February 2022 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

February 2022 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue…

Get to know SCC at the Information Center, read a recap of the January SCCCA membership and board meetings, learn how the SCC Beautification Corporation helps keep the community looking its best, show your gratitude for our First Responders, celebrate 101 years with Marge and 99 years with Mo, meet some local authors to help you fill your summer reading list, relive the fun of the Business Expo, cruise by the Funny Farm, mark your calendar for some great area festivals, discover a local athlete hoping to Make History at the Olympics, and marvel at the Water Circus.

Then, be sure to check out the SCCCA Club News, Kings Point News, Military News, Sports, Arts, Faith & Service, and Community News sections to help you plan your month.

Read the February 2022 Issue of The News

FallFest October 16: Don’t miss it!

FallFest October 16: Don’t miss it!

FallFest October 16: Don’t miss it!Entertainment, Food, Art, Shopping, and a Health Fair                By Diane M. Loeffler Rain or shine, FallFest will take place on October 16. The day will begin at the gazebo with opening remarks, the flag raising, the...

Art Club Members Paint Through the Pandemic

Art Club Members Paint Through the Pandemic

Art Club Members Paint Through the PandemicBy Bob Sanchez The Sun City Center Art Club reopened its Art Gallery to the public on September 1 with the work of two dozen members, featuring paintings they created during the 2020 pandemic. The...

OCTOBER 2021 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

OCTOBER 2021 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue… Don’t miss FallFest on October 16, browse the Art Club’s latest creations, cruise the St. Johns River, sail on the Eagle, hit the target with a local Olympian, commemorate the anniversary of 9/11, discover some great places to...

Aquarium Releases Endangered Sea Turtles

Aquarium Releases Endangered Sea Turtles

The fruits of The Florida Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Conservation Program labor were realized with the release of five rehabbed sea turtles including two Kemp's Ridley and three greens in North Ormond Beach. After months of specialized and compassionate care,...

Touring Ybor City’s Last Cigar Factory

Touring Ybor City’s Last Cigar Factory

Touring Ybor City’s Last Cigar FactoryBy Bob Sanchez In July, a small group from the Sun City Center Photo Club toured the J. C. Newman Cigar Company to see first-hand how cigars are still made in Ybor City. For the senior rate of $12 per...

Alafia Brewing Company and the Queen of Beer

Alafia Brewing Company and the Queen of Beer

Alafia Brewing Company and the Queen of BeerBy Andrea L.T. Peterson Thanks to a reader recommendation, we discovered the Alafia Brewing Company in Gibsonton. When the Editor asked if I wanted to check it out, I thought: “I’ve been alcohol-free...

January Membership Meeting

January Membership Meeting

January Membership Meeting

By Diane M. Loeffler

At 3 p.m. on January 5, 2022, 294 people attended the Sun City Center Community Association Membership Meeting in person and 89 virtually attended using Zoom. In order to meet quorum, two hundred members are required. Since quorum was met, the Board was able to approve the minutes from Membership Meetings held on January 2, 2020, April 28, 2020 and July 2021.

If you drive on E. Del Webb, you know construction is happening near St. John the Divine Episcopal Church. Despite the extension of the professional buildings, we will continue to have a golf cart path to US-301 and Walmart.

Treasurer Dave Birkett says 611 homes were purchased in 2021. This is a record for one year. The previous high was 506. In the first few days in January, 2022, 42 homes were bought.  Transfer fees are charged when a home is purchased. These funds are the sole source for the Capital Fund and are set aside for new construction. This fund currently has $3,629,660.

As of the start of January, Birkett says the Operation Fund has $2,661,772; the Replacement Fund has $1,860,129; and the Renovation Fund has $43,377.

Community Manager Lyn Reitz announced the January 26 shredding day. Reitz says there will be one or two more shredding days for CA members this year. She recognized four people for their service to the CA: Carol Donner, 25 years; Claudia Hinson, 10 years; Phil Bennett, five years; and Tony Fronteratta, five years.

Geraldine Ready, the treasurer of Sun City Center Bingo, says, “In mid 2019 the participants of Monday Night Bingo asked the officers to come up with a way to give back to our community during the holiday season.” In 2019, 2020, and 2021, the club has donated cards to residents of area assisted living, long-term care, memory care, and rehabilitation facilities. This year, the group distributed 3,700 cards to 1,810 residents in 23 of these facilities and at least two gifts to 822 of the residents.

Ready says, “All of these gifts were either direct donations or purchased with the donations received from offering water, soda and ice cream treats to participants during our Monday night Bingo sessions.”

Roger Zieg, Jim Collins, and Ron Clark were sworn in as new directors during the meeting.

 

During the general discussion portion of the meeting, many members took the opportunity to address the board voicing their concerns, asking questions and offering their opinions.

In response to questions, several concerns were addressed. CA Community Manager Lyn Reitz explained the frequent power blips often blow the pumps needed to bring hot water into the pool. CA Vice President Kim Roush says she continues to work on the web page, “suncitycenter.org,” to make it more user friendly.

Bob Sullivan says the cost to “fix” the Rollins Theater building will be in excess of $381,000. He says 46 residents applied to be on the Long-Range Planning Committee. CA Member Debbie Caneen presented her ideas about the Rollins Theater Building.

Addressing road concerns, Director Gary Bratt says he worked with Hillsborough County all of 2021 and described the process as “most frustrating.” In addition to numerous phone calls, on February 18, June 17, and August 5, Bratt met in person with engineers, supervisors, and even the county operations manager once. Bratt was told work on El Rancho, North Pebble, Rickenbacker and part of New Bedford would start in October. During subsequent calls he was told November, then January or February.

CA Member Kathy Krause suggested members go to HillsboroughCounty.org to voice their concerns to county officials. Other options would be phone calls and email. Unless you live in a gated community, the county owns your roads. The Board will continue to urge the county to make repairs. In addition, the more people who contact the county about road issues, the more likely the streets will be repaired.

 

IN THE PHOTO: Larry Smith was given a plaque in appreciation for his three years on the board.

FallFest October 16: Don’t miss it!

FallFest October 16: Don’t miss it!

FallFest October 16: Don’t miss it!Entertainment, Food, Art, Shopping, and a Health Fair                By Diane M. Loeffler Rain or shine, FallFest will take place on October 16. The day will begin at the gazebo with opening remarks, the flag raising, the...

Art Club Members Paint Through the Pandemic

Art Club Members Paint Through the Pandemic

Art Club Members Paint Through the PandemicBy Bob Sanchez The Sun City Center Art Club reopened its Art Gallery to the public on September 1 with the work of two dozen members, featuring paintings they created during the 2020 pandemic. The...

OCTOBER 2021 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

OCTOBER 2021 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue… Don’t miss FallFest on October 16, browse the Art Club’s latest creations, cruise the St. Johns River, sail on the Eagle, hit the target with a local Olympian, commemorate the anniversary of 9/11, discover some great places to...

Aquarium Releases Endangered Sea Turtles

Aquarium Releases Endangered Sea Turtles

The fruits of The Florida Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Conservation Program labor were realized with the release of five rehabbed sea turtles including two Kemp's Ridley and three greens in North Ormond Beach. After months of specialized and compassionate care,...

Touring Ybor City’s Last Cigar Factory

Touring Ybor City’s Last Cigar Factory

Touring Ybor City’s Last Cigar FactoryBy Bob Sanchez In July, a small group from the Sun City Center Photo Club toured the J. C. Newman Cigar Company to see first-hand how cigars are still made in Ybor City. For the senior rate of $12 per...

Alafia Brewing Company and the Queen of Beer

Alafia Brewing Company and the Queen of Beer

Alafia Brewing Company and the Queen of BeerBy Andrea L.T. Peterson Thanks to a reader recommendation, we discovered the Alafia Brewing Company in Gibsonton. When the Editor asked if I wanted to check it out, I thought: “I’ve been alcohol-free...

A Special “Thank You” for Our First Responders

A Special “Thank You” for Our First Responders

A Special “Thank You” for Our First Responders   

By Diane M. Loeffler

On Wednesday, December 22, a group of Kings Point and Sun City Center Community Association residents met in the lobby of South Bay Hospital to donate money to three groups of first responders. Todd Carnell, the Rescue Chief of the Hillsborough County Fire Department, Mike Bardell, the Chief of the Sun City Center Emergency Squad, and Sheldon Barr, the South Bay CEO accepted donations on behalf of their organizations.

Kings Point resident Bill Barker says, “I came up with the idea to put on a performance to raise money for first responders, then Linda Stone took the bull by the horns.” A group of Kings Point Follies and Pelican Players actors, actresses, singers, directors and organizers put together a show. They were concerned about how many tickets they might sell for the November 19 event and were very happy when 316 people came. This allowed them to present $1,056 checks to each of the organizations.

Barker says “We put the whole show together without any expense. VESTA allowed us to use the space at no cost.” All the money went to the SCC Fire Department, Emergency Squad, and South Bay Hospital.

The recipients were grateful for the donations. Each has something special in mind for the funds. South Bay Hospital is using the money to enhance their in-house caregivers’ sanctuary room. The sanctuary room is a space where caregivers can go to take a break, relax, and regroup.

The Hillsborough County Fire Department sponsors a cadet youth fire program. They are earmarking the funds for the cadets’ travel and food expenses while they compete against other cadets from other locations.

The SCC Emergency Squad is using their donation toward the replacement of lift mechanisms. These mechanisms lift stretchers into the back of ambulances and must be in good working condition.

Thank you to everyone who made the donations possible, and thank you to the first responders who serve our communities so well.

FallFest October 16: Don’t miss it!

FallFest October 16: Don’t miss it!

FallFest October 16: Don’t miss it!Entertainment, Food, Art, Shopping, and a Health Fair                By Diane M. Loeffler Rain or shine, FallFest will take place on October 16. The day will begin at the gazebo with opening remarks, the flag raising, the...

Art Club Members Paint Through the Pandemic

Art Club Members Paint Through the Pandemic

Art Club Members Paint Through the PandemicBy Bob Sanchez The Sun City Center Art Club reopened its Art Gallery to the public on September 1 with the work of two dozen members, featuring paintings they created during the 2020 pandemic. The...

OCTOBER 2021 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

OCTOBER 2021 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue… Don’t miss FallFest on October 16, browse the Art Club’s latest creations, cruise the St. Johns River, sail on the Eagle, hit the target with a local Olympian, commemorate the anniversary of 9/11, discover some great places to...

Aquarium Releases Endangered Sea Turtles

Aquarium Releases Endangered Sea Turtles

The fruits of The Florida Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Conservation Program labor were realized with the release of five rehabbed sea turtles including two Kemp's Ridley and three greens in North Ormond Beach. After months of specialized and compassionate care,...

Touring Ybor City’s Last Cigar Factory

Touring Ybor City’s Last Cigar Factory

Touring Ybor City’s Last Cigar FactoryBy Bob Sanchez In July, a small group from the Sun City Center Photo Club toured the J. C. Newman Cigar Company to see first-hand how cigars are still made in Ybor City. For the senior rate of $12 per...

Alafia Brewing Company and the Queen of Beer

Alafia Brewing Company and the Queen of Beer

Alafia Brewing Company and the Queen of BeerBy Andrea L.T. Peterson Thanks to a reader recommendation, we discovered the Alafia Brewing Company in Gibsonton. When the Editor asked if I wanted to check it out, I thought: “I’ve been alcohol-free...

JANUARY 2022 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

JANUARY 2022 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue…

Relive the festive fun of the Holiday Cart Parade, cruise SCC to find colorful lights and holiday decorations, swing by St. Andrew for Rock ‘n’ Roll Crafts and Cars, meet the new SCCCA Board members, check in with the Security Patrol, visit the Concours d’Elegance, save the dates and get your tickets for the CA and KP Entertainment Series, meet the “first” Centenarian, learn why Santa visited kids in Wimauma, smile at the “smallest” manatee, get some tips about visiting Yellowstone during the busy season, celebrate 80 years of bliss with the Meixners, add some books by a local author to your reading list, shoot hoops with the South Shore Basketball Club, and discover a simple way to become a local hero.

Then, be sure to check out the SCCCA Club News, Military News, Sports, Arts, Faith & Service, and Community News sections to help you plan your month.

Read the January 2022 Issue of The News

FallFest October 16: Don’t miss it!

FallFest October 16: Don’t miss it!

FallFest October 16: Don’t miss it!Entertainment, Food, Art, Shopping, and a Health Fair                By Diane M. Loeffler Rain or shine, FallFest will take place on October 16. The day will begin at the gazebo with opening remarks, the flag raising, the...

Art Club Members Paint Through the Pandemic

Art Club Members Paint Through the Pandemic

Art Club Members Paint Through the PandemicBy Bob Sanchez The Sun City Center Art Club reopened its Art Gallery to the public on September 1 with the work of two dozen members, featuring paintings they created during the 2020 pandemic. The...

OCTOBER 2021 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

OCTOBER 2021 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue… Don’t miss FallFest on October 16, browse the Art Club’s latest creations, cruise the St. Johns River, sail on the Eagle, hit the target with a local Olympian, commemorate the anniversary of 9/11, discover some great places to...

Aquarium Releases Endangered Sea Turtles

Aquarium Releases Endangered Sea Turtles

The fruits of The Florida Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Conservation Program labor were realized with the release of five rehabbed sea turtles including two Kemp's Ridley and three greens in North Ormond Beach. After months of specialized and compassionate care,...

Touring Ybor City’s Last Cigar Factory

Touring Ybor City’s Last Cigar Factory

Touring Ybor City’s Last Cigar FactoryBy Bob Sanchez In July, a small group from the Sun City Center Photo Club toured the J. C. Newman Cigar Company to see first-hand how cigars are still made in Ybor City. For the senior rate of $12 per...

Alafia Brewing Company and the Queen of Beer

Alafia Brewing Company and the Queen of Beer

Alafia Brewing Company and the Queen of BeerBy Andrea L.T. Peterson Thanks to a reader recommendation, we discovered the Alafia Brewing Company in Gibsonton. When the Editor asked if I wanted to check it out, I thought: “I’ve been alcohol-free...

Welcome Aboard America’s Tall Ship

Welcome Aboard America’s Tall Ship

Welcome Aboard America’s Tall Ship

By Ilona Merritt

Welcome aboard! You are invited to visit “America’s Tall Ship.” Since 1946, every new Coast Guard cadet undergoing officer training has begun their career by learning to sail on Eagle – the traditional way. Eagle has offered generations of Coast Guard Academy cadets, and more recently, officer candidates, an unparalleled leadership experience at sea.  They are always looking forward to incredible voyages of safe and exciting sailing, hard work, and in-depth leadership training with the future officers of the Coast Guard.

The primary mission of the Eagle is training. Every cadet who attends the Coast Guard Academy will spend a minimum of six weeks on board Eagle. In addition to learning the nautical traditions of their profession, cadets learn basic seamanship and navigation skills and important team-building and leadership skills. The ways of old still have much to teach. The conditions and situations you face under sail can’t be replicated either in a classroom or aboard today’s modern ships. Onboard Eagle, cadets find themselves suddenly out of their element. Dependent on wind, waves, and currents, they quickly learn how these forces of nature affect a vessel. They become skilled in ship-handling, decision-making, and meeting unexpected challenges. They learn the importance of crew members working together to handle the ship safely.

USCGC Eagle also performs a public relations role for the Coast Guard and America. Eagle welcomes the public for a visit during domestic port calls and calls foreign ports as a floating goodwill ambassador for US diplomatic relations. Eagle has hosted Presidents Kennedy, Nixon, and Truman. When Tall Ships gather together, we are most likely to see Eagle leading the parade.  She is a tremendous draw for visitors. This past summer, she was in Reykjavik, Iceland. Repairs kept her three additional days in port and during that time was visited by 18,000 people.

By 1979, the Coast Guard had developed plans for an extensive refit at the Coast Guard Yard facility in Baltimore. From 1979 to 1983, Eagle visited the yard all four winters between summer deployments. In 2014, Eagle began a similar refit. The ship’s crew temporarily shifted its administrative homeport to Baltimore and began an extensive four-year service life extension project. Each year, Eagle will spend six months in the Coast Guard Yard Facility. The goal of this maintenance overhaul is for the ship to remain safe and viable as the Coast Guard’s premier training vessel well into  the Eagle has offered generations of Coast Guard Academy cadets, and more recently officer candidates, an unparalleled leadership experience at sea.  They are always looking forward to tremendous voyages of safe and exciting sailing, hard work, and in-depth leadership training with the future officers of the Coast Guard.

FallFest October 16: Don’t miss it!

FallFest October 16: Don’t miss it!

FallFest October 16: Don’t miss it!Entertainment, Food, Art, Shopping, and a Health Fair                By Diane M. Loeffler Rain or shine, FallFest will take place on October 16. The day will begin at the gazebo with opening remarks, the flag raising, the...

Art Club Members Paint Through the Pandemic

Art Club Members Paint Through the Pandemic

Art Club Members Paint Through the PandemicBy Bob Sanchez The Sun City Center Art Club reopened its Art Gallery to the public on September 1 with the work of two dozen members, featuring paintings they created during the 2020 pandemic. The...

OCTOBER 2021 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

OCTOBER 2021 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue… Don’t miss FallFest on October 16, browse the Art Club’s latest creations, cruise the St. Johns River, sail on the Eagle, hit the target with a local Olympian, commemorate the anniversary of 9/11, discover some great places to...

Aquarium Releases Endangered Sea Turtles

Aquarium Releases Endangered Sea Turtles

The fruits of The Florida Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Conservation Program labor were realized with the release of five rehabbed sea turtles including two Kemp's Ridley and three greens in North Ormond Beach. After months of specialized and compassionate care,...

Touring Ybor City’s Last Cigar Factory

Touring Ybor City’s Last Cigar Factory

Touring Ybor City’s Last Cigar FactoryBy Bob Sanchez In July, a small group from the Sun City Center Photo Club toured the J. C. Newman Cigar Company to see first-hand how cigars are still made in Ybor City. For the senior rate of $12 per...

Alafia Brewing Company and the Queen of Beer

Alafia Brewing Company and the Queen of Beer

Alafia Brewing Company and the Queen of BeerBy Andrea L.T. Peterson Thanks to a reader recommendation, we discovered the Alafia Brewing Company in Gibsonton. When the Editor asked if I wanted to check it out, I thought: “I’ve been alcohol-free...