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.
CA Contact Information Administration Office
1009 N. Pebble Beach Blvd, SCC
813.633.3500
Hours 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., M-F sccboard@suncitycenter.org Website: suncitycenter.org Information Center: 813.633.4670
CA Campus Update
Bocce and Volleyball Courts Almost Ready; Applied Arts Building on Schedule
By Bob Sanchez
The Bocce and Volleyball courts will be ready for use in June, according to CA President Ron Clark. Meanwhile, the walls are up as construction continues steadily on the new Applied Arts Building on Cherry Hills Drive. The 12,500 GSF (gross square foot) construction will house the Pottery, Ceramics, Stained Glass, Weavers, and Billiards Clubs.
Clark estimates an opening date of April 2026. Community Manager Lyn Reitz stresses that it will be an active construction site for a while and asks that residents not cross into any work areas.
Ice Cream, Oldies, and Old-Fashioned Fun
By Bob Sanchez
The Security Patrol and Par for the Chorus teamed up to hold an ice cream social that attracted about 50 people to the Florida Room in April. A mixedgender chorus sang old favorites like “Sweet Caroline” while the audience ate dishes of ice cream and joined in by shouting choruses of “So good! So good! So good!”
The two groups have worked together before, and they put on this show to
Scan
raise funds for both organizations.
The Security Patrol arranged the event and Par for the Chorus provided the enjoyable entertainment. “We thought there was a good mix” for the two groups to work together, Broad said. He credits Shawna Wainright for doing a great deal of the interface organizational work.
David Lemley organized the musical program, which included 15 oldies such as “Down by the Old Mill Stream” and “Under the Boardwalk.” He said that his group sings “a cappella arrangements of popular songs in the style of barbershop quartets. “We’re currently working on finding more contemporary arrangements,” he said. The group meets year-round and has 20 members.
CC’s Grill and Jack’s Shack donated the ice cream, while many individuals and local businesses donated raffle gifts. Lemley said their goal is to hold a third annual event next spring.
These photos of the Phase 1A projects were taken in mid-May.
New bocce court
New volleyball court
CORRECTION
SCC Scrabble Club
Exercise your brain every Wednesday at 1 p.m. in the Heritage Room. There are no dues to belong to the club. Just come and enjoy a game of Scrabble.
Security Patrol Fundraising Raffle
By Mike Lee
The SCC Security Patrol will be raffling off a solar powered generator this year to help a lucky winner be more prepared if the area is impacted by a hurricane or another extended power outage event. Raffle tickets are available at the Patrol’s office, 1225 N. Pebble Beach Boulevard, with discounted tickets available for purchases of multiple tickets. Visit the Patrol between 9:00-3:00 Monday through Friday to participate in this fundraising event.
By Ron Clark, CA President
Excellent progress continues to be made on the various projects to upgrade our Facilities. As I write this for the May 15 News deadline, the two new Volleyball courts are substantially built and should be ready for play by the end of May. The construction of the three new Bocce courts is well underway and the installation of the shade shelters will be the last key element to completing the project. Please visit our south campus to check them out and our other great sports facilities.
In the Central Campus…. the restrooms for the outdoor pool are being refreshed with a new coat of paint and lighting fixtures. Much progress has been made on the construction of the new 12,000 sq. ft. Applied Arts Building which is Phase 1A of the Central Campus Upgrade project. The walls are up and we expect the roof to be installed in the coming weeks. The project is still on track with final acceptance by the CA scheduled for April 14, 2026.
The Board continues to work with the Architect and General Contractor on Phase 1B which is the new 8,000 sq ft Rollins building and new 7,000 sq ft pool. The goal is to determine the final design and project cost this summer. The Board is also working on an alternative financing plan for Phase 1B and we have scheduled Town Hall meetings in the Community Hall at 5 p.m. on September 9 and October 14 to discuss. Please mark your calendar. If feedback is positive then this issue will be on the Referendum ballot for December 2nd & 3rd. As a reminder, all construction and financing costs would be paid from the Capital Fund and not from dues or assessments from members. Home buyers pay a $3,000 fee into the Capital Fund.
Lastly, on April 25, the Board wrote letters to State Senator Jim Boyd and State Representative Michael Owen urging them to amend two bills being considered in the Legislature that would have allowed Affordable Housing to be built on golf courses under the Live Local Act that bypasses most local zoning approval. The Board also sent out a PSA email blast alerting members and suggesting they contact the above legislators. Our requests were heard and the bills were amended to remove Affordable Housing on golf courses under the Live Local Act.
However, golf courses can still be developed for market rate housing under current zoning regulations. The closed North Course is currently zoned to allow six homes per acre. The closed Sandpiper and Caloosa Greens golf courses would need to be rezoned to allow development. A majority of our County Commissioners have publicly expressed their opposition to rezoning closed golf courses, and at this time we are not aware of ClubLink submitting any proposed development plans to the County.
That’s all the news for now. We have so much to be thankful for in this vibrant and exciting community. Let’s all be positive, respectful, and kind while having fun in our senior years!
SAVE THE DATE: July 4 Breakfast
Cindi Malin and Len Lewinski want to remind everyone of this year’s 4th of July Breakfast – where we come together as neighbors, family and friends! This year will continue the fun tradition starting at 8 a.m. Friday July 4th until 11:30 a.m. with our volunteers rising early to put on a delicious meal for you! What we are most excited about is that we are not raising the price this year from last – even with the cost of eggs! $7 gets you 2 pancakes, 2 scrambled eggs, yogurt, orange juice and coffee.
We welcome all CA members, King’s Point members and their family. 50/50 drawings will be available
too! We also work hard to keep all lines inside the air-conditioned hall for your safety and comfort. So please join us to celebrate our Country’s birthday and to show our Unity in our Community! We hope to see you there!
SCC Community Hall
1910 S. Pebble Blvd
Sun City Center
Volunteers are still welcome. For more info please email us at “julybreakfast@suncitycenter.org” or leave a voicemail or text to 231-675-0115.
Security Patrol Golf Cart Registration
By Mike Lee
The Sun City Center Security Patrol will be having a golf cart registration event on June 5. The event will enable residents to register their carts, so that they can be recovered more efficiently if they are stolen. The event will also include a quick safety inspection of residents’ carts, to help ensure that they are safe to operate on local roads. The event will take place at the Patrol’s offices at 1225 North Pebble Beach Boulevard, from 9:00-12:00.
This is an example of services that the Patrol provides to the community to help ensure that Sun City Center remains one of the safest places to live in Hillsborough County. The Patrol depends on support from the community, both to provide financial support and also have residents volunteering to work for the Patrol. There are multiple volunteer opportunities available. If you would be interested in helping to support the Patrol, feel free to call them at (813) 642-2020 between 9:00 and 3:00 Monday through Friday, or stop by the office.
SCC History Society Field Trip
Field trips aren’t just for school children. Four of the members from the Sun City Center’s History Society recently arranged their own, to do just that. The society’s continued interest in the history of Sun City Center, has now expanded to the closely surrounding areas that had connections to the very beginnings of the development here.
Some of the building materials for the earliest built houses in Sun City Center, were railed into a train depot on Railroad St. in Wimauma. The railroad line, which is no longer there, was built by C.H. Davis, and ran between Turkey Creek, near what is now Plant City, Fl and Braidentown, Fl, which is now called Bradenton, Fl. In 1902, around the midpoint of the railroad, Davis established a community. Davis had three (3) daughters, Wilma, Maude and Mary. To recognize them, he used the first few letters of each name and the new community was named Wimauma. Wimauma was a rural farming community, and in 1925 when the population reached 1,000 it briefly became Hillsborough County’s fourth incorporated municipality. The town charter created a three (3) member commission, comprised of a mayor, vicemayor and town clerk. At some time in the 1930’s, which many articles say there is no specifically documented date, the city government just ceased to exist. One
possibility is that no one volunteered to step up, and the community once again became unincorporated, the status of which remains today.
Over the years, the demographics of Wimauma has changed along with employment opportunities. The development of Sun City Center in the 1960’s opened up many of these opportunities. Service, retail, construction and hospitality type of jobs were available, convenient to get to and open to all. The railroad itself, which had been reducing services as needs changed throughout the area, ceased all operations in our area in 1976.
David Lemley, one of the History Society’s members, heard that there was a History Train Museum, in Wimauma. It is owned and operated by Wanda Broughton., whom he contacted to arrange a visit. Unfortunately, all of the History Society members weren’t available to go at the arranged time. The museum has many display cases, several of which were built specifically for the purpose of archiving and preserving the articles, memorabilia and artifacts pertaining to Wimauma from its beginning. The great amount of material and the orderly categorizing Wanda has done in preserving the items left each member very impressed.
All comments after the visit were positive, with each member drawn to different aspects. David was impressed
Board of Directors Meeting Recap
By Bob Sanchez
The Sun City Center Board of Directors held its May 14 meeting In the Rollins Theater.
Corporate Secretary Debbie Caneen certified previously approved actions including policy changes regarding posting at the kiosk and on the bulletin board; approval of an emergency repair of the flat roof over Sawdust Engineers; endorsement of the Board’s letters concerning House Bill 943 and Senate Bill 1730; approval of one hardship case; and approval of a CA-sponsored charity event in February 2026 with profits to benefit the Emergency Squad, the Security Patrol, and the Samaritans. She also acknowledged donations totaling $7,508, all of which will go to the Future Facilities Fund. The details appear separately in this issue.
President Ron Clark reported that the two new volleyball courts are substantially built, and the construction of the three new bocce courts is well underway. Installation of shading will be the last part of that project. We are making significant progress on Phase 1A, the Applied Arts Building.
Treasurer Jim Collins reported the
with the number of pieces Wanda had collected over the years and the manner in which she has them displayed. He also appreciated her stories and how those stories built a connection between Wimauma and Sun City Center.
Nina Rago’s comments aside from wishing they had allotted more time to see everything, found the information and stories Wanda shared very interesting. She also said that the area that was dedicated to Sun City Center was a “wonderful surprise”.
Susan Muise’s comments were about the beauty of the location and the effort it had taken to create a place to house the collection. She said that she was struck by the depth of Wanda’s knowledge. Her favorite exhibit was the book of Arrests and Fines, the photos and old news clippings which captivated her.
Vivian Jones, thought the other members summed up the visit nicely. She did add that if anyone is interested in this part of area history that it is definitely worth visiting. She also suggested that a visit would be a wonderful way to spend a
couple of hours inside and out of the summer heat.
Overall, the trip was a success and the museum not only captivated Susan but each of the other members as well. If you wish to visit the museum, you can contact Wanda at “nursekabob@aol.com”. The museum located off of 674 is open by appointment only.
Looking for Election Committee Volunteers
If you are interested in volunteering for the Elections Committee please let us know your name, phone number and email address by email to “SCCboard@suncitycenter.org”. We will forward this information to the Elections Committee Chair.
Historical Bricks
Thank you to these individuals who purchased Historical Bricks:
following balances as of April 30:
$3,442,357.24
Capital
Replacement
$6,899,250.21
$1,071,040.98
There were 42 house transfers in April, adding $126,000 to the Capital Fund. The year-to-date monthly average of house transfers is 37.
Community Manager Lyn Reitz asks that people not park their golf carts on the pavers next to the historical marker or on the sidewalk in front of the CA office. They are not parking areas. Use designated parking spots only.
Resident count is 11,226 with total membership dues of 11,323. In new business, the Board approved: An updated policy to clarify what a service animal is
A code of conduct for Community Association members
A contract with Gas Guru in the amount of $20,550 to replace six pool heaters and bring venting up to Code Director Carrie Blaylock reported that there are 105 CA-affiliated clubs, seven 501(c)(3) clubs, and 12 national clubs. Pickleball is the largest CA affiliated club, Clark said.
National Historic Marker Weekend
On Saturday, April 26, in recognition of National Historic Marker Weekend a small group met at Sun City Center’s marker. The plaque which was installed in front of the CA building and unveiled on January 13, 2024, became one of only 2,600 National Historical Markers in the USA. The group included Nancy McCall, CA Director and Board Liaison as well as many Society members. The purpose was to observe the day and give the marker a light cleaning, to keep it looking beautiful, and reflect the pride of all involved in its placement.
Participating Society members Susan Muise, Amber Stephens-Gronovius, Dianne Baker, Nina Rago, Jill DeFelice and recently retired member, Rusty Seiden. Amber was responsible for getting the marker registered with the State of Florida as well as arranging the cleaning group.
Since the initial unveiling, a memorial brick pad, suggested by Debbie Caneen, CA board member, has been laid surrounding it. Nancy instituted the idea to offer the bricks which can be
engraved with names and dates of becoming SCC residents. She did the work of coordinating with the CA to get it started and keep it going. The unveiling of the pad took place on Wednesday, April 9, 2025.There are still bricks available for purchase at the cost of $100 for a 4” X 8” or $250 for an 8” X 8”. Residents may consider purchasing one to document their part in making SCC the community it is.
The SCC History Society would also like to mention their appreciation to the CA Maintenance Dept. The continued care they have taken to keep the area clean and tidy all year long has not gone unnoticed.
Not to be overlooked, was the enjoyable gathering several of us participated in after the work was done. A thank you to the smiling staff at CC’s Grill for accommodating us for breakfast. Our orders were quickly prepared, served and enjoyed. The opportunity to actually socialize with each other outside of our formal monthly meeting was a plus.
Mah Jongg Lessons
The SCC Mah Jongg Club is offering lessons to beginner and refresher groups. Lessons will be given each Tuesday from 10 a.m. to noon for 6 weeks starting 6-10-2025 in the Sandpiper Room in the Atrium. A $20 fee includes membership in the club. For further info, call Eileen Spector at 813-416-2926.
Gallery Opening
The Art Club in Sun City Center presents Paul Kennedy and his art work for our monthly Gallery opening June 4 from 1-3 p.m. Paul Kennedy has no formal education in fine art, but, instead, is self-taught. Following graduation from college with an engineering degree, he joined the military, where he was classified as an illustrator under the intelligence division for 6 years. His works will be on display in the Art Club’s gallery on June 4 between 1-3 p.m. and the rest of the month of June. The Gallery Opening is open to all our Art Club and CA members. This will close out our Gallery Opening season until September.
CLUBS
NOTICE: Each community and club in Sun City Center and Kings Point has specific rules about membership and attendance. Unless specifically stated or posted, most venues, meetings and events hosted on the Community Association campus and in Kings Point require attendees to bring their SCC CA or KP ID or come with a resident member. When in doubt, contact the club in question - not the venue or association - prior to arrival. Thanks.
Pat Alberti and Nancy Mc Clure, Assistant Captain.
Art Club of Sun City Center
The Art Club in Sun City Center has selected Marion Giblin as Artist of the Month for May and June 2025. Originally from Connecticut, Marion’s career led her to teaching and later working as school administrator. While Marion was always drawn to the arts, her career left little time to pursue working in the arts.
After retiring, Marion found enjoyment in taking painting classes at The Art Club in Sun City Center. She especially loves painting in oils, having studied with Linda Scola, Virginia Laudano and Joe Kanoza. She also paints in watercolors, acrylics, mixed media; and now is studying Chinese brush painting with Margaret Carey. Landscapes are a favorite, and she also studied portraiture when painting each of her grandchildren. Since joining the Art Club of Sun City Center, Marion has been an active volunteer, serving in various roles, including as President of the Club and currently as Facilities Co-Chair.
You can view some of Marion’s paintings at the Community Association Information Center and the Art Club display window, both on Cherry Hills Drive.
Needlecrafters Offering Beginners Class
Needlecrafters is offering a Beginning Crochet class on Mondays from 1 to 3 p.m. for 4 weeks starting on June 2. The instructors will be experienced crocheters. This class is for true beginners – those who have never crocheted before. Basic skills will be taught, and you will complete one project by the end of the class. There is a limit of 6 people for the class, so sign up soon if you want a seat!
There is no cost for the class, but you must have a valid 2025 CA badge and be a member of Needlecrafters. The club dues are $5 annually. Crochet hooks and yarn for the class will be provided by the club, but feel free to bring your own if you prefer. There is a sign-up sheet for the class at the desk by the Pineapple Court entrance. Contact Vicki Danen at 262-347-6539 or send her an email at “vickidanen@gmail. com” for any questions you may have. Please note: If you have previous crochet experience and just want to expand your knowledge, this class may not be for you. Come join the Needlecrafters Club! We’re open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 to noon, and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 to 2! The Club is located between the shuffleboard courts and the outdoor pool, next to the Art Club.
Arts & Scraps Club
By Paula Lickfeldt
Turn trash into treasure! The fourteen members of the Arts & Scraps Club do just that. They try not to buy anything new, they do visit all of the garage sales and estate sales. They recycle and repurpose.
A few women were getting together at each other’s homes to do craft projects and then in May of 2024 they decided they should try to become a club and get a room at the CA for their meetings. They meet at 6:30 p.m. in the Ann Marie Le Blanc Room, which is by the shuffleboard courts and next to the sheriff’s office. There are no yearly dues to belong to the club.
They are the “SCC Pickers.” Whenever they see something that has been discarded, that they think they could use, they pick it up and see what they
can make from it. That seems to be a part of the fun. Items that they collect or accept as donations are; cardboard, diamond painting chips, buttons, ribbon, fabric, pine cones, Palm Tree seed pods, clothes pins, puzzle pieces, coffee filters, TP and paper towel rolls, Styrofoam, and just about anything else we can think of.
At the present they are working as a group to make red, white and blue coffee filter flowers as table decorations for the 4th of July breakfast.
If an individual or one of the CA clubs has a craft that they need fixed and don’t know how to fix it, members of the club will see if they can fix it. Just bring it to the club meeting on Tuesday evening. If you are interested in doing crafts and want to have a good time check out the Arts & Scraps Club.
Movies are normally shown on the second and fourth Monday of each month in the Rollins Theatre. 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. Theatre capacity is limited to 145 attendees per the Hillsborough County Fire Code.
** RETRO MOVIE MONDAY **
June 9 • Father Of The Bride •1 hour, 45 minutes
From 1991, comedy and chaos reign when a daughter announces her plans to marry.
A father deals with his only daughter’s lavish wedding.
Starring: Steve Martin, Diane Keaton, Kimberly Williams, Martin Short, Kierin Culkin
Genre: Romantic comedy
Rating: PG
June 23 • One Life • 1 hour, 49 minutes
A true story based on If It’s Not Impossible...: The Life of Sir Nicholas Winton. London broker Nicky Winton visited Prague in 1938. Racing against time he gets Trevor and Doreen of the British Comm. for Refugees in Czechoslovakia to save hundreds of predominantly Jewish children before Nazi occupation closes borders. 50 years later he’s haunted by those children he wasn’t able to bring to safety.
Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Johnny Flynn, Lena Olin, Romola Garai, Alex Sharp
Genre: Drama, History, Biography
Rating: PG
The Stained Glass Club of Sun City Center has made a contribution of $1,000 to the Sun City Center Emergency Squad. Pictured is President of the club,
SCC Bridge Club Meals on Wheels Volunteers
The 2025 March members of Duplicate Bridge Association of Sun City Center deliver Meals on Wheels to Sun City Center and Kings Points.
Back: Barb Gray, Denny Gray, Sandy Hunt, Bill Barker, Chris Barker, Sue Epps, Jana Roberts, Dorthy Nance. Front: Leon Tracy, Janet Hoffman, Bill Brushwood, Janet Singer, Sandy Danen, Diane Wheeler, Christine Lansing, Peter Dillner, Karen Humphreys.
Dawn Dayringer, Cindi Malin, Judi Jardine, Michelle Evonosky, Carrie Blaylock and Vida Hanson
Hillsborough County Invests in Recreation Center for Foster Children
Children are the future of Hillsborough County. With the ceremonial groundbreaking for a state-of-the-art activity center at A Kid’s Place, a nonprofit residential campus serving foster children, Hillsborough County is invested in improving the lives of the children who live at the campus now and in the future.
The event, held Tuesday, April 29, at the organization’s campus on Lithia Pinecrest Road, celebrated the start
of construction on a nearly 13,000-square-foot multipurpose facility designed to enhance the lives of children in foster care and young adults aging out of the system.
The new facility will house classrooms for workplace education and arts and crafts, a computer lab, and dedicated areas for mentoring and independent living skills. Therapy rooms, family visitation and reunification spaces, a pool, an
Our Lady’s Pantry distributes tens of thousands of pounds of food to the underserved in our community every single week. “This is a lot of food to be sorted and stored safely until the weekend when it is given out,” said director Tom Bullaro. “Can you lend a hand for a couple of hours one or more mornings a week?
According to Bullaro, Pantry helpers work every day except for Thursday and Sunday. “None
of these jobs is glamorous,” Bullaro said, “But each is so very important. “If you can spare some time, just stop on any Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, or Saturday, and ask for me or Kim. Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays are our busiest days when we are most in need of extra helping hands. And thank you!”
To learn more about the Pantry, please visit us at: “www. ourladyspantry.com”.
exercise room, and an outdoor multisport court will round out the multiuse center.
Hillsborough County contributed $933,000 in Community Development Block Grant funding to help bring the project to life.
A Kid’s Place serves children from birth to age 17 who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment. It also supports young adults up to age 22
through its extended foster care home. The campus, which spans five acres and includes 60 beds, is known for its commitment to keeping siblings together in a safe, stable, and home-like environment.
With the addition of this vibrant activity center, the organization is poised to expand its holistic approach to care, offering new opportunities for growth, healing, and connection in Hillsborough County.
Mega Dog Adoption Event
Wagging tails and happy hearts will once again fill the Florida Strawberry Festival Fairgrounds.
From June 6 to June 8, the 3rd Annual Mega Dog Adoption Event returns for a weekend full of furry fun and fresh starts.
Animal shelters from across the Tampa Bay area - including Hillsborough, Manatee, Marion, Orange, Pasco, Polk, and Sumter Counties - are teaming up to help hundreds of lovable dogs find their forever homes. Each day, more than 300 adoption-
ready dogs of all sizes, ages, and personalities will be available to meet, greet, and go home with new families.
Thanks to support from Athletes & Causes Foundation, Pet Resources Foundation, Chris and Mariah Godwin, and the Florida Strawberry Festival, all available dogs will be vaccinated, spayed/neutered, and microchipped, with all adoption fees waived.
The event will take place at
Dog continued on page 4.
Pelican Players Will Present “Bermuda Avenue Triangle”
Shows are August 1 to 3 - Get your tickets now!
Enjoy pure escapist fun in this adult comedy about two widows shuttled off to a Las Vegas retirement community by their daughters. Both seniors feel that their lives, which weren’t that great to begin with, have become really terrible … until the
arrival of a mysterious lothario who (shall we say) refreshes their spirits.
“Bermuda Avenue Triangle” is the second main-stage production offered this year by the Pelican Players Community Pelican continued on page 11.
Hard hats with the A Kid’s Place logo sit on a table in front of 3 large construction vehicles. (Story and image courtesy Hillsborough County).
Cast pictured left to right: Paul Ansell, Diane Keyes, Barbara Boyle, Kevin Steinke, Carol MacAlister, Bob Harvath and Dawna Gantvoort. Photo by James Williams
The Editor’s Corner
Poised and Prepared
By E. Adam Porter Editor, News of SCC & South County
A quick glance at the calendar, and I find myself channeling Bill Murray’s character, Weatherman Phil Connors, from “Groundhog Day”: It’s Hurricane Season… Again.
And so it is.
What will that mean for those of us who call the Central Florida peninsula home? Are we facing another year of gas lines and empty shelves? Of evacuations, stocking up on bottled water, and watching the cyclonic turtle stalk across the Caribbean and into the Gulf of Mexico… careening toward an unknown port of call?
bars, and a host of other tasty
is coming, fill them a little more than halfway with water and freeze them. That way, if a storm knocks out the power, not only will you have more drinking water, you also have a freezer that is now a decent cooler.
KNOX ALUMINUM
Expert meteorological prognosticators at NOAA, despite recent cuts to their staff, are hard at work reading the signs and crunching the numbers, trying to determine what to expect from Hurricane Season 2025. At a meta level, those experts can review data and come fairly close to predicting how “active” a season will be. Modern science has gotten much better at this. I remember so many storms through the years that gave us precious little warning. These days, we have the advantage of much earlier notice. But, in reality, knowing where a storm will make landfall—and where it will go thereafter—is still an imprecise science. Sometimes, the track is the track (Milton), and sometimes a storm zigs when we expect it to zag (Ian). The best we can do is to prepare early. To have what we need, and to know what we intend to do, and where we intend to go long before the cone of uncertainty reveals its intentions. These are not questions you want to answer when the stress is high, and that big spinning eye is headed right for your roof.
Make a list of what you will need—medications, food, toiletries, tools, pet care products, etc.—and start collecting them now. Buy the stuff that will last longest first, and make sure you and all your stuff will fit in the car. Let me repeat that: Be absolutely certain that all the people, pets, and things you may want to bring will fit in your car before it starts raining. Trust me when I tell you that thousands—maybe millions— skip that step until far too late in the game.
When it comes to food, get stuff that you will actually eat. While it’s a great thing to donate to our wonderful local food pantries, it’s not the place to drop off canned food you were never going to eat anyway. Canned goods will last, sure, and so will peanut butter, unopened cereals, granola
Gather your important papers—IDs, birth certificates, deeds, policies, etc.—put them in individual Ziploc bags, then put all those into a large freezer bag. Keep all that in an easy to carry “go bag” with a change of clothes, a towel, a flashlight, a first aid kit, phone charger, medications, and a few nonperishable snacks. Over the decades, I’ve seen a lot of people have to leave immediately, and they did not have time to gather anything they needed.
Know your local resource numbers:
● Immediate health or safety risk: 911
● HCSO Non-Emergency: (813) 247-8200
● Power line issues: (813) 223TECO (8326)
● Flooded roads: (813) 2726233
Another great resource is our local volunteer Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). Check them out online at “scccert.com” and, while you are there, click on the Resources tab for the county’s Hurricane Guide.
Know your flood zone and other risk factors such as flooding potential and the chances of trees falling on or near your property. Sun City Center is, as a whole, relatively high and dry, but pay attention to news reports and listen to the official warnings. Try to tune out all the gossip on social media. We all hope none of this advice is necessary this year. We all hope, after last year’s back-to-back-to-back storms, that Mother Nature will cut us a break and allow us to simply swelter in peace this season. It’s still a good idea to stock up on water, sunscreen, and, maybe, grab something at the store that makes you feel like a kid again. Because, hurricane season or not, summer fun never goes out of style.
of SCC & South County
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Contributors: Frank Kepley, Garry Higgins, Bob Monahan, Peggy Burgess, Joanne Baskinger, Debbie Caneen, John Lampkin, Cathy Meyerhoff, Judy Cesarski and Ron Clark. (CA President).
SCC Rotary Therapy Dog Visits
Rotary of SCC’s mascot and therapy dog, Natasha, is shown as she visits residents at Freedom Plaza Memory Care, sharing love, laughter, and kisses. Natasha with her owner and Rotary member, Kathleen Stasia, provides this service every Sunday afternoon on both the Rehabilitation and Long Term Care floors. The SCC Rotary Club meets each Tuesday for a lunch meeting and topical presentation at Freedom Fairways. For more information visit its Facebook page at “facebook.com/RotarySCC” or call Bill (membership) at 813-6343936.
COMMUNITY
Coffee With A Cop
By Deputy Jeff Merry
SCC New England Club Pizza & Game Party
The SCC New England Club invites you to get together on Thursday, June 26, in the Florida Room, located inside the Atrium Building. Doors open at 5 p.m. Dinner starts at 5:30 p.m. with a variety of pizzas, salad and cookies as well as decaf coffee, iced tea and water. BYOB.
There will be multiple games with prizes: Cornhole, Jenga, Mexican Train and Left-Center-Right games. This is a NEC members event with open seating. You can join the Club and the fun by signing up on www.sccnec.net. The cost is $8 per person which must be paid by advance reservation. RSVP deadline is June 23. Reservation and club membership forms are available on our website listed above. You may also obtain forms by calling Nancy Birkett at 609-410-0389. This will be a fun night and a chance to make new friends.
We are having Coffee with a Cop in conjunction with the South Shore Chamber of Commerce and hosted by The Citizen at Waterset, located at 6144 Paseo Al Mar, Apollo Beach, FL, Friday, June 13, 2025, 9:00 am to 11:00 am.
Start your day off right with a cup of coffee and friendly conversation at the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
Duplicate Bridge Association of Sun City Center is sponsoring on 19 June 2025, 8:00 am through 5:00 pm, dubbed the Longest Day a fundraiser at the SCC Community Hall. Invitation goes to groups playing games such as Mahjong, Hand & Foot, Social Bridge, Canasta to attend and participate. Entry contribution of $25.00 includes Continental Breakfast and Lunch. And be eligible to participate in raffles of baskets and a raffle of a one-week Hawaii Timeshare stay and $500.00 cash.
Community continued on page 4.
When it comes to head and neck cancers, such as throat, laryngeal, mouth, or tongue cancer, surgery is often the first step. And where you go for treatment first can make all the difference. At Moffitt Cancer Center, our expert surgeons use advanced, minimally invasive techniques to lower the risk of complications and help you recover faster.
We offer fast-tracked appointments—newly diagnosed patients are seen within one week for a surgical consultation.
Choose Moffitt - Florida’s Top Choice for Cancer Care. Schedule an appointment today at Moffitt.org/ThroatCancer or call 855-960-2864.
No referral needed.
The Longest Day Committee from L to R: Margaret Davis, Ronaldo Wallace, Carol Barton, Christine Lansing, Linda Duhn, Nancy Flanigan, Janet Singer
Community continued from page 3.
SCC Republican Club
Tuesday, June 24, at 2 p.m.
The Sun City Center Republican Club will meet on Tuesday at the St. Andrew Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, 1230 West Del Webb Blvd., Sun City Center. All Republicans and like-minded voters are invited to attend. The Club meets every month on the 4th Tuesday. Entrance is at the rear of the building. Our meetings start at 2 p.m. and conclude about 3 p.m. Doors open at 1:30 for Social Time, including light refreshments, preceding the meeting. Each month we present local government officials or candidates for questions and answers. Come early to meet our speakers.
The South Shore Democrats Club
Thursday, June 5
St. Andrew Presbyterian, 1239 W Del Webb Blvd. All like-minded people are welcome. Hear representatives from local, regional, state and national government and organizations speak on issues that affect our lives in Florida.
“Politics is all local” This month we will hear from a representative of the Sierra Club Tampa Bay, the most enduring and influential grassroots environmental organization in the United States. Today, there are serious challenges ahead: a warming climate, unprecedented levels of pollution, and powerful special interests undermining basic protections. Light refreshments will be served. Help with voter registration and Vote By Mail renewals will be available. Info: “southshoredemocrats.org” or “SSDmembership@gmail.com”.
Dog continued from page 1.
the Grimes Family Agricultural Center, 2508 W. Oak Ave., Plant City, FL 33563, with doors open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday through Sunday.
This is more than just a great opportunity to welcome a new best friend into your homeit’s a chance to give a shelter dog the second chance they deserve. Every adoption not
Now Providing:
Lymphedema Treatment and Compression garments (Covered by most insurances) Call for more info and to schedule an appointment
only changes a dog’s life but also makes room for another one in need. So, whether you’re searching for a loyal walking buddy, snuggly couch companion, or playful pal for the kids, your perfect pup might just be waiting for you at the Mega Dog Adoption Event! (Story courtesy Hillsborough County)
Senior Hotline Is Coming To Town
By Paula Lickfeldt
Seniors living south of the Alafia River, in Hillsborough County are getting some good news. The area includes southern Riverview, Balm, Gibsonton, Apollo Beach, Ruskin, Sun City Center and Wimauma.
The South Shore Coalition for Mental Health and Aging, Seniors in Service and Greater SouthShore Chamber of Commerce are teaming up to provide a convenient one-stop-shop for NONEMERGENCY resources that seniors need. 813-4194902 is the number to call for support and services. The number will be staffed Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and answered at other times 24/7 by voicemail. The South Shore Senior Hotline will be true to its name “One Call Does It All.” Whether you are looking for a support group, Veterans service, social service, inhome care, or maybe a phone number for a house of worship, hospital, or senior living facility a hotline volunteer is ready to help. Chore Corps is another service the hotline provides. It provides assistance with minor “handyman” services like changing a lightbulb in a ceiling fixture or a smoke detector battery, changing an air filter and tasks like
walking your dog, taking out the garbage or picking up the mail.
Seniors in Service, a local volunteer organization, has committed to staffing the hotline by recruiting and training volunteers. Volunteers will be needed to “be the voice” by answering the hotline calls and providing helpful, friendly support, or “be the helper” by joining the job corps to help with everyday tasks and brighten someone’s day. To volunteer time and talent contact Michelle Mason 813-492-8920 or “mmason@seniorsinservice. org”. Any amount of time that you have available is welcome.
Dial 813-419-4902 and let seniors in Service volunteers help you with Resource Connect: searching for nearby services? We’re your guide to what’s available in the community, Ride Ready: need a lift to a medical appointment? We’ll get you there stress-free, Handy Help: from changing a light bulb or walking your dog, Chore Corps is here to lighten your load.
Remember, “One Call Does It All.” This service that began on May 1, 2025, is ready to help. Remember the old saying, “Let your fingers do the walking?.” Help, of all kinds, is available free of charge.
Phone: (941) 776-5585
Email: reallhabinc@tampabay.rr.com
Physical Therapy for illness injury and disease
Pre/Post Surgical Treatment
Aquatic Therapy for “Healing Waters of Parrish”
Water Aerobics Classes & open swim available
Fax: (941) 776-5655
By Mike Lee
With the beginning of hurricane season, local emergency first responders are finalizing preparations, and it is strongly recommended that residents do so as well. The effects of Helene and Milton are still being felt locally, and provide insight into what can be expected if the area is impacted by other hurricanes this year or in the future.
A hurricane preparation seminar was recently held, with events in both the Community Hall and in the Veteran’s Theatre in Kings Point. A panel of local experts led discussions on how residents can prepare themselves for any major weather events. It is strongly recommended that residents consult the Hillsborough County website to determine key information about their residences, as well as how they can prepare.
According to Jeff Merry, the community’s resource officer with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, “use the Hillsborough County Emergency Management Website to see your flood plain, to see your evacuation zone and know your house. Then make a plan from there. Are you going to stay or are you going to evacuate? Have that plan in advance so that you’re not involved in the chaos. If you’re going to stay, make preparations to stay. Have your kit, with your water, your candles, your radio, those types of things. If you’re going to evacuate, prepare to go a few days early.”
He went on to say, “If you’re here, one of the things to understand is that last year, we were out of power for seven days. Even the hospital was out for five.”
This brought about some problems, and provided some lessons learned, so that responses can be more effective with future events.
Be aware that first responding agencies shut down when wind speeds reach 35 MPH. If you are here and have an emergency, they will not be able to assist. The hospital will be open, but ambulances will not be running.
Hurricane Preparedness
It should be noted that the hospital is not a shelter. They will be able to assist in medical emergencies, but they can’t shelter anyone.
The SCC Emergency Squad has made some upgrades to better serve the community in emergency situations. When asked about lessons learned with last year’s events. Chief Mike Bardell said, “Four lessons were learned. Number one, some people were out of power for seven days. What about the medications that need to be refrigerated? We’re purchasing an ice maker. If we get hit, I want people to be able to come here, get a bag of ice, and take it home to keep their medications. This is for medications only. Another one is cell phones. Where do you charge them? We’re making provisions here where we can charge 100 phones at a time.”
They have upgraded phones and IT, and as part of the upgrade, the Emergency Squad now has the ability to have listening ports on their buildings. They can now support 300 to 500 people to have internet access while sitting in their parking lot.
Community members will be able to send voice mail, text messages and make phone calls to let loved ones know how they are doing. Lastly, Bardell said, “This one happened in October. Can you imagine what it would have been like if it had been August? I thought we would offer cooling stations.”
The plan will be to open up the training center, which operates
on generators, and give people an opportunity to cool down, and be better positioned to get through the emergency.
The Community Association is also preparing on how to respond to emergency situations. One thing that needs to be understood is that the CA is not able to provide any shelter for residents. The Association doesn’t have appropriate facilities, and doesn’t have insurance to handle sheltering needs. Shelters are available nearby and can be found on the county’s Emergency Management website. Residents can visit "hillsboroughcounty. gov", and go to the Emergency Management website for further information. Shelters are available for residents with medical needs and those with pets. Pre-registration is advised, and can be done anytime, including well before an emergency situation occurs. When asked about how
decisions are made to close facilities, Community Manager Lyn Reitz said, “It depends on the severity, and it’s the board’s decision.” They depend on what information is being received by first responders, and what forecasters are predicting as it relates to storm path and storm severity. Reitz went on to say, “June 1, make sure you’ve got your medicine, have enough of it to get through a couple of weeks. Have some extra canned goods. Get an extra propane tank for your grill, so you have something to boil water and maybe cook something. Get a couple loaves of bread and throw them in the freezer. Get all of your documents in order. Store them in a waterproof bag in case you need them. Please let people know what you’re doing. If you have an animal, make sure you’ve got your animal’s medicines. Make sure you have food for them.”
Deputy Merry closed by saying, “Educate yourself. Have a plan. Understand what happens if you leave. Understand what happens if you shelter here.” Also, “Last year opened our eyes that we’re not impervious to hurricanes. If you make your plans now, then it’s easy to follow when that time comes.” It is hoped that the area won’t be impacted by hurricanes again this year. But the experience last year provided evidence that advance preparation is needed, and that proper preparation will enable residents to better withstand emergency situations.
2024 hurricane aftermath (News File Photo)
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A Story About a Boy, a Dog, and an Octopus
By Andrea L. T. Peterson
When his debut novel, “Lily and the Octopus”—about a boy, a dog, and an octopus (that’s a euphemism for a brain tumor)—was published, newly published writer, Steven Rowley was optimistic his publisher, Simon & Schuster, would want a second novel from him. And they kind of did. Except they wanted another ‘dog’ book, says Rowley, but “I’d said all I had to say about dogs in Lily.” It was a bold move from a new author, but instead of tailoring his writing to the wants and needs of the publisher, he “left Simon and Schuster and found a home at Putnam.
“Not being 25 [being in his 40s],” he added by way of explaining his choice to hunt for a new publisher, “I didn’t have to be a people pleaser. I didn’t have to do what the publisher wanted or follow trends. Don’t try to chase trends,” he emphasized. “It takes a long time to write then publish a book.” By then, there are new trends!” Rowley said he “prefers to be on the forefront of making something new, rather than [following] trends.
“Sadly, people who read for pleasure constitute a shrinking group” On the plus side, there is greater opportunity for dialogue between readers and writers through social media! “One of the great joys of this career is the friendships I never could have imagined” with readers, writers, and others in the industry. Another is that this career “rewards life experience!”
Rowley found “writing contracts—as a paralegal in entertainment law in Los Angeles--for other artists whose dreams were coming true just got a little demoralizing!” Hence, Lily and the Octopus. After losing his 13-year-old dog, Lily, Rowley did what writers do: he wrote to understand. He wrote about attachment and how hard it is to let go! The octopus became a metaphor
for that thing that can have a stranglehold on you!”
He was “rocked by that loss, feeling adrift,” he explained. “I didn’t realize how much I came to rely on her for company!
After writing “Lily and the Octopus”—as Rowley said— he didn’t want to write another ‘dog’ book. He wanted to “write about what it was like to write Lily. My own experience wasn’t exciting enough.” Having always thought Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis had this remarkable career [in publishing] after the assassination of JFK, Rowley “chose to celebrate her” in his next book, “The Editor.” In the Editor, a young man, not unlike Rowley and his first book, has a publisher option for his new novel. His agent doesn’t tell him anything about his soon-to-beeditor, so when he shows up for their first meeting, he is shocked to find his editor is the icon herself, Jackie O.
The Editor digs deeply into the mother/son relationship— James (the fictional author) and his mother, as well as the editor’s relationship with her own son. At book signings and readings, “people ask ‘What was she like to work with?’
And I would say it’s a novel!”
However, during his extensive research he did “get to know the people the former first lady had worked with, the writers she edited!”
Rowley is my kind of author—
his style reflects some of his favorite authors who share with him the gift of versatility: One book may be deadly serious and intense, as with Lily, or light and humorous, as with “Guncle” (which is light, humorous, yet at its core serious). “Guncle” and “Guncle Abroad” are about a gay man whose best friend from college, a straight woman who marries his brother, is asked by his brother to take his kids for the summer when his wife dies so he—the brother—can go into rehab. He has become addicted to his wife’s pain meds. Let your imagination go wild: gay man, former television celebrity gone recluse while grieving the loss of his recently deceased longtime partner takes on two little kids. It’s about a man “self-isolating [after that traumatic loss emerging] from the darkness and coming back into the light!
Guncle was the book, says Rowley, “that changed my career and cemented my readership. It was “a real joy,” he elaborated, “as a writer and as a gay man. In the 90s. I could only imagine who I might have been, what my life would have been like if we could marry and have kids! And what if we had role models when we were
‘growing up gay?’
The “Celebrants” is a totally different book! It was, says the author, “a joy to infuse fiction with the realities of “celebrating life!” This novel is about a group of friends who, after the untimely death of one of them, decide to have funerals for each other, while they are still alive, at a really low point in his or her life. The point is to hear how loved and needed you are when you most feel down, unloved, even lost. It’s a tossup whether The Editor or the Celebrants is my favorite of his books! I’m looking forward to reading Guncle Abroad which I couldn’t get to before my deadline for this issue.
We are living in challenging times. “If I could just evangelize about any one thing, it would be kindness. We’ve lost that, as a country,” says Rowley. “The wonderful thing about reading books by people who don’t look [think, or believe] like us” is we are able to see them as people—really no different from us. Seeing the humanity of others makes it that much harder to see them as less than we are, as somehow less human.”
The author left me with this: “I just wish we could all be kinder!”
FAITH &service
Seeking Artists For Fine Arts Fair Redeemer Lutheran Church in Sun City Center will be having its sixth annual Fine Arts Fair on Saturday, November 1, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. We are looking for 40 artists of fine and applied arts. Both indoor and outdoor spaces are available. For more information or an application, e-mail “rlceventsscc@gmail.com”.
Shalom to All Rabbi Phil Cohen, PHD, is joining Beth Israel in SCC as our new Rabbi this July. He will be on the Bimah for his first Erev Shabbat Service on Friday, July 11th at 7:30 p.m. Please be part of our simcha and join us welcoming him to Beth Israel at 1115 E Del Webb Blvd, SCC, Florida. We will have an extra special Oneg Shabbat provided by the Board of Directors following services.
L’Shalom Beth Israel
Shavuot Festival
Monday, June 2, at 10 a.m. Beth Israel is hosting a Shavuot Morning Festival and Yizkor Service. The B’not Torah Class of 2015, which includes Janet Corin, Ronni Neckes, Laura Reuterfors, Marlene Spiegal and ably assisted by Delyse Axinn and Sandy Zians, will read Exodus 20, the Ten Commandments, from our Torah Scroll. We will have a potluck diary lunch and to top it off, an ice cream social, a must for Shavuot. RSVP to : Phyllis Koch, 561-308-4593 or “phylljk@ hotmail.com”. All are welcome. If bringing a potluck lunch item please tell Phyllis when you RSVP.
The NEWS on the web at newsofsuncitycenter.com
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.
Freedom Plaza Hosts Pump It for Parkinson’s
Community Steps Up for Parkinson’s Awareness
Freedom Plaza’s atrium was alive with energy and purpose on Thursday, April 10, as 57 participants and countless supporters gathered for Pump It for Parkinson’s, a community event designed to raise awareness for Parkinson’s disease. Residents, staff and visitors united around a common goal: collectively reaching 70,000 steps in honor of the approximately 60,000 Americans diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease each year. Thanks to the enthusiasm and dedication of everyone involved, the community far surpassed its goal – logging an incredible 155,513 total steps.
“April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month, and this event was our way of ‘stepping’ up to show our support,” said Angie Roher, executive director at Freedom Plaza. “We’re proud of everyone who participated and thrilled to have more than doubled our original goal. It’s a reminder that when we move together, we can make a real difference.” Pump It for Parkinson’s emphasized not just physical activity, but also camaraderie, hope and advocacy. This inspiring event was hosted by Freedom Plaza in partnership with the National Institute for Fitness & Sport.
News of Freedom Plaza
By Peggy Burgess
If Freedom Plaza had a school bell it would have rung madly in May. Not only did that month bring educational grants to 30+ employees via the Freedom Plaza Scholarship Fund, it also granted residents the opportunity to refresh their educational interests and find new ones! This was induced by the May 1st beginning of the summer semester of Grad School, yet another program, like the Scholarship Fund, was initiated and is directed by residents.
Graduate School for Seniors (or “Grad School”) is a series of non-credit courses comprising classes that encompass a variety of subjects. Offered this semester are such diverse topics as “Malt Whiskies” and “Watershed Moments in History”: included, of course, are the ever-popular bridge classes. Residents select and pay for courses that interest them, the fees used as honorariums for the instructors to cover the cost of their materials. These instructors are drawn, primarily, from our own resident population, many of whom have teaching backgrounds or special abilities. Grad School is based on the
model of Sun City Center’s Community Church College which was established in 1976 and thrived for over 40 years. (Though Community Church still occupies the corner of La Jolla and Pebble Beach, the college is no longer active). When Dr. Robert Gingery, an early Pastor of Community Church and founder of its Church College, retired and moved to Freedom Plaza, he set up, here, a similar educational organization, Graduate School for Seniors. For nearly two decades it has provided Freedom Plaza residents with “A Smorgasbord of Learning”-- its unofficial , yet very appropriate, title. Although changing as necessary with the times, it continues to do so, and its resident-students continue to enjoy and appreciate it.
Hanson Services
Residents Sondra Thorson and Dan Madden, current co-chairmen of Freedom Plaza’s Graduate School for Seniors.
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.
PERFORMINGARTS DANCING
Kings Point Music Makers (KPMM, a club of Kings Point and Sun City Center residents, awarded $4979.53 to help fund four local school music programs. The four schools; Doby Elementary School in Apollo Beach FL, Wimauma Elementary School- Wimauma FL, Beth Shields Middle School- Ruskin FL, and East Bay High School, Gibsonton FL utilized the funds to purchase desperately needed equipment, allowing more children the opportunity to participate in music enrichment programs.
KPMM would like to thank everyone that helped make these grants possible and plans to accept grant applications for 2026 awards this fall.
KPMM was started in 2024 by a group of musicians and singers that wanted to get together to make music. Since then, the club has grown to 100+ members, to include musicians, singers, and anyone who enjoys music. The club hosts weekly jam sessions, in addition to monthly events featuring live music or Kool Karaoke and always plenty of dancing.
For more information, events calendar, or to contact KPMM, visit our website at “KPMusicMakers.org”.
Come Dance With Us Club
June 7, doors open at 6 p.m.
Kings Point Veterans Theater
Our Theme this month is a western theme with prizes given to the “best costumes”. That is one prize for the best woman and one for the best man and two for the best couple. Casual dress with slacks and skirts recommended for all others. Doors open at 6 p.m. with dancing from 6:30-9 p.m. to the music provided by LB & CHLOE with all genres of music. BYOB. Ice and water provided. Cost $5 pp. Questions? Call Ken at 513-582-8449 or Rosemary at 513-258-8238.
Jan Gurley Booker (Secretary), Ellen Jones (Treasurer), Lorraine Yaghoobian (Vice President), Debra Brown and Deb Zieg (Members at Large).
Line Dance Fun Club
The Line Dance Fun Club of Sun City Center celebrated its near one year anniversary with a dance/membership meeting which included a dinner. Under the guidance of Mike Hanson and Lee Springer the club has grown to 72 members in a very short time and has performed in various fund raisers, clubs and assisted living facilities . If you are interested in learning line dancing contact “Linedancefunofscc@gmail.com”.
Dancing continued on page 10..
Our Summer Bandstand Concerts kicked off in May with our first event of the summer season. The Bandstand / Gazebo is located at 958 Cherry Hills Drive. Bandstand concerts are free for CA members. You can purchase guests passes at the SCCCA Office, 1009 N. Pebble Beach Blvd. Monday thru Friday 8-3 p.m. Please display badges during the concerts. All concerts will begin at 6 p.m. Please remember only service dogs are allowed. CC’s grill will also have food available to purchase starting at 5 p.m. Cash only.
CA sponsored events for the month of June.
June 11 The Cahoots band at 6pm, Bandstand.
June 21 the first musical event by the pool starting at 1:30 p.m. features King’s Point 3.
June 26 Charm City Eats food truck will be set up in the half circle by the Bandstand from 4-8 p.m. Come on out for some delicious crab cakes, loaded fries, mac & cheese or some Maryland fried chicken.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Judy Cesarski, Activities Director at 813-642-2001 or “Activities@ suncitycenter.org”.
L to R: Mike Hanson (President), Lee Springer (Membership),
Dancing continued from page 9.
Moonglow Dance Club June Dance
Moonglow Dance Club of Sun City Center will have their June dance on Thursday, June 26, at the SCC Community Center, 1910 S. Pebble Beach Blvd. The doors open at 6:30 and you can dance from 7 until 9 on our beautiful dance floor! Dressy casual, no shorts please.
Dance music will be provided by a surprise DJ, and you’ll love the sounds! Cups, water, ice and napkins are provided, and BYOB is permitted.
Thank you for supporting your dance club! Phone Michelle at 330770-2733 for more information.
Social Ballroom and Latin Dance Lessons
Monday: June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
4 p.m. - Intermediate 2 Rumba
5 p.m. - Intermediate Country Two Step
6 p.m. - Intermediate Waltz
7 p.m. - Beginning East Coast Swing
Location: 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: $40 per person for a 5 week course. All are invited to attend. (no extra fees for residents of Kings Point or outside of SCC Community).
Do
You Wanna Dance Club
Saturday, June 21 from 7 to 10 p.m.
SCC Community Hall, 1910 S. Pebble Beach
Come on out and Dance to SCC favorite band Classix. Open to SCC CA, Kings Point Activity Card, Freedom Plaza Access and guest pass holders. Tickets on sale at the Atrium Kiosk from 10 to 12, Monday, Wednesday and Friday, June 16, 18, 20, and at the door June 21. Tables available for singles. Tickets $5 members, $10 nonmembers. Doors open at 6. Ticket sales will end promptly at 7. BYOB. Share the Wealth raffle. Yearly memberships can be purchased for $35. Please bring non-perishable food items for Our Ladies Pantry. For ticket information contact Barbara “bgocek1@gmail.com” or Kathy “jfkfunnsun@yahoo.com”.
Family Connections to SCC
By Paula Lickfeldt
Irene and Ron Wright lived in Illinois where they raised two children, son Ron Jr. and daughter Kate. Irene had been a beautician for 38 years but the chemicals she used were starting to cause her problems with her health so she had to quit.
Irene’s mother had lived in Montana for 25 years. When her husband, Irene’s step-dad, passed away her children wanted her to be closer to them. Irene’s older brother, Alfred, lived in Kings Point, FL, her younger brother, Dan, lived in Oklahoma with his wife and Irene and Ron were still living in Illinois. In 2013 they all decided that a move to Kings Point, was a wonderful option for her because of all of the activities that KP had to offer and she would be near Alfred. After living in KP for two years she needed more help, daily, so she moved to Palm Garden where she lived for nearly ten years. Irene would come to Florida and spend time with her mother as her health declined. Dan and his wife moved to Lakeland, FL in 2016. In 2020, they bought a home in KP and moved there. In 2019 Irene and Ron moved to Lakeland. In 2021 they moved, along with their daughter, to Kings Point. This was the first time in 40 years
that the family had all lived near each other.
couple days a week but when she is not working, she likes to be at home. She likes to read and sew. She enjoys quilting and embroidery. Irene and Ron attend Redeemer Lutheran Church. She is taking an online course in religious studies for the Seminary. She began with a study of the Old Testament and is now studying the New Testament. Ron likes to play his bass guitar and he plays with a group at Kings Point. Irene and Ron enjoy the fact that the family all live in Kings Point. This is the first time that they have lived close enough together to be able to visit each other whenever they want.
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- 4:00 p.m.
Questions? Please reach out to the Club President: Dave Oglesby at 508-331-7728. WED. JUN 4 - CENTER 4LIFE LEARNING – JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR 5:00 p.m. at the United Methodist Church of Sun City Center, 1971 Haverford Avenue, Sun City Center. To register for the trip: Jesus Christ Superstar, Asolo Repertory Theatre, Sarasota, $108, register online www.sccumc. com/4lifelearning or at Center 4Life Learning on the campus of United Methodist Church of Sun City Center, 1971 Haverford Ave, Sun City Center, with cash, check or credit card. Office hours: 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., 813-634-8607.
THU. JUN 12 - CRAFT BEER & WINE CLUB “Fermenting Fanatics” 1:30 p.m. Kings Point North Clubhouse Waterside Room. June is all about the first steps for the new graduates. Share a story on the first taste of craft beer and why you continue to chase the taste. We gather to discuss craft beers and wines, enjoy tastings as a club and learn about the process of fermenting along with participating in field trips!
We meet the second Thursday of every month and have a field trip to a local establishment. Questions? Contact Michelle Mason 813-492-8920 or “mmason@seniorsinservice.org”.
FRI. JUN 13 - LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP SPONSORED BY THE SCC MEN’S CLUB 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. at Sun Towers, 101 Trinity Lakes Dr. SCC. Low Vision Support Group provides information and resources to the members of the low vision and blind community. This month we will continue to look at adaptive equipment
Theater of Sun City Center. Written by Academy Awardnominated playwrights Renee Taylor and Joseph Bologna, authors of “Lovers and Other Strangers,” the play is a racy, guilty pleasure.
“I wanted to direct this play because of the funny storyline,” says Director James Williams, adding, “I seem to gravitate toward farces, and this one is right up my alley.” The assistant director is Stephen Preuss, and Ruth Lake is the stage manager.
The play is filled with killer oneliners and just plain old funny circumstances. “It’s the kind of show where you will laugh until you cry,” says Williams.
The part of Angela Bruno is played by Diane Keyes; Rita Gangi by Dawna Gantvoort; Tess La Ruffo by Barbara Boyle; Fannie Saperstein by Carol MacAlister; Rabbi Levine by Paul Ansell; Officer Chubbs by Bob Horvath; and Johnny Paolucci by Kevin Steinke.
Audiences from Sun City Center and all surrounding communities will have four opportunities to
for reading prescriptions. Questions? Contact Michelle Mason 813-492-8920 or mmason@seniorsinservice.org.
MON. JUN 16 - PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. in the Theater Room at Sun Towers, 101 Trinity Lakes Dr. SCC. This month we have Patrick Alonso who is a compounding pharmacist to shed light on the newest in Parkinson’s. Our facilitator, Jill Mask is a fitness professional with over 10 years of experience in contributing to Parkinson’s Support groups and will have helpful hints for members! Her dedication to assisting group members in managing PD shines through! If you have Parkinson’s, or are caring for someone with this disease, be sure to attend this support group! The third Monday of every month is a group for Parkinson’s sufferers. We start each meeting with exercises and then have a discussion. Questions? Contact Michelle Mason 813-492-8920 or mmason@seniorsinservice.org.
see the play, starting Friday, August 1, at 6:30 p.m.; Saturday, August 2, at 1:30 and 6:30 p.m.; and Sunday, August 3, at 1:30 p.m. Doors open 30 minutes before curtain. Tickets will be on sale June 2 at the Kings Point Box Office from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday-Friday.
Evening performances are $16; $13 for matinees. Tickets will also be sold at the door for each show; correct change is appreciated. BYO drinks and snacks!
All performances are at the Kings Point Veterans Theater in the North Clubhouse, 1900 Clubhouse Drive, in Sun City Center.
Founded in 1981, the Pelican Players Community Theater, a 501(c)(3) organization run by volunteers, seeks to promote the dramatic arts by staging productions and educational activities. All profits go toward the Pelican Players Scholarship Fund, handled by Community Foundation Tampa Bay and benefiting local students pursuing the arts.
Pelican continued from page 1.
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Sarasota Jungle Gardens is aimed at a younger crowd— your grandkids will love it—but there’s plenty to see for people of all ages. Most of the shows are close to the entrance, so arriving early is a good idea. You will also want to arrive early for the showtimes to get a good seat. It’s fun to see the animals up close.
There is plenty to see between shows, though sometimes the animals can be challenging to find. Let the hunt be part of the fun, and the experience will be even better. I tried capturing a photo of a coati mundi, but no luck—I did get some amazing shots, though.
Expect to do a good bit of walking—prepare accordingly. Wear comfortable shoes, a hat, and clothes that breathe easy. Drink plenty of water.
Tips for a Great Trip
Start to the day. Leave before 10, and leave early in the
TRAVEL
afternoon avoiding traffic at both ends. Food: Plan ahead and research the area, as the restaurant nearby was closed for renovations.
Sarasota Jungle Gardens 3701 Bayshore Dr. Sarasota, FL 34234 (941) 355-5305 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
A tortoise knows how to cool off.
Some of the birds are spectacular.
Beautiful pattern of tail feathers.
SCC Archery Club at Beannie’s
The SCC Archery Club recently ate dinner at Beannie’s after their weekly Tuesday, 2 p.m. “Social Shoot” at their range on the South Campus. Contact Joe Mealey 717-497-4639 for free archery lessons. Call club president Mark Erickson 810-407-1768 for nonlessons questions. You must be a current CA or KP Member with current badges to receive free lessons or to join the club.
Senior Basketball Players in National Basketball Championship
Lee Saucier, left and Bob Monahan, right were selected to play in the Masters National Championship representing the 75 age division. They will be playing full court in Coral Springs May 5 through May 10. Teams are from all over the country. The duo’s teammates are from California and the Midwest and have not met yet. Both athletes are multisport enthusiasts both playing pickleball while Lee enjoys tennis and running. Bob prefers volleyball, line dancing and swimming. Both are members of the Southshore Basketball Club out of Ruskin and are the current state champions.They have been playing together for the nine years they have been living in Sun City Center.
2025 Caloosa Women’s Club Champion
Held on April 14 and 16
This 36-hole tournament is flighted. Prizes are awarded based on gross scores within each flight. The Club Champion is the woman with the lowest gross score from a blue tee flight. Congratulations to Kim Roush as the 2025 Caloosa Women’s Club Champion!
What an awesome two days of golf! The weather and company were perfect. In the Championship Flight, Kim Roush rose to the occasion shooting 8482. In Blue Flight 1, Elaine Hoffman took 1st place shooting 90 - 90. In Green Flight 2, Aileen Engel took 1st place shooting 93 - 93.
We had two exciting sudden death playoffs in the Green Flight categories! In Green Flight 1, Akemi Schindler shot 89 - 88 and Judy Tickles shot 91 - 86. Both coming in with a gross score of 177. The sudden death battle started on Hole 1 with a tie. Moving onto Hole 2, Judy was able to sink her putt, beating out Akemi. In Green Flight 3, Judy Peterson shot 106 - 102 and Ellen DeSisto shot 105 - 103. Both coming in with a gross score of 208.
The sudden death battle started on Hole 1 with Judy sinking her putt, beating out Ellen. The support shown by the spectators during the sudden death playoff was inspiring. Congratulations to all the flight winners!
Kim was presented with a lovely bouquet of flowers at the reception following the round on the second day of play and an engraved carving board at the annual meeting on April 30. A very special thank you to Jana Roberts and Ellen DeSisto for being the Hosts of the 2025 Club Championship Tournament. They did a great job getting everyone signed in, coordinating the event with helpers, course management, and organizing a wonderful reception after today’s day of golf.
SPORTS
Kim Roush overall champion and the Green Tee flight winners. Not pictured is Elaine Hoffman, Blue Tee flight winner.
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