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PODCAST · business

About the Town

by Vern & Elysa Hendricks

A podcast for and about the residents and friends of Sun City Center, Florida, designed to spotlight the many services and events of our vibrant, 55+ retirement community.

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Oct 14, 2026 · Source feed

Episodes

  1. Master Deputy Jeff Merry with the HCSO Third Quarter Law Enforcement Wrap Up

    Jeff Merry is back once again to talk about law enforcement as well as upcoming events in our community. Of course, the number one topic continues to be scams. You'll hear the estimated amount our residents have been scammed out of and trust me, it will boggle your mind. We discuss the upcoming...

  2. Bill Harris talks about the remodeled South Shore Regional Library

    Bill Harris, manager of the South Shore Regional Library (sometimes called the Beth Shields Library or 19th Street Library) in Ruskin stops by to talk about the many services offered by the library, for free, because our taxes help pay for it. And now, they are currently remodeling the interior…

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  3. Kit Hoffman for the Community Association 2026 Holiday Market

    Kit Hoffman, president of the Potters' Wheel Club, joins us to talk about all of the clubs involved in the Holiday Market which is coming up on November 7.

  4. Sam and JoAnn Sudman: The community says farewell to two great friends.

    After living in Sun City Center for 21 years,Sam and JoAnn Sudman have decided to say goodbye to our community and relocate to Pennsylvania to be closer to family. Lysa and I have resurrected the old 96.3 segment Someone You Should Know and in this first one, you’ll find out how valuable the...

  5. Judy Cesarski, Sun City Center Activities Director and the CA Fall Entertainment Series

    Ticket sales start October 5 for the 2026-2027 Series. Five dances and five concerts, all for less than $200 per person. Judy stopped by to tell us all about it. BONUS: We talk about all 10 acts and each one features a one-minute audio sample of the band.

  6. Connie Lesko, Organizer, 2026 Walk to End Alzheimer's - SouthShore, FL

    For over 19 years, Connie has been involved in the annual Walk to End Alzheimer's fundraising effort. This year's walk is coming up on October 10. This episode of our program will give you all of the details.

  7. Nancy McCall, chairman of the Sun City Center Community Association Fundraising Committee

    What is the Fundraising Committee? How are the raised funds utilized? How does this offer residents more entertainment options in our community? Nancy McCall, who is the chairman of that committee stops by to explain and to highlight some of the activities already on the calendar.

  8. Steve Shiveley, Meterologist at the National Weather Service office in Ruskin, FL

    A veteran of the US Air Force, Steve, who has spent the last 11 years working for the National Weather Service, stops by to talk about what the Ruskin office does, the area it covers and the current and short term weather for our area.

  9. Guy Bailey, President of the Pelican Players

    While we wait for the next main stage production by the Pelican Players, we thought it would be a good idea to tell everyone about all of the ways the community can get involved, and not center on any upcoming production. Guy tells us all about it.

  10. Bob Jenkins, President of the Sun City Center chapter of Lions, International

    The Kings Point South Club is the home for the twice monthly meeting of the Lions Club. For over 100 years, the Lions have been making a difference every day, everywhere they serve. Many people know of their philanthropic efforts to help the blind. But it's so much more than that.

  11. Lifeline with Elliott Bart, President of the Sun City Center Men's Club

    One of the most important services that the Men's Club provides to our communities is that of Lifeline. Lifeline is a personal emergency response system that allows someone living alone to connect quickly with trained responders in an emergency. When a Lifeline button is activated — whether worn…

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  12. Mike Bardell and Dorothy DeCoux for the Sun City Center Emergency Squad

    This time we welcome back Chief Mike Bardell and say hello to new Assistant Chief Dorothy DeCoux. We talk about the current state of the squad and discuss what happens during a hurricane. Then we move to a new symposium they are planning on handling depression, and finally we talk about Dog CPR -...

  13. Master Deputy Jeff Merry, HCSO. Second quarter 2026 Law Enforcement Wrap-Up

    Jeff joins us once again to talk about low speed vehicles, scams, crime statistics and the upcoming calendar of events.

  14. Bob Smith, Chief of the Sun City Center Security Patrol, semi-annual patrol update

    We talk to Patrol Chief Bob Smith about what's going on with the Patrol, the annual fundraising raffle which, for this year, is for a low speed vehicle, some upcoming tribute band concerts and the ongoing search for volunteers to help the patrol serve our community.

  15. Kevin Steinke and Gwen Brown for the Pelican Players production of "Let's Murder Marsha"

    Coming up in late July is the next Pelican Players stage production: "Let's Murder Marsha." Kevin and Gwen join us to talk about that upcoming production and to give us a brief history of the Pelican Players, how they continue to support our community and how everyone who wants to be involved…

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  16. Cheri Schumacher, Volunteer Outreach Coordinator, C.A.R.E. The Critter Adoption & Rescue Effort

    This week's guest on About the Town is Cheri Schumacher, the Outreach Coordinator for the Critter Adoption and Rescue Effort (CARE). Located in Ruskin CARE, which was founded in 2000, is a small, no-kill shelter, with a big goal: rescue, care for, and find homes for stray and surrendered cats and...

  17. Dee Kelly. The Sun City Center History Society.

    The Sun City Center History Society has actually been around since the days of Del Webb. This podcast will bring you information about what is currently transpiring with the History Society as we continue to grow our community.

  18. Lyn Reitz. SCC Community Association Operations Manager

    For the past 20 years, Lyn Reitz has served Sun City Center as the Community Association Operations Manager, supervising 50 employees whose jobs are to attend to our facilities and keep things running smoothly. And you probably weren't aware that this position existed, were you? Let's fix that.

  19. Cindi Malin and Len Lewinski. The Sun City Center July 4 Pancake Breakfast.

    Cindi and Len stopped by to talk about the community July 4 pancake breakfast. Pancakes, scrambled eggs, OJ and more good food for only $8. Need we say more?

  20. Vincente Lopez, Jr, President, SCC Multicultural Heritage Club. Juneteenth Celebration

    Juneteenth, the newest federal holiday celebrated on June 19th every year, honors the end of slavery in 1865. This year's celebration, sponsored by the Multicultural Heritage Club, is at Sun City Center Community Hall. Club president Vincente Lopez, Jr is here to tell us all about it.

  21. Larry Hirchak, Concert Series Coordinator, United Methodist Church of Sun City Center.

    The United Methodist Church of Sun City Center hosts a series of about 40 shows per season. From bands to orchestras to tribute shows and more, there's something here for everyone.

  22. Sarah Baez, Senior Living Placement Specialist, Care Patrol

    Sarah introduces us to Care Patrol, a nationwide organization that provides senior care options based upon individual needs and preferences to ensure the quality of life for you or your loved one.

  23. Master Deputy Jeff Merry, HCSO. First quarter 2026 Law Enforcement Wrap-Up

    Jeff joins us once again to talk about law enforcement activities in our community during the first quarter of 2026. We talk about the success of Operation Medicine Cabinet, water restrictions, golf cart and bicycle safety, and speed enforcement in our community. Jeff also brings us up to date on...

  24. Pat Masterson, Member of the Executive Board of the Roamin' Oldies Car Club

    Pat is back to talk with us once again about his other passion, classic automobiles. We talk about Pat's 1969 Camaro as well as many of the other members' classics. We also discuss the charitable work that the club does raising funds for many of our communities' organizations.

  25. Pat Masterson, President of the Florida Railroad Museum

    Just a few miles down highway 301, you'll find the Florida Railroad Museum, where you can ride the exhibits. Those of you who have not yet gone to Parrish, treat yourself to a fun afternoon and go back in time to see some of America's great rail heritage.

  26. LouAnne Rossdeutscher and Barry Tollenger from the Campaign Against Human Trafficking

    Florida is the 3rd leading state in the nation for human trafficking activities because of our agricultural and recreational industries. We'll be talking about awareness and prevention.

  27. Tribute to the memory of Sun City Center legend, John Bowker (Part 4)

    The final part of this John Bowker tribute brings together John and Sun City Center resident Dr. Bob Lochte who co-wrote the 60th anniversary book celebrating that milestone anniversary for Sun City Center. We also have an interview with John at the dedication of the community history marker in...

  28. Tribute to the memory of Sun City Center legend, John Bowker (Part 3)

    For part 3, we hear about John's participation in the early days of the Security Patrol and Meals on Wheels. He also discusses his days with the Men's Club and tells us about CAMIL, the Community Association Members' Information Line.

  29. Tribute to the memory of Sun City Center legend, John Bowker (Part 2)

    In part 2, John tells us about his involvement with the Information Center, Hi Neighbor and the resident's orientation program. He talks more about the History Society and the prior information service he provided to the community, Sun City Center e-News.

  30. Tribute to the memory of Sun City Center legend, John Bowker (Part 1)

    Today's podcast, along with the next 3, will be devoted to the memory of our friend and Sun City Center legend, John Bowker. For those who may have missed the news, John passed away on February 15 at the age of 95. John was involved in many of the organizations in Sun City Center, organizations...

  31. Judy Cesarski, Sun City Center Community Association Activities Director

    After the recent sellout at the Eagles Tribute Concert, we thought that it might be a good idea to introduce you to the Sun City Center Community Association's activities director, Judy Cesarski. Judy is the lady who makes these events happen. From concerts, to music by the pool to food trucks…

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  32. It's almost March and almost time for Fun Fest

    Good friends, good food, and good times. Carrie Blaylock, chairman of the 2026 Fun Fest, stops by to showcase the annual event and talk about the changes this year necessitated by the construction of the community's new Applied Arts Building.

  33. Ron Clark, president of the Sun City Center Community Association

    Ron joins us this week to talk about some of the things that Community Association can do for its members ... and some things it cannot. He also brings us timely news on the progress of the new Applied Arts building and updates us on the plans for the new resort-style pool and the adjacent...

  34. Dee Kelly introduces you to the Nearly New Thrift Store

    (Taken from the Nearly New Shop's Facebook page:) The Nearly New Shop is staffed with two part time employees, as well as numerous volunteers from the community. It is truly a “mini department store” carrying a wide variety of donated items from electronics, jewelry, women and men clothing…

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  35. Joanne Gilray presents the Sun City Center Community Library

    Sun City Center has a full library available to members of the Community Association. The library's collection boasts the newest best sellers, the latest movie releases, periodicals, newspapers and a whole lot more, Library Administrator Joanne Gilray tells us more about this valuable community...

  36. St. John the Divine Thrift Store with Barbara Gentry

    One of the best kept secrets in Sun City Center is the Thrift Store at St. John the Divine Episcopal Church. This wonderful boutique consisting of costume and fine jewelry, designer purses and scarves as well as some small home decor items is open Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

  37. 2025 Law Enforcement Wrap-Up with Master Deputy Jeff Merry, HCSO

    Jeff comes in to talk about how we did last year from a law enforcement stand point. We answer a couple of questions asked on our Facebook page and look ahead to what's coming up this year,

  38. Elliott Bart, president of the Sun City Center Men's Club.

    There's a lot that the Sun City Center Men's Club does for our community. Take an in-depth look at one of the community's first clubs founded back in the early 1960s.

  39. The Sun City Center Information Center with Janet Dittmore

    Janet Dittmore spends some time talking about the Sun City Center Information Center. She reminds us that the Info Center serves residents of our community as well as visitors.

  40. The services of Sun City Center Samaritan Services with Larry Smith

    For this episode, we talk with Larry Smith, president of Sun City Center Samaritan Services about the 4 services that they provide to our community: SCC Ride In Town, SCC Ride Out of Town, Alzheimer's Respite and Meals on Wheels. Find out how you can get involved and even volunteer.

  41. Golf Cart Rules of the Road with HCSO Master Deputy Jeff Merry

    Jeff returns to the podcast to talk about all of the rules concerning the use of Golf Carts on the streets of Sun City Center

  42. Meet the Candidate - Jeffrey Wright

    Jeffrey Wright discusses his candidacy for the Sun City Center Community Association Board of Directors

  43. Master Plan Phase 1B with Katie Shultz from the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay

    Vice President of Communications Katie Shultz sat down to talk with us about the proposed funding solution for Phase 1B of the Sun City Center Community Master Plan

  44. Meet the Candidate - Wayne Keyes

    Wayne Keyes discusses his candidacy for the Sun City Center Community Association Board of Directors

  45. Meet the Candidate - Carrie Blaylock

    Carrie Blaylock, the only incumbent running for re-election, discusses her candidacy for the Sun City Center Community Association Board of Directors

  46. Meet the Candidate - Greg Eisman

    Greg Eisman discusses his candidacy for the Sun City Center Community Association Board of Directors

  47. Community Association Board Candidate Mary Ann Rowe

    Mary Ann Rowe discusses her candidacy for the Sun City Center Community Association Board of Directors

  48. Robin Watt and Mike Bardell from the Sun City Center Emergency Squad

    President of the Board of Directors Robin Watt and Chief Mike Bardell of the Sun City Center Emergency Squad come by to discuss the history of the squad and all of the free services that this last Florida all-volunteer organization provides to residents of our community

  49. The Sun City Center Security Patrol with Chief Bob Smith

    Bob Smith, the chief of the Sun City Center Security Patrol, sits down to discuss the function of the Patrol, how it helps keep Sun City Center's crime rate low, and the ongoing need for volunteers. Note that this interview was recorded while Bob was the interim, acting chief. The Patrol has…

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  50. Information about the upcoming 2025 Sun City Center Golf Cart Parade

    Carrie Blaylock, who currently serves this community as Vice President of the Community Association, came in for a discussion of the 2025 Sun City Center Golf Cart Parade and Holiday Walk, scheduled for December 6

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

A podcast for and about the residents and friends of Sun City Center, Florida, designed to spotlight the many services and events of our vibrant, 55+ retirement community.

HOSTED BY

Vern & Elysa Hendricks

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does About the Town have?

About the Town currently has 51 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is About the Town about?

A podcast for and about the residents and friends of Sun City Center, Florida, designed to spotlight the many services and events of our vibrant, 55+ retirement community.

How often does About the Town release new episodes?

About the Town has 51 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to About the Town?

You can listen to About the Town on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts About the Town?

About the Town is created and hosted by Vern & Elysa Hendricks.
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