Semancik’s work reflects her vibrant personality and graceful spirit, offering insight into her famously calm demeanor.

Her husband, J, described her as the family’s foundation, stating, “Karen was the one who handled the difficult situations. She had a calming way of dealing with anything that came her way.”

For Dollear, the world is a stage, and sometimes that means wearing giant floppy shoes. He draws inspiration from the uplifting work of Dr. Patch Adams.

Dollear said, “I participate in organized clowning trips all over the world. The clowning is a tool for emotional relief. The trips have taken me to Italy, Central Mexico, Ecuador, Spain, Guatemala, and other places. I usually do magic on these trips.”

But Viravec hasn’t always known about her green thumb.

His Sun City story starts in 2003.

She is the eleventh generation of the illustrious Cornell family tree. She recently received a published book that contains the genealogy of the Cornell family. 

“He did have many wonderful celebrations for his milestone birthday. Both his Bridge and Pinochle Charter Club card groups celebrated his birthday. There was a celebration at the VFW and another at a family gathering. He enjoyed them all tremendously. Summaria was born on December 5, 1925, in Chicago, Illinois. He was the third of six children.”

The Sun City Theatre company decided to play a role.

Paulette Carrion, a Garden Club member said, “The Garden Club has been decorating the lodges for 25 years. Since the tradition began, the number of trees and tablescapes has grown from an original three to 18 trees, three fireplaces, an atrium bar, and many tables and buffets you see decorated today. The Shalom Club contributes by providing the many Hanukkah decorations you see in both lodges.”

Marsha Natkins, one of the committee chairs, said, “This tradition goes back fourteen years. I have two other co-chairs who have helped organize this event. Julie Shank handles publicity and Joey Begora recruits greeters for each home showcase. The greeters help with the flow of traffic and answer questions.”

Pat Janiga, Janet Andersen, Sharon Melbye, Gerry Saia, Linda Rizza, Nedra Reeves, Kathy Wendhack, Dawn Leonard, Bernice Wills, Sharon Rainey, Jesus Villa, and Janet Kargol were ready and dressed in their holiday attire. Their participation reflects Sun City residents’ strong community pride and support for local events, inspiring others to join in. They put on their reindeer headbands, identifying themselves as volunteers, and went to take on tasks at the cookie-decorating station, snacks and beverages sales, and three craft projects.

La Pelusa said, “In the beginning, we didn’t have a budget or funds to buy the materials that were needed to make the wooden toys. Construction was still underway at Del Webb, and the scraps of lumber were left on the curb; they were being discarded. We were told that we were welcome to take the lumber. That was our beginning.”

Nash said, “Sun City residents Sandi Karnatz (N33) and Dolores Fischer (N35) greatly assisted in the coordination of the shoe drive.”  

Jim Ulszer, Sun City resident and member of the Rotary club, said, “The coat drive with Grafton Food Pantry grew out of our regular pickup from Grafton boxes at Heartland Bank, Brunch Cafe, Park District Cosman Center, Huntley Library, and BMO bank. It started about three years ago, after they had been providing coats to children for several years, but felt the need to support the parents as well.”

Pat Bosi, Pat Cox, Kenn Ellis, Duane Fontana, Todd Kane, Adrianne Kaplan, Jill McCarron, Bill Niemasz, Bob Olesen, Nedra Reeves, Alex Schank, Rita Schank, Mike Shortridge, Gayle Smolinsky, and Ken Such volunteered their time and spent two days at the school, where students interviewed them.

Hughes said, “The sales office was located at the Outlet Mall in 1999. I had been living in Rockford for 35 years, and I was considering moving to a retirement community. My sister had moved to Palm Desert, but I had misgivings about moving there. Then a friend told me about an ad for a job in Huntley in the Chicago Tribune.”

Waller High School, located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago, is recognized for its college preparatory and vocational programs. The school eventually became Lincoln Park High School. The graduating class of 1962 had 165 students.

“Her stunning beauty took me aback. I saw her for the first time at a Salvation Army worship meeting in Chicago playing the tambourine. Her name was Yaneth, and I thought of her often.”

Fuqua said, “I was an average student. I could have done better scholastically. However, my focus was on sports. I was captain of the team in cross-country, wrestling and baseball.”

Welvers said, “My father was a painter. I began my studies in Mexico City. It has been my focus my entire life. I have painted everywhere I live. In my work, I seek to vividly examine questions related to the human condition by pursuing the tensions between realism and impressionism. As an artist, I examine universal truths by using the canvas as a conduit for interpreting personal experiences and reflection.”

Welvers continued her studies in art when she moved from Mexico to Germany, where she lived for 20 years. Then she moved to New Jersey and then to Illinois. But her love of art continued.

Beverly Kenny, Coordinator of the program, welcomed quilters, veterans, and their friends, family, and guests. Sun City Marines started the event with the presentation of colors. Something to note is that the Gazebo Valor Quilters Guild is distinct from the National Quilts of Valor organization. The Huntley-area quilters were once affiliated with the national group, but they split off in 2014 because they wanted their quilts to be distributed locally.

Joanne Thomas, HHS culinary teacher, has held all kitchen positions, from line cook to corporate chef consultant, in restaurants, banquet halls, and corporate foodservice suppliers. She has her own catering business and is an international travel chef. 

Straily said, “Unfortunately, all the events in this book are true. Most names in this book have been changed to protect the individuals’ identities. And yes, there is a heaven and a hell, and I’ve approached both. My book reveals a dysfunctional family life and what it leads to: pain, suffering, loss of trust, poor decisions, and a turbulent life.”

Carol Didricksen, chair of the event said, “This year, we have three florists creating and crafting beautiful floral arrangements in person.”

“I wanted to donate the shoes she had, which were in good condition, to someplace other than Goodwill. I started researching, and I found Soles4Souls, a non-profit organization.”

“She has been a dedicated member of the Elgin Symphony League (ESL) for over 25 years and manages the Boutique at the Hemmens Cultural Center, during performances. Before that, she served as an usherer at ESO concerts for six years, including during Bob Hansen’s 25th anniversary season. It is an experience she fondly remembers.”

Pam Mosier, president of GG&Me, said, “The party starts in Drendel Hall at 1 p.m. This event is also a fundraiser for the GG&Me club, raising money for the other events held throughout the year, which are offered at no cost or at a low price to the club’s membership.”