It Just Gets Better Every Year
Sharon and John Halash have a motto: Have fun or go home – and this couple from Hamburg, Michigan lives every moment of their lives in that spirit. They came to Sun-N-Fun seven years ago, on St. Patrick’s Day – can’t imagine a better day to arrive – with their friends Mary Beth and Dan Blaszczyk, joined the party that was going on poolside and had such a good time they signed up for a RV spot the following year. Two years later they purchased a Park Model and are now here every year from October through May. They haven’t looked back since.
They soon discovered petanque and quickly became big fans of the increasingly popular game. How popular? Three times a year the group meets to play Beach Petanque at South Lido Beach and this year more than 100 people attended. Now, together, they head up the group that recently played our Canadian sister resort, Sherkston, to a tie in what we all hope will became an annual event.
“We designed a new petanque area, went to GM Tim Deputy with our plan, and Tim was right on it. That’s one of the things we love about it here. If Sharon and I want to try something, Tim and the team are always supportive,” John says.
When asked who is the better player; this very wise husband answered, “She is.” Sharon teaches water aerobics one day a week, is on the tennis club’s Board of Directors, and helps Tracy with various Lifestyle events like helping the kids paint pumpkins for Halloween. John volunteers as part of a three-man team that does sound and sight hookups for events like the Murder Mystery Dinner, and plays on the volleyball, softball, and tennis teams. Together, they golf, Sharon once a week on the ladies team and once a week on the coed team with John. With all this, John still has time to pursue his passion for trains, both model and real. He fixes and repairs Lionel trains and is a conductor on the Florida Railroad Museum’s line that runs from Parrish to Willow Creek near the Myakka River. Check it out; it’s our Hidden Gem this month. “We’re here to help and have fun. It makes the days pass much too quickly,” Sharon tells us. All we can say is that this is a couple that definitely lives true to their motto.
Margaret and Bob Hanson
Spend a few minutes talking to Margaret Hanson and you’re sure to be as charmed as we were by the lovely lilt of her Scottish accent. Happily, she brings it, and her wonderful energy, to a host of activities here at Sun-N-Fun. The Hanson’s came to Florida seven years ago seeking a refuge from the winter weather in their hometown of Macclesfield, a small town in Manchester, England.
They met Marie Klebart, a cousin who’s been a Sun-N-Fun regular for 17 years, for lunch, fell in love with the Resort, bought a vacation home, and return every year from September ‘til after Easter. “We’re so glad we didn’t buy a brick and mortar,” Margaret says. “We just wouldn’t have the active social life we have here.”
And quite a social life it is. Dedicated ballroom dancers, the Hanson’s attend the bi-weekly dances at Woodland Hall. They “tread the boards” at the monthly Murder Mystery Dinners, Bob performing and Margaret serving as Stage Manager and makeup artist for the sold out shows. They help out at the annual 50th Anniversary Dinner, where those couples fortunate enough to reach that milestone are feted – the Hanson’s are celebrating their 33rd – and the Veterans’ Breakfast. And they also participate in the Children’s Christmas Party, decorating Woodland Hall for Santa and helping the kids decorate their gingerbread.
Of course, they also have their separate activities. Bob plays volleyball and plays golf twice a week with a group organized by Gary Novak. Margaret enjoys meeting her girlfriends for morning coffee, does tai chi twice a week, and walks about an hour everyday, the one activity this very social lady does alone.
Asked what she likes best about Sun-N-Fun; Margaret, without hesitation, tells us it’s the people. “Whether its Mardi Gras or Halloween, folks really get into the swing of things here in a way they don’t at home. And, of course, discovering new things. Every year there’s something new here we want to do and explore. I can’t wait for the new Indoor Pool and Wellness Center to be finished. I plan to do my tai chi there and use the resistance jets in the pool. Things here just get better every year.”
With couples like the Hansons and Halashs here at Sun-N-Fun, we couldn’t agree more.
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