Our very own Sun City resident, Maria Chakos, was among the active participants. She shared her thoughts, saying, “I’m so proud to be a part of it. I love the CPA (Citizen Police Academy) and supporting Special Olympics. It’s a wonderful cause.”

“I wrote the story in my own words. It was from my heart. When a book is edited, you lose the substance. My daughter Rhonda, a teacher, accepted how I wanted to write it.”

Holycross said, “It’s in his voice.”

Well, that’s what I wrote in a column almost 20 years ago, as Americans — particularly young Americans — used text messages and emails when they wrote.

Paarmann said, “Hapkido, a martial art, teaches kicks, punches, joint manipulation, pressure points, free fighting, throws, and meditation. All Hapkido skills are designed to subdue an opponent without causing serious injuries.”

Terdina’s art, a reflection of her self-taught journey, is a testament to the beauty of nature. Her watercolor paintings, particularly those of flowers, are a sight. As she puts it, “I have done other paintings, but I always find myself drawn back to the beauty of flowers.”

Sun City residents Sue Wallace and Mary Schulee spoke with a background of horse racing knowledge, before Sovereignty won the run for the roses at Churchill Downs in Lexington, Ky., on May 3. Sovereignty beat favored Journalism on a wet race track in the Kentucky Derby’s 151st annual race.

Hartman said, “My story begins when I got my first guitar when I was 12. I knew my grandfather made it, but that was about it.”

In 1978, Hartman’s sister gave him her harp mandolin, and his uncle gave him an 8-string ukelele, both made by Hartman’s grandfather, Carl Larson.

Hartman said, “All of them were like new. They probably hadn’t been played since 1920. We had all three hanging on the wall.” 

“We’re ready for the new year and hope we won’t be hindered by the weather on opening night,” Sun City Softball Club President Chuck Hund said. “We have a great field crew, led by John Roccosanto, who has worked on leveling the field.”

Recently, the group lost a member, Joan Ausbury, who passed away unexpectedly in her home. Ausbury was an avid quilter and volunteered at Gazebo Valor Quilters of Huntley, making quilts for veterans. 

Sun City’s top pickleball player, John Schwan, accomplished that feat at the U.S. Open Pickleball Championships in Naples, Florida, on April 27. He took on four challengers in the mens singles 75-79 age bracket, 4.0 rating, and defeated them all, returning as a repeat national champ.

April 5 was the Huntley Police Department (HPD) hosted Fourth Annual “Don’t Be Fooled by a Disability” 5K run-walk event. It is held in support of Special Olympics of Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run. According to HPD Deputy Chief Amy Williams, about 140 runners participated Saturday morning at Huntley Town Square.

Special Olympic athlete Jim Williams is happy because he is able to add another sport to his state competition list, which also includes track and field and basketball.

“I’ve had five celebrations,” he said. “Some with my family and others friends.”

A committee of Sun City residents organized a celebration.

This spring, these Sun City dancers will perform on Tuesday, June 3, and Wednesday, June 4, in Drendel Ballroom. The show, “Gotta Dance,” will feature a captivating mix of tap, ballet, and jazz routines, promising an evening of thrilling performances.

Homer said, “I have started molding chocolate treats for Easter. Chocolate bunnies are on sticks; pretzel rods are dipped in chocolate and covered with candy pastel confetti. I have made a small white chocolate basket filled with all edible goodies: chocolate bunnies, eggs, and jelly beans. There are bigger versions of the baskets also.”

Those of you who missed that column probably have some good excuse for not reading it. I’ll forgive you this time. Here’s a brief recap of some of the things I listed that probably should have pinched my spark out.

Belin is a fifth-generation educator.

“My grandmother taught in the Chicago Public School System for forty years. My mother’s work with the Chicago Charter School network focused on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. It’s in the family. My sister is also in the education field,” he said. 

Five years ago, Genny and Derek Knight joined Norwex Independent Consultants. “Improving the quality of life by radically reducing chemicals in our homes is our mission and passion,” according to the Norwex flier.

At the Village of Huntley Farmers Market March 8, the Knights explained various products of Norwex Inc.

Sun City resident Jane Conley and Marlene Middleton of Stockport, England began their correspondence as teenagers. What started as simple exchanges about music, school life, boyfriends, and their future aspirations gradually grew into a deep and lasting friendship.

Ben Manibog, Chair of the Charter Club Presidents Council (CCPC) and President of the RV Travelers Club said, “I believe there are several things we are doing to make this a special event for our community. Club Crawl is the first Sun City community-wide event solely organized by a subcommittee of the CCPC, backed by the team at First Services Residential, and supported by our Board Liaison Bill Niemasz.”