Higgins explains, “In the fall of 2014, my wife got me a Father’s Day gift for a four-day cycling wine trip in California. I had a conflict with a real estate closing that was scheduled for the same time. I approached the client, Steve Lattimer, to extend the closing to October and explained the situation. Steve focused on the word, ‘cycling.’ He asked me if I did much cycling. When I responded that I did, he agreed to extend the closing only if I agreed to ride in the Tri-State Trek. And that was the start of it.”

“Bob Ward our past president, and current Board member has been researching our club history,” said Randy Johnson. “He has a committee that has done considerable work in discovering our roots. Bob is a long-time resident of Dell Webb, and been involved with the Anglers for over a decade.”

While their history might have been unclear at the start, it’s anything but fishy.

This year, two Sun City clubs joined together to share the experience of creating ceramic pieces with their grandchildren.

According to Cathleen Chay of the Clayground, the event was a success.

“Great day for baseball. Let’s play two,“ said Chuck Hund, President of the Sun City softball team.

“2019 marks the 75th year of Glenn Miller’s disappearance,” said Chay, who plays the drums and is the leader of the Let’s Dance Big Band.

“Take your camera and go to the softball field, and in the box right off the parking lot by the drinking fountain, you will see a new memorial plaque for softball players who have passed away over the years,” advises Barry Cianciarulo, a Sun City Resident and a Veteran player of the Sun City Cougar 16-inch Softball Team.

“Our neighbors in Arlington Heights convinced us to come and take a look,” Arlene Selm said. “So, my husband, Dick, and I came and saw the models by where the lodge is. We really had no interest in any of the models. Nothing really caught our attention. But we came back and we fell in love with this model. It wasn’t there the first time we came through.”

Looking forward to Sun City’s Club announcements about anniversary shenanigans still to come, the Tall Oaks Tennis Clubs (TOTC) is having some fun in planning their Tennis Kickoff with the big anniversary in mind.

Sun City’s Helen Wiederkehr has been selected to display her miniatures in the Huntley City Hall display case this coming fall.

This is all brought to you by a dedicated all-volunteer professional staff 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Jim Eggers, Executive Director, describes Huntley Community Radio (HCR), believes HCR has blossomed over its journey.

Jordan Debbink, the Special Events & Volunteer Coordinator at the Pioneer Center is trying to make a dent in that number.

Stevens moved to Sun City after the death of her husband.

“My grief was delayed. I moved to be near my daughter and Grandchildren and then I found out my daughter had cancer. I became so involved with caring for her and the grandchildren, that I did not get a chance to grieve.”

“One of my daughter’s friends saw the car in a car magazine and my husband was listed as the original owner,” Gagainis explained.

Gagainis took a second look at the article.

“It was our car. I couldn’t believe it. We had sold it in 1999 and now 20 years later it looked the same.”

“I think about it every day. Everyone reflects on their war experience. No one forgets the details. I was in the army for only 17 months, but I think about it every day. For 11 months, I felt threatened every day,” he said.

Linda Bahwell, who works at the registration desk, catches all of the action.

“It’s a lot of fun. These ladies get here before we do! Our community donates some great prizes and it’s a great social occasion,” she said.

The multi-generation and multi-family celebration also includes a multitude of food and activities.

Addie and Mike Metoyer’s house has that magic. The Christmas tree is just the start. Their entire home from the front yard, to kitchen, to the basement is filled with jolly decorating ideas.

This passion led Kozy and his wife Mary to Cape Canaveral, Florida to watch the launch of OSIRIS-REx on September 8, 2016. This spacecraft held a special meaning and cargo for Kozy.

Santa Claus may love cookies and milk, but he also enjoys a hearty breakfast, it seems! The festive feast with Santa in Drendel Ballroom, catered by Jamesons, included scrambled eggs, French toast, waffles, sausage and bacon, breakfast potatoes, mini muffins, mini danish, fresh fruit, and an array of drinks.

She shares her talents with others not only by the quilts she makes and donates, but also by teaching classes and assisting members one on one. She is a familiar face at the club’s workroom.

Karen Semancik said, “I joined Sew n Sews and started signing up for classes. Members freely volunteer their time to teach other members various skills. My first class instructor was Darlene Hagner. I was so impressed with her willingness to spend however long it would take to have you learn a new technique. She is very generous with her time, encouraging, and patient. I’ve already learned a lot from her, and I’m looking forward to my next class. I feel that she practically lives at the club. She is always there.”

For the last ten years, Sun City resident Beverly Kenny has organized a group a trip to the Misericordia holiday event. This day includes a champagne brunch, holiday shopping, and performances by the Heartbreakers and Heartzingers (residents of Misericordia). Attendance has gradually risen, according to Kenny.

As a volunteer for the organization, she can attest to its importance in Sun City, for both volunteers and those receiving the help.