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CELEBRATING 23 YE ARS OF PUBLISHING POSITIVE COMMUNITY NEWS
BETH ISRAEL MARKS 50 YEARS WITH JANUARY GALA CELEBRATION
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gathered in one another’s homes for Friday night services, Beth Israel was first guided by Rabbi Adolf Feinberg, Ph.D., a retired U.S. Army chaplain. Over the years, services were hosted in various locations and led by both clergy and dedicated lay leaders. The congregation’s permanent building was completed and dedicated on February Historical moments from Beth Israel’s first decades, captured in 26, 1988, with several renarchival photographs. ovations and expansions since then. Beth Israel, The JewToday, Beth ish Congregation of Sun Israel is a City Center, is preparthriving Reing to celebrate its 50th form congreanniversary with a fesgation of 285 tive community gala on members led January 31, 2026. The by Rabbi Phil milestone event will be Cohen, Ph.D. held from 6-9 p.m. at Rooted in Jewthe Kings Point Veterish values and ans Theater, with doors committed to opening at 5:30 p.m. creativity, comThe evening will feamunity and ture a catered dinner, inclusion, the drinks, dancing and a synagogue welsilent auction. Entertainment will be provided by the popular River- comes interfaith families, Jews by choice, side Jukebox Band, known for their upbeat individuals from all Jewish backgrounds mix of favorite dance hits. Tickets are $60 and members of the LGBTQ+ community. per person, which includes dinner and one Its newly renovated facilities host a variety drink; additional beverages will be available of public programs, Erev Shabbat services for purchase. The deadline for buying tick- each Friday at 7:30 p.m. and monthly meet and greet gatherings on the third Friday at ets is January 16, 2026. As part of the celebration, Beth Israel 6:45 p.m. For more information about the gala, will also publish an 8.5-by-11-inch anniversary celebration souvenir book filled with ticket purchases, celebration book ads, historical photographs and reflections on sponsorship opportunities or silent aucthe congregation’s five decades of serving tion donations, contact Mark Molitch at Hillsborough County’s SouthShore area. Lo- galachair@jcscc.org or Jeff Ackerman at cal businesses, supporters and community treasurer@jcscc.org. Beth Israel, The Jewish Congregation members are invited to purchase ads in the publication, sponsor the event or contribute of Sun City Center, is located at 1115 Del Webb Blvd. E. in Sun City Center. For more items to the silent auction. Founded in 1975 by 13 individuals who information, visit https://jcscc.org/.
LOCAL BABY BOOMER REINVENTS HIMSELF THROUGH AI TRAINING, PUBLISHES THREE HUMOR-BOOKS By Marie Gilmore decided to be part of it.” His new books blend laughout-loud humor with genuine travel advice, offering what early readers describe as “Dave Barry meets the Florida Chamber of Commerce.” Cruising Hacks and Florida Hacks are available now on Amazon in paperback, hardcover and e-book editions. Thomas’ reinvention has already become a source of encouragement for fellow baby boomers navigating a rapidly changing job market. Through humor, technology and sheer persistence, he hopes his story inspires others to take a second look at what’s possible later in life. “You’re never too old to learn something new — or to laugh your way into a brandnew chapter,” he said. For interviews, review copies or photos, contact scottapollo@gmail.com or 813447-8194. About the Author: Scott ‘Sparkles’ Thomas has held roles ranging from Fortune 50 director and restaurateur to fitness enthusiast, hockey player, amateur comedian and cruise aficionado. After nearly four decades in corporate life, he now channels his experience into humorous, high-energy travel guides that help readers navigate life with practicality and laughter. He lives in Tampa Bay with his Labrador, Senator.
After seven years and more than 7,000 job applications without a single offer, SouthShore resident Scott Louis Thomas decided it was time to rewrite his own story. Today, the 66-year-old — known around town as ‘Captain Sparkles’ — is celebrating the release of two fast-rising humor books, Cruising Hacks: Know Before You Go! and Florida Hacks: Know Before You Go… to Florida and RETIREMENT HACKS Know Before You Go! The titles mark the launch of his new KBYG (Know Before You Go) book series. Thomas’ path to authorship began not with inspiration but with exhaustion. After spending thousands of hours applying for jobs and receiving what he jokingly calls a “wallpaper of rejections,” he reached a turning point. The experience moved him to write a poem that captures the frustration of modern-day job seeking, where human applicants often find themselves competing with algorithms and automated screening systems. Rather than give up, Thomas embraced the very technology he once felt overshadowed by. Over the past year, he taught himself the fundamentals of artificial intelligence, digital publishing and graphic design. In just three months, he wrote, designed, and produced both books entirely on his own. CRIME STOPPERS..........................................PG 3 “I realized I could either keep waiting for someone to hire me — or hire myself,” BETH SHALOM DELIVERS �� ...........PG 7 Thomas said. “Learning AI gave me a new RUNNING OF THE BULLS..............PG 15 way to create, laugh and inspire others. It TAMPA BASS BRAND............ ........PG 23 helped me brainstorm, edit and even deEYE ON BUSINESS...................PG 33-34 sign the book covers. It’s the future, and I
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