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Newcomers Gather, Meet And Greet

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By PAUL CATALA The Sun

The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 19, 2008

Standing in front of the Sun City Center New England Club table, Carl and Marcia Hansen represented exactly what the evening was all about: showing newcomers and seasonal residents what's offered in Sun City Center.

The Hansens moved to Sun City Center from Chatham, N.Y., in early October and one of the first events they attended, the Sun City Center Community Association's "Hi, Neighbor!" event, helped introduce them to all that's available in their new town.

One of the longest-running, free events in Sun City Center's history, new residents have attended "Hi, Neighbor!" to learn about all the activities, clubs and organizations in the area.

The Hansens joined more than 400 newcomers at Community Hall. Numerous booths, representing clubs and organizations, showed their wares.

Inside the Community Hall auditorium, 94 booths and tables were set up, each representing various groups - from arts and crafts, to recreation, to continuing education, to cooking and others.

The Hansens, who have lived in Sun City Center for five months, said the effort to attend was well worth their time, as they considered themselves active in whatever community they live in.

"It's really been informative," said Carl Hansen, 63, a retired computer scientist. "Here, you have all the clubs and you're able to talk to someone about them, giving you more insight to what they're all about."

As he helped direct folks to various areas, John Bowker, "Hi, Neighbor!" chairman and town historian, said for the past four and a half decades, the idea has always been to give new area homeowners exposure to what there is to do. A resident of Sun City Center since 1991, the retired RCA director of communications said the event offers guests the chance to chat one-to-one with club leaders and get materials on their organizations.

Organizations, clubs and groups represented this year ranged from the oldest - the Women's Club, established 46 years ago - to the newest, the SCC chapter of the Hillsborough County & Greater Tampa Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), which began two years ago.

A variety of other groups represented included the Accordion, Needlecrafters, Sawdust Engineers, Tax Aide and Writers clubs, and the Daughters of the American Revolution, the German-American, Stained Glass and Performing Arts clubs.

All of the groups had written and recorded information available, as well as some of their works and crafts on display. One such group, the Sew n' Sews sewing club, offered visitors a glimpse of what would be available at their annual fair the following day.

Standing at the SCC New England Club table, Vice-President Mae-Ellen Dowdy said the club was resurrected last year. The Ipswich, Maine, native said the group, with about 30 members, had one primary focus.

"We really just get together and chit-chat" she said. "It's a good ice-breaker for new residents. We like to quiz each other on New England geography and history."

As expo visitors mingled, munched on snacks provided by the community association and examined tables, Bowker said a lot of new residents told him the "Hi, Neighbor!" festival allowed them to get out, active and aware.

"What we're trying to do is create a way for people to see all the volunteer aspects of Sun City Center," he said. "Obviously, there are a lot of retirees here and they recognize they need to make their retirement more meaningful. They can help do that through some of these clubs."

More information, call the Community Association, (813) 633-3500.

Reporter Paul Catala can be reached at (813) 865-1554 or pcatala@mediageneral.com.

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