“We need men!” exclaimed Sandy Smolinsky, representing the Laguna Woods Village Square Dancers at the 2024 Club Expo held recently at Clubhouse 5.
“I’m dancing a lot of the boy parts now,” she added, laughing. “People don’t know how much fun square dancing is, and it’s good for your body and your brain.”
The Village Square Dancers garnered 30 signups of unspecified gender from the crowd that packed the clubhouse April 30.
“Classes will start in the fall, with the first one free,” Smolinsky told them.
With the Club Expo drawing several hundred residents – by one count, around 600 – ebbing and flowing from 10 a.m. on, and parking remaining an exercise in catch as can until closing at 1 p.m., it was clear that it was next to impossible to get bored. Underscoring that point, a few members of the Senior Clown Alley made sure everyone enjoyed a good laugh as well.
All told, 74 clubs – ranging from the big guns like the Boomers Club, Chicago Club, California Club and Pickleball Club, to smaller groups like the Porcelain Artists and the artistically related Potters and Sculptors Club – had set up their tables and a few wares explaining their missions. Also prominent were clubs of sundry political persuasions: Concerned Citizens, the Republican Club and the Democratic Club.
The porcelain artists displayed their colorfully painted plates and vessels, offering prospective new members a glimpse into an art form that is both functional and fun.
The club has been active in the Village since 1973, said Naomi Bernstein, whose mother, Stella, had also been a Village resident and member of the club. She said members are supplied with materials such as brushes and paints and a place to fire their creations free of charge.
“We’re down in members right now,” Bernstein said. “Anyone interested in slip casting and china painting should come and join us.” The members ply their craft at Clubhouse 4.
The potters and sculptors have created a wide variety of vessels over the years.
“We are open to artists of all skill levels,” said Jan Cowin, in charge of recruiting new members for the club. “We’ve featured raku pottery and ceramic sculpture since the early 1970s.”
Also represented on the creative front were the Camera Club, Art Association and Publishing Club, along with the Village’s two groups for thespians, Theatre Guild and Old Pros.
The All Musicians Club is open to all Village musicians.
“We are a social club for Village musicians and their friends,” said club President Carmen Pacella.
Club members perform in several local bands. Club event entrance fees run between $3 and $10, and everything is BYO, as in bring your own.
Up until recently, the 1-year-old Community Bridge Builders represented the newest club with a distinct social mission. As of four months ago, the Village is also home to the Hispanic Heritage Club. Founded by Walter Valencia, the club welcomes anyone of Hispanic heritage.
Also centered on heritage and culture are the African American Heritage Club and the American Italia Club.
The Laguna Woods Friends of the Jewish Federation of Orange County, the Village’s National Council of Jewish Women, the Reform Temple of Laguna Woods, the Christian Women’s Connection of Laguna Woods and the Laguna Woods Bible Club were also among the groups vying for new members.
The Shalom Club’s table was festooned with flyers from past multicultural events.
“We invite everyone to join us in the exploration of the richness of cultures that surround us,” said club President Paula Kruger.
It’s hard to miss the scenic lawn bowling field near Clubhouse 2, and the Lawn Bowling Club offers free lessons to new players.
“Once a month we also have a ladies day, and use of the balls is always free,” said Joan Narmontas, who’s in charge of membership for the lawn bowlers.
And who could miss the Village’s cherished Aquadettes artistic swim team?
“We won’t have a show this year due to the remodel of Pool 1, but we are practicing and are also reaching out to assisted living places where we’ve really been well-received,” said Cindy Toerner. “We’re putting on smaller shows, which we modify according to pool sizes.”
Nope, there’s no reason to be bored in Laguna Woods.
