From Hobby to Museum Quality

From Hobby to Museum Quality

From Hobby to Museum Quality

By 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 Painters club.

Young recently entered seven pieces at the Florida State Fair. Three won first place, another three won second place, and one of the first place winners captured best in show as well.  Young’s work is currently displayed at the new De Stijl Art Gallery in Ruskin.

Young was presenting to a women’s group and delighted them with highlights from her development as an artist, and enthralled them by showing her actual work. There’s a lot more to China painting than meets the eye.

Young has been an enthusiastic porcelain painter for 20 years. She likes to experiment, learn new techniques and teach others about her discoveries.  The result is some stunning work.  Even though Young won big at the State Fair, she shared, “I’m all excited about my next piece.”

The De Stijl Art Gallery is showing and selling local artists’ works, many from our community.  They will be switching artists and displays every two to three months.  This rewarding experience is just a short drive away in Ruskin.  Note: Gallery is open only a few hours on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

 

De Stijl Art Gallery

100 E Shell Point Rd. (near post office)

Ruskin, FL  33570

(813) 773-7771

www.destijlartgallery.com/

IN THE PHOTO:  Diana Young delivering a well-received talk at the De Stijl Gallery in Ruskin. She is holding her first place and best in show vase.

September 2023 NEWS is HOT off the Press!

September 2023 NEWS is HOT off the Press!

In this issue… Have some Pool Party fun, celebrate with the History Society, register for the Active Life Games, see why local volunteers rock, go Trail Blazing, learn why a local fire chief received a lifetime honor, support Adaptive Sports,...

August 2023 NEWS is HOT off the Press!

August 2023 NEWS is HOT off the Press!

In this issue… Relive the fun of the Pancake Breakfast and the Pool Party, make some Community and Family Connections, see how local Sew’n Sews are helping our community, get Shell Craftin’, celebrate the music of Bob Dylan with the Pickers,...

July 2023 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

July 2023 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue… Enjoy the artistry of some local green thumbs, be sure not to miss the July 4th Breakfast and Family Fun Day, explore the art of Quilling (not Quilting), take a Smooth Ride down Del Webb, hear about Master Plans, high five some...

June 2023 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

June 2023 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue… Save the Date for the July 4 community breakfast, applaud student excellence at HCC SouthShore, see how Rotary is helping feed the community, relive Earth Day, celebrate national acclaim for our lawn bowlers, enjoy Music on the...

May 2023 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

May 2023 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue… Learn about the Moffitt Cancer Center kickoff, get an update on the Waterset Sports Complex, improve your green thumb with the Tillers and Toilers and the Elegant Gardeners, sail with the Cygnet Yacht Club, save the date for the...

April 2023 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

April 2023 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue… Explore the myriad of opportunities in the community through FunFest, marvel at the wonders created for the Stained Glass Show, swashbuckle with the History Society, save the date for shredding day, catch up with the Long Range...

JUNE 2021 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

JUNE 2021 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue…

Celebrate Earth Day, enjoy local wildlife, get updates on the upcoming Entertainment Series, learn about a benefit event for local pets, go back in time to a wacky and wonderful rendition of the Renaissance, experience turning 100 in SCC, see where your neighbors took The News, explore Ybor City and step on Cuban soil, discover how TPRO is keeping us safer from COVID, celebrate Cinco de Mayo with the Kings Point Garden Club, and mark your calendar for the SCCCA 4th of July Family Fun Day!

And be sure to check out the SCC Club News, Kings Point News, Military News, and Community News to help you plan your month.

Read the June 2021 Issue of The News

 

COVID-19 Vaccine Info

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

September 2023 NEWS is HOT off the Press!

September 2023 NEWS is HOT off the Press!

In this issue… Have some Pool Party fun, celebrate with the History Society, register for the Active Life Games, see why local volunteers rock, go Trail Blazing, learn why a local fire chief received a lifetime honor, support Adaptive Sports,...

August 2023 NEWS is HOT off the Press!

August 2023 NEWS is HOT off the Press!

In this issue… Relive the fun of the Pancake Breakfast and the Pool Party, make some Community and Family Connections, see how local Sew’n Sews are helping our community, get Shell Craftin’, celebrate the music of Bob Dylan with the Pickers,...

July 2023 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

July 2023 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue… Enjoy the artistry of some local green thumbs, be sure not to miss the July 4th Breakfast and Family Fun Day, explore the art of Quilling (not Quilting), take a Smooth Ride down Del Webb, hear about Master Plans, high five some...

June 2023 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

June 2023 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue… Save the Date for the July 4 community breakfast, applaud student excellence at HCC SouthShore, see how Rotary is helping feed the community, relive Earth Day, celebrate national acclaim for our lawn bowlers, enjoy Music on the...

May 2023 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

May 2023 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue… Learn about the Moffitt Cancer Center kickoff, get an update on the Waterset Sports Complex, improve your green thumb with the Tillers and Toilers and the Elegant Gardeners, sail with the Cygnet Yacht Club, save the date for the...

April 2023 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

April 2023 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue… Explore the myriad of opportunities in the community through FunFest, marvel at the wonders created for the Stained Glass Show, swashbuckle with the History Society, save the date for shredding day, catch up with the Long Range...

Elmer Mack Celebrates a Century

Elmer Mack Celebrates a Century

Elmer Mack Celebrates a Century

By Diane M. Loeffler

 

Do you know a local resident who is one hundred or older? Twenty-two Sun City Center Community Association members have reached or surpassed that number with one born in 1914, one in 1915, two in 1917, two in 1918, four in 1919, four in 1919, seven in 1920 and five in 1921. I had the privilege of interviewing a gentleman who turned 100 in May, Elmer Mack.

Betty, Elmer Mack’s wife of “39 wonderful years”, describes him as “a walking history book.” He grew up in Leipsic, Ohio and remembers when Main Street was filled with “as many horses as cars.” For three years, he served in the Signal Corps in General Patton’s Third Army and later worked civil service jobs including time on the fifth floor of the Pentagon, working as a power management analyst and being in charge of manpower, specifically National Guard troops.

Mack handled communications with President Truman and Secretary of State Burns after the war. He flew in a small plane with a four-star general. When the situation in Cuba was escalating, he was on a plane headed for Puerto Rico to check on a National Guard unit. The plane flew over Cuba for surveillance. Later, President Kennedy held his speech for three days while Elmer Mack was figuring out how many people he could amass for duty. The evening after Mack turned in his report, Kennedy reported the numbers Mack gave him.

Mack joined the original American Legion in Paris, France. Later he joined the American Legion post in Smithfield, Virginia and still belongs to it. That American Legion post is the oldest in the United States. Its building was constructed by the British.

If you speak to Elmer Mack, ask him about the Bob Hope Concert he attended as a serviceman, having lunch with John Glenn, drinking a beer with Gus Grissom, eating with Les Brown (while his “Band of Renown” played) and posing with other servicemen in a post-war photo with Russians at what was supposed to be the Elbe River (The photo was later in the AARP magazine on the fiftieth anniversary of WWII). Mack has dozens of amazing stories to share.

Elmer and Betty Mack moved to Sun City Center about twenty years ago after nine years of traveling in a motorhome (Ask him about all of the places they traveled.). Friends wanted them to live here in SCC and helped them find a place. Their walls are covered with beautiful paintings painted by Betty. She also drew cartoons for the predecessor of The News of SCC and South County. Sadly, she is now legally blind and can no longer paint or draw.

When asked what advice they would give new residents, Elmer and Betty answered in unison, “Go volunteer somewhere!” The Macks have practiced what they preach. They drove for the Security Patrol, including a shift in the middle of the night.

Shortly after Samaritan Services began SCC Rides, Betty and Elmer drove an old Ford Taurus for the service. Now Elmer and Betty use SCC Rides to get to appointments. Bruce Fraser met them while driving them to appointments. Fraser says, “Elmer is as sharp as a tack. He always has a story. The two together have lived a very interesting life.”

Until February of 2020, the Macks went to the Fitness Center three times a week. Now they use exercise equipment at their home. Ernie Kocivan says, “Elmer came to the Fitness Center for five years even though he was limited in what he could do. He was just bubbly. He talked to everybody.”

Elmer says, “Sun City Center is a place where you can get help for everything. You can’t beat the price. We always vote for every dues increase.”

During the quarantine period in February 2020, he and his wife signed up for delivery services from Walmart and ordered items on-line. “Friends and neighbors are always willing to help and they won’t accept money.” One neighbor, Ann Savage, says she is amazed at how independent they are and says they are “charming” people.

Elmer says, “Every morning we check the obituaries to make sure we’re still alive. If we are, then we check the calendar to see what doctor appointments we have.”

If you know any of the other one hundred years and older residents, talk to them, see what they need, ask for their advice. Another idea, follow Betty and Elmer Webb’s advice, “Go volunteer somewhere.”

SCC Rides volunteer Bruce Fraser has gotten to know Elmer and his wife Betty while giving them rides to appointments. Fraser said, “I thought it would be nice to honor him somehow.” He asked Walt Cawein for help organizing something for the WWII veteran. The result was a parade with horses, law enforcement motorcycles, the Emergency Squad Ambulance, and a long line of golf carts.

The carts assembled at Friendship Baptist Church at 2:30. The caravan ended at St. John the Divine Episcopal Church, near the Mack residence.

Afterwards, former Director and CA President Sam Sudman presented a citation on behalf of the Hillsborough County Board of Commissioners. Mack was also presented with a U.S. Flag flown over the Capitol on behalf of Congressman Buchanan, an engraved brick (to be placed in the Veteran’s Memorial in front of Community Hall) by the SCC Charitable Foundation, a citation from MOWW from Vern Elarth (retired Air Force Captain), and a citation from MOAA by Jim Haney (retired USMC Major).

September 2023 NEWS is HOT off the Press!

September 2023 NEWS is HOT off the Press!

In this issue… Have some Pool Party fun, celebrate with the History Society, register for the Active Life Games, see why local volunteers rock, go Trail Blazing, learn why a local fire chief received a lifetime honor, support Adaptive Sports,...

August 2023 NEWS is HOT off the Press!

August 2023 NEWS is HOT off the Press!

In this issue… Relive the fun of the Pancake Breakfast and the Pool Party, make some Community and Family Connections, see how local Sew’n Sews are helping our community, get Shell Craftin’, celebrate the music of Bob Dylan with the Pickers,...

July 2023 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

July 2023 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue… Enjoy the artistry of some local green thumbs, be sure not to miss the July 4th Breakfast and Family Fun Day, explore the art of Quilling (not Quilting), take a Smooth Ride down Del Webb, hear about Master Plans, high five some...

June 2023 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

June 2023 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue… Save the Date for the July 4 community breakfast, applaud student excellence at HCC SouthShore, see how Rotary is helping feed the community, relive Earth Day, celebrate national acclaim for our lawn bowlers, enjoy Music on the...

May 2023 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

May 2023 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue… Learn about the Moffitt Cancer Center kickoff, get an update on the Waterset Sports Complex, improve your green thumb with the Tillers and Toilers and the Elegant Gardeners, sail with the Cygnet Yacht Club, save the date for the...

April 2023 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

April 2023 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue… Explore the myriad of opportunities in the community through FunFest, marvel at the wonders created for the Stained Glass Show, swashbuckle with the History Society, save the date for shredding day, catch up with the Long Range...

The JULY 2020 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS

The JULY 2020 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS

In this issue…

The community comes together to celebrate our healthcare heroes, and we catch up with the Pelican Players. We review updates to the COVID-19 guidelines, show you where to get tested, fill you in on new procedures for the re-opened SCC Library, and get back in the swing of things with SCC Softball.

We celebrate community members who really went the extra mile for their neighbors, shine a spotlight on a couple who has dedicated decades of exemplary service to this community, welcome a new CA board member, and tip our hat to another who is stepping away. We also take a moment to enjoy some “doggone good” happenings in Kings Point and celebrate with some happy couples who are marking major milestones in the midst of the pandemic. Then we get to know a remarkable local athlete, and delve into the life of an extraordinary woman with a review of “Florence Adler Swims Forever.”

Enjoy these stories, and be sure to read the Bulletin and Community News sections to help you plan your month.

Florida in Phase 2

*Orders subject to change based on new or updated state or county mandates.

Testing Centers in Hillsborough County

Hillsborough County has a new testing reservation line. Call 888.513.6321 to make an appointment for a test at any of the seven county testing locations, including three in South County:

Redeemer Lutheran Church, 701 Valley Forge Blvd., Sun City Center

Wimauma Opportunity Center, 5128 SR-674

SouthShore Community Resource Center, 201 14th Ave. SE, Ruskin

Suncoast Community Health Centers, 313 S. Lakewood Drive, Brandon

Lee Davis Community Resource Center, 3402 N. 22nd St., Tampa

Plant City Community Resource Center, 307 N. Michigan Ave., Plant City

Raymond James Stadium, 4201 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa

Reservation call center hours are weekdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Individuals arriving without an appointment will not be tested. You must have your confirmation code, as well as a photo ID with the name and date of birth of all persons being tested, when you go for the test. For further testing information, visit “www.hillsboroughcounty.org” and search “getting-tested”. In the results, scroll down to “Testing & If You’re Sick”.

Read the JULY 2020 Issue of The News

September 2023 NEWS is HOT off the Press!

September 2023 NEWS is HOT off the Press!

In this issue… Have some Pool Party fun, celebrate with the History Society, register for the Active Life Games, see why local volunteers rock, go Trail Blazing, learn why a local fire chief received a lifetime honor, support Adaptive Sports,...

August 2023 NEWS is HOT off the Press!

August 2023 NEWS is HOT off the Press!

In this issue… Relive the fun of the Pancake Breakfast and the Pool Party, make some Community and Family Connections, see how local Sew’n Sews are helping our community, get Shell Craftin’, celebrate the music of Bob Dylan with the Pickers,...

July 2023 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

July 2023 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue… Enjoy the artistry of some local green thumbs, be sure not to miss the July 4th Breakfast and Family Fun Day, explore the art of Quilling (not Quilting), take a Smooth Ride down Del Webb, hear about Master Plans, high five some...

June 2023 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

June 2023 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue… Save the Date for the July 4 community breakfast, applaud student excellence at HCC SouthShore, see how Rotary is helping feed the community, relive Earth Day, celebrate national acclaim for our lawn bowlers, enjoy Music on the...

May 2023 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

May 2023 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue… Learn about the Moffitt Cancer Center kickoff, get an update on the Waterset Sports Complex, improve your green thumb with the Tillers and Toilers and the Elegant Gardeners, sail with the Cygnet Yacht Club, save the date for the...

April 2023 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

April 2023 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue… Explore the myriad of opportunities in the community through FunFest, marvel at the wonders created for the Stained Glass Show, swashbuckle with the History Society, save the date for shredding day, catch up with the Long Range...

The May 2020 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS

The May 2020 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS

In this issue…

We review COVID-19 updates and get some information on testing, thank our SCC Emergency Squad and Security Patrol volunteers for staying “on the job” through the pandemic, and take a look at how some of the talented and creative Photo Club members are passing the time while social distancing. We share the results of the recent SCCCA vote, explore the causes of compassion fatigue, learn about lawn bowling, meet some local musicians who shared their talent with an impromptu concert, and thank local volunteers who came together to create and distribute face masks for health care workers and the community. Then we hop in the time machine with the History Society and come back to the future to debunk common myths about growing orchids.

Read the MAY 2020 Issue of The News

September 2023 NEWS is HOT off the Press!

September 2023 NEWS is HOT off the Press!

In this issue… Have some Pool Party fun, celebrate with the History Society, register for the Active Life Games, see why local volunteers rock, go Trail Blazing, learn why a local fire chief received a lifetime honor, support Adaptive Sports,...

August 2023 NEWS is HOT off the Press!

August 2023 NEWS is HOT off the Press!

In this issue… Relive the fun of the Pancake Breakfast and the Pool Party, make some Community and Family Connections, see how local Sew’n Sews are helping our community, get Shell Craftin’, celebrate the music of Bob Dylan with the Pickers,...

July 2023 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

July 2023 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue… Enjoy the artistry of some local green thumbs, be sure not to miss the July 4th Breakfast and Family Fun Day, explore the art of Quilling (not Quilting), take a Smooth Ride down Del Webb, hear about Master Plans, high five some...

June 2023 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

June 2023 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue… Save the Date for the July 4 community breakfast, applaud student excellence at HCC SouthShore, see how Rotary is helping feed the community, relive Earth Day, celebrate national acclaim for our lawn bowlers, enjoy Music on the...

May 2023 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

May 2023 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue… Learn about the Moffitt Cancer Center kickoff, get an update on the Waterset Sports Complex, improve your green thumb with the Tillers and Toilers and the Elegant Gardeners, sail with the Cygnet Yacht Club, save the date for the...

April 2023 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

April 2023 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue… Explore the myriad of opportunities in the community through FunFest, marvel at the wonders created for the Stained Glass Show, swashbuckle with the History Society, save the date for shredding day, catch up with the Long Range...