Elected in May 2025, Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, holds a special place in the hearts of the Midwest travelers. Born at Mercy Hospital in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood on September 14, 1955, the Holy Father’s roots are firmly planted in Illinois. He grew up in the south suburb of Dolton and attended school at St. Mary of the Assumption on the far south side, making this international pilgrimage feel like a visit with a local hero.

Nancy Kutska said, “This year’s performance is special. The show is dedicated to the group’s founder, Jackie Cesarone, who passed away last July, and to Mary Wyatt, who passed on March 17. Mary was the Strutters’ Artistic Director and Ballet instructor for 14 years.”

Dino Micheli, Communications Secretary, shared that the Sun City Veterans Club has supported Veterans Path to Hope since its founding in August 2022.

In 2001, two Sun City residents started a plan that has encouraged hundreds of Sun City residents to volunteer and share their skills and knowledge with the students in School District 158.  

Organizers have listened to feedback from last year’s packed house and are re-arranging the space to ensure more room for everyone to move, mingle, and meet new neighbors.

Shannon Smith, Sun City Lifestyle Assistant, said, “On Tuesday, April 21, Superintendent Jessica Lombard and CFO Mark Altmayer will host a special presentation in the Drendel Ballroom from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.”

For many, the image of martial arts is one of high-flying kicks and explosive power, but for a growing number of seniors, the Korean art of hapkido is a preferred path to aging with strength and purpose. Hapkido emphasizes coordinated power instead of brute force, making it uniquely accessible to older adults. Emphasizing circular movements and redirecting an opponent’s energy allows practitioners to maintain effective self-defense skills without undue stress on aging joints.

Janiga is the granddaughter of Edmond Michel, the visionary inventor who revolutionized the construction industry with the creation of the first portable electric handsaw. Janiga lovingly refers to him as “Pepere.”

The committee values feedback from community members.

Smolinski’s path to leadership actually began in the newsroom. “I graduated from Bowling Green University with a degree in journalism and public relations,” she noted. Initially, her career focused on writing, but her ambitions soon evolved. “I did do some writing, but I became interested in helping my community,” she said, marking the start of her public service journey.

When he admitted his lack of knowledge to the shop veterans, he says that they joked, “Good. We won’t have to break any bad habits.”

David Applegate, Club Member and project coordinator, said, “Club President Dale Svoboda, then the vice president, observed that no new buildings had been built in many years and that visitors would ask from time to time if any part of the layout represented a real town.”
The layout’s architecture and businesses were purposefully made to evoke 1950s America. This era represented a unique transition where steam locomotives remained in service alongside emerging diesels, allowing members to operate both with historical accuracy.  

Gruber found his artistic identity while attending Hirsch High School in Chicago. He said, “I earned the nickname ‘The Art Guy.’ Although my father was a businessman who first wanted me to go into business, he always supported my creative dreams. He even built me a custom art table to help with my work.”

“Our vision for Whisper Creek is clear,” Sam Patel said. “We want to restore the club to its original luxury standard.”

For the past two decades, she has been keeping history alive at Sun City.

One of the first active projects involves Nicholas Wedoff from the school’s Career and Technical Education Department and the Sun City Model Railroad Charter Club. The groups are currently collaborating on a model of the Huntley Square project for the club’s permanent display. Additionally, students are manufacturing custom components for train cars using high-tech tools.

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.”