October marked the month Sun City celebrated 20 years of continuing to provide a unique lifestyle to many, but November 10 presented some residents with yet another opportunity to celebrate a different type of milestone.
When Sun City broke ground back in 1999, people like Nancy Visconti, eagerly jumped at the chance to be one of the first to close on a house in the newly established resort-style community. Although much has changed throughout the years, the memories created amongst the pioneers of Sun City remained.
Visconti was soon inspired to host a reunion event for others like herself, who have had the pleasure of calling Sun City their home for the past 20 years.
“I thought that since we’re the old pioneers for 20 years and that’s how long [Sun City] has been here, that we should have something special for ourselves,” she said.
Visconti contacted several of the neighborhood representatives to get the word out to residents via email. The turnout was well above what was expected.
“It’s a surprise that everyone was as excited as I was about doing this. I think it’s a great turnout. Everybody’s enjoying themselves and I think it’s wonderful that Del Webb let us do this and they provided cake and coffee and water and gave us the room to do it in too,” Visconti said.
The bond the residents shared with one another was evident all throughout the Birch room at Prairie Lodge as each person got a chance to look through various pictures and articles of memories set up on several tables.
What residents seemed to cherish the most, however, was the ability to catch up with others they hadn’t had a chance to see or talk to since 1999.
Such was the case for attendees Mickey Schafe and Judith Aronson. Although they see each other often, they were excited nonetheless to interact with the others.
“We have a lot in common with people here and we’re thankful to still be alive to see how far Sun City has come. I lived were airplanes flew over my house in Park Ridge for 30-some years and then I thought if I moved out where the cows were, there won’t be so much noise and pollution. I’m happy to be here. Park Ridge was noisy,” Aronson said.
Schafe also explained the significant impact that living in Sun City for all this time has had on her.
“I wanted to be with people my own age and I wanted to have activities. There’s a lot of activities here. I tell you; I would recommend Sun City to anybody. I’m already telling my kids who are almost old enough because it is wonderful. Everybody’s friendly. The neighbors help each other. We have a lot of parties. There’s always something to go to. I would never move from Sun City,” she said.
While Sun City has seen tremendous growth and change since its introduction into the Huntley area, one thing is for certain. The residents whether pioneer or not, continue to show kindness and dedication for the community they are proud to call home.
