It’s the most wonderful time of the year in Sun City. When it comes to celebrating the holidays, the North Pole has nothing on Del Webb. Soak up the magical ambiance of the holidays at the lodge, where you’ll find elegant embellishments and festive décor. Thousands of lights wrap the trees lining the main drive and many other trees, menorahs, and sculptures decorate the hallways of the lodge.
In front of the lodge, festive decorations set the scene for photos. As you enter the lodge at the reception entrance, a dove made by the Woodshop of Sun City sits on the table. The Woodshop celebrates the season by providing handmade toys to children. Woodchuck Rich Escallier said, “We’re going to deliver them to the food pantry.”
One of many decorated trees speckle the Prairie Lodge. This one features red geraniums. (Photo by Christine Such/My Sun Day News)
There are decorated Christmas trees everywhere. The trees have the names Milkweed Monarchs, Weed Whackers, Lovely Lilacs, Hens and Chicks, and more.
Beverly Haynes said, “These are the names of the buddy groups in the Garden Club. Each buddy group has a tree, fireplace, or table in the Lodge to decorate. We all love doing this and after the decorations are up most of the buddy groups go out to lunch. It is just a fun day for us.”
The Sew N Sews Club has a tree with measuring tape as a garland around the tree.
Joan Ausbury said, “The tree itself has always been supplied by the Garden Club. We attempted to find or make sewing-related ornaments.”
This holiday season, the Sew N Sews has donated quilts, hats, mittens, and they are known for their commitment to helping neighbors and children.
In front of the Clayground room, you will find a beautifully sculpted Nativity scene crafted by Sun City resident artists.
Pat England said, “About five years ago each member of the sculpture studio at that time created a piece for the nativity scene as a group project. We had intended it for display in the lodge.”
Jackie Forpanek agreed.
She said, “The nativity scene in front of the pottery studio was made by various members of our sculpture group several years ago. Members were assigned a different character each. The artists were me, Nick Damalas, Richard Christie, Gerald Tarpey, Bob Gienko, Harriet LaPuma, Elvera Schwarz, Amy Rohr, Marilyn Keating, Leon Urban, and Noreen Lang.”
By the Fitness center, there is a tree adorned with ornaments of fitness activities, like biking, yoga, and dance.
There are displays in both lodges depicting the celebration of Hanukkah. Hanukkah started at sundown on November 28 and ended at sundown on December 6.
Vicky Goldberg said, “The Shalom Group provided the decorations for the two lodges. We held our Hanukkah celebration in the Birch Room on Sunday. There was a menorah-lighting ceremony.”
Shelly Goldberg said, “Everyone enjoyed the holiday celebration and the upbeat entertainment. It was a blessing to be able to get together to eat a meal and to celebrate the miracle of Hanukkah, something we could not do last year because of the pandemic. Hopefully, next year we can do this again with no masks and leave the memories of covid behind us.”
Down the hall, the Grandma, Grandpa & Me Club was celebrating with their breakfast with Santa Claus. In addition, the Model Railroad Club has had an elaborate train display in the lobby, frequented by the grandkids after breakfast.
Larry Rostis, President of the Model Railroad Club said, “That while they don’t have the manpower or member interest to put up the model train display at Prairie Lodge this year, they will be running trains that day in their building from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., so all of our families will have the opportunity to see the trains that day.”
