Chalk Festival: Art on the Street, Literally!

Chalk Festival: Art on the Street, Literally!

Chalk Festival: Art on the Street, Literally!

By Diane M. Loeffler

 

Florida loves to throw a party. There are festivals and expos somewhere in central Florida nearly every weekend. The Chalk Festival may well be one of the most visually pleasing of all them. This year’s Chalk Festival theme was “The Chalk of the Town.” The event is usually held in Venice, but this year it was on the streets of Sarasota.

Getting there was an easy drive by car, but you could also hop on the bus provided by Glory Tours and let them drop you off right at one of the entrances.

Artists sat on the pavement and completed their masterpieces under a bright, Florida sun. Signs listed their names and the state or country from which they came. Some artists came from as far away as Mexico, Germany, the Netherlands, and Italy.

Lines crept past the works of art. Some onlookers asked the artists about their creations. A handful of the chalk drawings needed to be viewed from a specific place to see the 3D effect. A few artists set up lenses mounted so that observers could get the full effect.

If you would like to visit the Chalk Festival next year, you may wish to check their website, “chalkfestival.org”, or check the schedules provided by the local travel groups to see if they will have a bus going there. The two local bus options are Glory Tours, Kings Point North Clubhouse, and Sun City Travel Club, Community Hall, 1910 South Pebble Beach Road.  

SCC and KP Amateur Radio Clubs

SCC and KP Amateur Radio Clubs

SCC and KP Amateur Radio ClubsReady to Help in a Community EmergencyBy Paula Lickfeldt Five days a week, Monday through Friday you can find members of the Sun City Center Amateur Radio Club in their "club room," which is in the hurricane resistant...

Puffins Amongst the Scenery

Puffins Amongst the Scenery

Puffins Amongst the SceneryBy Kai Rambow “Heading up to see the puffins, are you?” asked the construction worker.  She continued with a strong Newfoundland accent, “I’ve lived all my 61 years in this bay area, never knew about the puffins.  I kept...

Bob’s Vets

Bob’s Vets

Bob’s VetsA Breakfast Get Together for All Veterans, Their Spouses and Their FriendsBy Diane M. Loeffler Thursday mornings are special for veterans who are within driving distance of the Ruskin Bob Evans restaurant. A large area is set aside for veterans...

Veterans Pay Tribute to Departed Comrades

Veterans Pay Tribute to Departed Comrades

Veterans Pay Tribute to Departed Comrades By Frank Kepley, CAPT USN (Ret.), News Military Correspondent   The Military Veterans Organization of Sun City Center sponsored a Memorial Day Tribute to deceased veterans on Monday Morning at 10 a.m. at the...

Celebrating Independence Together

Celebrating Independence Together

Celebrating Independence TogetherBy E. Adam Porter The first week in July, every year, my extended family gathers at the beach in my hometown for a weeklong reunion. It’s a wonderful, relaxing time of sharing life together, filled with the familiar aromas...

The February 2019 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

The February 2019 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue…The Veterans Memorial is unveiled, take a ride on a Murder Mystery Train, enjoy the Valencia Lakes Cart Parade, learn about some changes coming to the community, celebrate with residents deserving of recognition, learn what you need to know...

Play Detective on the Murder Mystery Train Ride

Play Detective on the Murder Mystery Train Ride

Play Detective on the Murder Mystery Train RideBy Kai Rambow If you love the detective genre, then taking the murder mystery train ride just might be the ticket for you. If you have anger issues, sorry, you can’t participate in the murder.During the first...

Amazon Hosts Party for Local Kids

Amazon Hosts Party for Local Kids

December 14, Amazon hosted a holiday party for 250 local children and donated $15,000 in in-kind gifts for families and children at the Vinik Family Boys & Girls Club at Winston Park. The online retailer also presented a donation of $60,000 to Feeding...

The January 2019 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

The January 2019 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue…Get to know the new SCCCA Directors, see how your friends and neighbors celebrated the holiday season, review who donated or invested in the community in the past year, learn about the ongoing county golf cart mobility study, meet the US lawn...

The December 2018 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

The December 2018 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue…Don’t forget to vote for CA Board candidates, relive the fun of “Hi, Neighbor!” Say farewell to a friend, recall winter events in SCC’s past, discover a delicious place to eat fresh for less, and see how the SCC Emergency Squad and...

The September 2018 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

The September 2018 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue…Find out about a monthly classic car show in town, get an update on the SCC Veterans Memorial, learn about Oktoberfest celebrations in town, learn how to contact your elected officials directly, volunteer to help preserve SCC’s history, meet...

South Hillsborough Veterans Clinic to Open May 21

South Hillsborough Veterans Clinic to Open May 21

The highly-anticipated VA South Hillsborough Outpatient Clinic is scheduled to open May 21. Located at 12920 Summerfield Crossing Boulevard, at the corner of US-301, the 50,000-square-foot clinic expects to serve more than 10,000 Veterans residing in Riverview, Ruskin, Sun City Center, Gibsonton, Wimauma, and Apollo Beach.

Open House May 14

The medical team will be led by Chief Medical Officer Dr. Patricia Mossop; and the services provided will include: primary care including women’s primary care, radiology, audiology, dietary and mental health counseling, laboratory, pharmacy, physical medicine and rehab, respiratory therapy, social work, prosthetics, telehealth, podiatry, and patient advocacy.

While there are no geographical restrictions on where Veterans may receive care, patients of providers moving from the Primary Care Annex to the new South Hillsborough clinic and existing Haley patients will be given priority. Patients who wish to have their care transferred to the new clinic should discuss this with their Primary Care Physician.

Veterans who are not currently enrolled in VA health care should contact the VA’s Enrollment & Eligibility Office at 813.972.2000 ext. 1710, or visit “www.tampa.va.gov/patients/eligibility.asp” for further information. An open house is scheduled for May 14. The first patient day will be May 21.

 

Note: Some facts provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

 

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...

Artwork Even Your Toddlers Will Understand

Artwork Even Your Toddlers Will Understand

Artwork Even Your Toddlers Will Understand By  Andrea L.T. Peterson Back in 2008, “people thought it was a horrible neighborhood, but I thought it was a diamond in the rough,” says Mary Lee, founder and owner of the acreage in Sarasota where...

The February 2019 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

The February 2019 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue…The Veterans Memorial is unveiled, take a ride on a Murder Mystery Train, enjoy the Valencia Lakes Cart Parade, learn about some changes coming to the community, celebrate with residents deserving of recognition, learn what you need to know...

Play Detective on the Murder Mystery Train Ride

Play Detective on the Murder Mystery Train Ride

Play Detective on the Murder Mystery Train RideBy Kai Rambow If you love the detective genre, then taking the murder mystery train ride just might be the ticket for you. If you have anger issues, sorry, you can’t participate in the murder.During the first...

Amazon Hosts Party for Local Kids

Amazon Hosts Party for Local Kids

December 14, Amazon hosted a holiday party for 250 local children and donated $15,000 in in-kind gifts for families and children at the Vinik Family Boys & Girls Club at Winston Park. The online retailer also presented a donation of $60,000 to Feeding...

The January 2019 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

The January 2019 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue…Get to know the new SCCCA Directors, see how your friends and neighbors celebrated the holiday season, review who donated or invested in the community in the past year, learn about the ongoing county golf cart mobility study, meet the US lawn...

The December 2018 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

The December 2018 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue…Don’t forget to vote for CA Board candidates, relive the fun of “Hi, Neighbor!” Say farewell to a friend, recall winter events in SCC’s past, discover a delicious place to eat fresh for less, and see how the SCC Emergency Squad and...

The September 2018 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

The September 2018 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue…Find out about a monthly classic car show in town, get an update on the SCC Veterans Memorial, learn about Oktoberfest celebrations in town, learn how to contact your elected officials directly, volunteer to help preserve SCC’s history, meet...

The Comics Club Celebrates 30 Years

The Comics Club Celebrates 30 Years

When it comes to fun businesses, selling comic books, games and toys ranks up there with the best of them. That’s exactly what The Comics Club in Brandon, Fla., has been doing for since 1989. For D.J. Stamper, owner of The Comics Club, it just gets better and better with each passing year.

“It’s a golden age for comic books, comic book-related movies and television shows, and for entertainment retailers like me who get to be at the center of it all at our comic shops,” said Stamper.

According to Stamper, it was in early 1989 that he made the decision to start a mail-order business selling comic books to fans and collectors. Starting with 3,000 comic books from his own collection, Stamper grew the business year-by-year, accumulating an ever-growing inventory of comic books and other collectibles. When his inventory reached 20,000 comics, in 1994, he launched The Comics Club into the retail world with a brick and mortar store. Today, his inventory has expanded to more than 120,000 comic books, plus thousands of graphic novels, as well as hundreds of games and toys.

“My love of comic books, especially the amazing artwork that the medium is known for, has been part of my life since I was a child growing up in Michigan. I have spent my adult life as a self-professed comic book pusher, trying to get as many people as possible involved in this great fun hobby,” says Stamper.

In celebration of its 30 years in business, The Comics Club has been offering monthly discounts on selected merchandise at 30 percent off, the sale changing to offer different items from different categories of merchandise (comics, games and toys) each month. But the first big event of the year, Free Comic Book Day on May 4, will be extra special this year.

“We’ve been helping fans enjoy their hobby for three decades now. It’s always brought me great joy to see a fan get that hard-to-find comic that fills out a collection, or to listen to them talk about their favorite games. It’s just that kind of business – much more fun than it is work.”

The Comics Club is located at 714 W. Lumsden Rd, Brandon, FL. 33511, For hours and other information, call 813-653-4111.

55 Years of Service: Our Amazing Emergency Squad   

55 Years of Service: Our Amazing Emergency Squad   

55 Years of Service: Our Amazing Emergency SquadBy Diane M. Loeffler On the afternoon of September 25, the SCC Emergency Squad held a party with cake and coffee to celebrate 55 years of helping others. What an accomplishment!Did you know that our Emergency...

The Florida Aquarium Releases Sea Turtles

The Florida Aquarium Releases Sea Turtles

The Florida Aquarium’s Animal Response Team successfully released two green sea turtles back into the Atlantic Ocean at Matanzas Inlet. “It’s always a great day when you get to see turtles go back into the wild after being rehabilitated. Izar holds a...

Blossoms of Asia at Selby Gardens

Blossoms of Asia at Selby Gardens

Blossoms of Asia at Selby GardensBy Kai Rambow Stunningly beautiful with seemingly infinite varieties, orchids fascinate even people who don’t pay much attention to flowers.  Selby Gardens does a tremendous job of creating thematic displays showcasing...

Clubs Strut Their Stuff at Another Successful “Hi, Neighbor!”

Clubs Strut Their Stuff at Another Successful “Hi, Neighbor!”

Clubs Strut Their Stuff at Another Successful “Hi, Neighbor!”By Bob Sanchez Hundreds of residents poured into Community Hall for “Hi, Neighbor!” on November 7, when representatives from 94 clubs and organizations welcomed them with smiles, colorful...

The February 2019 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

The February 2019 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue…The Veterans Memorial is unveiled, take a ride on a Murder Mystery Train, enjoy the Valencia Lakes Cart Parade, learn about some changes coming to the community, celebrate with residents deserving of recognition, learn what you need to know...

Play Detective on the Murder Mystery Train Ride

Play Detective on the Murder Mystery Train Ride

Play Detective on the Murder Mystery Train RideBy Kai Rambow If you love the detective genre, then taking the murder mystery train ride just might be the ticket for you. If you have anger issues, sorry, you can’t participate in the murder.During the first...

Amazon Hosts Party for Local Kids

Amazon Hosts Party for Local Kids

December 14, Amazon hosted a holiday party for 250 local children and donated $15,000 in in-kind gifts for families and children at the Vinik Family Boys & Girls Club at Winston Park. The online retailer also presented a donation of $60,000 to Feeding...

The January 2019 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

The January 2019 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue…Get to know the new SCCCA Directors, see how your friends and neighbors celebrated the holiday season, review who donated or invested in the community in the past year, learn about the ongoing county golf cart mobility study, meet the US lawn...

The December 2018 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

The December 2018 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue…Don’t forget to vote for CA Board candidates, relive the fun of “Hi, Neighbor!” Say farewell to a friend, recall winter events in SCC’s past, discover a delicious place to eat fresh for less, and see how the SCC Emergency Squad and...

The September 2018 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

The September 2018 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue…Find out about a monthly classic car show in town, get an update on the SCC Veterans Memorial, learn about Oktoberfest celebrations in town, learn how to contact your elected officials directly, volunteer to help preserve SCC’s history, meet...

The May 2019 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

The May 2019 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue…

Discover some beautiful art that tricks your senses; learn what happened when Governor Ron DeSantis came to town; save the date for the new Riverview VA Clinic Open House and Grand Opening, as well as the annual Memorial Day Ceremony. Get the scoop on some grant funds available for community beautification projects; view some gorgeous award-winning photographs; meet a local creative person; get to know the Multi-Cultural Heritage Club; find out who mans the phones for the SCC Emergency Squad; celebrate 30 years of ‘Marvel’ous imagination with The Comics Club; learn about local bus tours, and cruise through Chicago to explore some stunning architecture.

 

And be sure to…

Check out the SCC Bulletin, Kings Point, Community News, Dance, Military News, Faith & Service, Arts, Sports, Travel, and South County Events sections to help you plan your month. And travel with your friends and neighbors who took The News around the world.

 

Read the May 2019 Issue of The News

 

The February 2019 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

The February 2019 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue…The Veterans Memorial is unveiled, take a ride on a Murder Mystery Train, enjoy the Valencia Lakes Cart Parade, learn about some changes coming to the community, celebrate with residents deserving of recognition, learn what you need to know...

Play Detective on the Murder Mystery Train Ride

Play Detective on the Murder Mystery Train Ride

Play Detective on the Murder Mystery Train RideBy Kai Rambow If you love the detective genre, then taking the murder mystery train ride just might be the ticket for you. If you have anger issues, sorry, you can’t participate in the murder.During the first...

Amazon Hosts Party for Local Kids

Amazon Hosts Party for Local Kids

December 14, Amazon hosted a holiday party for 250 local children and donated $15,000 in in-kind gifts for families and children at the Vinik Family Boys & Girls Club at Winston Park. The online retailer also presented a donation of $60,000 to Feeding...

The January 2019 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

The January 2019 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue…Get to know the new SCCCA Directors, see how your friends and neighbors celebrated the holiday season, review who donated or invested in the community in the past year, learn about the ongoing county golf cart mobility study, meet the US lawn...

The December 2018 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

The December 2018 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue…Don’t forget to vote for CA Board candidates, relive the fun of “Hi, Neighbor!” Say farewell to a friend, recall winter events in SCC’s past, discover a delicious place to eat fresh for less, and see how the SCC Emergency Squad and...

The September 2018 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

The September 2018 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue…Find out about a monthly classic car show in town, get an update on the SCC Veterans Memorial, learn about Oktoberfest celebrations in town, learn how to contact your elected officials directly, volunteer to help preserve SCC’s history, meet...

SCC Mobility Study Community Workshop

SCC Mobility Study Community Workshop

SCC Mobility Study Community Workshop

May 9, 2019 at Community Hall

 

Hillsborough County has developed a series of concepts to improve golf cart, pedestrian, and bicycle mobility for Sun City Center.  These are a result of community input and technical evaluation and include planning level construction cost estimates.  Hillsborough County is providing the community an opportunity to review the concepts prior to the presentation on May 9. Click the link below to review and rank the concepts.

Mobility Study Survey

You may also review a fact sheet which is available in the CA office and check out the poster in the Atrium near the Kiosk.  If you don’t want to go on line, input sheets are also available in the office. 

 

*Info provided by SCC Community Association

*Image from mobility survey

The February 2019 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

The February 2019 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue…The Veterans Memorial is unveiled, take a ride on a Murder Mystery Train, enjoy the Valencia Lakes Cart Parade, learn about some changes coming to the community, celebrate with residents deserving of recognition, learn what you need to know...

Play Detective on the Murder Mystery Train Ride

Play Detective on the Murder Mystery Train Ride

Play Detective on the Murder Mystery Train RideBy Kai Rambow If you love the detective genre, then taking the murder mystery train ride just might be the ticket for you. If you have anger issues, sorry, you can’t participate in the murder.During the first...

Amazon Hosts Party for Local Kids

Amazon Hosts Party for Local Kids

December 14, Amazon hosted a holiday party for 250 local children and donated $15,000 in in-kind gifts for families and children at the Vinik Family Boys & Girls Club at Winston Park. The online retailer also presented a donation of $60,000 to Feeding...

The January 2019 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

The January 2019 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue…Get to know the new SCCCA Directors, see how your friends and neighbors celebrated the holiday season, review who donated or invested in the community in the past year, learn about the ongoing county golf cart mobility study, meet the US lawn...

The December 2018 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

The December 2018 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue…Don’t forget to vote for CA Board candidates, relive the fun of “Hi, Neighbor!” Say farewell to a friend, recall winter events in SCC’s past, discover a delicious place to eat fresh for less, and see how the SCC Emergency Squad and...

The September 2018 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

The September 2018 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue…Find out about a monthly classic car show in town, get an update on the SCC Veterans Memorial, learn about Oktoberfest celebrations in town, learn how to contact your elected officials directly, volunteer to help preserve SCC’s history, meet...