It was all treats for Sun City this spooky season. Local Halloween events brought the community together, as residents, grandkids, and neighbors united to celebrate.
This year, the Grandma, Grandpa, and Me charter club (GG&Me) Halloween party saw a record-breaking turnout, with over 125 grandchildren officially registered for the festivities. According to GG&Me treasurer Debra Krzeminski, there were also 97 grandparents, 79 parents, and 10 toddlers under age two. “Babies matter because my 15-month-old granddaughter had fun looking at everything,” said Pam Mosier, president of the charter club.
Behind the scenes, the GG&ME Executive Board, led by President Pam Mosier, co-Vice Presidents Bernice Wills and Dawn Leonard, Secretary Nedra Reeves, and Treasurer Debra Krzeminski, organized the event with a lot of volunteers from the membership. Drendel was decorated with props provided and set up by Rich and Colleen Hanck. Their planning, a perfect autumn day, and a well-timed break in the NFL schedule with no Chicago Bears game to compete with, helped drive the historic turnout.
The GG&Me Club offered an array of festive games and activities. Pumpkins were transformed at the creative craft stations. The board’s preparation and a dedicated crew of 22 volunteers, Huntley High School students, older grandchildren of club members, and residents. “Many of our members stepped up to help out in various functions, and we really appreciated all their help,” Mosier said.
Sun City resident Jeannie Bartels shares a festive moment with her granddaughter Jessie.
To cap off the entertainment, master magician John Measner took the stage. A familiar face in the area, Measner has previously performed at Huntley Fest and enthralled adults and children alike.
The event also featured the wildly popular trunk-or-treat event, with overall participation up significantly from last year. Parked vehicles became creative, candy-filled havens, assuring no bucket went empty. The event honors a growing local tradition.
As Mosier pointed out, “Trunk-or-treat was started by our club three years ago, and then the RV club took it over. It’s a key part of our celebration.”
The Model Railroad Club hosted its annual Spooktacular Open House, captivating parents, grandparents, and grandkids alike with finely detailed, holiday-themed train displays.
Throughout the neighborhoods, Sun City residents went all out decorating their homes. Several households gathered together in single driveways to offer collective, one-stop treat stations for the visiting trick-or-treaters.
GG&Me executive board members gather in front of festive decorations provided by Rich and Colleen Hanck. (L to R) Secretary Nedra Reeves, Co-Vice President Bernice Wills, President Pam Mosier, Co-Vice President Dawn Leonard, and Treasurer Debra Krzeminski.
Resident Russ Diprizio delivered a piece of that railroad magic right to his own front yard.
“The weather cooperated, and I put my G Scale train out,” Diprizio said. “I’d stop the train from going around on a loop when kids approached, and they grabbed a bag full of treats from one of the cargo cars.”
His specially-prepared treat bags included classic sweets and a few spooky trinkets, including toy eyeballs and severed hands.
For some residents, the day provided moments of deep, personal meaning. Resident Jim Fatigato greeted the wave of trick-or-treaters at his home dressed in a fully authentic Mickey Mouse costume.
“Cars and cars filled with kids came. I had a blast,” Fatigato shared. “To see the kids, and especially the parents, who get so excited makes it worthwhile. You know, one day at Christmas, or a birthday, or a family event, someone will bring out a picture taken with Mickey. Maybe 10 years, maybe 20. But after I am gone, I’ll have worth. I’ll have made a difference, and nothing can come close to that in my life.”
