“Ready, Aim, Medal!”

“Ready, Aim, Medal!”

“Ready, Aim, Medal!”

By Kai Rambow

When Mary Tucker, from Sarasota, mentions her sport is shooting, she typically gets one of two reactions: “Oh, so you ski.” “Oh yeah, the ones where the things fly.”  “People think of shotgun [skeet] or biathlon,” Tucker explained.

Tucker, who won a silver medal in the new mixed team air rifle event, succeeded with her teammate Lucas Kozenisky.  The journey to a silver medal was not without challenges.

“I was 14 and picked a high school my mother didn’t want me to go to.  She said, ‘Fine, if you go there, you have to be on a sports team. I don’t know why. I guess she wanted me to be involved in something.’

“They had a night where you could see all the different teams.  The shooting team had a big banner with a rifle on it.  She tried to steer me away from that.  I said, ‘No, no.  We’re going to that one.’

“When I first started, I was very, very bad at it.  We had 20 people on the team and I was probably the worst.

“The high school coach knew I wasn’t very good and he made that known. I started becoming a little bit better and beating some of the other team members.  He said, ‘I don’t need you to be great. You need to settle for good.’ That did not sit well with me.

I ended up quitting the team.

Olympic medalist Mary Tucker. In air rifle, competitors stand and shoot for 30 minutes at 30 targets or longer. The rifle weighs about 12 pounds and is held as depicted here. Photo by Sarah Caputi │UK Athletics

“I was very fortunate to find my personal coach, Jaime.  She came up to a state qualifier.  She was supposed to be looking at the team I had just quit.  Our high school coach had asked her to come up and look at shooters on the team.  I ended up going and won.  Jaime asked, ‘What about that one?’  ‘No, no, no.  We don’t really talk to that one.’  Jaime replied, ‘but I like that one.’

“Jaime is very experienced.  She’s been to two Olympic games herself.  She saw me and said, ‘I see potential.  We’re going to make you the best.’”

In air rifle, competitors only shoot from one position – standing.  The target is about the size of a half dollar from 10 meters away (33 feet).  In individual competitions, shooters take 60 shots in 60 minutes in the qualification round.  Think about it.  Shooting accurately at a small target for one hour, all the time holding a 12 pound rifle.

Even in the mixed team event, it is individual.  “There were about 20 teams at the beginning.  Everybody shoots 30 shots in 30 minutes all at the same time.  Partners scores are then put together,” explained Tucker.

To become that good, Tucker spends many hours on the range shooting.  She also works out three times a week doing cardio, weights and other training.

While many athletes isolated from others due to Covid-19, Tucker did interact with others.  “Everybody is really open to talking with each other.  You’ll be walking around and people will walk up, ‘Hey, what sport are you?’  ‘What country are you from?’  ‘Do you have a pin?’  Pins were a big deal.  The whole atmosphere of the games is really cool.”

Tucker is studying kinesiology at the University of Kentucky and wants to go into coaching. She will continue to compete at the college level and has her sights set on the next Olympics. She graciously gave us some time the day before starting classes. We thank her and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

IN THE TOP PHOTO: Mary Tucker and Lucas Kozenisky won silver in the mixed team air rifle event.  Unlike archery, all competitors shoot at the same time and their scores are combined when the time has expired.  (Photo courtesy of Mary Tucker).

Nan Ryan Showcases Her Quilting Talent

Nan Ryan Showcases Her Quilting Talent

Nan Ryan Showcases Her Quilting TalentBy Paula Lickfeldt Nan Ryan moved to Columbia SC in 2006.  One of her friends was a quilter, and she encouraged Nan to start quilting. Nan's first project was an Iris that she finally finished after she...

First Time Entrant Wins Best of Show

First Time Entrant Wins Best of Show

First Time Entrant Wins Best of ShowBy Kai Rambow “I hadn’t expected to do well,” shared Bradd Robinson. Robinson joined the Stained Glass club only two years ago, and this was his first competition. Robinson walked away with three ribbons...

From Hobby to Museum Quality

From Hobby to Museum Quality

From Hobby to Museum QualityBy Kai Rambow “It’s museum quality,” commented the gallery owner. High praise from an appraiser on the Antiques RoadShow. This was one of several highlights from a recent presentation by Diana Young of the China...

Hungry for Something New? Different?

Hungry for Something New? Different?

Hungry for Something New? Different?By Andrea L.T. Peterson As local legend goes, “A cyclone blew seven tikis onto the banks of the Alafia River in 2016,” inspiring the Polynesian “flavors and flair” of Riverview’s Tiki Docks Bar & Grill...

Love Photography? Join the Club!

Love Photography? Join the Club!

Love Photography? Join the Club!By Bob Sanchez Photo enthusiasts from beginners to experts have a home in the Photo Club of SCC. The Club held its June meeting in the Caper Room with nearly two dozen members attending. Members briefly...

AUGUST 2021 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

AUGUST 2021 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue… Get to know the Photography Club, see how SCC celebrated Independence Day, get updated on the ongoing SCCCA building projects, catch up with some talented local crafters, meet some community volunteers, find out how people are...

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 Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem. The rest of the day will be similar to our traditional March FunFest with entertainment, food, club sales, vendors and a health fair. Participants include 74 clubs and organizations, 12 businesses, a bloodmobile, and health care services.

Where to Park

Car and golf cart drivers are encouraged to park by Community Hall (1910 S. Pebble Beach Boulevard). Aston Gardens will be providing three buses to take you from the Community Hall Parking Lot on South Pebble Beach to the Community Association Administration Building on North Pebble Beach.

Park at Community Hall and one of the three buses provided by Aston Gardens will take you to the parking lot in front of the Community Association Administration Building. Driver Jerry Crabb has driven buses for Aston Gardens for 20 years.

Three buses will run continuously from 8:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. These buses are handicapped accessible. Each air conditioned bus has 24 comfortable seats plus two places for wheelchairs. Remember: the parking lots in and near North Pebble Beach and Cherry Hills will all be closed. There will be no car parking available near North Campus. For safety reasons, no one should park along the nearby streets.

Golf carts may also opt to park in the fields behind the Atrium Building’s parking lot. This is where the temporary offices once stood. Be sure to remember where you park.

Look For

Information booths will be set up at the CA Office where the buses drop you off, at the end of the Pottery Wheel Building, along Cherry Hills Drive, and inside the Atrium Building. Volunteers will give you maps with schedules and answer your questions. The booth near the Pottery Wheel Building will also be the lost and found (people and items) area during the festival.

You will see men and women wearing bright orange shirts or jackets. These HAM radio operators will help you if you are lost or if you are looking for someone who is lost.

What to Bring

Bring your appetite, your shopping list, some cash, masks, and your cell phone. The following items are on the menu: breakfast sandwiches, sloppy joe’s, hot dogs, Italian sausage, potato salad, beans, apple and cherry pies (with ice cream and toppings), BBQ chicken sandwiches, grilled pork chops, homemade cookies, homemade brownies, burgers, chips, beverages and popcorn. Just in case the menu changes or clubs run out of your favorites, have alternatives in mind. Popcorn will be sold near the gazebo, the other items in the parking areas near Rollins Theater.

FallFest will be an opportunity to buy some genuine “made in Sun City Center” items created by your talented friends and neighbors. You will also be able to buy gift baskets and other items. Shop locally to get great deals while supporting clubs. Many clubs donate all or a portion of their revenues to area charities. Feeling lucky? There will be many chances to purchase lottery tickets for all sorts of items.

Masks are requested for when you are inside buildings. When indoors, you may find you are rather close to other people, especially when you are at the health fair.

You might want to take photos of those in your party with your phone. Should one of you get lost or separated from the others, you can show your phone’s photos to the radio club men and women (wearing bright orange). It is much easier for them to reunite people when they can see exactly what the individual is wearing that day.

What NOT to bring

Leave your pets at home unless they are certified service dogs. Also, do not bring bicycles near the venue area. Leave them at home or near Community Hall.

Health Fair

Stop by the Horizon Room to talk to companies and individuals offering health care services. One new service is flu shots. Walgreens will be providing up to 100 of them. You can walk through the Horizon Room to the parking lot where a Bloodmobile will welcome anyone willing and able to donate blood.

Festival guests clapping and singing along with Bill “Elvis” Lindsay at a previous FunFest (News file photo).

Entertainment

There are six places providing entertainment. The gazebo will be the site for the opening ceremonies beginning at 9 a.m. Starting at 9:15, go to the Florida room for presentations or performances by Southeastern Guide Dogs, the Women’s Chorus, Par for the Chorus and Wonders of Nature.

The Dance Studio will start with Cloggersizers at 9:30 followed by Let’s Dance Ballroom Dancers, Jazzmatazz, and West Coast Swing and Country Dance. The Main Tent will be set up near the Arts and Crafts Building on Cherry Hills Drive. At 9:30, Razzmatazz (a ventriloquist) will perform as well as the Dukes, Bill “Elvis” Lindsay with Kevin Brooks, and Nunez at Night. The Rollins Theater will feature the Front Porch Pickers at 11 and 12. The Swim Dancers will perform at the indoor pool from 11:30 to 11:50.

Nan Ryan Showcases Her Quilting Talent

Nan Ryan Showcases Her Quilting Talent

Nan Ryan Showcases Her Quilting TalentBy Paula Lickfeldt Nan Ryan moved to Columbia SC in 2006.  One of her friends was a quilter, and she encouraged Nan to start quilting. Nan's first project was an Iris that she finally finished after she...

First Time Entrant Wins Best of Show

First Time Entrant Wins Best of Show

First Time Entrant Wins Best of ShowBy Kai Rambow “I hadn’t expected to do well,” shared Bradd Robinson. Robinson joined the Stained Glass club only two years ago, and this was his first competition. Robinson walked away with three ribbons...

From Hobby to Museum Quality

From Hobby to Museum Quality

From Hobby to Museum QualityBy Kai Rambow “It’s museum quality,” commented the gallery owner. High praise from an appraiser on the Antiques RoadShow. This was one of several highlights from a recent presentation by Diana Young of the China...

Hungry for Something New? Different?

Hungry for Something New? Different?

Hungry for Something New? Different?By Andrea L.T. Peterson As local legend goes, “A cyclone blew seven tikis onto the banks of the Alafia River in 2016,” inspiring the Polynesian “flavors and flair” of Riverview’s Tiki Docks Bar & Grill...

Love Photography? Join the Club!

Love Photography? Join the Club!

Love Photography? Join the Club!By Bob Sanchez Photo enthusiasts from beginners to experts have a home in the Photo Club of SCC. The Club held its June meeting in the Caper Room with nearly two dozen members attending. Members briefly...

AUGUST 2021 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

AUGUST 2021 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue… Get to know the Photography Club, see how SCC celebrated Independence Day, get updated on the ongoing SCCCA building projects, catch up with some talented local crafters, meet some community volunteers, find out how people are...

Art Club Members Paint Through the Pandemic

Art Club Members Paint Through the Pandemic

Art Club Members Paint Through the Pandemic

By 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 participating painters were Jean Beardsley, Mary Chabot, Irena Davis, Mollie Fleck, Marion Giblin, Gary Gicking, Maureen Hileman, Gloria Hosek, Carol Husinka, Paul Kennedy, Meredith King, Bob Krowl, Marsha Lucidi, Bev Majewski, Faye McKeown, Anne Morton, Lori Murray, Dolores Phelps, Sandy Schuman, Ali Shannon, Flo Slater, Mel Solochek, Roberta Solochek, and Richard Whalen. Mel Solochek is the Gallery Director.

The show will be a recurring public event on the first Wednesday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Art Club on 954 Cherry Hills Drive. Be sure to have your current Community Association ID with you, and protocols for vaccinations, mask wearing, and social distancing will apply. The Club serves snacks and beverages, which I can attest are delicious.

The artwork changes monthly, according to President Lee Anne Eckert, “giving all members a chance to share their work from beginner level to advanced. Our members are inspired by the many different types of artwork exhibited and offer each support and encouragement.”

Painting lessons are available to all levels, “no experience required,” she added. They also have Open Studio time on Wednesday afternoons, except for the first Wednesday when we have the Gallery Opening.  There’s also hold a yearly art show each January or February.

For more information about the Art Club, call Lee Anne at 973-714-5019 or email her at “laeckert@gmail.com.”

Nan Ryan Showcases Her Quilting Talent

Nan Ryan Showcases Her Quilting Talent

Nan Ryan Showcases Her Quilting TalentBy Paula Lickfeldt Nan Ryan moved to Columbia SC in 2006.  One of her friends was a quilter, and she encouraged Nan to start quilting. Nan's first project was an Iris that she finally finished after she...

First Time Entrant Wins Best of Show

First Time Entrant Wins Best of Show

First Time Entrant Wins Best of ShowBy Kai Rambow “I hadn’t expected to do well,” shared Bradd Robinson. Robinson joined the Stained Glass club only two years ago, and this was his first competition. Robinson walked away with three ribbons...

From Hobby to Museum Quality

From Hobby to Museum Quality

From Hobby to Museum QualityBy Kai Rambow “It’s museum quality,” commented the gallery owner. High praise from an appraiser on the Antiques RoadShow. This was one of several highlights from a recent presentation by Diana Young of the China...

Hungry for Something New? Different?

Hungry for Something New? Different?

Hungry for Something New? Different?By Andrea L.T. Peterson As local legend goes, “A cyclone blew seven tikis onto the banks of the Alafia River in 2016,” inspiring the Polynesian “flavors and flair” of Riverview’s Tiki Docks Bar & Grill...

Love Photography? Join the Club!

Love Photography? Join the Club!

Love Photography? Join the Club!By Bob Sanchez Photo enthusiasts from beginners to experts have a home in the Photo Club of SCC. The Club held its June meeting in the Caper Room with nearly two dozen members attending. Members briefly...

AUGUST 2021 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

AUGUST 2021 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue… Get to know the Photography Club, see how SCC celebrated Independence Day, get updated on the ongoing SCCCA building projects, catch up with some talented local crafters, meet some community volunteers, find out how people are...

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 eat Just Around the Bend, learn about the new Low Vision Club, ride to the rescue with the SCC Emergency Squad, get the facts on the Kings Point Master Association Board changes, trade serves with an athletic priest, read up on the Native History of North America, and tour the picturesque wonder of Sunsational Sedona, Arizona.

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 October 2021 Issues of The News

 

COVID-19 Vaccine Info

Florida hospitals and county health departments have received hundreds of thousands of vaccine doses. More are coming. Learn how these will be distributed and get more information at the Florida Department of Health website, “floridahealth.gov.”

Nan Ryan Showcases Her Quilting Talent

Nan Ryan Showcases Her Quilting Talent

Nan Ryan Showcases Her Quilting TalentBy Paula Lickfeldt Nan Ryan moved to Columbia SC in 2006.  One of her friends was a quilter, and she encouraged Nan to start quilting. Nan's first project was an Iris that she finally finished after she...

First Time Entrant Wins Best of Show

First Time Entrant Wins Best of Show

First Time Entrant Wins Best of ShowBy Kai Rambow “I hadn’t expected to do well,” shared Bradd Robinson. Robinson joined the Stained Glass club only two years ago, and this was his first competition. Robinson walked away with three ribbons...

From Hobby to Museum Quality

From Hobby to Museum Quality

From Hobby to Museum QualityBy Kai Rambow “It’s museum quality,” commented the gallery owner. High praise from an appraiser on the Antiques RoadShow. This was one of several highlights from a recent presentation by Diana Young of the China...

Hungry for Something New? Different?

Hungry for Something New? Different?

Hungry for Something New? Different?By Andrea L.T. Peterson As local legend goes, “A cyclone blew seven tikis onto the banks of the Alafia River in 2016,” inspiring the Polynesian “flavors and flair” of Riverview’s Tiki Docks Bar & Grill...

Love Photography? Join the Club!

Love Photography? Join the Club!

Love Photography? Join the Club!By Bob Sanchez Photo enthusiasts from beginners to experts have a home in the Photo Club of SCC. The Club held its June meeting in the Caper Room with nearly two dozen members attending. Members briefly...

AUGUST 2021 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

AUGUST 2021 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue… Get to know the Photography Club, see how SCC celebrated Independence Day, get updated on the ongoing SCCCA building projects, catch up with some talented local crafters, meet some community volunteers, find out how people are...

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, the release was a triumphant celebration for turtle caretakers; especially during what has been a record-setting year for sea turtle stranding throughout the United States.

Rescued from a large cold-stunned event off the coast of New England, the Kemp’s were subsequently flown by Turtles Fly Too, a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing together general aviation and sea turtle conservation, for long-term care at The Florida Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Conservation Center.

Cold-stunning occurs when cold-blooded animals, like sea turtles, are exposed to unusually cold water and/or air temperatures for an extended period of time; causing a hypothermic reaction that may include a lower heart rate, decreased circulation, lethargy, secondary infections including pneumonia and if left untreated, death.

The two Kemp’s received extended care for persistent symptoms of pneumonia before being released into the open ocean of the Atlantic.

While large stunning events are happening in other parts of the country, turtles in our own backyard are also affected by cold waters and changing conditions; making the efforts of The Florida Aquarium to not only to care for these endangered animals, but also to increase public awareness of the things that can be done to protect the natural environment, even more critical.

The three green sea turtles faced a similar fate off the East Coast of Florida in Volusia County. Rescued by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the turtles arrived at The Florida Aquarium on March 4. A duo was treated for pneumonia and other symptoms of cold-stunning. An additional green turtle was received as part of a record-setting date of March 23 when the team at The Florida Aquarium admitted 17 rescued turtles, the largest number the facility had ever received.

Text and photos courtesy The Florida Aquarium.

Nan Ryan Showcases Her Quilting Talent

Nan Ryan Showcases Her Quilting Talent

Nan Ryan Showcases Her Quilting TalentBy Paula Lickfeldt Nan Ryan moved to Columbia SC in 2006.  One of her friends was a quilter, and she encouraged Nan to start quilting. Nan's first project was an Iris that she finally finished after she...

First Time Entrant Wins Best of Show

First Time Entrant Wins Best of Show

First Time Entrant Wins Best of ShowBy Kai Rambow “I hadn’t expected to do well,” shared Bradd Robinson. Robinson joined the Stained Glass club only two years ago, and this was his first competition. Robinson walked away with three ribbons...

From Hobby to Museum Quality

From Hobby to Museum Quality

From Hobby to Museum QualityBy Kai Rambow “It’s museum quality,” commented the gallery owner. High praise from an appraiser on the Antiques RoadShow. This was one of several highlights from a recent presentation by Diana Young of the China...

Hungry for Something New? Different?

Hungry for Something New? Different?

Hungry for Something New? Different?By Andrea L.T. Peterson As local legend goes, “A cyclone blew seven tikis onto the banks of the Alafia River in 2016,” inspiring the Polynesian “flavors and flair” of Riverview’s Tiki Docks Bar & Grill...

Love Photography? Join the Club!

Love Photography? Join the Club!

Love Photography? Join the Club!By Bob Sanchez Photo enthusiasts from beginners to experts have a home in the Photo Club of SCC. The Club held its June meeting in the Caper Room with nearly two dozen members attending. Members briefly...

AUGUST 2021 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

AUGUST 2021 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue… Get to know the Photography Club, see how SCC celebrated Independence Day, get updated on the ongoing SCCCA building projects, catch up with some talented local crafters, meet some community volunteers, find out how people are...