Vitte said, “When parts and supplies are needed, I tell Jim Jiran. He provides the backup with the goods. We are the finely balanced team that keeps the shop running smoothly.”

“My parents gave me a tea set that had ladybugs on it for my fourth birthday, and I started collecting items that featured ladybugs,” Sheri said.

Years later, that tea set remains the center of her massive collection. Today, she holds the official Guinness World Record for the largest collection of ladybug-related items, at 6,047 distinct pieces.

It was one of the Sun City Birdwatchers Club regularly scheduled walks, on Aug. 26, and they attend such walks at area preserves. The Sun City Nature Preserve area’s three-fourth mile path has been improved as wood chips were added last year.

Elaine Rowinski is the newly elected president of the club.

Rowinski said, “With me on the executive leadership team are vice president Marsha Natkins, recorder Darlene Pratt, and treasurer Joy McGahan.”

Hosting its open house from 6-8 p.m. at the Millgrove Building (13400 Sun City Blvd), the club’s “Give the Trains a Try” event delivers a hands-on opportunity to operate the trains.

“It’s been outstanding,” Huntley American Legion Post 673 Sons of American Legion (SAL) Squadron Commander George Lewerenz said of the response.

“My parents retired at 55 and moved to the original Sun City in Arizona,” Fischer shares. “They loved Sun City and truly lived their best life.”

Among those driving the effort are residents James Papak, Sheri Goldstein, and Amy Sanecki, as well as staff members Debby Seger and Liam Sullivan. The group is charged with breaking down barriers to resident engagement and creating implementable strategies to increase active participation—a mission that directly advances the Association’s wider Strategic Goal 5.

Tinker came into Mary and Al Novak’s life when Mary retired. Mary said, “She only weighed half a pound when we got her.”

While the event is always a success, this year’s picnic featured a special milestone that highlights the lasting impact of this club.

Newman began with a modest desire to help by walking dogs, but her dedication quickly deepened when she recognized a critical behind-the-scenes need. Her passion for animal welfare began nearly two decades ago. She started volunteering in 2007 at the Colorado Humane Society.

“I got hooked,” Newman recalled. “The more you volunteer, the more you want to give of yourself.”

“I cover everything from breathing techniques and foundational poses to focused exercises for joint health, balance, and muscle tone. Each chapter is designed to help you move with confidence and purpose,” he said.

But Fatigato has another role, too. Last Halloween, he stepped in and brought Mickey Mouse to Grandma, Grampa & Me’s traditional Halloween party. Fatigato has brought delight to children’s lives for 20 years, giving them the opportunity to meet Mickey Mouse through the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

The GG&Me spring event proved to be more than simply a craft workshop; it displayed the Woodchucks’ mentorship. The Woodchucks Charter Club supplied not merely the physical tools and materials but also the expert-level patience to teach young children the fundamentals of woodworking.

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.

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.  

“I would bake cupcakes for his birthday every year,” Geary said. “One year, he wanted to surprise his wife Gloria on her birthday and asked if I would make centerpieces and I said, ‘yes.’”

Samuelson, who first became an agriculture reporter for WGN Radio in 1960, died at age 91 March 16 at his Sun City home. Funeral services were held April 9 and April 10, at DeFiore Funeral and Cremation April 9 for public visitation and the funeral service at Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church.

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.”

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.