Agendas for the monthly Board Meetings will be posted on the Official Bulletin Board in the Atrium the Friday before and on the CA website “suncitycenter.org” – under “Residents” – Upcoming Meeting Agendas). They will also be sent via “What’s New in the CA” email.
CA Contact Information Administration Office
1009 N. Pebble Beach Blvd, SCC
813.633.3500
Hours 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., M-F sccboard@suncitycenter.org Website: suncitycenter.org Information Center: 813.633.4670
It’s getting to be that time of year again – time to buy gifts for family and friends! Do you need something for a new baby or one on the way? We have baby blankets, sweaters, booties, toys, lovies and more.
Something for a child? We have toys, squeeze-my-cheeks, bookmarks, pocket pals and more. Need a hostess gift? We have decorative kitchen towels, tissue boxes, and of course, the very popular scrubbies, as well as other unique items. Someone who loves cards and other games? We have accessories for cards,
Flowers and colors representing Hope against Alzheimer’s.
Mexican Train, hand & foot, and others. Something for Mom? We have shawls, bath sets, and jewelry. Something for Dad? We have afghans, cup cozies, and veteran’s theme tissue boxes. We also have Christmas ornaments and other holiday items. These are just some of the ideas to get you started. Looking for something else? We are always open to new ideas for next year. Come check us out, M-W-F, from 9-noon, Tuesday 11-2. We are located between the shuffleboard courts and the outdoor pool. Hope to see you soon.
“Hi, Neighbor!”
Thursday, November 6, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. SCC Community Hall, 1910 Pebble Beach Blvd. Come to the annual “Hi, Neighbor” event to learn about SCC clubs and organizations, as well as volunteer opportunities and more. Free refreshments!
By Gezil Andrews
What does it take for a child to spend a hot Saturday in a packed fundraising venue? At a local church? With Grandma. Aunty. Mom. Dad, other family members, friends, and a meaningful cause? This is exactly what happened Saturday, October 4, at the United Methodist Church, Sun City Center for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s! As in past years, several vendors supported the cause, bringing awareness and fundraising to the open, giving environment. Many of those vendors came back this year, reinforcing their commitment to the cause & the community.
Freedom Plaza led the fundraising on the corporate side with over $5,000 dollars, having participated for over 8 years! The total fundraising for the event came in at around $106,000 to a goal of $65,000.
One of the most prevalent at the event in staff participation was Palm Garden: Michele Rusek, Executive Director shared with me that an average of 56 people are admitted weekly for occupation and speech therapy with a focus of getting their strength back. They also provide home health care.” Palm
Alzheimer continued on page 5.
Golf Cart Parade “A Gingerbread Christmas” Saturday, December 6, at 10 a.m. Registration starts at 8 a.m. • Judging at 9 a.m. A pre-registration application to participate can be picked up in the CA Office or downloaded from the website or you can register the day of the event. Over $1,000 in prizes and Trophies. Ribbons for winners. Gingerbread House Scavenger Hunt Cookies and lemonade Afterwards at Palm Room. The route starts on La Jolla to El Rancho to Ojai to Cherry Hills to the Bandstand.
Veterans Photo Shoot For SCCCA Members
November 15
The final photo shoot in 2025 for the Veterans Wall of Honor Project as shown in the Atrium will be held on Saturday, November 15, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon in the Photo Lab located in the multi-purpose building at the corner of North Course Lane and N. Pebble Beach Blvd. The address for the Photo Lab is 1203 North Pebble Beach Blvd. This is available for all Community Association members who served honorably in any branch of the U.S. Military. Men should wear a shirt with a collar and women should not wear dangling earrings. The Veterans photo project photo shoot will resume in January.
Please call Alisha Marshall at the CA office (813-633-3500) to register, along with your CA membership number, by 10 a.m. on Friday, November 14, and you will be assigned a specific time.
By Ron Clark, CA President
Excellent progress continues to be made on the construction of the new Applied Arts Building, Phase 1A of the Central Campus Upgrade project. The steel roof has been completed, most of the windows are installed, the doors will be installed shortly, the outside stucco is being applied, and the building will be weather tight by the end of October. It continues to stay on track for completion on April 16, 2026 and below the membership authorized $4.2 Million budget cost.
The Board held two town hall meetings to discuss campus construction projects including the proposed new restaurant/bar and new resort pool which is Phase 1B of the Central Campus Upgrade project. Videos of these meetings can be found at “suncitycenter.org/ residents/meeting-videos/2025-meeting-videos.html”
On October 8, the Board approved the Phase 1B ballot question for the membership referendum on December 2 & 3. The absentee ballot is included in this issue and the Board requests the membership authorize a $6.6 million budget for the Board to construct the proposed new restaurant/bar building and the new resort style pool. The construction funding will be from the Capital Fund which consists of home sale fees and not from members’ dues. The ballot question also asks that the Board be authorized to enter into a loan agreement with the Community Foundation Tampa Bay for up to $3 million. The loan would be repaid from the Capital Fund at an interest rate of 4.4%. Once the loan is repaid in three years, the Foundation will donate back the approximate $208K in interest to the CA’s Forever Fund that the Foundation manages.
The Foundation is the Tampa region’s leading philanthropic resource, partnering with communities like the Community Association to create a lasting impact through charitable giving. The $3 million loan will be funded through grants from several charitable funds entrusted to and administered by the Community Foundation Tampa Bay. These legacy funds were created by Sun City Center residents, now deceased, who wanted to ensure their community continues to thrive for generations to come.
This loan would be a pilot project for the Foundation as this is a new approach for their charitable giving. It is also an historic opportunity for the CA to take advantage of what is essentially a no cost loan, to be repaid from future home sale fees, so we can enjoy these new facilities 3 years earlier at an estimated 10% lower construction cost.
Be sure to vote either in person on December 2 & 3 or by using the absentee ballots in this issue. Besides voting for the Directors of your choice, the Board recommends that you vote FOR the Phase 1B Construction/loan and FOR the $346 Dues for 2026. Thank you for doing your civic duty and let’s all remember to be respectful, positive, and kind while having fun in our senior years!
NOTICE OF MEMBERSHIP VOTE
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
VOTE ON 2026 DUES VOTE ON PHASE 1B COST AND FUNDING
Tuesday, December 2, 2025, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Sandpiper Room in Atrium building 945-E North Course Lane
Wednesday, December 3, 2025, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Room 3, Community Hall 1910 Pebble Beach Blvd. South
CA membership card or photo ID required to vote.
Absentee Ballots are available in this issue on the last page and in the CA Office until 3:00 p.m., December 3rd Be sure to include your CA number and signature.
All absentee ballots must be returned to the CA office by 5 p.m. on December 3, 2025.
MEET THE CANDIDATES FOR YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2025
COMMUNITY HALL - 3:00 p.m.
Via Zoom
Zoom ID: 822 4996 8858
Passcode: 367003
Candidates for your Board of Directors for 3-year term are: *
Mary Ann Rowe
Greg Eisman
Carrie Blaylock
Jeffrey Wright
Wayne Keyes
Questions for the candidates must be submitted in advance and can be dropped in the questionnaire box located in the CA office by Wednesday, November 12 at noon. The locked box will be brought to the Community Hall at 2 p.m. so that you can still submit your questions prior to the meeting. No questions will be taken during the meeting. All questions should be submitted individually on index cards. The Elections Committee will serve as the moderator and will open the box at the beginning of the meeting and will then read the questions to the candidates.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
and Joanne
Proposed 2026 Budget
By Jim Collins, CA Treasurer
The proposed 2026 Budget will be voted on by the membership at the election on December 2 and 3. The Budget calls for an annual $2 increase per member, for a total of $346 in dues per member. The breakdown of the increase is $306 for the Operation Fund, $30 for the Replacement Reserve Fund and $10 for Furniture and Equipment Reserve Fund. Our Reserve Accounts will be fully funded for anticipated expenses in 2026. The increase is needed to fully fund the Furniture and Equipment Reserve account. The Operations account was decreased.
The SCCCA Hurricane Deductible Reserve Funds are currently invested with the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay. The Hurricane Deductible Reserve Fund will continue to grow and the projected balance on December 31, 2025 is $370,025.
The 2026 draft budget was submitted
to the Budget Committee in July by Community Manager Lyn Reitz. The Budget Committee members are Chairman Debbie Riley and Committee members Betsy McGhee, Susan Grosskopf, Dianne Baker, and Al Baker. The Committee had multiple meetings before presenting the Budget’s $2 proposed increase for review to the Board of Directors in late August. The Budget Presentation was given to the Membership in September 2025.
On October 8, 2025, at the Board of Directors meeting, the Board approved the $2 increase to be voted on by our community membership in December.
The final budget presentation will be given to the membership at the membership meeting held at 3 pm on October 22, 2025, in Community Hall. Voting on the $2 increase will be held on Tuesday, December 2 and Wednesday, December 3, 2025.
Our Capital Fund balance as of September 30, 2025 is $5,697,446 and continues to grow due to home sales and investments. Construction of the Applied Arts Building is underway at a cost of $3,849,000. Our Capital Fund Balance on December 31, 2025, after expenses for the existing Applied Arts Building contract is projected to be $3,985,446.
We hope the Community Members will support the proposed 2026 Budget and vote to approve the $2.00 dues increase. A copy of the Budget is available in our Sun City Center Library for member review.
Board of Directors Meeting
By Bob Sanchez
The Sun City Center Board of Directors held its monthly meeting In the Rollins Theater on October 8.
Corporate Secretary Debbie Caneen acknowledged donations totaling $2,815. The details appear separately in this issue.
President Ron Clark acknowledged the candidates running for election to the Board of Directors. He said that the construction of the Applied Arts Building is progressing on schedule. The steel girders and most of the windows have been installed, with doors following shortly. Stucco is being applied.
He also outlined the Board’s plan, subject to voter approval in December, to obtain a loan he described as essentially no interest in order to begin the proposed Phase 1B project (new pool and restaurant) without waiting three years to accumulate sufficient money in the Capital Fund.
Treasurer Jim Collins reported the following balances as of September 30:
Capital Fund $5,697,446. Of that amount, $2,048,779 is committed to Phase 1A, leaving an available balance for Phase 1B of $3,648,667
Operations Fund $1,537,618
Replacement Fund $1,277,218
Renovations Fund $77,818
There were 25 house transfers in September, adding $75,000 to the Capital Fund. The year-to-date monthly average of house transfers is 35.
Community Manager Lyn Reitz asked that unauthorized people stay off the Applied Arts construction site for safety and insurance reasons. The Golf Cart Parade will be held on Saturday, December 6. The theme is Gingerbread Christmas, and there will be over $1,000 in prizes. They are also beginning plans for the March 2026 Fun Fest. Contact Director Carrie Blaylock or Director Arthur DeAngelis to volunteer for either event.
Resident count is 11,254 with total membership dues of 11,354. Director Geri Roberts said the Website and Communications Committee plans to survey residents on whether they approve of the direction the website is headed.
In new business, the Board approved: a 2026 budget that includes a $2 per member increase to $346 in annual dues, to be voted upon by the membership on December 2 and 3.
The wording of the December ballot measure, as follows: I approve granting the Board of Directors the authority to expend from the Capital Fund Account an amount that does not exceed the sum of $6,600,000.00 for constructing Phase 1B (New Restaurant/Bar Building and new resort style pool) and associated site work of the Long Range Master Plan. I further approve granting the Board of Directors the authority to obtain a loan in an amount up to $3,000,000.00 from the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay, Inc. (“CFTB”) to be repaid from the Capital Fund (Funded by new home sales - NOT Member Dues) over three years at 4.4% interest with no prepayment penalty. The collateral for the CFTB loan will be the future cash flow of the Capital Fund. When the principal of the CFTB loan has been fully repaid, CFTB has agreed to donate the interest paid to it to the Community Association’s Forever Fund that CFTB manages.
Carol Donner and Carol Zeller were added to the Election Committee, removing Judy Furman.
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. Theatre capacity is limited to 145 attendees per the Hillsborough County Fire Code.
**ONLY ONE MOVIE WILL BE SHOWN IN NOVEMBER** November 10 – RETRO MONDAY MOVIE
Scent Of A Woman 2 hours, 37 minutes
This 1992 movie stars Al Pacino as Frank, a retired Army Lt. Col., who is blind and impossible to get along with. Charlie is at school and looking forward to going to college. To to help pay his trip home at Christmas he agrees to look after Frank at Thanksgiving. Frank’s niece says it’s easy money but she didn’t reckon on Frank spending the holiday in New York.
Other Cast: Chris O’Donnell, James Rebhorn, Gabrielle Anwar, Philip Seymour Hoffman
Genre: Holiday, Drama
Rating: R rated for language, sexual references
Photo by Bob Sanchez Construction is coming along on schedule. The new facilities are really starting to come together
Metaphysical Society Meetings
First Wednesday open fundraiser, $5 for non-members. The Metaphysical Society presentation starts at 10 a.m. in the SCCCA Heritage Room, 951 North Course Lane. Membership costs $10 annually. SCCCA residents are permitted one visit before joining. Kings Point residents may join after obtaining an active Club Card at the SCCCA office. Others may attend with approved guest passes obtained at the SCCCA office. The mission of the Metaphysical Society is to inspire and empower others to explore and discover their highest expression of spiritual self-awareness and universal oneness. Contact the club office at 813 4386136 for more information.
Weekly Meeting Topics
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.
Art Club in SCC Events
November 5 Gallery Opening from 1-3pm in the Art Room Gallery. To honor Tom Haverfield, the November Gallery will exhibit the artwork of Tom Haverfield. A longtime friend and instructor. Refreshments will be served. November 17 Demo in the Rollins Theater at 1 p.m. Joanna Coke will demonstrate mixed media using watercolors, acrylics and pen and pencil.
Model Railroad Club Holiday Open House Dates
Nov.5 “Sound Wave Healing” Christine Manning, a talented member, will bring Singing Bowls.
Nov. 12 “Ascended Masters, history, and origin of enlightened beings, presented by Helena Falcon, Cassadaga resident Nov.19 “Find Your Inner Refuge” presented by Richard Dama, Psychology and Hypnotherapist.
Nov.26 No Meeting • Join with family and friends in Gratitude.
Computer Club Meeting
Wednesday, November 12, at 6 p.m., in the Florida room, Judy Taylour, from the APCUG, will present “Computer Security”.
Computer Club Classes
The Computer Club Lab is open from 12:30 to 4:30, every day except Sunday. Come into the Lab to register for a class. Students must be a member in good standing at Sun City Center or Kings Point. Tuition is payable, by cash or check, upon registration. For additional information email: Debra Vance Shimerda, Education Director, at “education@scccomputerclub.org”.
How to buy a Computer – Monday, November 10, from 9 to 11 a.m.
There are many choices. This class discusses how much RAM you will need, which kind of drive suits your needs, whether to buy on-line or in person, if a warranty is worth the expense and many more decision points.
Movie Maker – Wednesday, November 26, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Movie Maker is a free Windows Application that you can use for creating and sharing your most valuable memories: your pictures and videos. Movie Maker is, easy to use, movie production and editing software that creates slideshows with embedded videos, special effects, and various transitions, all set to music.
SCC Swim Dancers Perform
Highland Lakes Synchrobelles Annual Show
The Holiday Season is fast approaching, and our moods gravitate towards memories and nostalgia. Some of the memories of our past might involve model trains among the holiday displays. Those thoughts of our past can be rekindled with a visit to a place where model trains are the center of attention. The Sun City Center Model Railroad Club has announced its Open House schedule for the Holidays with five dates from which to choose, starting after Thanksgiving and running to New Year’s Eve.
The scheduled Open House dates and times are:
Friday and Saturday, November 28-29, 10:30 until 2 p.m.
Friday and Saturday, December 26-27, 10:30 until 2 p.m.
Wednesday, December 31, 10:30 until 2 p.m.
Special trains in different scales will be running, and the handiwork and craftsmanship that goes into creating a model railroad will be on full display. There will even be a train for kids to operate themselves. Raffle tickets will be on sale, giving every visitor a chance to win a museum quality model railroad of their own, which has been created by the Club’s members over the past year.
The Sun City Center Swim Dancers performed on Sunday, October 5, at the Highland Lakes Synchrobelles annual show in Palm Harbour. The theme was “Eighties Landies”. Nine of our team swimmers performed songs from the 1980’s, “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” and the theme song to the hit classic sitcom, The Golden Girls, “Thank You for Being a Friend”. It was a huge success and worth all the hours we practiced the routines. Many thanks to our choreographers, Maria Hodge and Barbara Rezner. Our club practices are on Monday and Wednesday from 7 pm to 8:30 p.m. and Fridays 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. in the indoor lap pool at the Atrium. We practice all year long and invite anyone who would like to learn synchronized swimming skills. CA Members, KP members with a SCC Gold Card are welcome. For more information call Maria at 856-981-9992 or Barb at 860-841-3282.
All visitors are welcome, so pick a date and drop by. The Club Room is located behind the Fitness Center and next to the lawn bowling greens off of North Course Drive. Follow the flashing railroad signs and be prepared to experience a “must see” attraction in Sun City Center.
On October 25, the Sun City Center Duplicate Bridge Association club organized a Swiss game of four player dual pair team competition. The team of Richard Cobin, Terry McHenry, Gen Geiger, and Charles Nemes won the competition. The Swiss game is a non-eliminating bridge game format where every team plays a fixed number of rounds and is paired against opponents with similar results for succeeding rounds, promoting more competitive and enjoyable matches for all participants throughout the event.
Needlecrafters Club Donates 90 to Christmas At Sea 90 colorful, warm, lovingly handmade hats have been donated to the Christmas at Sea program of the Seamen’s Church Institute. This is the second year that the Needlecrafters Club has participated in the program. The Seaman’s Church has been serving and protecting the personal and professional lives of mariners and seafarers for over 90 years. Christmas at Sea is the oldest and longest continuouslyrunning charter knitting program in the U.S; delivering knit gifts to the thousands of professional U.S. mariners at work aboard towboats, harbor tugs, and dredges on our waterways. The hats will keep them warm and let them know they are not forgotten at Christmas. In addition to the Christmas at Sea program, Seamen’s Church Institute also offers professional training programs, legal advocacy services and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST). The Needlecrafters Club is one 501(c)3 helping another! Come to our shop and see all the other wonderful things our members make.
Applied Arts Construction Update
Alzheimer continued from page 1.
Garden had four staff members at the event! Greatly appreciated.
Andrea Peterson, a local compassionate citizen, activist and News of SCC reporter and colleague led on the personal side with over $4,000 raised. Andrea commented on her efforts: “I’ve come to realize that a lot of things don’t interest or concern us until they hit home – and Alzheimer's has hit home. I have decided to take part in any way that I can to advance research to help people achieve or retain a quality of life.” This walk was one of those personal steps.
Mrs. Florida USA Lou Schieffelin, crowned September 2025, was in attendance; in fact, she spoke to the crowd of almost 500 as part of the formal presentation. She reminded us to
“show our purple” and work together to eradicate the disease.
The Local Security Squad was available in person and on their golf carts, helping with walkers’ safety and directing folks through the street and green grass walk for the two-mile walk. Let me drop just a few names of their volunteers: Bruce Dickerstein, Louise Kreider and Gwen Brown!
Note: The Alzheimer’s Association is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. There was no registration fee for the walk. Participants were asked to make a personal donation and/or a commitment to raising funds in the fight against Alzheimer’s. Overall, many objectives and goals were met for the event!
Flowers and colors representing Hope against Alzheimer’s.
Mrs. Florida USA Lou Schieffelin The littlest walker
Chair of the event, Connie Lesko. Not her first year, but some of her best work.
Photos by Bob Sanchez
Construction is coming along on schedule. The new facilities are really starting to come together
Board Candidates Asking For Your Vote
By Bob Sanchez
The News of Sun City Center sent a questionnaire to the five candidates for the Board of Directors. Here are the questions and responses:
1) Tell us about yourself: include your name and a very brief bio.
2) How long have you been a resident, and why did you select SCC as your place of residence?
MaryAnn Rowe
My name is MaryAnn Rowe. I am a 27-year veteran of the Army National Guard with deployments for Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). I hold undergraduate degrees from the University of Colorado in English Literature and University of Oklahoma in Allied Health Studies; and advanced degrees from Southern Oregon University in Secondary Education and University of Nebraska in Physician Assistant Studies.
I had been coming to Sun City Center at least twice a year since 1998 to visit my parents who lived in Aston Gardens and my brother living in Riverview. I moved here permanently in 2017 to assist with the care of my dad. The best thing about Sun City Center is the large selection of clubs, many of which I’ve taken advantage of. I am most active in the Art Club, Sew’n-Sews, Lapidary Club, The Travel Club, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), American Legion, and Security Patrol. Additionally, I am still a member of the Potters Wheel, Weavers, and Campaign Against Human Trafficking. I have been a board member of the Cypressview One HOA where I live.
I would like to see the board acquire more land to accommodate the ever-changing interests of our community. I would love to see our buildings painted using a Florida palette of colors and refreshing and/or renovation of our older buildings. My wish list also includes an indoor sports arena with a stage, retractable bleachers and an indoor walking/running track.
Establishing priorities:
Safety—Are the facilities safe for members to use? If not, how do we make/keep them safe?
Immediacy—How quickly must the issue be dealt with to avoid catastrophe?
Numbers—How many members participate/use an amenity?
Cost—How do we get the biggest bang for our buck? Does it make sense to spend money on that item?
Future—What issues will Sun City Center face in the coming years? What direction do members want to see the community head towards?
Greg Eisman
I have lived in Sun City Center since 2022 and have enjoyed the wide variety of activities and facilities that make this community so special. I served in the United States Navy for 24 years and retired as a Captain. My formal education both at the U.S. Naval Academy and the Naval Postgraduate School was in Meteorology and Oceanography. I was in leadership positions stateside and overseas throughout my career.
As a project manager I supervised hundreds of military and civilian personnel. After retiring from the Navy, I was a Realtor in Louisiana for seven years. Both in my military and real estate career, I learned how to achieve a goal on time and within budget, even when there were competing approaches and a wide range of personalities involved.
I take pride in my community everywhere I live. Therefore I chose to get involved in Sun City Center since moving here. I am a past President of the Pickleball Club and am the certified pickleball teaching pro at our courts. I have served on the Security Patrol and am a member of the SCC Men’s Golden Review, a dance troupe that has raised funds for breast cancer and Alzheimer’s research.
I view my role as a potential SCC board member as a positive consensus builder and as an advocate for all residents of Sun City Center. An experienced commonsense approach, when there are competing options, differing opinions and limited funds, is typically the best way forward.
I would be honored to serve as your voice on the Sun City Center Community Association board and welcome your comments, questions and vote.
The Board should continue to make improvements to Community facilities while being fiscally responsible. The Board’s priorities should reflect those of the majority of the residents, being mindful that not everyone will agree on the scope nor cost of any particular project.
3) Do you participate in any club, community service, or volunteer organizations?
4) Why do you want to serve on the Board?
5) What is it about you, your skillset or personality, that would make you a good Director?
6) What would you like to see the Board accomplish during your tenure?
7) How should the Board of Directors determine the community priorities?
Carrie Blaylock
My name is Carrie Blaylock. I am a second-generation resident, originally from Michigan. We moved down in 2011, and were frequent visitors of SCC until moving here ourselves in 2016. We have been residents for almost 10 years. We followed my parents, but the amenities and clubs drew us here.
I am a past member of the Photo Club, Water Volleyball, and Security Patrol. Currently I am in the Ceramics, Pottery and Arts and Scraps clubs. Outside of my duties as Director, Club Liaison and Vice President, I volunteer at the Information Center.
I am seeking reelection so that I may help the clubs grow stronger and to be a voice for the residents. There is more to do and I would love the chance to continue. I feel strongly that we need to continue to move forward. I am a very outgoing person! I love helping others and volunteering for the community. I am not scared to speak up, defend my reasons or fight for what’s right for our community and its members. This is our home, our community, and we need to fight to keep it affordable and enjoyable.
I would like to continue to help the clubs grow and bring fresh ideas and activities to the community. I started keeping a record of visitors to the Information Center so that we may follow through and see WHY, HOW and WHAT they think of our community, so we can learn how to stay attractive to new buyers while keeping our residents happy and proud to be here. We are no longer just a snowbird community! The board has opened conversations up and been more transparent, but we need to keep that going and get more input from members. I don’t have a personal agenda to accomplish! I’m here to help the community in any way that I can. I am 100 percent against Club Link developing here! We need nature and green spaces!
Jeffrey Wright
My name is Jeffrey Wright, and I am a 30-year professional accountant and a small business owner. Lived in SCC for four years. I chose SCC because after reviewing the community it provided all the amenities we desired.
Director Wedge Wood III HOA 3 years / 1 year Security Patrol
I always give back to the community I reside in. And the BOD seems to fit. I have been a professional accountant and a small business owner for over 30 years.
Continue to expand SCC to compete with the other new communities available and insure home values remain high. Priorities should be set based on resident support.
Wayne Keyes
My name is Wayne Keyes, and I am from the Philadelphia area. In 1991 I moved to Oviedo, Florida, where I earned a BA in business administration from Principia College and met my wife, Diane. At the University of Central Florida I earned a master’s degree in Education. Most recently I have worked selling flight simulators, but I am mostly retired.
I am originally from the western suburbs of Philadelphia. I attended Principia College in Illinois where I obtained a B.A. in Business Administration and met the love of my life, Diane. After working for the family business for nearly 10 years and starting their family in Pennsylvania, Diane and I moved to Oviedo, FL in 1991.
We moved here in 2022 to be closer to our family, though originally we weren’t looking for an over-55 community. We are people of faith, and I feel that it was divine guidance that brought us here.
I am president of the Tennis Association and an avid player of both tennis and softball. I am a member of Sawdust Engineers, the Computer Club, the Security Patrol, my POA, and the Pelican Players. I am active in my church.
We pinch ourselves thinking about how lucky we are to be here serving on the board is a way that I can give back to the community. I tend to be a unifier and a peacemaker, a consensus builder. I am good at thinking outside the box and bringing new ideas to the community.
I’m excited about continuing the building projects. I would like to modernize systems of members’ payment to the CA, for example yes modifying guest pass procedures. I would like to establish a club of retired business professionals who would help clubs review their procedures.
By holding focus groups with community members.
Southshore Residents Rally For Walk To End Alzheimer’s
The event raised more than $103,000 for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.
Families affected by Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia gathered Saturday at the United Methodist Church of Sun City Center for Walk to End Alzheimer’s SouthShore. Supporters walked with
By Mike Lee
The Sun City Center Security Patrol recently hosted its First Annual “Pet Fair” at their facility, 1225 N. Pebble Beach Blvd.
Seven vendors welcomed the guests (people and pets) to the event. Organizations that focus on pets were also there. C.A.R.E., Feline Folks and the Dog Owners Club shared how they are involved with supporting our community’s pets.
Scanning of pets to determine if they had ID chips (and if they are activated) was provided by the Security Patrol. Local veterinarian, Dr. Lindsey Bowlby of Sun City Center Veterinary Clinic inserted ID chips into some of the pets.
Several pets made new friends
brightly colored flowers, each representing a connection to the disease, raising funds and awareness for the Alzheimer’s Association.
More than 7 million Americans are estimated to be living with Alzheimer’s, a progressive brain disease that affects memory, thinking and behavior. Florida has the second-highest number of residents living with the
disease, making local support and fundraising efforts critical. Advancements in research have led to new FDA-approved treatments that can slow the progression of Alzheimer’s. For the first time, families have hope for more time with loved ones. However, new treatments are only available in the early stages of the disease.
Edward Jones was the national
Security Patrol Pet Fair
(humans and other pets). They also participated in a Blessing of the Pets by Deacon Scott Maentz. Food and treats for pets and people were provided by
vendors and BubbaQue’s and Pint Size Ice Cream (including pup cups).
Other organizations participating included Bay Area Vet-
presenting sponsor for this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s events.
To date, walk participants have raised more than $103,000 to benefit care, support, research, advocacy and awareness initiatives through the Alzheimer’s Association Florida Gulf Coast Chapter. Donations will be accepted through Dec. 31 at alz.org/ SouthShoreWalk.
erinary Care, Suncoast Fire & Safety, May’s Collections, and Steven’s Pet Services. Each participating organization provided useful information on how they are involved with pets and their homes.
Plans are already underway on preparing for next year’s Pet Fair. The Pet Fair is an extension of the pet related services the Security Patrol provides in the Sun City Center community. The Patrol not only scans “found” pets, but it also keeps a log of lost and found pets. When pets are missing in the Security Patrol areas of responsibility, drivers are alerted to “Be On the Lookout” (BOLO), the missing pet. Although the Patrol will not take possession of a pet, the time and place will be immediately reported to the owner.
There are over 300 people volunteering three (3) hours a month serving the community. For more information on how you can serve our community, stop by the offices at 1225 N. Pebble Beach Blvd or visit the website at sccpatrol.org.
By the Alzheimer’s Association,
Photos by Christie Lampel
The Editor’s Corner
“Thanks”
By E. Adam Porter Editor, News of SCC & South County
Things I’ve overheard in the past few days:
“It’s still on the water, not sure we’ll have them in time...”
“They found a spot... I go in for a follow up next week...”
“It’s your heart...”
“Been short of breath in the evening...”
“Looking for work, but the market is awful...”
“My wife fell... not sure if it’s broken, but we think so...”
“I’m not sure if I will get a check next week... What am I working for?”
“I don’t know what to do next...”
“Why can’t they just get it done?”
“Everything is so expensive...”
All of these folks will start to feel it, if they haven’t already: the cultural pull to be “thankful” in this “holiday season.” For many, that’s a tough row to hoe.
For the shop owner who is waiting for stock replenishment from overseas, there’s uncertainty. He has a big event coming up, and this season accounts for 40 percent of his yearly profit. And, of course, it’s easy for his customers to get what they want on Amazon.
For the person who just heard uncertain news from the doctor, the next few months will be seasoned with uncertainty and
fear. Could there be some relief? Maybe... but it can take a while to get an appointment and even longer to get test results.
Some folks are grieving the loss of a friend, relative, or even a treasured family pet. They will spend these holidays missing the sound of a voice, not feeling a presence... walking past an empty chair, or checking a text thread that stopped refreshing. They will see that food dish on the floor that they just can’t find the heart to pick up yet, or they will get an appointment reminder for upcoming fun that won’t ever happen.
Others are wondering what they will do for work. They are furloughed or laid off or just graduating and hoping for good prospects. That’s tough to face when, this time of year, there’s an expectation to spend a lot more than typical.
Then there are the people facing big decisions: buy or sell, move or stay, retire or keep working... say “yes” or “no” ... There is joy in some of these decisions, heartbreak in others— more than a few are bittersweet. And they will come at a time when many people are trading frugality for frivolity in a season that dares you to let it all hang out and throw caution to the wind. That can be fun, but the added pressure can leave lines on your face.
So much pain and fear and loss and regret. And, yet, everywhere we look there are reminders to “Be Thankful” to “Give Thanks” and “Celebrate With Family!” Heartfelt wishes, yes, but they can leave a person feeling empty when they are facing hurt, illness, and pain.
We’ve all been there, or, at least most of us have. We know what it feels like to look ahead toward the “most wonderful
A Big Thank You To Publix Charities
“Week after week, for many years already, Publix has enabled Our Lady’s Pantry to keep our doors open as a refuge for the hungry in our community,” said director Tom Bullaro. “Hundreds of clients visit our drive-through Pantry every Saturday knowing we shall share food with them to take home to their families. They have no way of knowing that a large portion of the food they receive comes directly from Publix.
In fact, our Pantry trucks visit three different Publix Supermarkets regularly. Here, they accept donated food that has passed its “best buy date.” These are foods that are safe, but stores can no longer sell.
According to Bullaro, Pantry volunteers weigh all donated food, so stores can get tax credit for their donation. After being weighed, foods are sorted. Fruits and vegetables past their prime are tossed. Egg cartons are repacked and broken eggs discarded. Meats and other frozen foods are stored in our walk-in freezer. Non-perishables go onto our shelves.
“And now, piggybacking on their already generous
time of the year” through a vale of tears. If we’re not there, we owe it to those who are to be a light, a beacon... a reason to be thankful when the storm passes. Think about it: When you were at your lowest, what would have given for someone to share that load? Maybe you did have someone... maybe right now is a good time to stop reading this and tell them “thanks,” even if you’ve already said it a thousand times.
Maybe you’re in a Pretty Good Place at the moment, and you have a bit of gratitude to spare. Can you give up a little bit of that goodwill, let it transform into empathy for someone who just doesn’t know how they will get through it this time of year?
It doesn’t often take much. You could buy something from that shop owner, maybe even bring a friend or two up there to pick something out. Prepare a meal for someone who is suffering side effects of nasty medication or who won’t get out of the boot for a few weeks. Make a
few calls for that friend who is looking for work, or recommend a good financial planner for the one who isn’t sure if they have what they need to retire. It really doesn’t take much... but it does take something. It takes a person willing to do a thing, not just offer a platitude. That’s not meant to be a scolding, it’s just the truth. We all know a person going through it, and maybe that “Someone” is “Us.” If so, it’s not a sin to let someone know. If your own personal bootstraps aren’t long enough or strong enough to pull up on, that’s not weakness. That’s just life. Whether it’s the experience or the mileage that make us old, one thing for certain is they both like to kick you when you’re down.
So, this “season of thanks,” look for an opportunity to give someone a specific reason to be grateful. Whatever it is, however you do it, even if they’re too tired, sad, sick, or mean to say “thank you” ... just do it anyway.
of SCC & South County
Submission Deadline: 15th of the month prior to publication.
ADVERTISING: Neither NOKPmedia, nor its representatives or publications are liable for errors in advertising. THE NEWS does not endorse and cannot verify the accuracy of claims or representations made by advertisers who are solely responsible for advertisement contents.
SUBMISSIONS: THE NEWS is proud to be the ONLY print media publication distributed to EVERY home and business in Greater Sun City Center, as well as several nearby communities in South Hillsborough County. We are dedicated to providing you a local paper with a “hometown” feel. Submissions we accept include: community events or business news, club or group announcements, stories and poems, as well as your favorite joke, song, photo, artwork, or travel story.
NOKP Media (Publisher) reserves the right to edit or otherwise refuse all submissions. Neither the publisher nor the editor assume any responsibility for the return of submitted items. Mailed submissions can ONLY be returned if a correctly sized SASE is included with the submission.
Basic paragraph format required for all submissions. Submissions including ALL CAPS, multiple colors, and other ‘flyer-type’ formatting will not be considered for publication.
donations, Publix Charities has gifted us with $7,500 for us to purchase more food,” Bullaro said. “We are so grateful to John Doran, Executive Director of Publix Super Markets Charities, for this check to help fill our families’ tables with food in the weeks and months ahead.”
In addition to helping our neighbors eat healthy and stay well, Publix Charities has helped behind the scenes, too, Bullaro said. By gifting us with monies toward many capital upgrades, year after year, they have enabled our volunteers to do what they do with greater ease and efficiency, and often in safer working conditions than before.
“We are grateful to Publix Charities for answering our grant requests for all these capital improvements — like contributions for a new truck, a new freezer, our box rollers and so much more,” said Bullaro.
“We also appreciate the large amount of food donated to the Pantry, each week, from three Publix markets.”
“Publix Charities recognizes that there are many ways to fight hunger,” Bullaro added. “We thank them for everything.”
Email submissions are preferred. Submit stories and photos to “editor@soco. news”. Place the content in the body of the email and attach pictures in .jpeg or .png format. Submissions may be submitted via the SUBMISSIONS link at www. soco.news
Mailed submissions should be sent to:
The News of Sun City Center & South County
C/O NOKPmedia PO Box 6212
Sun City Center, FL 33573-6212.
LETTERS: The News of Sun City Center & South County will not publish any political, proselytizing, or complaint letters. We will consider “thank you” notes for good service directed toward local people, organizations, or businesses.
DECLARATION: No part of this publication may be reproduced without the express written consent of NOKPmedia. All editorial copy is strictly the opinion of the author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of this publication, its officers or employees, or the Sun City Center Community Association.
Stewart Carrier Advertising 813.938.8721 stewart@soco.news
Bob Sanchez Reporter bsanchez@soco.news
Andrea L.T. Peterson Reporter apeterson@soco.news
Nancy Jean Design and Layout art@soco.news
Gezil Andrews Reporter gandrews@soco.news
Contributors: Frank Kepley, Garry Higgins, Bob Monahan, Peggy Burgess, Joanne Baskinger, Debbie Caneen, John Lampkin, Cathy Meyerhoff, Judy Cesarski and Ron Clark. (CA President).
CarePlus Medicare Advantage plans offer coverage for your best life
Up to $177 back on your Social Security check each month
Some plans include: with our Part B premium giveback* on the CareComplete Platinum (HMO C-SNP) plan for people with diabetes or a heart condition
No referrals needed for in-network specialist visits†
All CarePlus plans include:
• Dental, vision and hearing coverage
• Free SilverSneakers® fitness program
• Coverage for hospital stays and specialists
• Free trips to plan approved locations like the doctor and participating gyms** on the CareAccess (HMO) plan
At CarePlus, we have proudly served Floridians for over 25 years. Let us help you find a plan with extra benefits to help you take care of your health and your budget at the same time. Call a licensed CarePlus sales agent today 855-602-7617 (TTY: 711) or visit ExploreCarePlusTampa.com
$350 monthly allowance for eligible OTC products
Such as non-prescription allergy medicine, diabetes supplies and more‡ On the CareNeeds Extra (HMO D-SNP) plan for people with Medicare and full Medicaid
* The Part B Premium Reduction (Giveback) benefit pays part or all your Part B premium, and the amount may change based on the amount you pay for Part B.
† Certain services or medications may require preauthorization.
‡ Amounts on the CarePlus Spending Account card cannot be combined or converted to cash. Limitations and restrictions may apply.
** Limitations and restrictions may apply.
Tampa area. CarePlus is a Medicare Advantage HMO organization with a Medicare contract. CarePlus is also a Dual Eligible Special Needs HMO SNP plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the Florida Medicaid Program. Enrollment in any CarePlus plan depends on contract renewal. CareNeeds Extra (HMO D-SNP): This plan is available to anyone receiving both Medicare and Medicaid covered services: Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries with Medicaid (QMB+), Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiaries with Medicaid (SLMB+), and other Full Benefit Dual Eligibles (FBDE). Sponsored by CarePlus Health Plans, Inc. and the State of Florida, Agency for Health Care Administration. CareComplete Platinum (HMO C-SNP): This plan is available to anyone enrolled in Medicare with a diagnosis of diabetes, cardiovascular disorders or chronic heart failure. H1019_FLHMTP9EN_M
Parkinson’s Support Group
Join us for our monthly Parkinson’s support group led by Jill Mask who has 20 years experience with movement disorders. We meet the third Monday of every month at 1:30 at Sun Towers theater room, 1:30 p.m. We are excited to have Caroline Futch from Rock Steady Boxing talking about how this is one of the best activities you can do!
Holiday Time at the Nearly New Shop
Get ready to deck the halls and spread some cheer with fabulous finds from the Nearly New Shop:
• Thanksgiving Decorations – Add warmth and charm to your holiday table
• Holiday Trimmings – Beautiful accents for your tree and mantel
• Wreaths for the Door – Welcome guests with festive flair
• Gifts for Friends & Family – Thoughtful treasures at unbeatable price
If you’re in need of any of these seasonal delights, be sure to stop by the Nearly New Shop and check out our Holiday Shop! Find resale items at great bargains, and know your purchases help fund scholarships for local high school seniors and grants to 501(c)(3) organizations in our community. Celebrate the season and give back—shop smart, shop local, shop Nearly New!
Sales Days: Wednesdays and Saturdays 8 a.m. to noon
Location: 1601 Sun City Center Blvd.
SCC Audubon Club
Saturday, November 1 • Atrium, Florida Room
The Sun City Center Audubon Club will welcome the president and founder of the Ecosphere Restoration Institute, as its next speaker.
Tom Reis is a nationally known Ecologist. He has more than 37 years of experience helping to restore more than 2,400 acres of natural wetlands systems in Southwest Florida. In 2013, Reis was granted the prestigious National Wetlands Award in Conservation and Restoration from the Environmental Law Institute in Washington, D.C. He established the Ecosphere Restoration Institute in 2007, to advance reclamation activities in Florida, through innovative public and private partnerships.
Reis will begin his presentation “Springs Restoration” after a brief club meeting at 10am. A pre-meeting social for members and their guests, with coffee and pastries, will start at 9:15 a.m.
COMMUNITY
South Shore SAR to Host Luncheon
The South Shore Chapter Sons of the American Revolution will host a luncheon on Saturday, November 8, 2025 at The Plaza Club, 3932 Upper Creek Drive, Sun City Center, FL. Social time will begin at 11:30 with luncheon at noon. All members, spouses, and guests are welcome to attend. For reservations, email sarsouthshore@gmail.com or text 813-340-1860.
The planned program will feature a presentation by Jan Bassett on “The Signers of The Declaration of Independence and their Stories.” Mrs. Bassett is a past Regent of the local Colonel George Mercer Brooke Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and a hereditary, perpetual member of the Military Order of the World Wars. Jan and husband Gordon - a highly-decorated former Air Force pilot - reside in Sun City Center.
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.
DAR November Meeting
The Colonel George Mercer Brooke chapter met October 15th celebrating our 135th anniversary which was also the 10th Annual National DAR Day of Service — and once again, our members and chapters across the country joyfully answered the call to serve! This special anniversary was more than just a celebration — it was a heartfelt reaffirmation of our shared commitment to historic preservation, education, and patriotism through meaningful acts of service.
Many chapters partnered with municipalities, historical societies, veterans’ organizations, schools, libraries, and first responders to expand their impact. This year’s Day of Service also reflected the year-round dedication of our members, who contributed over 17.76 million hours of service in 2024 alone. The true spirit of DAR service was on full display this year as members took part in countless projects that celebrated and strengthened our three timeless pillars — Historic Preservation, Education, and Patriotism.
The local Colonel George Mercer Brooke chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution announces its next meeting on November19. The program for this meeting will be presented by Jennifer Marks and the subject will be Lafayette
All members and their guests are welcome to attend. Are you interested in learning more about DAR or would like to delve into your Family Tree to search for an American Patriot, perhaps one of your own relatives? Come join us and we will help you with your search.
For more information email Kay Adkins, Regent, at “DARcgmb@ aol.com”.
Community continued from page 4.
Low Vision Support Group November Meeting
Join us November 14 at 1 p.m. Waterside Room Kings Point. We finally have iBug! They provide solutions for everything from online tech support to movie nights. This is a different take on services for the blind and low vision and we are sure you will find something to love! A reminder we will not have a meta user group in November and December.
Fire Safety Event
November 13, 10 a.m. (doors open at 9:30 a.m.)
The Conesa Center, 702 Valley Forge Blvd. Prince of Peace Catholic Church’s Health Ministry invites you to an upcoming event provided by Hillsborough County Fire Rescue to safeguard your home against the risks of fire. This program encompasses topics such as smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and escape planning. Participants can get hands-on experience by practicing with a virtual fire extinguisher while learning the steps for use and other safety tips. This event is being offered for the first time at POP! RSVP via this link: www.popcc.org/firesafety
Wisconsin Club Tailgate Party
Tuesday, November 11, Atrium, Florida Room
Doors will open at 5 p.m. and dinner starting at 5:30 p.m. Menu will be brats, hot dogs, sauerkraut, baked beans, potato salad and dessert. Bring your own plates, silverware and BYOB. Cost will be $15 per person. Music by Eric Zawalich, Accordion Music. For questions contact Diane Lawrence at 813-944-8989. Please mail reservations and payment to: Diane Lawrence 403 Grand Chateaux, Sun City Center, FL 33573. People wanting to sit together must provide all names and payment in one envelope. Reservations and payment due November 5. No walk-ins or payment at the door. For more Wisconsin Club information check out our website “suncitywisconsinclub.com”.
Galaxy Bridge
The next Galaxy Bridge Luncheon will be Thursday November 6 in the Atrium building Caper room beginning at 11 a.m. catered by CC’s Grill. For reservations or cancellations call Kathie at 410-3756363 or Gena at 813-633-5324. If you leave a voicemail someone will get back to you. The cancelation deadline is Sunday, November 2.
New York Club
Monday, November 3, at 5 p.m.
Kings Point Veteran’s Theater
The New York Club will be having a Thanksgiving Feast. We will be having salad bar, sugar glazed ham, turkey with dressing, manicotti and dessert table. D.J. Stache will be playing for your dancing and listening pleasure. Everyone is invited. Singles table. Members $25 guests $28.50. For further information, please contact Frank Gatto at 813 633 8942.
South Shore Democrats Club
Saturday, November 8, at 10 to noon
The normal November 6 meeting of the South Shore Democratic Club has been changed to Saturday, November 8, A Town Hall “Salute to Veterans”.
The keynote speaker is NY Times bestselling author, Alexander Vindman, US Army Lieutenant Colonel, Retired. He is a former member of the US National Security Council and Director of European Affairs. Also speaking are veterans from other branches of the United States Armed Forces.
All Democrats and like-minded people are invited to attend. In order to accommodate as many people as possible, please register for the Town Hall on Mobilize “mobilize.us/hillsboroughcountydec/ event/855256”. Once you register, you will get the location of the event.
Petitions and help with voter registration and Vote By Mail renewals will be available. VBM registrants vote at 94%. It is a great insurance policy against bad weather or illness. Those without VBM vote under 50%. Our club is also participating in a food drive to help our community. So bring your nonperishable items to donate.
Social time and light refreshments before the meeting. Info: “southshoredemocrats.org” or “SSCDems.info@gmail.com”.
of the month. Chevy Coupe Says It’s Not 1938 Any More Walter Langmaid’s 1938 Chevrolet coupe looks pretty much like it did when it rolled off the assembly line. Maybe better—a tad lower and sporting new chrome wheels. Good enough in fact to make it the Roamin’ Oldies Car Club’s October 2025 Cruiser of the month 87 years later.
Under its handsome skin there’s not much left that says 1938. It’s now driven by a 330-horsepower V8, coupled to a 4-speed automatic transmission to make it more than capable of contending with today’s traffic and highway speeds. Driving ease, safety and comfort are enhanced by rack-and-pinion steering, power disc brakes and air conditioning.
All of that is the result of a complete frame-off restoration. A whole lot of bolt-by-bolt disassembly, repair, welding and fabrication—all done (except painting) over the course of 13 years by Walter, with the help of wife Barbara. Since the work was completed two years ago, the Langmaids are regular participants in automotive events within striking distance of their Ruskin home.
continued on page 6.
This fully restored 1938 Chevrolet Coupe owned by Ruskin’s Walter Langmaid is the Roamin’ Oldies Car Club’s cruiser
Congratulations to our October Galaxy Bridge winners, Mary Schroeder, Wilma Curley, Gena Tucker, Elaine Wardlow and Carolyn Wilkinson.
Community continued from page 5.
Johnny Cash Tribute in SCC
Thursday, November 13
SCC Community Hall, 1910 South Pebble Beach Blvd. New England Club (NEC) presents “A Johnny Cash Tribute !” This fabulous event is open to the public and features renowned Keith Coleman. He is an experienced and professional impersonator with a striking resemblance to Johnny Cash who has entertained around the world while his vocal renditions capture Cash’s essence. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. with an appetizer bar followed by a catered buffet dinner and the show. The dinner by Banquet Masters. BYOB is permitted. Price for NEC members is $30 per person and for the public is $34 per person. A completed reservation form with check(s) is needed by November 6th. For forms and additional information go to “SCCNEC.NET”. Let’s wear casual black for Johnny Cash!
Triple Crown Bingo Fundraiser Rolled in Big Results
Have you ever played Flamingo Bingo or music bingo or regular ball bingo? Well, the attendees of the GFWC SCC Woman’s Club, Inc. fall fundraiser had fun playing all three. On October 3 in the SCC Community Hall, over 120 people enjoyed themselves as they tried to win prizes from local businesses. DJ Johnny G kept the crowd laughing as he entertained. The excitement also included visiting eight sponsor tables and bidding on outstanding silent auction items. “After months of preparation, we made a net profit of $5,200! These much needed funds will benefit local charities that the SCC Woman’s Club supports throughout the year. The community’s generosity truly makes a difference in the lives of those we serve, and we couldn’t do it without them,” stated Shawna Wainright, the Woman’s Club’s Fundraising Chair. We look forward to having you join us in mid-March 2026 for our next fundraiser.
Feline Folks 10th Annual Spay-ghetti No Balls Dinner
Monday, November 10, doors open at 4:30 p.m.
Kings Point Veterans Theater Dinner served in our “Meow Ristorante” at 5 p.m. by Kings Point Vesta Catering. Tickets are only $20 and are available at the Kings Point Box Office located at 1900 Clubhouse Drive. This fundraiser dinner and the raffle gift areas with all the great raffle items has always been an exciting event and a sellout. The event is open to everyone.
Feline Folks is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the humane feline management of the free roaming cats in our community using TNVR (trap-neuter-vaccinate-re-home). For more information about Feline Folks and/or opportunities to volunteer: Email “Info@FelineFolks. us”, “FelineFolks.us” or Facebook: “Felinefolksofsuncitycenter”.
Honor a Loved One on Veteran’s Day
This Veteran’s Day considers supporting the SCC Charitable Foundation by purchasing an engraved brick. Funds generated from these sales are utilized to maintain the Veterans Memorial in front of Community Hall at 1901 S. Pebble Beach. Bricks can be purchased in memory or in honor of a loved one or friend. You, as an individual or as someone representing a business, club or organization, may show your appreciation for this memorial by purchasing an engraved brick. On veteran-specific bricks you have the option of adding clipart representing the branch of service. Forms are conveniently located at the memorial itself, you can order online from our website charitablefoundationscc.org, or call Patsie at 954-258-5714.
MOWW Community Communication
The Military Order of the World Wars Chapter 226 organization is off to a good start in recruiting at the beginning of its calendar year 2026. Most noticeable, at this calendar year’s National Convention, our Chapter was recognized for its recruiting accomplishments. The chapter’s commander was particularly outstanding in his recruiting efforts across the ROTC senior leadership cadre. We will induct five new members at the September/October 2025 luncheons, with this early accomplishment, it puts the Chapter at 50% of our 2026 annual goal. As a resident of our communities, if you have honorably served in any of the military services of our nation, and you were released/retired with an honorable discharge, we invite you to visit www.moww.org to become a Companion and join us in our service to the youths across our nation.
At our October Chapter luncheon, we will salute our MOWW Washington, DC Civic participants. “It is Nobler to Serve, than to be Served!”
Commissioner Christine Miller to Host Town Hall Meeting
Operation Safe Passage
Wednesday, Nov. 5, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Brandon High School Auditorium
1101 Victoria St. Brandon, FL 33510
Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners Vice Chair
Christine Miller, District 4, will host a Town Hall meeting at the Brandon High School Auditorium to discuss implementation of Operation Safe Passage.
A partnership between the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and Hillsborough County, Operation Safe Passage is a traffic safety program aimed at protecting students and enhancing road safety. The program involves cameras placed in school zones to help ensure motorists obey posted speed limits.
Commissioner Miller welcomes this opportunity to meet with residents to discuss the implementation of Operation Safe Passage.
SCC Woman’s Club Meeting
Thursday, November 20, doors open at 11 a.m.
SCC Community Hall
Starts with a meet and greet time. Buffet lunch and program will follow. Optional attire for this meeting is glitz and glam. The program features Jennifer Epstein, a local TV personality from Fox 13’s Good Day Tampa Bay. Jennifer originally joined as the traffic reporter but she now anchors the Good Day show weekdays from 4-6 pm with Charley Belcher. Jen prides herself on community involvement with the Make a Wish Foundation, the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, and volunteers with Meals on Wheels. Members are reminded to bring in your Adopt a Lonely Senior in gift bags along with Bell Name Tag and card. Members will also be selecting a child’s name from the Angel Tree to support the Hope Fund.
All members attending the meeting need to make a reservation in advance by 11 a.m. on Monday, November 17. Please email “suncitywomansclub@gmail.com” if you will be attending and if you are planning to eat lunch. A catered buffet for $20 is to be paid at check-in. More information will be provided to the club members in the November newsletter.
The club welcomes new members from Sun City Center and surrounding communities, and applications can be found on our website “sccwomansclub.org”. Carina Faneuf, membership chair, can be reached at “sccwcmembership.com” or by phone at 727-510-0123, if you have any questions. We are part of GFWC, a national organization, and are exempt from SCCCA guest fees (Kings Point Gold Card is not needed).
Many Thanks to The Mabel & Ellsworth Simmons Charitable Foundation
“Our Lady’s Pantry is grateful to The Simmons Charitable Foundation for their generous gift of $5,000 for food.” says Pantry director Tom Bullaro.
“An average 600 clients struggling to make ends meet had been visiting the Pantry every two weeks for a box of nutritious food to take home for their families,” said Bullaro. “These numbers are climbing this month, however, with the government shutdown. This is a huge setback for folks depending on this support. With utility bills, rent, and all their other expenses of daily living still to be paid, there is little left for nutritious food, which is a hardship for many.
“But Michelle Henry, director of the Mabel and Ellsworth Simmons Charitable Foundation, surprised us just now with this generous donation for our clients!”
“We recognize that this is a challenging time for many families in our community, especially in light of the ongoing government shutdown,” said Henry. “In response, we would like to offer support to the Food Bank to help meet the increased needs. Please accept this grant of $5,000 as a contribution toward your continued efforts to serve those facing hardship.”
“This gift will help us buy food to give out on Saturdays, as we all know times are rough now for getting food,” said Bullaro. “Our donations have been down to half of what we had been getting, so this donation will be a big help.
To learn more about Our Lady’s Pantry, please visit us at “www.ourladyspantry.com”.
Community continued on page 7.
At the Memorial is Walt Cawein, President of SCC Charitable Foundation.
Community continued from page 6.
Keep the Flags Flying
The U.S. flags are flying now on SR-674 to commemorate Veterans Day on the 11th and Thanksgiving on the 27th.
The Colonel George Mercer Brooke Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, wishes to thank Bright View Landscaping, Inc. for supporting the Chapter’s patriotic project for the Sun City Center community. Bright View workers raising the US Flag on the corner of SR-674 and Pebble Beach Blvd South.
L to R: David Lemley, SCC Men’s Club; Vincente Lopez, SCC MC; Jim Rottman, SCC MC; Tina Trimborn, HCA Brandon; Ed Whitehead, SCC Emergency Squad; Dr. Adam Golas, MD MPH HCA Brandon Hospital; Elliot Bart, President, SCC MC; Laura Stauter, HCA Brandon; Ron Clark, SCC MC; Clare Fenney, SCC MC; Bob Jacobs, SCC MC.
SCC Men’s Club
Learns How to Improve General Health
By Jay Sparkman
Dr. Adam Golas, MD, a board-certified surgeon committed to helping patients improve their general health, overcome obesity and related conditions through advanced medical and surgical treatments, was the guest speaker at the monthly membership meeting of the Sun City Center Men’s Club. Dr. Golas, HCA Florida, Brandon Surgical Specialists, spoke about the obesity prevalence in the USA; 40% of the population is affected by obesity; nearly 1 in 3 Floridians are obese. Dr. Golas presented meal plans and other information that could be used for one to pursue an active and healthy lifestyle. This was a timely presentation well received by the SCC MC members in attendance.
The Sun City Center Men’s Club is a leading service club in Sun City Center and welcomes new members. For info call Bruce Fraser, VP Membership, at 813 419-4013.
Backpacks for Survivors
On Saturday, September 27, thirteen GFWC SCC Woman’s Club members joined forces with C.A.H.T. representatives to prepare and stuff 50 backpack kits for local human trafficking survivors. Over 30 items were placed in kits including school supplies, socks, flip flops, journals, t-shirts, beanie babies, and more. This project coordinated with the GFWC International Day of Service dedicated bring awareness and to help end domestic and sexual violence against women and teenagers.
Caloosa Oktoberfest
Caloosa Golf and Country Club recently held an Oktoberfest dinner dance. Pictured at this fun evening are Susan Wright, Jim & Beth Smith, Mike O’Brien, Jana Roberts, and Jackie & Larry Tisch. If you are interested in a golf or social membership, call (813) 6346841 or email “Caloosa.MembershipDirector@gmail.com”.
Community continued on page 8.
When your financial plan is built around your preferences, it
and a
Call or visit us today.
South Bay Genealogical Society
Tuesday, November 18, 10:30 a.m.
Elks Lodge 2672, at 1630 S. U.S. Hwy 41, Ruskin
Optional round table discussion, followed by a sit-down luncheon at noon. Following lunch at 1 p.m., Guest speaker Shelley Bishop will present “Avoiding an Ancestor Identity Crisis.” The cost is $18 per person for lunch and the presentation. For reservations and meal choice, call Vicki at 360-608-1647. Make your check payable to SBGS, and mail to South Bay Genealogical Society, P.O. Box 5202, Sun City Center, Fl. 33571. Your check must be received in our P.O. Box by Nov 9th. Allow 4-5 days for mail to arrive. Follow us on Facebook also.
Center 4Life Learning Class Registration is Open
Come learn and be entertained. The 2025 Center 4Life Learning Fall Semester begins the week of October 6. The classes are open to all adults in the community and are held on the campus of the United Methodist Church of Sun City Center, 1971 Haverford Avenue, SCC. The classes provide intellectual stimulation and fellowship with a wide variety of subjects. Class descriptions, instructor bios, class dates and times are listed on the Center 4Life Learning website: “sccumc.com/4lifelearning”.
• Art: Beginning Calligraphy; Intermediate Quilling; Modern Dot Art
• Discussion: Artificial Intelligence; Chautauqua XI; Rock, Reason & Resolution:
•Philosophy You Already Know; UFOs; Understanding Modern Art; What in the World?
•Finance: Investment, Estate, and Tax Planning
•Health: End-Of-Life Planning for You and Your Family; Plant-Powered Living, A Holistic Approach to Vibrant Health
•Therapeutic Writing for People in 12 Step Recovery
•History: Beginning Genealogy; Film History of American War Movies; The Constitutional Convention of 1787
• Language: Beginners Conversational Spanish Level I & Level II; Sign Language Live Theater: Fun With Improv
• Technology: Android Smartphones & Tablets
Center4Life Learning also has day trips. Visit website at www. sccumc.com/4lifelearning for more information, register on-line for classes and trips or visit the Center 4Life Learning office. The Center 4Life Learning office is open, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.
– 12:30 p.m. Credit card, check, and cash are accepted in the Center office. Sign up today. For more information, call 813-6348607 or email “center4life@sccumc.com”.
Let Them Eat Cake
resident Dan Madden, the club’s founder and president. Madden holds a PhD in Constitutional History and has written six books on history-based subjects, along with four stage works which he has presented to several local organizations, as well as at Freedom Plaza. In these dramas the author allows the people who were directly involved to tell their stories in (imagined) words of their own. Thus, audiences heard from characters like Marie Antoinette and Benedict Arnold in this latest presentation. Should the word “Saratoga” suggest to you only horse racing or the Edna Ferber novel and its subsequent movie, “Saratoga Trunk”, take note: that locale on the Hudson River was also the site of a crucial battle that brought France into outright support of the American colonies against British rule. In turn, the success of the American Revolution inspired revolutionary changes to governments in France, Holland, and England.
FAITH &service
Beth Israel Sisterhood’s Luncheon With A Capella Singers
November 4 at noon
1115 Del Webb Blvd, East
Beth Israel Sisterhood will have its annual paid-up membership luncheon. The Kings Point A Capella singers, under the direction of Faye Nepon, will serenade the attendees. Come enjoy delicious food while being entertained by the dulcet voices of the chorus. The luncheon is for Sisterhood members only but you don’t need to be a member of Beth Israel to join the Sisterhood. Sisterhood is a great way to meet other women and share fun times while watching, and participating in, interesting programs. Future programs include the Chanukah party, “Painting and Pinot,” “Readers’ Theater,” “Suffragists”, Women’s Passover Luncheon, and Lunch/Installation of Officer with the Showtimers entertaining. For information about the meeting, or to join the Sisterhood, contact Donna at sisterhood@ jcscc.org”.
Marie (“Let them eat cake!”) Antoinette serving cake in the Freedom Plaza Atrium?! Imagine the surprise of residents when they encountered that scenario! With the Empress were other costumed characters right out of a history book. Yes, our History Club members were “at it” again; “it” being another readers-theater-style production based on an historical event. The resident-actors in the Atrium were offering a taste (pun intended) of what and who might appear in their impending show.
Their play, “Showdown at Saratoga,” concerning a decisive battle of the American Revolution with far-reaching effects, was presented on October 18. It was the fourth historical drama staged by the History Club, all from the hand of
“Resident Carl Bohnenkamp, a character in “Showdown at Saratoga”
Resident Jazzy Patel plays Marie Antoinette in “Showdown at Saratoga”
Kitchen Notes
What We Forget About the Table
By Chef Alexis Hernandez
For more than 25 years, I’ve set the same table—through Thanksgivings, Hanukkahs, and Christmases—same sister, same friends, a few neighbors, and a mix of white plates that don’t quite match but somehow belong together. There’s only so much room, so every October I start sending messages early, asking who’s around and who’s staying local.
People still assume a chef’s holiday table must be fancy. It’s not. It’s just food. By the time the weather starts to shift, I’ve already begun planning. I write my menu out by hand and look it over like a coach reviewing plays. Some recipes I tweak, others stay the same— the ones that make people happy. There’s usually a turkey, sometimes a slow-roasted Cuban pork shoulder that perfumes the house for hours. Stuffing and cranberry sauce are made days ahead because they only get better with time. Gravy waits until the last minute—that’s a job that can’t be rushed. There’s a rhythm to it, a quiet choreography between what rests and what waits.
For friends who can’t make dinner, I host a light brunch earlier in the day. Nothing too serious—maybe a frittata, an onion tart, and a green salad. It’s a quiet way to start the holiday before the main rush. There’s always a story shared over coffee, a toast to family near and far, and the comfort of knowing that everyone has a seat somewhere, even if it’s just for a slice of pie.
The table is never perfect, but it’s always ready. My plates are all white, but no two are the same—some smaller, some larger, all survivors of years of meals. The silverware is a collection of old pieces I’ve gathered from garage sales, mismatched and worn but polished for the day. Each fork and knife has outlasted a dozen dinner parties, and together they make a set that feels perfectly imperfect.
Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Hanukkah, the rhythm doesn’t really change. There’s always a table to set, a menu to plan, and people you’ve been thinking about long before the day arrives. The dishes might differ, but the
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!
reason stays the same: to make people feel cared for.
People assume that because I’m a chef, I spend the whole day in a whirlwind of pans and timers. But I’ve learned the real work happens long before the guests arrive. The lists, the planning, the quiet thought that goes into who’ll sit where—that’s when you start thinking about each person at the table. What they like. What they can’t eat. What memories they carry with them.
When guests finally arrive, the house fills fast. The music is soft, the air smells like thyme and roasted garlic, and someone always brings the “wrong” wine—which, of course, we drink anyway.
By the end of the night, the laughter fades, the lights dim, and the noise settles into memory. I pack leftovers into takeaway containers—I keep a stack just for that—and send everyone home with a little piece of the night. By 11 p.m., both
dishwashers are running, the platters are stacked, the silver soaking, and the house hums with that good kind of tired.
I sit for a minute at the nowempty table—the one that held the noise, the food, and everyone I care about. There’s no centerpiece left, no perfect setting, just crumbs, candle wax, and the shape of where the night happened.
And maybe that’s what we forget about the table. It isn’t
“Getting Beck to her appointments was a challenge. We were relieved and are so grateful that the Squad has a wheelchair service that will take her. They are kind and wonderful people that help others so much. I hope they will be able to continue their mission for a long time.” Jack & Beck Simrell We are FREE, because we are all volunteer. Please consider giving your time. Without you, our service and time in the community, may not last.
BOOK REVIEW
She’s Still Here: A Survivor’s Story
By Andrea L.T. Peterson
I just realized that, had author Marian Stockwell been just another statistic, I wouldn’t even have met her. Why do I say that? Stockwell was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer on August 22, 2017. According to the research and studies done at the time of her writing “Fighting the Odds: Pancreatic Cancer and Me,” in May, 2021, (Her second book is “Still Here: Pancreatic Cancer and Me”) only 13% of those diagnosed with this deadly cancer live to celebrate the five-year (cancerfree) mark.
Stockwell just passed the eightyear mark—definitely fighting and beating the odds! Those eight years have been chock full of adventures. She and her husband have been living the good life, snowbirding between their home base in Michigan and our wonderful Sun City Center, FL. I was fortunate to meet Stockwell, read both of her books, and witness the effects “living the good life” has had on her. ‘
In a recent interview, I asked her to give a brief overview of her books, each of which is an amazing handbook and guide through the treacherous waters of pancreatic cancer. How did not just one, but two books come about?
In her first book, Fighting the Odds, Stockwell told me, she “uses humor and short stories that describe my journey. I have always been a note-taker, whether for work, or something interesting on the tv or in a book [so] once diagnosed with pancreatic cancer I tried to document everything!
“Within a year of diagnosis, I started writing with the thought of leaving a legacy for my family. I truly didn’t know if I would even make it past two years! I sent the chapter “The Days Before, Of, and After” to the magazine “Coping” (with cancer) and then the idea grew into the thought of helping others with pancreatic cancer— or any cancer. The book began with life pre-cancer and quickly follows the immediate emotional changes, which all started with a phone call from my primary care doctor.”
Stockwell found humor to be a great vehicle for sharing some of the less-than-pleasant realities of cancer, in general, and pancreatic cancer, in particular. “The use of humor to share advice and help someone make changes,” she explained, “I feel, is an easier pill to swallow— rather than overwhelming an already stressed-out person trying to figure out his or her next steps.
“During a discussion of my first book, I was surprised when my use of humor for something as serious as cancer was questioned. [But] people already know cancer is serious and people know that
pancreatic cancer may be a death sentence for many. It isn’t necessary to strike a greater fear.”
In her second book, “Still Here,” she explains that her focus is on “assisting a newly diagnosed patient mentally and physically to prepare for the biggest battle of his or her life—even including a glossary [to make some of the medical jargon more easily understood]. It helps to familiarize the individual with what happens with the different types of scans or procedures required, as well as the insertion of a port.”
Without overloading the reader/patient, she goes into detail about the Whipple surgery, which—in addition to chemotherapy and radiation— is the best course of treatment for pancreatic cancer patients. “My goal” she emphasizes repeatedly, “is to educate and encourage a scared person who is facing this monster of cancer. In doing so, I use humorous illustrations to make [and further emphasize] important points.”
Her advice, she adds, for a newly diagnosed individual is to “go online and find a cancer center that is close—FAST. Look for a hospital/cancer center with a good rating (at least four stars) where the surgeon has done AT LEAST 100—yes, 100— Whipple surgeries!
“Pancreatic cancer is a fastgrowing cancer. While other cancers may take years to form and become life threatening, Pancreatic cancer can grow, advance to stage four, metastasize, and become deadly in just months!” Delay with this cancer is deadly!!
She suggests “writing down all of the questions and concerns you can think of before and between doctor’s visits and be sure to take that spiral with you to all appointments. It would also be a good idea to take someone with you for your first visits, so you have someone to take notes and remind you of what members of your care team have told you. You WILL be overwhelmed, and it may be difficult to remember all of the important information provided. I still have my first spiral,” she told me.
“You will spend a lot of time waiting. It would be a good idea [to use that time] to research
different treatments so it makes sense when your medical team explains things or asks you what you would like to do.” As an example, she explained that I “was asked if I wanted to do my chemotherapy before or after the Whipple surgery.” For some, the Whipple surgery may not even be a possibility, but if it is, you may be asked which treatment you want when.
We’ve all seen the bumper sticker: “Eat well, stay fit, die anyway.” While there is some truth to that, it is also true that in some cases, “eating well and staying fit” might just prolong your life! It is important when dealing with any cancer to make lifestyle changes post treatment. I feel,” she says, “cancer is always waiting for the opportunity to return. If nothing in your life has changed, you are still offering [cancer] a targetrich environment.”
It’s important, she also says, “to find a cancer support group. [Early on and] after treatments are done. [Follow-up] anxieties and fears settle in waiting to
reach the first significant cancerfree period: the five--year mark-the mark Stockwell never thought she’d make.
Pancreatic cancer is known to return—often within the first two years post treatment. Family and friends may not understand the emotional roller-coaster ride you are on. It may feel like NOBODY understands. A support group is there FOR SUPPORT.” A roomful of people who have been where you are, where you’ve been, or where you’re going can offer good advice, having walked in your shoes.”
So, having just slid past the eight-year mark (on August 15th), how is Stockwell doing? Well, she’s Still Here! “Passing the five-year mark, I had already done something I hadn’t imagined possible when I received that first call from my primary care doctor! I can’t say ‘I’m cured!’ My oncologist says it, but I just can’t. Cancer is sneaky!”
Continued health and complete, successful recovery to Marian.
Flightless in Florida
By Andrea Peterson
Its vibrant colors are its defense! This is the Eastern Lubber Grasshopper. Its wings are too short so it cannot fly. It crawls or hops! Its greatest threat is one bird: the loggerhead shrike. Found in the southeastern United States. In the event that it is unable to warn the shrike off, the shrike is able to impale the grasshopper on thorns to neutralize the toxins. If impaling the grasshopper fails, the grasshopper is able to hiss and spit a toxic substance (that is harmless to humans)-but, according to one source, “they are better to look at than to touch!”
If you have one or two, it is not necessary to kill them—you can remove and relocate them. If you have an
abundance, a pest-control service might be necessary as these beautiful, unique, nativeto-Florida species can quickly destroy your flower garden by defoliating plants like daylilies, cannas, and amaryllis!
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.
The SCC Men’s Chorus is looking forward to sharing the songs of the season with you again this year! They will be singing several holiday favorites as well as some beautiful new songs. There might even be a bit of “Men’s Chorus humor” along the way.
The 30-voice choir is directed by Jeff Jordan and accompanied by pianist Edie Fox. Danny Chavez provides percussion. Two concerts will be presented: The first will be on Sunday, December 7, at 3 p.m. If you can’t make that date or are inspired to hear it again, it will be repeated on Monday December 8 at 7 p.m. Both concerts will be held at the SCC United Methodist Church located at 1971 Haverford Ave. Tickets can be purchased for $15 on the Church website: “sccumc.com/events”, or at the door on the day of the events.
Comedian Chad Thornsberry
Friday November 14, at 7 p.m.
UMC of SCC, 1971 Haverford Avenue
Chad Thornsberry has an instant likeability the second he steps behind a microphone. Chad’s slow paced, conversational style is the perfect backdrop for his hilarious observations. He trademarks his show as “Smart Comedy with a Dumb Accent!”
Tickets are $20 Advance $25 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.
Holiday Concerts by Women’s Chorus
The Women’s Chorus of Sun City Center is proud to announce that a special guest will be joining them on their Christmas concerts this year.
Levi Mitze-Circiumaru is a talented violinist who has learned from and performed with some of the greatest classical musicians of our time. A native of Florida, Levi has played the violin since he was 8 years old. He began his studies with Yan Jiang Lu, a longtime member of the Florida Orchestra. He discovered his love of orchestral playing as a member of the Pinellas Youth Symphony and the Tampa Metropolitan Youth Orchestra.
Levi will accompany the Women’s Chorus on a beautiful piece called Shalom, written by Dan Forrest. This piece was the inspiration for the title of this year’s holiday concerts: “SHALOM: Celebrating Peace & Joy With the Women’s Chorus.” Two concerts will be presented at The United Methodist Church of Sun City Center, 1971 Haverford Ave. in Sun City Center. They are scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 11, at 3 p.m. and Friday, Dec. 12, at 7 p.m. Tickets are available for a donation of $15 at the church office or at the door.
Arts continued on page 12.
The Entertainment season will be kicking off in less than two weeks. The first show will be held on November 9 with Jassen Allen, the Hits of Lionel Richie, at 2 p.m., followed by Rocky & the Rollers on November 21 at 7 p.m. All shows will be held at the Community Hall 1910 S. Pebble Beach Blvd.
Tickets for all shows are still available at the Atrium Kiosk, 945 N. Course Lane, you can purchase tickets on MondayWednesday or Fridays from 10-12 p.m. We only accept cash or checks.
If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact Judy Cesarski, Activities Director at “activities@ suncitycenter.org” or 813-642-2001.
Arts continued from page 11
Chicago Tribute and More
Friday November 21, at 7 p.m.
UMC of SCC, 1971 Haverford Avenue
Tampa Bay’s premier horn band Pieces of Eight is made up of eight seasoned professional level musicians from all around the Tampa Bay area that will keep you grooving throughout the night. Starting as a Chicago Tribute band, Pieces of eight has recently expanded its song lists to reflect more dance songs with other bands from the 60s to the 90s such as Average White Band, Huey Lewis, Peter Gaberial, Tower of Power and more.
The three-piece horn section along with a high energy rhythm section will keep you grooving, moving and wanting more through the night. Celebrating its 4th year together, Pieces of Eight continues to play songs that pay tribute to those artists from the past era of horn bands.
Don’t miss this exceptional group of musicians as they fill the sanctuary with all the favorite band tunes you will surely recognize!!
Tickets are $20 advance $25 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. For additional information about this and other concerts and recitals, please contact Larry Hirchak, Concert Series Coordinator, at 646831-4008.
Do You Wanna Dance Club
Friday, November 22, from 7 to 10 p.m.
SCC Community Hall, 1910 S. Pebble Beach
Open to surrounding communities. Come out and dance to the sounds of “The Hitmen.” Tickets on sale at the Atrium Kiosk from 10 to 12, Monday, Wednesday and Friday, October 6 to November 22 & at the door if not sold out. Tables available for singles. Tickets $5 members, $10 non-members. Doors open at 6. Ticket sales will end promptly at 7. BYOB and share the wealth raffle. Please bring non-perishable food items for Our Ladies Pantry. Memberships for 2026 will be available at “Hi, Neighbor!” on November 8. For ticket information contact Barbara “bgocek1@gmail.com” or Kathy “jfkfunnsun@yahoo.com”.
Social Ballroom and Latin Dance Lessons
Sponsored by Let’s Dance Ballroom Dance Club
Tuesday, November 4, 11,18, and 25
4
p.m. Beginning – East Coast Swing - This Class is for everyone. 5 p.m. Intermediate – East Coast Swing - Must have beginner level training before entering.
6 p.m. Advanced – East Coast Swing - For experienced dancers. 7 p.m. Begin/Intermediate – Nightclub 2-Step
The CA Atrium Building, Dance Studio I, North Campus (by the indoor walking pool).
Contact: Bernice DuBro-Clark (dancewithbernice@gmail.com)813-482-6784. Cost: $34 per month or $9 per lesson. Classes for this November are Open to the Public Fundraisers. All are welcome to attend.
Let’s Dance Ballroom Dance Club
Saturday, November 1, from 7 to 9 p.m.
DANCING
Thanksgiving Dinner Dance
Sunday, November 16, doors open at 4:30 p.m.
Kings Point North Clubhouse Veterans Theater. Presented by Come Dance with Us club. Music by LB & Chloe. Food provided by Banquet Masters: entrees roast turkey, baked ham, salmon. Reservations required. Tickets $30. Questions, call Ken at 513-5828449 or Rosemary at 513-258-8238.
Kings
Point Dance Club
“Red White & Blue Veterans Thank You“ Dance Tuesday, November 25, 7 to 9 p.m.
Kings Point Veterans Theater, 1900 Clubhouse Drive
Doors open at 6:30. Ballroom music by Dan Fugazzotto. All KP, SCC singles and guests are welcome. Dressy casual, no shorts. BYOB. Members free, Guests $5. If you have questions call Eileen 813-2964038.
SOLO Line Dance Club
The club meets every Monday at the Community Hall, 1910 South Pebble Beach Blvd.
•12:00-12:30 Step Class (learn line dance steps)
•12:30-1:30 Absolute Beginner/Beginner Class
•1:30-2:30 Improver Class
Instructors are Mary Ware/Dee Palmer. They share their love of dancing and music in every class. First time attendees dance free. Annual membership dues $20. Non-members $2 per class. Contact information: Karen Willis 850-728-2483, Barbara Kulig 989-808-9025.
Do You Wanna Dance Club
Friday, November 14, from 7 to 10 p.m.
SCC Community Hall, 1910 S. Pebble Beach
Open to surrounding communities. Back by popular demand, dance to the hottest band around, NO FILTER. Tickets on sale at the Atrium Kiosk from 10 to 12, Monday, Wednesday and Friday, October 6 to November 14 & at the door if not sold out. Reserved table seating. Tables available for singles. Tickets $10 members, $20 non-members. Doors open at 6. Ticket sales will end promptly at 7. BYOB and share the wealth raffle. Please bring non-perishable food items for Our Ladies Pantry. Memberships for 2026 will be available at “Hi, Neighbor!” on November 8. For ticket information contact Barbara “bgocek1@gmail.com” or Kathy “jfkfunnsun@yahoo.com”.
Open to the Public “Salute to Our Veterans” Dance
November
8
The SCC Dance Club is holding a “Salute to our Veterans” Dance on November 8 from 7-9 p.m. at the Sun City Center Community Hall, 1910 S. Pebble Beach Blvd., Sun City Center. This is a fundraiser with proceeds being donated to one of our local, non-profit veterans organizations.
Popular DJ couple Mike & Peg will be playing a great selection of music, so you can dance all of your favorites to include foxtrot, waltz, cha-cha, rumba, east & west coast swing, hustle, nightclub two-step and more. We always include a few fun line dances that you might already know or can easily learn.
SCC Dance Club members attend free--all others pay only $6. Singles are always welcome with designated singles tables, so come and meet new friends. BYOB to celebrate! Now that the cooler weather is here, wear your fall casual outfit. For any questions about the dance or to get on the email distribution list for all open-to-the-public upcoming dances, please contact Sue Hicks at 813-633-6682 or “suesgeorge2@gmail.com”.
SCC Community Hall, 1910 S. Pebble Beach Blvd.
Welcome Back Snowbirds Dance, open to the public fundraiser event, where a portion of the proceeds will be donated to local charities.
Music will be provided by Thor Stevens. Dance to your favorites: Foxtrot, swing, cha-cha, waltz, country two step, a line dance or two, west coast swing, nightclub two step, etc. Dress is smart casual attire. BYOB and snacks. Water and ice will be provided. Bring your friends or come and make new friends. Yes, there will be a singles table. 2025 Club members are free; everyone else is $6 each. You don’t have to be an SCC Association member to attend; ALL are welcome! For more info, call Peter Steitz at 608-609-0309 or Bill Dean at (813) 331-3536. See you there!
Freedom Plaza Honors Longtime Team Members Annual Years of Service Recognition Event
the dedication and loyalty of its employees during its annual Years of Service Recognition event, held October 2, at Pier 22 in Sarasota. The evening honored team members who have reached significant career milestones of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 years of service to the Freedom Plaza community and its residents.
A highlight of the evening was the recognition of Rosa Ozuna, catering manager of Freedom Plaza, who marked 30 years of service. Rosa’s career at Freedom Plaza has exemplified commitment, leadership, and care, leaving a lasting impact on residents, families, and fellow team members.
“In a time when long-term commitment in the workforce is becoming increasingly rare,
we are proud to celebrate so many employees who have chosen to grow their careers here at Freedom Plaza,” said Angie Roher, executive director of Freedom Plaza. “Rosa’s 30year milestone is an inspiration to all of us and a testament to the supportive, familyoriented culture that makes our community so special.” The event brought together employees from across departments for an evening of dinner, awards, and heartfelt stories highlighting each honoree’s contributions. From dining and maintenance to health care and administration, the recognized team members represent the heart of Freedom Plaza’s mission – providing compassionate, consistent and high-quality care to residents every day.
Theresa Lehman, Food & Beverage Director & Regional Core Specialist, Peak (left); Rosa Ozuna, Catering Manager (middle); Jaime Simoes, Executive Chef & LCS Chef of the Year 2025 (right).
south County Events
Provided by Debbie Caneen
SAT. NOV 1 - ARTS & CRAFTS
FAIR 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 701 Valley Forge Blvd., SCC. Over 40 vendors will participate and a wide variety of handcrafted items and fine arts will be available. There will also be a bake sale, some awesome raffle baskets, and a 50/50. This is an opportunity to find a treasure for yourself or a lovely holiday gift.
SAT. NOV 1 - 4th ANNUAL HOLLY JOLLY MARKET 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., located at the Lake Wimauma Convention Center, 5408 Highway 674, Wimauma. FREE family event you DON’T want to miss! There will be over 100 vendors bringing you everything for Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, and the New Year! This event is BOTH inside and outside! From food trucks to homemade sweet treats, handmade sauces, jams, and jellies to fresh produce. Everyone is welcome to attend so we will see you all there!
WED. NOV 5 - WEDNESDAYS
FRONT PORCH PICKERS 2:004:00 p.m. in the Rollins Theater, SCC. Enjoy 2 fun hours of entertainment by your local musicians. SCC residents and Kings Point residents are all welcome! Questions? Please reach out to the Club President: Dave Oglesby at 508-331-7728.
TUE. NOV 11 - TAKE THE AARP SMART DRIVER COURSE AND YOU MAY SAVE MONEY 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (please arrive 20 minutes early) Location: Sun
City Center Atrium Bldg.- Caper Room, 1009 Pebble Beach Blvd. Sun City Fl. 33573. Take the AARP Smart Driver™ course and you may save money on your car insurance! To Register: Call (813) 530-5772 Registration is required. Course payment by check or money order made out to AARP. Members bring AARP cards. Everyone can bring lunch.
FRI - SUN NOV 14-16PELICAN PLAYERS COMMUNITY THEATER PRESENTS “THE ODD COUPLE, FEMALE VERSION”. Audiences from Sun City Center and all surrounding communities will have four opportunities to see the play, starting Friday, November 14, at 6:30 p.m.; Saturday, November 15, at 1:30 and 6:30 p.m.; and Sunday, November 16, at 1:30 p.m. Doors open 30 minutes before curtain. Tickets are on sale now at the Kings Point Box Office from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday-Friday. Evening performances are $18; $15 for matinees. Tickets will also be sold at the door for each show; no credit cards accepted at the door and correct change is appreciated. All performances are at the Kings Point Veterans Theater in the North Clubhouse, 1900 Clubhouse Drive, in Sun City Center.
SunTowers Retirement
SAT. NOV 15 - SCCCA SHOPPING EXTRAVAGANZA
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Shop our Clubs along Cherry Hills Drive and enjoy a Scavenger Hunt.
THU. NOV 20 - PIZZA & MOVIE NIGHT AT ST. ANDREW PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Serving will begin at 5:00 p.m. at 1239 Del Webb W. Sun City Center with an assortment of pizzas, homemade cakes, and an assortment of drinks. Come early and visit for doors open at 4:30. An exciting movie will begin at 5:30pm. The movie is “The Heads of State” starring Idris Elba. The $8.00 tickets can be purchased at the St. Andrew Presbyterian Church Office
Monday through Thursday from 9:00am to 1:00pm. Phone (813) 634-1252 for more information.
THU. NOV 20 - PELICAN PLAYERS COMMUNITY THEATER PRESENTS A READERS THEATER DOUBLE FEATURE - “Fibber McGee & Molly - Flying Saucer” and “Gunsmoke - Beeker’s
Barn”. 6:30 p.m., with doors opening at 6:00 p.m.at Kings Point Veterans Theater This is a complimentary performance to thank everyone for their support! BYO drinks and snacks and enjoy an evening of entertainment. All Pelican Players performances are open to the public.
TRAVEL
Rolling By the Bowling Ball House
By Andrea L.T. Peterson
Clearwater??? Yup! ! It’s called
“The Bowling Ball House of Safety Harbor,” otherwise known as WhimzeyLand. For more than two decades, homeowners and residents Todd Ramquist and his wife, Kiaralinda, have been decorating their property (two houses?)—turning it into a wonderland of whimsy.
About an hour north of Sun City Center, Whimzeyland may not be worth the trip on its own, but if you happen to be up that way, it’s definitely worth a stop. The “Bowling Ball House” is festive, it’s fun, and it’s pretty much like nothing you’ve ever seen before. While dozens and dozens of bowling balls
line pathways and are piled in different areas. They are not the main attraction. There are metal sculptures, bottle trees, semi-religious icons, stained glass panels, life-size dioramas, crystal chandeliers, and more.
It’s primarily outdoors with a 30 or so foot sheltered area where notecards, postcards, and some craft work are for sale, but the real delight is finding small areas of quirky displays and photographing them from interesting angles.
Street parking is apparently allowed “if we’re not there for long,” one local told us and limited parking on the property itself. Which is fine because a half an hour is plenty of time to
take it all in.
There are restaurants (and even a hotel) within walking distance, though we headed into St. Pete for another adventure in dining.
Getting There: Whimzeyland is located at 1206 3rd St N, Safety Harbor, FL 34695. Learn more at: www.safety harborartandmusic center.com/whimzeyland
Nearby Nature:
After stopping by Whimzeyland, cruise over to Phillippe Park for a waterfront picnic or to explore incredible live oaks, a beautiful waterfront, and the historic Tocobaga Temple Mound. 2525 Philippe Parkway.
Members of the Sun City Center Archery Club who participated in the club’s “Skill & Luck” competition shoot. CA members and KP Activity Card holders are eligible to receive free archery lessons and the use of club equipment while taking lessons. Call club instructor Joe Mealey 717-497-4639 to schedule your first lesson. Call club president Mark Erickson 810-407-1768 for questions about the club not related to archery instructions.
Bob Monahan, left in photo, and Lee Saucier won silver and gold medals respectively at the recent Tampa Bay Senior Games in Basketball Shooting. Basketball shooting is a recognized senior Olympic event which consists of three components. Event one is shooting three sets of 10 foul shots. Event two is spot shooting from five different sports on the floor. Event three is five spot shooting earning as many points as you can in one minute for three sets. Most spot shooters are not basketball players. They focus on accuracy and do not run the courts. Spot shooting is one of the only sports you can play by yourself on your own schedule. Bob and Lee also are basketball players both playing in the National Championship this spring and Bob earning a silver medal in the world championships for team USA this summer in Switzerland. There were 6,000 participants from 41 countries in this full court senior event. Both Bob and Lee are available in Sun City Center to give instruction in Shooting techniques for men and women. They would hope that their efforts would lead to the building of a new basketball court in Sun City Center if the demand is great enough. No prior experience is necessary and all adults aged 50 to 90 are welcome. Email Bob at “sccbasketballbob@yahoo.com”.
SCC Pickleball Clubs News
Introduction to Pickleball Lessons
In order to promote this wonderful sport to our neighbors, the SCC Pickleball Club offers lessons to residents/members of the SCC-CA. Our classes are given every Tuesday and Friday from 1-3 p.m. over a six-week period from Oct ‘25 thru May ‘26. To get more details about this, visit our website at www.SCCPICKLEBALL.CLUB then click on the “LEARN” link at the top of the page. If you wish to register click on the SIGNUPGENIUS link and add your name to the list. If you have problems with that, email the club at “sccpickleball002@ gmail.com” with a brief message, your name, phone and someone will get back to you.
SCC Volleyball Club
New Courts! New shirts! New members! The SCC Volleyball Club has many reasons to celebrate this sport in Sun City Center! The new courts are beautiful, we have welcomed many new faces into our club… may the fun continue! We play Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings at 8:30 a.m., and are eager to play a couple of evenings as well!
Home Front Audio/Visual Program
The Home Front is a four-part series audio program, prepared for radio broadcast, written and produced by Ed Brown, and narrated by radio greats Frank Gorin, Edward Brown, and William B. Williams. It is a composite of songs, music, newscasts and commentary that presents a view of the years 1938-1945. It even includes pauses for commercials, “We’ll be right back. . . ”
Three veteran broadcast journalists share the narration. The recordings of famous people’s voices, from Princess Elizabeth speaking to the children evacuated from the London Blitz to Humphrey Bogart delivering lines from Casablanca, are the highlights of the series. The script of historical events is blended with original soundtracks of movies, Broadway shows and news broadcasts. This script is now accompanied by time respective photos in a newly made DVD format.
Attention all Military Veterans and Spouses
The next meeting of the Sun City Center American Legion Post 246 will be held on Friday, November 21, at 9:30 a.m. in Room 3, CA Community Hall,1910 South Pebble Beach Blvd., SCC. Our guest speaker will be Master Deputy Jeff Merry who will give an update of present and new scams/frauds that all veterans and seniors are now encountering. As usual, coffee and donuts will be available at 9 a.m. All veterans and spouses are welcome. For more information call Paul Wheat at 813-391-7309 or email at “pawheatjr@aol.com”.
SCC Veterans Day
The Sun City Center American Legion Post 246 is sponsoring showings of this four-part series to complement our community’s annual Veterans Day activities. All showings are open to the public, are free, and refreshments between daily shows will be offered. These shows are “family friendly” and no reservations are required. All showings will take place in the Community Association’s Rollins Theater, located on the Central Campus on North Pebble Beach Blvd., Sun City Center, on four consecutive Tuesdays at the times and dates specified below. Doors will be open to the public at 12:30 p.m. on each day of showings.
Nov, 18 at 1 p.m. Nazis and Martians – 1938-1939
Nov. 25 at 1 p.m.: Arsenal of Democracy – 1941
Dec. 2 at 1:00 p.m. Give Till It Hurts and at 2 p.m. London Calling 1940 and at 2 p.m.: GI Joe -1943.
Dec. 9 at 1 p.m.: Liberation – 1944 and at 2 p.m.: The U.S. at War –1942 and at 2 p.m. Victory – 1945.
For additional information contact Paul Wheat at 813-391-7309 or email at “pawheatjr@aol.com”.
The officers and members of the combined Military Veterans Organizations of Sun City Center extend a cordial invitation for you to share in our community patriotic observance of Veterans Day on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. The formal program will start at 10 a.m. in the Community Association’s Community Hall located at 1910 South Pebble Beach Boulevard, Sun City Center. Doors will open at 9 a.m. at which time coffee and cookies will be provided. The event is free, and the public is invited.
Our guest speaker will be the Lieutenant Governor of Florida Jay Collins. Jarrid “Jay” Collins is a United States Army veteran who has served as the Lieutenant Governor of Florida since August 2025. He previously served as a member of the Florida Senate from 2022 until August 2025. He served in the United States Army from 1995 to 2018, including as a member of the United States Army Special Forces. He will be introduced by Florida State District 70 Representative Mr. Mike Owens.
The Grand Marshal will be Mr. Harry Deweza who is a United States Army World War Two veteran who served in the Pacific Theater. The Color Guard will be composed of JROTC Cadets from Lennard High School. Our program also includes a musical interlude presented by the South Shore Concert Band. Following the ceremony, a wreath emplacement will take place at the Veterans Memorial located at the front entrance of the Community Hall.
For questions or further information please contact Paul Wheat at 813-391-7309 or by email at “pawheatjr@aol.com”.
Announcing an amazing opportunity for you to save big and start living your best life today! Settle on select apartment residences by December 15, 2022 and you can
Fairways, our premier executive golf course and clubhouse, pickle ball courts, tennis courts, and more!
Announcing an amazing opportunity for you to save big and start living best life today! Settle on select apartment Friday, September 15th, 2023 and you
Announcing an amazing opportunity for you to save big and start living your best life today! Settle on select apartment residences by December 15, 2022 and you can
Announcing an amazing opportunity for you to save big and start living your best life today! Settle on select apartment by Friday, September 15th, 2023 and
61st Annual Hillsborough Veterans Day Tribute Set for Veterans Memorial Park
Hillsborough County Consumer & Veterans Services and the Veterans Council of Hillsborough County will host the 61st Annual
Veterans Day Tribute on Tuesday, Nov. 11, at 10 a.m. on the grounds of Veterans Memorial Park & Rear Admiral
LeRoy Collins, Jr. Veterans Museum, 3602 N. U.S. Hwy. 301, Tampa, FL 33619.
The annual event salutes Veterans of all eras and military branches with a family-friendly celebration that is free and open to all.
The outdoor Veterans Day Tribute will feature:
•JROTC color guard and patriotic music
•Veterans Council Awards and special guests
•A variety of resources for Veterans and military families
•Free refreshments after the ceremony
•A kids’ craft area with takehome creations
For the ninth consecutive
year, the national Veterans Day Committee of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has named Hillsborough County’s Veterans Memorial Park & Rear Admiral LeRoy Collins, Jr. Veterans Museum to its list of official Regional Veterans Day Sites, a recognition of excellence for patriotism and honor to our nation’s military. The park is free and open daily from 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. The community is encouraged to tour its many monuments, including the new Gold Star Family Memorial.
For information about the 61st Annual Veterans Day Tribute or Veterans Memorial Park, visit HCFL.Gov/Veterans or call (813) 635-8316.
Hillsborough Seniors Wig Out for Breast Cancer Awareness
With lively performances, informative speakers, and no shortage of glitz and glamour, the Ruskin Senior Center’s second annual Wig Fashion Show was a morning of fun, learning, and giving back.
The center hosted experts from Moffitt Cancer Center to talk to residents about the importance of cancer screenings, especially for residents who may be at a higher risk due to genetics or tobacco use.
Do a little turn on the catwalk
During the presentation, attendees shared stories and wisdom with their neighbors while the ladies of the hour prepared to strut down the catwalk.
The Wig Fashion Show comprised three rounds of walks from the models, all clients of the Ruskin Senior Center. Dressed in high fashion, they showed
off the numerous wigs that would be donated to Luna, an organization created to provide wigs to women with cancer at no cost.
Wigs ranged from straight to
curly and blonde to brunette, reminding attendees that cancer does not only affect one type of person.
For those who fought breast cancer
Most of the models walked in honor of friends or family affected by breast cancer. Some walked in honor of winning their own battles with cancer. Venitha Coleman has been cancer free for 12 years, and she emphasized the importance of getting regular checkups and detecting cancer early to increase the odds of beating it. Events at the senior center, according to Coleman, provide value for residents by keeping them informed and entertained. While the models changed into new looks, attendees joined raffles for themed prizes and saw a performance from the center’s dance crew. The final walk was dedicated to the center’s own survivors, who proudly adorned “survivor” sashes and looked pretty in pink.
Emergency Squad Receives National Award of Excellence As
You hear their sirens; you see their ambulances, but did you know our Emergency Squad is a national award-winning EMS agency? While most EMS agencies provide pre-hospital care and transportation, for which you receive a bill, the Emergency Squad does so much more and all for free. And for this reason, they were selected, for the second time, by the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) and EMS World for an Award of Excellence as the Volunteer Service of the Year.
EMS World and the NAEMT established the national EMS Awards of Excellence to recognize outstanding achievements in the field. This esteemed program has become the gold standard of accomplishment recognition in the EMS profession.
“This is an extraordinary honor, to be selected from applicants across the country,” said Chief Mike Bardell. “It is due to our commitment to serving the residents of our community in meaningful ways and to finding innovative ways to train and maintain our volunteer corps.”
As an active member in the
the Volunteer Service of the Year
community, the Squad has taken the lead in preparing residents for hurricane season and other possible disasters by organizing educational events for homeowners to be prepared for storms. The Squad also works with Hillsborough County Sheriff’s office, Fire Rescue, CERT and other community groups and clubs to ensure that each knows their role during a disaster. In addition, Squad Chief Mike Bardell created a local communication network with local senior facility leadership to maintain communications in case land lines and cell towers are down. The Squad was the first in the State to purchase and subscribe to FIRSTNET, a statewide emergency communications network for first responders.
Recently, Chief Bardell realized there was a lack of information regarding advanced life issues. Working with both Squad members and several local groups, a symposium was created to encourage residents to understand and communicate to their families, their desires regarding Advanced Life decisions.
“Community education is one
of the more important ways we serve the residents,” said Chairman Robin Watt. “Helping people understand the various ways they can respond to their own emergencies until help arrives, prepares our residents for problems we hope never arrive.
We offer programs on fall prevention, “Stop the Bleed,” Family & Friends CPR, in addition to helping them prepare for storms or end of life decisions.”
After last year’s storms, the Emergency Squad has identified several other ways to serve the residents. One of those ways will be to offer free Wi-Fi behind the Squad building when communications are down. This will allow residents to come park behind the Squad, pick up our Wi-Fi signal and notify family members they are safe.
Along those same lines, we noted that without power, many people could not call their families because their phones were not charged. We now have the ability to charge up to 100 phones at a time and serve as a charging station for our residents. Residents will be able to stop by and drop off their phones for an hour or so, and
then pick them up after they’ve been charged.
Also, when the power was out for several days, there were residents whose medications went bad because they were not refrigerated. In partnership with the Men’s Club, the Squad will offer small bags of ice for those residents who need to keep their medications cold.
“We are always looking for new opportunities and ideas on how we can assist our senior community,” says Chief Bardell.
“Our volunteers are dedicated to being “Neighbors Helping Neighbors.”
The Emergency Squad provides pre-hospital care and ambulance and wheelchair transportation to medical appointments for free. Also free: blood pressures, wheelchair and walker loans, Key locator service, vials of life, and educational symposiums.
If you are interested in learning more about volunteering for the Emergency Squad, please contact Chris McCann, Assistant Chief of Human Resources at 813-633-1411. Or attend one of their monthly information meetings.
Ruskin seniors show off wigs to be donated alongside their high fashion looks complete with fun accessories. Courtesy Hillsborough County
The
Community-Owned Medicare Plan That Cares
Get your Medicare coverage from a local leader in health
care.
BayCarePlus® Medicare Advantage (HMO) makes it easy for our Medicare community to access high-quality health care, and we help you save money at the same time. Don’t miss your opportunity to take advantage of some of these exciting benefits in 2026.
SAVE up to $1,608 per year on your Part B premium.
GET UP TO $600 a year in over-the-counter (OTC) allowance.
$0 deductible and $0 copay on hundreds of prescription drugs*
COMPREHENSIVE dental coverage includes fillings, root canals, crowns and more, up to $3,000 a year.
LOWER maximum out-of-pocket spend on one plan AND MORE!
Benefits vary by plan. See the Summary of Benefits for more information.
Tuesday, November 4 | 10am
BayCare HealthHub® Community Room 2470 Bloomingdale Ave. Valrico
Thursday, November 6 | 1pm
St. Joseph's Hospital-South Franciscan Room 1 6901 Simmons Loop Riverview
Thursday, November 13 | 1pm
BayCare HealthHub Community Room 2470 Bloomingdale Ave. Valrico
Saturday, November 15 | 11am
Tibby's New Orleans Kitchen
Private Dining Room 1721 W. Brandon Blvd. Brandon
Wednesday, November 19 | 10am
BayCare HealthHub Community Room
2470 Bloomingdale Ave. Valrico
Friday, November 21 | 10am
South Florida Baptist Hospital Conference Room A 3202 N. Park Road Plant City