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10 | SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | JUNE 2017 | By Anita Lawrence Sun Lakes officially opened on May 5, 1987 and the 30th Anniversary was celebrated on Sat., May 6, 2017. Mother Nature was not in a cooperative mood bringing rain, fog, and unseasonably cool temperatures on the morning of the celebration, so the event that had been planned to be held on the veranda was quickly moved into the Ballroom and Lounge of the Main Clubhouse. Recreation Director, Jason Ewals, welcomed everyone to the event which began at 11 am with both the Ballroom and Lounge filled with residents who came to participate in celebrating Sun Lakes' 30th birthday. A number of the Founders in attendance were honored during the celebration and presented with Founder Pins, a gift card to the Sun Lakes Restaurant, and a photograph of their pictures that were featured on the cover of and in the May issue of Lifestyles Magazine. Throughout the day musical entertainment was provided by The Sounds of Sun Lakes and included Eli's Big Band/Main Street Band, Bad Influence, Bob Palmer, James Town, Tin Man's Heart, John Wall, Audacity, and The Radio Flyers. Musical entertainment was on-going throughout the day's festivities with gifted performers who reside in Sun Lakes providing a wide variety of musical entertainment. Shortly after noon, a surprise flash mob, also known as the Sun Lakes Chorale, rose from their seats throughout the Ballroom and joined Director, Bill Kliewer, in singing "God Bless the U.S.A." Sun Lakes resident and Mayor of Banning, George Moyer, spoke about what an outstanding community Sun Lakes is and how its residents have and continue to provide so many contributions as well as volunteers to the City of Banning and the San Gorgonio Pass. Mr. Moyer introduced Art Welch, who is also a Sun Lakes resident, a City of Banning Council Member, and a Field Representative for Senator Mike Morrell of the 23rd Senate District. Mr. Welch presented a Certificate of Recognition from the Senate of the State of California to the Master Board Members of Sun Lakes Country Club in recognition of the 30th Anniversary Celebration. Sun Lakes will also receive a plaque from the city of Banning in honor of its 30th Anniversary. Sandy Moyer, Master Board President, spoke for the Master Board and community in thanking the Founders for their participation in establishing the foundation for the vibrant retirement community that is Sun Lakes. A Hall of Memories, located in the Atrium, displayed many photographs and other pieces of Sun Lakes' memorabilia that evoked many memories, as well as a look at the evolution of the community over the past 30 years. The Food and Beverage Department offered a 30th Anniversary beverage called a "Founders' Special" along with grilled hot dogs and chips that were available for purchase during the event. All of the Founders present gathered for a group photograph before cutting the beautiful Anniversary Cake. At 1 pm the cake was cut by Founder Helen Thorne and Master Board President Sandy Moyer. After singing "Happy Birthday," the cake, along with assorted cookies, were enjoyed by those in attendance. The 30th Anniversary was a special day to recall the early days of Sun Lakes, to honor the Founders, and to look forward with our friends and neighbors to the future of this outstanding retirement community that we call home. 30 years in paradise