Seniors strive for fun at Sun City McDonald Ranch

By Diana Cox

Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2008 | midnight

Ladies at Sun City MacDonald Ranch danced the electric slide to a rendition of the Oak Ridge Boys' "Elvira" the evening of Oct. 26.

Residents of the 55-and-older community joined together at the clubhouse ballroom for a night of karaoke, dancing and socializing. They belted out classics like Tammy Wynette's "Stand by Your Man" and defied their title as the Silent Generation.

All of the merriment was for a serious purpose. Residents Glenn Vincent and Connie Herriman decided to do something after they read news reports that said depression, suicide and attempted suicide were becoming more prevalent among their age group.

Their antidote was to create some raucous fun every Sunday evening. Vincent donated his karaoke equipment and DJ skills and Herriman set out to advertise and promote the event.

Even in a city like Las Vegas, with so much to do at any hour, members of the 55 and older community who are on a fixed income may find their options limited, the two said.

"We wanted to help people come out of their houses and have fun for free," Herriman said.

Vincent thinks a cause for the rise in mental health issues for his age group is the loss of spouses and friends. That, coupled with dealing with physical health issues and feeling like a burden to families members, can cause people to shut themselves inside their homes.

"Our age group was taught not to talk about our problems," resident Judy Ridner said. "You put on a good face and act like things are OK."

Resident Laurie Fancy recently lost her husband and said that this type of activity is "very, very important." It gives her a reason to get out of the house and socialize, she said.

"Things like this, they get us out," she said. "It makes us stop thinking about sad things."

Fancy enjoys the time to chat with neighbors and likes to see her neighbors perform.

"We've got some really talented people here," she said.

The Willows Restaurant at Sun City MacDonald Ranch offers discounts on food and drinks during the Sunday night karaoke, as well.

Chuck Van Blarcom doesn't sing but said he enjoys the event all the same.

"It's great to live in a community like this," he said.

Vincent and Herriman said they hope their efforts will bring their community closer together.

"I like it here," Herriman said. "I want to socialize and get to know my neighbors."

Diana Cox can be reached at 990-8183 or [email protected].