Clubs an integral part of Sun City communities

Chris Dempsey takes a break high atop a mountain on the fringe of the Las Vegas Valley. As president of the Lone Mountain Hiker's Club in Sun City Summerlin, he logs more than 1,000 miles a year. View file photo

Most active adult community residents are aware of the numerous clubs and organizations that abound in the Sun City communities like Anthem, Aliante, MacDonald Ranch and Summerlin.

For many residents, these clubs have become an integral part of an active adult lifestyle. Still, others choose to sit back and quietly enjoy retirement with little or no social interaction.

According to Sun City Summerlin resident C.B. Overton, many seniors are unsure about what it would mean to join a club, a concern that sometimes prevents community-based interactions.

"The community center people do what they can to promote the clubs and such here," Overton said. "I know that there are activities for almost anything, but I'm not sure that I can commit to being at every meeting. I've lived here for years and never been much of a joiner, and that's partly why. I don't want to get stuck doing something. I know I'm not the only one."

No matter what the personal outlook, these enrichment opportunities are an undeniable part of the Sun City communities.

Sun City Summerlin activities director Melissa Spina believes that the social interaction provided by the resident-based and run organizations is both unique and necessary.

"The clubs are a way for our residents to meet new people that live in the same area, the same demographic, community and age range," said Spina. "We have 84 clubs here in Summerlin, with exclusive membership for our residents. We have everything from golf to dance to exercises classes. There are clubs for men and for women. There are clubs for both. Each is different. Each is fun in its own sphere and specialty. They're all wonderful and serve their purpose."

Theresa Perz of Summerlin is an active participant in the community's French Club. She agrees that the social interaction is a wonderful part of the group dynamic, but adds that the club helps to keep her mind sharp.

"I enjoy conversing in French and teaching others about it," Perz said. "It keeps the mind awake and aware. I don't get to speak my native language too often, except when I talk to my family in Canada. The club gives me the opportunity to use it regularly."

The club meets weekly and offers beginner, intermediate and advanced classes.

Sun City Anthem activities manager Greg Dryer believes that maintaining an active lifestyle helps residents to stay young.

"There are more than 45 clubs to occupy and engage our residents," Dryer said. "Depending on the group, they meet daily, weekly or monthly. Our clubs typically have 50 or more people in them. Some have hundreds of members.

"If you have an interest, there's probably a club catering to that interest. And if there's not, you can always create one. All you have to do is have people interested in joining and get a charter."

Dryer also believes that participating in the community family allows residents to reconnect with prior hobbies and interests.

"Residents have the opportunity to fill in the identity that they perhaps lost when they moved here," Dryer said. "Things that they did or were interested in in their past lives in New York or California, that they had given up on, are often available in the form of an organization, activity or club here in Anthem. Residents can make new friends and fill that gap."

One of Anthem's more popular organizations is the Performing Arts Club, headed by president Bill Simecka.

"We are in our fifth year as a chartered club," Simecka said. "The Performing Arts Club is essentially one big club with a number of smaller sub-genre clubs under our umbrella."

According to Simecka, the club was formed in an effort to coax residents out of their shells and to give those with an affinity toward the arts a place to display their talents.

"It's always nice to have people with similar interests to connect with," Simecka said. "That's our aim. To create a place where people can connect and have fun."

Aliante community association manager Phil Crapo affirms the positive ramifications of club membership.

"Our clubs are open to all community members," Crapo said. "They're formed to give our residents a little something extra, and I'm told that it's a real highlight for many of them."

Joy Grigsby founded one of Sun City Aliante's more popular arts and crafts organizations, the Beading and Jewelry Making Club.

"Besides beading, it's a social thing," said Grigsby. " I enjoy meeting with the members as much as I do creating the designs for our jewelry."

Sun City MacDonald Ranch Italian Club president Connie DeMarco couldn't agree more.

"I'm all in favor of these organizations," DeMarco said. "We're not just a club where we promote Italian culture, although that's what we do, too. It's more about fellowshipping. There are plenty of residents here, if they aren't involved in clubs, they don't get to talk to anyone. Their spouse has passed on and they're all alone. So, that's one advantage of belonging to a club. Not just the enrichment, but also the socialization. We really try to stay on top of that here. Have some cake and coffee and talk. Basic communication among a community of like-minded individuals."

CLUBS IN SUN CITY COMMUNITIES

Age-restricted communities in Southern Nevada are packed with hundreds of clubs that meet almost every need and interest. A short selection of clubs from local communities includes:

SUN CITY ANTHEM

* Computer Club

* Current Events and History Club

* Financial Club

* Karaoke Club

* Opera Lovers Club

* Women's Club

For more information on any Sun City Anthem organization, contact Greg Dryer at 614-5860.

SUN CITY ALIANTE

* Desert Horseshoes Club

* Kaluki Club

* Poker Club

* Silver Threads Quilters Club

* Travel Club

For more information on any Sun City Aliante organization, contact Phil Crapo at 638-5007.

SUN CITY MACDONALD RANCH

* Breakfast Club

* Buddy Network

* Literary Guild

* Hebrew Social Club

* Creative Crew Club

For more information on any Sun City MacDonald Ranch organization, contact Jennifer Guillians at 270-7000.

SUN CITY SUMMERLIN GROUP

* Chicago/Midwest Club

* Ebony and Ivory Club

* Hiking Club

* Investment Club

* Nuclear Science Club

* Photography Club

For more information on any Sun City Summerlin organization, contact Melissa Spina at 242-4153.