Welcome to Nancy’s Bulletin Board!  This Board connects us in real time with updates on events, activities, community resources and with your feedback.

At the bottom of the page please leave a positive comment, story, joke, pun, riddle or timely community news to post on the board.  Resident art and photography has a place to be shared on this website’s “Show and Tell” board.  Please email me your contribution at general_activity@scaclw.com and confirm that you want it published here.

To make a reservation on the calendar please email me at general_activity@scaclw.com or leave me a voicemail at 727-799-2734 with the type of event that you are planning and for whom, preferred date and room.  I will review the calendar for availability.  Once we confirm a reservation, I will direct you to complete the online Facility Request form or you may stop in the Community Service Office to pick up a paper Facility Request form to complete and submit in that office where I have a mail box.

If you are a new resident and have questions, please attend our Good Neighbor’s “Get Acquainted & Coffee” on the second Thursday of each month 8:30 – 11:00 at the East Activity Center Auditorium.  I will be available after the event at 11 am to answer your questions and or take you on a tour of the Activity Centers. A meeting by appointment in my office is also an option.  Email me at general_activity@scaclw.com or give me a call at 799-2734.  

 

Movie Night – The Fabelmans 

 

Wednesday:  June 14 – 4 – 7 pm.  East Activity Center Auditorium.  Seating for 70, first come, first served, no reservation required.

The Fabelmans (2022) Director:  Steven Spielberg – Rating: PG-13 – Studio:  Universal Pictures Run time:  151 min.

Inspired by true events the narrative follows Sammy Fabelman on a journey of self-discovery.  At the age of seven, Sammy lives a simple life with his parents Burt and Mitzi.  After finding out an unsettling family secret, Sammy falls in love with cinema and its power to tell stories.

The movie is for OTOW residents only and offered at NO Charge.  REGISTRATION is NOT REQUIRED.  For optimum sound and viewing, seating will be limited to 70, first come, first served.  Refreshments are served by our Good Neighbor’s Association at a great price and the popcorn is free (1 bag per).

 

Father’s Day

(note: Jan is a resident of On Top of the World and writes for “Lifestyles After 50″ magazine.  She recently received an award for Profile from NAMPA (North America Mature Publishers Association)

By Jan Larraine Cox

It may seem in the previous division of labor in the 1950s and 1960s that we children didn’t see as much of Dads as we did our Moms. Dads traditionally worked outside the house yet everyone’s Dad experience is unique.

My sister and I won the Dad jackpot in many ways notably in his gregariousness.  He was well suited to his sales endeavors as he “talks to everyone” as Mom would say.  In particular he took any opportunity to talk sports, as his family of 3 females was not much interested in sports at that point in life.  Having been both a basketball and baseball player in high school and college he was excited to write a monthly sports column in school under the byline of Ecks, his nickname.

Always aspiring to be a good sport himself, the competitiveness of the business world was an aspect we might hear about at home around the dinner table.

As both an only child and a college graduate, the Army chose to induct him into the medical corps where he was trained for one year as a surgical technician. With the 96th Evacuation Hospital, he followed General Eisenhower’s path through Europe in World War II, treating the wounded.  He told us he tried his best to give them the will to live through the nights, and make it through to recovery.  Dad wrote a self published memoir of these experiences called “It Seems Like Yesterday”.

When he finally came back to America after Victory in Europe Day, his step father introduced him to our eventual mother, a beautiful strawberry blonde soprano soloist who sang in the family church. Soon afterwards they were engaged, married and off to a Niagara Falls honeymoon!

Having had years to plan the rest of his life during the war, he was more than glad to start a career, have a family and buy a house in the suburbs.   He found a Cape Cod style frame house one mile from Huntington Beach Park on Lake Erie.  The house was reminiscent of his favorite vacation spot, on the Cape in Massachusetts.  He enjoyed driving his family to visit its beaches and seafood restaurants.

At the time we moved into our home by Lake Erie there were ten acres of undeveloped land at the end of our street, with an abandoned orchard of grape vines, blackberry bushes and apple trees.  Mom quickly caught on to the neighborhood penchant of sending the kids there to harvest the fruit to be made into pies and jams. Delicious baking fragrance!

Dad liked to start the summer work days early, then change into swim attire and meet us at Huntington Beach to have fun.  He was a dashing father figure, always dressed to the nines for work, and a fine complement to Mom wherever they went.  His love of education was contagious, as the first in his family to attend and graduate from college.  His dream was for his kids to follow in these footsteps and we did!                                                          

 

Area on Aging Agency S.H.I.N.E.

SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) is a Free program offered by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco & Pinellas. Specially trained volunteers can assist you with your Medicare, Medicaid, and Health insurance questions by providing one-on-one counseling and information.

SHINE services are free, unbiased, and confidential

SHINE Counselors can be reached by calling 1-800-963-5337 or 727-217-8111.

SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) is a Free program offered by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco & Pinellas. Specially trained volunteers can assist you with your Medicare, Medicaid, and Health insurance questions by providing one-on-one counseling and information.

JUNE ZOOM MEETINGS 

 

  • Saturday Morning Medicare Basics with SHINE via Zoom Saturday, June 3rd 2023 at 10:00 am

(Designed to provide an overview of Medicare options and how SHINE can help)

When: Jun 3, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Register in advance for this meeting:

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEud-2grT4sGdB7-ooWzzUV7KnNVNXXBQFE

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

 

  • Medicare Basics with SHINE Zoom meeting Wednesday, June 7th 2023 at 10:00 am

(Provides an overview of the different parts of Medicare including Parts A, B, C, D, Medigap, and available financial assistance)

When: Jun 7, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Register in advance for this meeting:

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAvd-6upjktG9PwAsSUpeC67lTetTvs9QsR

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

 

  • Medicare Part C Advantage Plans Zoom meeting with SHINE Wednesday, June 7th 2023 at 12:00 pm

(Provides an overview of Medicare Advantage Plan options available in Florida).

When: Jun 7, 2023 12:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Register in advance for this meeting:

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEud-GqrTgiE9ON1cxZ-JAg5PCifJWFF-EA

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

 

  • Medicare Long Term Care Zoom meeting with SHINE Tuesday, June 13th 2023 at 10:00 am

(Provides an overview of some of the issues regarding Long-Term Care Planning in Florida)

When: Jun 13, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Register in advance for this meeting:

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZErceuprTwjGtbSVj-2kDYba3tKthwpJvrz  

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

 

  • Medicare Financial Assistance with SHINE via Zoom Wednesday, June 14th 2023 at10:00 am

(Designed to provide an overview of Medicare options and how SHINE can help)

When: Jun 14, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Register in advance for this meeting:

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMvduGqrjojGtKgWiD27jLutiqEysWNHn9B  

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

 

  • Medicare Part D Drug Plan Zoom meeting with SHINE Wednesday, June 14th 2023 at 12:00 pm

(Provides an overview of Part D Drug plan options available in Florida)

When: Jun 14, 2023 12:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Register in advance for this meeting:

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEuc-mgqzwiEtfA9AHdhCkbp594Fvz1aXF1  

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

 

  • Medicare Part C Advantage Plans Zoom meeting with SHINE Wednesday, June 21st 2023 at 10:00 am

(Provides an overview of Medicare Advantage Plan options available in Florida)

When: Jun 21, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Register in advance for this meeting:

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZItc-qorjwpH9eX7oar1ogKK55tAC3k0bJt

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

 

  • Medicare Basics with SHINE Zoom meeting Wednesday, June 21st 2023 at 12:00 pm

(Provides an overview of the different parts of Medicare including Parts A, B, C, D, Medigap, and available financial assistance)

When: Jun 21, 2023 12:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Register in advance for this meeting:

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIof-ugqToqHdV_B9iNun4g_UrX4hFxsQKg

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

 

  • Medicare Basics with SHINE Zoom meeting Wednesday, June 28th 2023 at 10:00 am

(Provides an overview of the different parts of Medicare including Parts A, B, C, D, Medigap, and available financial assistance)

When: Jun 28, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Register in advance for this meeting:

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwpcemorDspHdTr4ZM5RGLDpZrsBGjopJuW  

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

 

  • Medicare Part C Advantage Plans Zoom meeting with SHINE Wednesday, June 28th 2023 at 12:00 pm

(Provides an overview of Medicare Advantage Plan options available in Florida)

When: Jun 28, 2023 12:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Register in advance for this meeting:

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcqdO2vrzgsE9F9reocWGZBA0s2h8jj96rz

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

 

SHINE YouTube Videos to be viewed at any time.

  1. Shine Program Overview

Direct link to the SHINE Program Overview.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfTN04vdKG8&t=5s

  1. What is SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) en Español

Direct link to the What is SHINE Video in Spanish (Español):

  1. Medicare Long-Term Care with SHINE

Direct link to the Long-Term Care with SHINE Video:

(This presentation gives an overview of some of the issues regarding Long-Term Care Planning in Florida.)

 

SHINE offers Free Medicare Answers – Medicare Assistance in Pinellas County

SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) is a free program offered by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco & Pinellas.

SHINE services are free, unbiased, and confidential.  SHINE counselors do not sell anything.

 

Largo Public Library – Every 2nd Wednesday – Wednesday, June 7th  at 12:00 noon                                    

A SHINE Volunteer will be available to answer Medicare questions at the library located at 120 Central Park, Dr. Largo, FL 33771.  For more information call 727-587-6715

 

Pinellas Park Library – Every 3rd Wednesday – Wednesday, June 21st at 11:00 am                                 

A SHINE Volunteer will be available to answer Medicare questions at the library located at 7770 52nd St. N Pinellas Park, FL 33781.  For information call 727-369-0669

 

Gulfport Public Library Every 3rd Wednesday – Wednesday, June 21st at 1:00 pm

A SHINE Volunteer will be available to answer Medicare questions at the library located at 5501 28th Ave. S Gulfport, FL 33707.  For information call 727-893-1074

 

Seminole Public Library – 2nd and 3rd Wednesdays by appointment: 727-394-6909

A SHINE Volunteer will be available to answer Medicare questions at the library located at 9200 113 Street N, Seminole, Fl 33772. For information call 727-394-6909

 

LOOKING FOR A VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY?

Give One Day a Week, Make a Lifetime of a Difference

Neighborly/Meals on Wheels (MOW) Pinellas County urgently needs volunteers to deliver lunchtime meals to approximately 10 homebound seniors. All it takes is 1 1/2 – 2 hours a week and your vehicle! Shifts are weekdays from 10:30am to 12:30pm. Choose the day that works best for you and your location; we have nine throughout Pinellas County! To learn more and to apply, visit: https://link.zixcentral.com/u/c3dc50ca/dq6Yoyuz6xGde-MTgdRvyg?u=https%3A%2F%2Fneighborly.org%2Fvolunteer-opportunities%2F

Give the Gift of a Lift! 

Imagine you no longer had transportation…how would you go to the pharmacy or get to the doctor? Last year Neighborly helped seniors get to over 10,000 appointments and we need your help to handle overflow requests. If you love to drive, have a safe driver record, a 2006 (or newer) vehicle, and enjoy helping seniors, this is for you! Neighborly has safety protocols to keep volunteers, and our clients, safe. Volunteers do not transport individuals in wheelchairs and do not lift clients. Choose one weekday or more in any region of Pinellas County. Volunteers use their own vehicle and generally serve between two and four hours a week (but can do more).To learn more or to apply, please visit https://link.zixcentral.com/u/c3dc50ca/dq6Yoyuz6xGde-MTgdRvyg?u=https%3A%2F%2Fneighborly.org%2Fvolunteer-opportunities%2F and complete the online application and choose your orientation date (be sure to choose an orientation for Transportation Drivers!).  

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority – Link to Current Schedule and Fares

Traveling in Pinellas County has gotten easier with PSTA’s (Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority) bus and mobility programs. As always, we recommend that you plan your trip before you go out. You can do so by calling our information line  (727 540-1900) or by planning your trip through google maps.

Use bus route 62 or 76 to go to Countryside Mall, Tyrone Mall, Shoppes at Boot Ranch, Downtown Clearwater, and one transfer away from the Beach Trolley. Currently we ask that all riders board through the back of the bus and wear their mask properly throughout the entire trip. The bus service is currently free, but we will resume charging bus fares July 5th.

Current bus fares:

Route19: https://link.zixcentral.com/u/7a3b631b/pGzOwOW06xGtEGLdYFsSiw?u=https%3A%2F%2Fpsta.net%2Fmedia%2F5112%2Froute-19-020721.pdf

Route 62: https://link.zixcentral.com/u/ed5ba217/XtrOwOW06xGtEGLdYFsSiw?u=https%3A%2F%2Fpsta.net%2Fmedia%2F5143%2Froute-62-020721.pdf

Route 76: https://link.zixcentral.com/u/7cd40a78/ZDPPwOW06xGtEGLdYFsSiw?u=https%3A%2F%2Fpsta.net%2Fmedia%2F5149%2Froute-76-020721.pdf

If the bus stop is not near your home, you can use our Direct Connect program that offers you a $5 discount to travel to or from a Direct Connect location (see picture for nearest Direct Connect location).  Use UBER, Lyft, or United Taxi to get to a Direct Connect location and then transfer to a bus to get to your destination.

Program Service Hours: 5:00a.m. until midnight – 7 days a week from

Link to program: https://link.zixcentral.com/u/1adca276/KA-QwOW06xGtEGLdYFsSiw?u=https%3A%2F%2Fpsta.net%2Friding-psta%2Fdirect-connect%2F

FLORIDA VETERANS SUPPORT LINE

Talk with someone who’s been there.
If you or your loved one needs support or connections to community resources, call the Florida Veterans Support Line at 1-844-MyFLVet (693-5838) and talk to a trained specialist. Many of them are fellow veterans. Available 24/7 every day, all conversations are confidential and judgement-free.
All calls are:
Confidential
Available 24/7 every day

https://www.myflvet.com/

HURRICANE TIPS

  1. Purchase a battery-operated radio and a supply of batteries.
  2. Purchase flashlights with batteries. Use caution when using candles.
  3. Get an ice chest. Stock up on a week’s worth of water, food that won’t spoil, pet supplies, toilet paper, purchase a battery-operated fan.
  4. Refill medical prescriptions.
  5. Go to an ATM or bank and get cash.
  6. Fill your vehicle with gas. Fill a lawn mower container with gas.
  7. Do you need a generator? Never operate a generator indoors.
  8. Recharge cell phone batteries and use only when necessary.
  9. If you are evacuating, tell people where you are evacuating to and leave you contact information.
  10. Bring lawn furniture and outdoor decorations indoors.
  11. Sign up for the RAVE alert system from OTOW.
  12. Community updates will be posted on otowclearwaterinfo.com,

OTOW-TV Channel 732 and the Box Office (otowboxoffice.com).

  1. Make sure you have a first-aid kit, including bandages, ointments.
  2. Make sure important documents are safely stored.
  3. Don’t forget rain gear, blankets and home entertainment.

Don’t panic, but you may not have internet service for days.

WHEN A STORM HAS PASSED

  1. Do not go outside and begin cleanup on your own. Let OTOW

employees remove limbs and all damage. There could be wires down.

  1. Traffic lights may be out. Stop at all intersections.