What, you might ask, is a Participation Party?
According to Bonnie Spasojevich, it’s “an event to showcase volunteer opportunities and charter clubs” as advertised by the Sun City Activity Committee.
Spasojevich greeted residents at the desk, offering a coupon for a free Culvers scoop and a bingo card to mark off each booth. She described the event as a “consumer showcase for the vibrant opportunities the community offers through its resident-run activities.”
Tennis, anyone? L to R: Donna Roche, Carolyn Lindsey, and Dennis McWilliams at Participation Day. (Photo by Chris LaPelusa/Sun Day)
“There is something for everyone,” said April Nystrom. “Pursuits include arts and crafts, cultural, educational, games, music, theater, social, travel, volunteering, fitness, and more.”
At the Grandpa, Grandma and Me table, Cindy Ptak, President of the Club, was pleased with the turnout.
“We had a successful turnout and had some interest in signing up for our club,” she said.
Drendel was lined up with tables and volunteers waiting to answer any questions. The Tennis Club had a 5-foot tennis racket that quickly caught visitors’ attention.
Carolyn Lindsey commented, “we have had a good response and interest and some fun also.”
George Gawell at the Investor’s Club table offered “We are glad for the opportunity to invite people to come and see what we are about. We think of ourselves of an education club. We invite opinions, take questions, discuss economics and talk about the market. We don’t run a portfolio. We do bring in speakers every once in a while.” Tom Birkeland added, “We also have a lot of fun.”
The Cue Club, sporting the tools of the trade at their table, posted on their website, “The Club would formally like to thank everyone who took the time to visit with us at our table!
We were fortunate enough to acquire two new members due to the event. Additionally, we had many more who took one of our informational flyers and showed real interest in our Club.”
Jim Reichard added, “The Cue Club is open seven days a week with many hours available for non-member play. To become a member, it’s $10 year.”
Bob Faust agreed.
“The Cue Club is located in the Millgrove Building on Sun City Blvd. (just West of Eakin Fields) which is also home to the Woodshop and the Model Railroad Club.”
A Van Galder Bus adorned the Lifestyle Trip Table.
Mary Maniola said, “Our most popular trips are to the Casino. Sometimes we have to add another bus.”
Deb Klinger added, “We have so many diverse entertainment opportunities available, we have theatre, concerts, ball games and they all fill out pretty fast. People get in line early to get in on these trips.”
A Union infantryman in uniform sat at the Historians Club Table. Jim Pierce, who donned the uniform, said, “The Historians meet on the third Friday at 1 p.m. in the Oak/Elm rooms at Meadow View Lodge.”
“We had a neighbor who worked for Motorola for 36 years and gave a presentation,” said Norm Osth. “Our community, our neighbors, have a lot to add to our club.”
