Romero said, “I woke up one morning and had a dream of capturing the music influence that came from our state Illinois. I wanted to showcase the creative spirit of Illinois.”

Hand said, “We filled up quickly, in a couple of days we had our limit of 100. I took down names and emails of those we couldn’t accommodate this time. I am hoping to do this again soon for the residents we couldn’t fit in.”

Mila said, “We decided to come to the United States in 1978 when the USA opened the borders. We were lucky. Seven of us left. My husband and I with our 3-year-old daughter, my mother, his parents, and my sister-in-law. We had a friend from Kyiv living in Chicago, and he took us in for 6 months. My husband was a Tool and Die Maker and found a job quickly. I became a nurse, getting a bachelor’s degree from the University of St. Francis.”

Wordle is a simple online game that’s gained traction in the world and has captured Sun City residents’ interest also. It’s free, fun, and feverishly addictive.

Adams said, “I’m excited to share my passion for FUN ART with residents of Sun City.”

Do you ever wonder if there’s anything you could do with an empty wine bottle? Adams does.

Richard said, “I started playing the accordion. In the fourth grade, I started playing the organ, and in fifth grade, I joined the band. In high school, I was the lead percussionist. I played all percussions. I sang in the choir. I have perfect pitch.”

“You never forget your first love,” Bill said.

However, the relationship had a few twists and turns.

How different is the club now from its inception?

Chip Bell is in the exclusive club of men with real beards, and a white beard at that. But is he Santa?

Bell said, “I was working at Meijer’s and I was approached to put on the red suit. That was about nine years ago, and I have been professionally playing the part [of Santa] at shopping malls, stores, Lincoln Park Zoo, and private homes.”

Jackie Pokorny’s love for Christmas village scenes began as child.

Pokorny said, “I grew up with the tradition of having a Christmas village. I helped my mother assemble and set up the little plastic homes and stores under the Christmas tree and it always had a train circling the tree. A Christmas village was a must in our home. It’s struck me as being so beautiful.”

In front of the lodge, festive decorations set the scene for photos. As you enter the lodge at the reception entrance, a dove made by the Woodshop of Sun City sits on the table. The Woodshop celebrates the season by providing handmade toys to children. Woodchuck Rich Escallier said, “We’re going to deliver them to the food pantry.”

Bell said, “I have always sewed, I think I was in sixth grade when I started.”

Mark Schinler moved into SunCity in May 2019. He started playing pickleball in July 2019. And then, he was hooked.

Schinler has introduced a twist to Sun City’s Pickleball Courts. It’s called King/Queen of the Court, and it is a fun and competitive game variant for all levels. The pilot program started here in Sun City, and residents have taken to the new game. It quickly became a hit.

On November 1, the Sew N Sews presented 96 pairs of mittens, 180 hats, and 100 scarves to Grafton Food Pantry.

The number of apples they produce is quite the feat.

Sam Skog, one of the employees who is charged with caramel apple production, said, “We are busy making apples every day. This week on Monday we made about 3000. 5600 on Tuesday and 3500 on Wednesday. Our goal is 10,000 for the weekend. We make the caramel apples here at the Pingree Grove location for our Barrington location also.”

On Sunday, November 7, the Marine Corps League of Elgin invites veterans from all branches of service and the general public to come to the 246th birthday bash.

Grandpa, Grandma, & Me (GG & Me) has held one of their biggest events, a Halloween Party for members, parents, and grandkids, the Sunday before every Halloween.

What gave her the idea for tennis line dancing?

Linda Davis said, “We are happy that after a year and a half, all of our lead performers came back. We did have to find actors for the part of Chip. We have two grandchildren of the cast performing on alternate nights in that part. This group is a family, we have to work together, attend the rehearsals. There are so many parts and challenges to this play, but we have fun also.”

On March 17, the U.S. tightened restrictions as coronavirus cases surged and stocks took their biggest plunge since 1987. The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the United States reached 4,600 on March 17 with 85 deaths. Cities and states across the country announced increasingly tight restrictions to slow the spread of the flu-like virus. Sun City residents began their tenure of staying home.

Mike Ptak hosts “Blues Is My Business” on Huntley Community Radio broadcasting as WHRU-LP on 101.5 FM, guiding his audience through a variety of blues songs and artists. He also entices the audience with the back story to those songs.

Ptak said, “My musical sense and taste in music is the sum of varied experiences growing up in the city, working on Chicago’s South Side for some time, and an appreciation of all people and their contributions. I have played keyboards professionally in various bands in many different venues.”

Kittle said, “After Glenn sending 6000 emails, the White Sox decided the only way to stop it was to have me come out. I am Ambassador for the White Sox. I represent the team in and around the community.”

Although it is not an entry in the Outdoor Club.

Chuck Little, an environmentalist, Sun City resident, and educator, started an outdoor club over 50 years ago at Woodstock High School, changing lives of students.