His life began in his adopted homeland with a deep devotion to service and education.

Vega said, “After serving as a U.S. Navy veteran, I got a strong base in engineering at Roosevelt University.”

Sun City residents Donna Scott and Carol Burgett are behind every flawless silhouette, historically accurate bodice, and quick-change seam, transforming fabric into living art.

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.”

The show features five Little Sisters of Hoboken, Catholic nuns who are bitten by the showbiz bug after putting on their first successful benefit revue. Itching to get back in the spotlight and thank their audience for their support, the sisters take to the stage yet again for a hilarious “thank you” show that goes haywire.

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.”

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.”

Putting his writing together in a volume had been on his mind for nearly 20 years, but lack of confidence kept Fox from taking the final step to publishing. Three years ago, Fox moved into Sun City and discovered that his next-door neighbor, Herb Fuqua, was writing a book. Fox felt encouraged.

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.

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.”

The gallery will be a vibrant showcase of Sun City’s artistic diversity, featuring over 140 original artworks from more than 40 talented artists of the club. The exhibition will be a rich tapestry of artistic expression, with works in acrylics, oils, pastels, colored pencil & graphite drawings, watercolor, and collage.

Hollis fondly recalls, “A friend of ours introduced us in 2007. We went out together once.” 

Degallado adds, “We talked about music, but we made no plans to get together.”

Dick Storer, Sun City resident, said, “This production was a complete sell-out in 2013, and we can’t wait to bring it back to our stage.”

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.”

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.

“Gooch wears these orthopedic Oxfords and she dresses like a frump,” says Woods about her character. “It’s a fun role. She’s the good Catholic girl and she’s in with Mame who is a high-flying, big-living, big-life type of person. She has to kind of grow into this family.”

Parsla Gagainis, Sun City resident, said, “I loved seeing everyone get into the spirit of the evening by wearing iconic costumes of the ‘50s era. My pink lady jacket was homage to the pink ladies in Grease. The poodle-skirted ladies were really awesome.”

Carol Finckle reprises the role of Golde, the brusque and long-suffering wife of Tevye. Finckle portrayed Golde on the Sun City stage before, 18 years ago. She says she is thrilled to return to the role for Fiddler, which she considers a timeless, timely, and important staple of musical theater.

Geiss was introduced to the producer, Mark Roling, through a friend. Roling has worked with Hollywood stars, including Clint Eastwood, on films like The Bridges of Madison County. Roling was interested in casting Geiss in the movie. 

Carolyn Gordon, the Chairman of the Exhibit, said, “We are featuring the work of our novice through experienced painters.”

The hours of practice and crew of volunteers, ushers, ticket sellers, sound and lighting teams, and generous support to the musical programs all played an essential role in the production’s success.

The play is set at a remote guesthouse, where seven strangers are trapped by a snowstorm. When a police sergeant arrives to investigate a murder nearby, suspicion is cast in all directions as the strangers are questioned and reveal their sordid pasts.