-6341252 for information or to make a reservation. Again, the event is free, and there will be a small reception with cookies and punch following each tour.

Do you Facebook?

Get “social” in Sun City Center. Share your favorite SCC pictures and news and view pictures from fun SCC events.

“LIKE” the News of Sun City Center Facebook page at “www.facebook. com/NewsofSCC”.

Bobbin, Bobbin Along in Sun City Center

By Gezil Andrews

When discussing or writing about the art of sewing, you quickly learn that the skill goes much beyond a needle and thread. No matter your age, nationality, or sex, sewing touches all our lives.

Sewing is over 20,000 years old! It is truly an international craft – crossing the boundaries of many countries. I recently read the book, “The Dressmakers of Auschwitz,” about young women whose lives were saved in the Holocaust because they could make and mend clothes for the elite, many of whom were in the Nazi ranks. While the story is harsh in many ways, it is true and speaks to the ingenuity of young women who had a simple, but desirable art within their hands and a goal: living, beyond a hobby.

I recently connected with Melissa Shamanov, the mother of four young girls, known as the Alaskan Sunnyside Sisters. The four sing as a group, specializing in gospel singing among other venues. The girls are ages 8-12. All four love to sew. They love creativity. They make some of their own clothes, but also make rag dolls, quilts, and other items.

The girls told me about meeting the “Pretty Girls of Alaska,” where they lived with their parents for a few years. “Pretty Girls” is their name for the “Old Believers,” a religious group that split from the Russian Orthodox Church in 1666 in opposition of state-ordered reforms. Their ancestors fled

persecution to Siberia, China, Brazil, Oregon, and then Alaska. One of the crafts they and their parents practice and are best known for is sewing. Yes, Alaska is a long way from Sun City Center, but it is representative of how universal and international sewing has become.

The Shamanov sisters first began to sew actively after meeting with and seeing the art practices among the “Pretty Girls.” The traditional dress of Old Believers is a modern adaptation of the Sarafin, the traditional Russian peasant dress. The Sarafin forms part of Russian traditional folk costumes. The girls have bought dresses online and wear them with joy and pride. Many sewers of today do alterations, but that too is taking a new turn. It isn’t easy to find a seamstress in our communities unless you know someone personally. It’s not a brick-andmortar business now. There isn’t enough income to cover overhead including the cost of sewing machines and fabric.

We have a wealth of sewing talent in our community through the Sew‘n Sews Club. Bi-annual club meetings are held in winter and spring at luncheons for the entire membership. Membership is about 167 members. Classes for beginners sewing and quilting are held on Thursday and Friday mornings.

Dues are $10 a year. The club President is Jan Kummer, a local acupuncturist who enjoys sewing and engaging in sewing

projects. Jan has lived in Sun City Center for two years, having moved from Massachusetts and then Sarasota-Bradenton. She has been a member of the sewing club for one year; taking on the role of President! One of Jan’s favorite sayings is “I like everything with needles!”

My learning journey continued with personal interaction with club member Dabney Hill, a former court reporter who started making clothes for work in her twenties. She has made wedding dresses, children’s clothing for her sons when they were small and lots of odd and ends pieces as needed.

Along with other club members, Dabney makes standard pillowcases as well as for Ryan’s Cases, (kids with cancer), hospice, and part of the many club projects for the Sew‘n Sews Club. The club also makes fidget aprons that have crunch like pieces and zippers for disabled children and those with Alzheimer’s – The aprons draw the patient’s attention by the unusual gadgets positioned on the apron. Very therapeutic.

Dabney is part of the club membership that helps teach sewing classes. She indicated “once you know how to construct a garment, it’s easier to deconstruct and do alterations.” The club averages 13 women in the beginner’s sewing class.

Check out the club through the CA website: “suncitycenter. org” and search “activities" and

“sew”. There are many other talented and devoted sewing advocates in the club – come meet them and throw a stitch of two!

The first practical and widely used sewing machine was introduced in 1829 by Barthelemy Thinonnier, a French tailor. The first American machine was brought out in 1846 by Elias Howe. Isaac Singer patented his own sewing machine in 1893— his machine was considered revolutionary. The Singer sewing machine still ranks in the top of machines today.

Online sewing classes can be found through sites such as www. Udemy.com. Search for sewing classes and keep groups such as Sew‘n Sews in mind for personal support and interaction.

Jan Kummer, President of Sew’n Sews, and her quilt “2 Carats.”

Old Believers dress.

Dabney Hill, Sew'n Sews member.

Dabney’s sergers and picture of wedding dress and son’s shirt she made.

Decorative area with sewing machines in Dabney’s sewing

Charity Ladies Fashion Show

Calling the ladies of Sun City Center area, The Kings Point Baby Boomers is hosting a 1st Annual Charity Ladies Fashion Show on April 4 with Janet Carr from Accessories & More, benefiting C.A.R.E. (Critter Adoption and Rescue Effort).

The event will be held at the Kings Point (KP) Veterans Theater, 1900 Club House Dr. Doors will open for viewing and shopping at 10:30 a.m. in the KP Banquet Room. Check-in for the event will begin at 11 a.m. in the Veterans

Theater, with a professional Fashion Show and a delicious Lunch catered by KP Catering. The opportunity to shop for your favorite fashions and accessories will be available after the show. The cost for the charity event is $30. Dress code is Dressy Casual.

To purchase a ticket, please go to the Kings Point Box Office, Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m.- 4 p.m., located in the KP North Club lobby near the Theater. For information, please contact the Box office at (813) 387-3447.

Calling All Book Lovers

The two hardest questions for a reading junkie to answer are:

“What’s your favorite book?” and “Who’s your favorite author?” Those might be tough questions, but The News is asking. We would love it if you would send us your answers to those questions. Let us know who and what you love to read, and we will share those answers over the summer, so we can all add some great books and new authors to our summer reading list. Email your answers to “editor@soco. news” with the subject line “I love to read!”

Here’s what some of your neighbors had to say…

Ruth Warman says she enjoys Francine Rivers, Lynn Austin, Karen Kingsbury, Kristin Hanna, Terri Blackstone, Richard Paul Evans, Charles Martin, Jan Karan, John Steinbeck, Eugenia Price, and James

Alexander Thom.

Harold Emanuel says, “My favorite author is Harry Kemelman, and my favorite book of his is ‘Friday the Rabbi Slept Late,’ his cozy mystery whose protagonist, Rabbi David Small, helped solve a murder that occurred on the grounds of his synagogue. The setting reminded me of my family’s activity in our synagogue when I was growing up.”

Juneann Caughey says some of her favorite authors are: Jonathan Kellerman, Maeve Binchy, Rosamunde Pilcher, Elizabeth George, Harlan Corben, Jacqueline Winspear, John Grisham, and Nelson DeMille. Juneann adds, “I can’t name a favorite book, there are so many. But one that sticks in my mind is ‘Ladies of the Club’ by Helen Hoover Santmyer. It was about small town life in Ohio. I couldn’t put it down.”

Profiles in Compassion Darbie Pfeiffer

I first heard about the Emergency Squad when I started working in Sun City Center 8 years ago and thought it would be great to be involved. So last year, I finally did it. I went through the Emergency Medical Responder class and became a member of Team 4. Even though I’m still working full time as a realtor, I ’m able to arrange my work schedule to accommodate a shift every eight days.

Being a member of the Squad this last year has been an amazing experience in several ways. First of all, when someone has a medical emergency, the Squad responds with “professional compassion.” It’s such a great feeling to be able to help someone in need. Volunteering not only helps our residents, but it gives me a sense of meaning and sense of being a part of our community. Meeting other squad members, making new friends, and giving back to our community is a huge plus, too!

Renaissance Times

Photos by Andrea L. T. Peterson

The Bay Area Renaissance Festival is happening now. Enjoy all the fun, weekends rain or shine, through March 31, from 10 to 6 p.m. Location: 12838 Auton Rd., Dade City, FL 33525. Travel tip: Come in from the north entrance off River Road. For

tickets and other information, to “www.bayarearenfest.com”. Exciting jousts and sword fights. Delicious food. Eye-popping skill, handcrafted goods, and fantasy fun for all ages! What can you expect? Check out these photos from last year’s event!

Winners of SCC Photo Club January Competition

On January 9th, the SCC Photo Club held its first competition of 2024. The judge was Reena Walking, of Lakewood Ranch. There were many beautiful pictures, and the winners are listed as follows:

In the Digital Color Category, Silver awards went to the following photographers: Tom Bredesen for “Act Naturally” and “Celebrate the Moon”, Stan Lipski for “Basilical Cistern” and “Triangles”, Wayne Adams for “Cherry on Top” Marcela Mote for “Lacey Girl”, Fran Beeson for “ Sunday in Cartagena,” Earl Hughes for “Mother’s Love” and “Papal Protector”, as well as “The Watchman”.

Bronze awards went to the following photographers: Wayne Adams for “Atomic Dome” and “Inspired” , Ronald Banaszak for” Bird of Paradise Portrait”, Stan Lipski for “Cat on a Puzzle”, Pat Jones for “Eyes on You”, Barbara Klimczak for “Give Me a Bite”, Tom Bredesen for “Haul of Flame”, Bobbie Ray for “Old Mill”, Sherry Kalczynski for “ Rainbow of Color” and Susie Crump for “Wild Oranges”.

In the Digital Creative Category, Bobbie Ray was awarded a perfect score, Gold, for “Tea Time Reflection”. Silver awards went to Barbara Klimczak for “In a Sea of Purple”, Sherry Kalczynski for “Please Let Me Out”, and Marcela Mote for “Wasn’t Me”. There was one bronze award, given to Sherry

Kalczynski for “Flamboyance”.

In the Digital Documentary Category there was one silver award to John McCaffrey for “1880 School Room”. Bronze awards went to Joe Sclafani for “Family Walk”, Pat Jones for “Lets be Friends”, and Madlyn Blom for “Small Child Large Cone”.

There were two Bronze Awards for the Digital Momo Category; Nick Fader for “Make Yourself at Home “, and Fran Beeson for “Israeli Teen Soldiers”. In the Print Color Category, Connie Morgan was awarded a perfect score, Gold, for “800 Years of Highland History”. Barbara Klimczak received bronze awards for “ Flea Market Fiddler” and “Splash of Orange”.

In the Print Creative Category

Christina Brittain received a perfect score, Gold, for “Poverty is a Prison” and two silver awards for “Nature’s Brazen Smiles” and “wily Old Bird”. Sherry Kalczynski received a Bronze award for “ Stacked ICM People”. There was one Bronze award in the Print Documentary category, Bruno Graziano for “ Photo Bomb”.

In the Print Mono Category, Christina Brittain received a Silver award for “All Hands on Tuk Tuk” and “Broken Dreams”, as well as a Bronze award for “ Everyone’s Best Friend”. Bruno Graziano also received a Bronze award for “ After the Storm” Congratulations to all the winners.

Bobbie Ray: Tea Time Reflection

Tom Bredesen: Celebrate the Moon

Marcela Mote: Lacey Girl

Connie Morgan: 800 Years of Highland History

Christina Brittain: Poverty is a Prison

Photo

Anhinga

Peterson

Unlike ducks and other waterfowl, the anhinga

does not produce oils, so they must dry their wings so they are able to fly. Often mistaken for the cormorants which have a curved bill, the anhinga has a long, sharp/pointed bill.

News of Freedom Plaza

By Peggy Burgess

Yet another new Freedom Plaza club? Yes, indeed; this one up and going strong with 67 members! Last month this column featured the very new resident-initiated Karaoke Club: this month we introduce the relatively new, also residentinitiated, History Club. Being designated a “club” at Freedom Plaza does not indicate that these groups have a closed membership: it merely means that some residents have special interests that they wish to share as a group; all residents of like interest are welcome to join.

The impetus for forming a History Club was a course offered last fall in Freedom Plaza’s Grad School for Seniors. Titled “ The Birth of Freedom”, it was very well attended and, at its sixweeks conclusion, interest in the subject was still high… thus, the History Club. That course was taught by resident Dan Madden, who now leads the History Club as its Chairperson. Madden earned his MA and PhD degrees at the University of Wisconsin, specializing in American and English Constitutional History. His 30-year professional career, however, was as an Economic Development Specialist. After retirement and a move to Sun City Center , he pursued his abiding love of history by publishing four books on the subject and teaching it at the SCC Center for Lifelong Learning. He and wife, Judy, became residents of Freedom Plaza in 2023.

Vice Chairperson of the History Club and assisting with its operation is Tomi Reneau, a native of Virginia where she has deep historical roots. A resident

since 2017, she has become active in numerous Freedom Plaza Clubs, including the Writers’ Club and the Art Club, with a display of her works in our Atrium as February’s “Artist of the Month”. In addition to club activities, she serves on the Vespers Committee and on the Freedom Plaza Scholarship Fund Board of Directors.

One 2024 project of the History Club is a readers-theater presentation based on material taken directly from one of Madden’s books, “A Fresh Look at Our Civil War (What Would Thucydides Think?)”. Club members will impersonate the historical characters involved by reading their speeches and voicing their written opinions. While membership is limited to Freedom Plaza residents, guests of residents are always welcome to attend the various--and always interesting-- functions of the Freedom Plaza History Club.

Freedom Plaza History Club Chairperson (Dan Madden) and Vice Chairperson (Tomi Reneau).

by Andrea L.T.

This male (females have a tannish brown neck) anhinga hangs out, wings spread to let them dry.

BOOK REVIEW

By Andrea L.T. Peterson

During a recent conversation with Gezil Andrews, my new friend and colleague here at "The News," we realized that we shared what can only be described as an insatiable appetite for Holocaust literature. It was during this conversation that Gezil, who had suffered endless teasing as a child because of her “odd” name, told me an interesting story. She’s graciously agreed to let me tell you that story here:

When she was 11, Gezil asked her mother why she had given her such an odd name. She knew she didn’t have grandparents, aunts, or other family members who had that name. She wanted to “build a story she could tell those who had ridiculed her name so often.”

Her mother told her that when her father was in the service during WWII, “he and his platoon came across a woman and her seven-year-old daughter in an abandoned, mostly demolished building. Their family had been killed by the Nazis, so they were in hiding, trying to find a way out.”

Gezil’s father and his platoon took them out of the building and connected them with a Jewish settlement group. As the mother thanked the servicemen, she told them the little girl’s name was Gizelle. Gezil’s father “tucked that name away in his memory,” and when his daughter was born, he told his wife he wanted to name her Gezil. They chose this spelling, she told me, “because they preferred the raw base of the name with the much shorter spelling.”

Many years later—in 1997, when Gezil’s granddaughter was born in Germany, her parents gave her the name Giselle as her middle name to honor her grandmother.

The book, “Gizelle, Save the Children,” is about a Jewish family whose members all end up in Auschwitz. As the left/right, live/ die selection takes place and the parents are taken one way and the sister and brother another, the mother’s last words to her oldest daughter are “Gizelle, save the children!” Those words carry Gizelle through her time in Auschwitz as she struggles to carry out what turns out to be her mother’s last wish.

I don’t relish recommending a book to you, readers, that will be difficult for you to get. Giselle, Save the Children by Gizelle Hersh and Peggy Mann may be found through one of the many online used book websites like Thriftbooks or Abe Book. Google the title and see what comes up.

Meanwhile, by way of apology, I offer several great historical novels (in no special order) by equally great authors (if this ‘genre’ of literature appeals to you):

By Martha Hall Kelly—“Lilac

Gizelle, Save the Children

Girls,” “Lost Roses,” and “The Golden Doves’’. Lilac Girls is the story of three women whose lives intersect. Caroline Ferriday is a New York socialite who is posted at the French consulate. But once Hitler invades Poland and heads toward France, Ferriday’s path takes an unexpected turn. Likewise, Polish teen Kasia Kuzmericka, a courier for the underground, becomes more deeply involved in the resistance. And, the third and last of the women is a German doctor who responds to our ad for an medical position in the government which she believes will change her life. Dr. Herta Oberheuser is correct. Her life will be changed, but not the way she had anticipated. Instead of a step up the ladder of success, she finds herself caught up in the deadly Nazi war machine.

“Lost Roses” is the story of Caroline Ferriday’s mother, Eliza Ferriday at the start of WWI. The strength and courage of the elder Ferriday makes clear the roots of that of her daughter Caroline. The Golden Doves finds two former female spies on the hunt for Nazi war criminals trying to outrun justice. Once again, these women unflinchingly face the dangers of confronting the evils of the Nazi regime.

By Kate Quinn—”The Alice Network,” “The Rose Code,” “The Diamond Eye,” and “The Huntress: These four books cover the stages of the Holocaust and the Allies strategies to rebuff Hitler’s advances from the network of women recruited in France to spy for the Allies in Germany to the three women in Great Britain who are trained to break, decode, and translate German codes to obtain vital information for the Allies to Nina Markova and the Night Witches, an all-female bomber regiment in the Soviet Union. When Markova is stranded behind enemy lines, she is hunted by the most deadly female Nazi murderer. The story of the Night Witches is, itself, fascinating and there is literature out there about these courageous young women—girls, really—who accept the challenge of flying these bombers and taking out German fighters.

By

Julie

Orringer—“The Invisible Bridge”: Brothers from Budapest seek to pursue their chosen careers as the Holocaust gathers speed and the Nazis trample western Europe. This book is romance, history, family saga, and a portrait of war, all rolled into one.

By Charles Belfoure—”The Paris Architect”: Paris architect Lucien Bernard has little interest in getting involved in the plight of the Jews in Nazi occupied Paris but, when he is made an offer he can’t refuse, he agrees to modify Parisian flats to create secret hiding places for Jews in the most obscure places. Of course, things don’t always go as planned and he is eventually

forced to accept the reality of the Nazi occupation of Paris and the fate of the Jews of his city.

By Stephanie Kallos—”Broken

For You”: This is a VERY slow starter, but worth your persistence. It is not historical fiction, just fiction. Readers really have no idea where this one is going. Wanda Shultz is a young woman crossing the United States in search of her former boyfriend. In Seattle, she meets Margaret Hughes, a widow in possession of all manner of valuable antiques from sculpture to flat art to glass art and more. She has a secret. When she invites Wanda and others to share her empty mansion, that secret is revealed and lives will be transformed.

By Naomi

Ragen—”The Enemy Beside Me”: Milia Gottstein takes off where her father left off, hunting down Nazi war criminals.

When she receives an invitation to speak at a Holocaust conference in Lithuania from the head of the conference, Darius Vidas, she is torn between her need and desire to tell the truth about the Holocaust in that country and the revisionist narrative the citizens of Lithuania have come to believe. Did they save Jews from the Nazis? Or did they do the Nazi’s dirty work for them. Recently published, this is an intense, moving story—not for the faint of heart!

Each of these books offers new and different perspectives. There is much to learn about this shameful, pivotal ‘moment’ in our world’s history, and these books crack open the door to a world we might think we knew all about. Having read them all, and more, it’s beginning to feel like just a drop in the bucket!

Answers to Puzzles on Pages 22 and 23

Beth Israel Sisterhood Event

March 8, at 1 p.m.

The Beth Israel Sisterhood will present an in depth look at the organization “Enterprising Latinas” by Liz Gutierrez. The event will be held in the social hall at Beth Israel which is located at 1115 East Del Webb Blvd, Sun City Center. Refreshments will be provided. The public is welcome to attend. Please email “Sisterhood@jcscc.org” if you plan to attend.

Pizza & a Movie Night

Thursday, March 21, at 5:30 p.m.

St. Andrew Presbyterian, 1239 Del Webb Blvd.

All the pizza you can eat, an assortment of soft drinks, and delicious, homemade cakes for $8 a ticket plus a great, popular, recent movie. For tickets and more information come to the church office Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (813) 634-1252.

Backpacks for Homeless

A new ongoing, exciting project at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church is the collection and distribution of backpacks for the homeless in the Sun City Center and Ruskin area. Backpacks are being equipped with toiletries, knitted hats by members of the church, new blankets, and other new items. So far about 50 backpacks have been filled. Along with these packs an invitation will be given to each person to attend the free luncheons every Wednesday at 11 a.m. for a delicious meal prepared by the Metropolitan Ministries. The group is accepting donations of new items for the backpacks at the church office. (813) 634-1252. 1239 Del Webb W Sun City Center, Fl. 33573

Best of the Best Photo Competition

The SCC Photo Club held the Best of the Best Photo Competition on December 12 with Judge Kathryn De Young judging 90 photos that won ribbons during the year. The best was chosen in each category, then narrowed down to those with perfect scores of 15. The Judges choice for best photo was a lovely still life called “Snapshot of Affection” by Sherry Kalczyneski. The runner up photo, which also

had a perfect score of 15, was “ Born to Toil” , a monochrome print by Christina Brittain. Congratulations to both of these talented photographers.

The SCC Photo Club is open to all CA members, and KP members with a gold card, who are interested in photography. All levels of skill are welcome. The club offers informative classes, speakers, and field trips to help enhance your photography experience.

FAITH &service

How Can I Keep from Singing?

Let your worries and your cares melt away as you listen to award-winning singer, songwriter, and inspirational speaker Annie Karto on Thursday afternoon April 11 at 1 p.m. in Conesa Center at Prince of Peace Catholic Church. The church is located at 720 Valley Forge Boulevard in Sun City Center. Proceeds from the sale of tickets will be used by St. Vincent de Paul Society to benefit the homeless in our community. Dessert, coffee, and tea will be served. There will be a 50/50 raffle and a door prize drawing. Tickets may be obtained for a donation of $20 and will be on sale in Conesa Center Lobby at 702 Valley Forge Boulevard from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. March 11, March 13, March 14, March 18, March 20, March 21, April 3, April 5, and April 8.

Everything Old Is New Again

Nostalgia reigns as the 2024 Follies brings you “A Blast From The Past”. Yes the FOLLIES are back and better than ever. Just like a fine wine, we get better with age. The Follies have been a yearly event since the 1980s, so of course there have been many Directors and performers through the years. This year the singing, dancing, and comedy will feature music and specialty numbers from the 40s through the 70s. There will be soloists, two fabulous dance groups and of course the amazing Follies chorus. Also appearing is fan favorite, the East Bay High School Show Chorus, “The Sounds Of Time”.

The entertainment is fast

paced and fun. And the chorus has a blast rehearsing for it. The final result is a fun filled evening of entertainment. And the price of your ticket helps to benefit a number of worthy causes in the Sun City Center community. Schedule: Friday and Saturday, March 15, and 16 at 7 p.m., with a matinee on Saturday March 16 at 1:30 p.m., in the Veteran’s Theater, Kings Point clubhouse. Tickets are on sale now at the Kings Point box office which is open from 8:30 am till 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Both Cabaret and bleacher seating are available. And to add to the fun, BYOB and snacks.

Born to Toil by Christina Brittain

Snapshot of Affection by Sherry Kalczyneski.