Cathy Merritt
Cheers Trip Opportunities: Several Cheers members took an adventurous river cruise to Columbia, South America. Other than being struck by illness for a couple of days and one of the members having a leak in their cabin, the trip was worth it. They came back talking about the beauty of Columbia and the friendliness of the people.
Other members chose to stay close to home, attending the annual Tubac Arts & Crafts Show and the Bisbee Copper Queen Mine Tour.
A large group from Sun Lakes is finalizing plans to take the Europa Adventure in July to visit several cities on the Adriatic Sea, including Venice, Kotar, Dubrovnik, and Athens. This cruise is on a new luxury ship from a relatively new line.
Other trips that are drawing interest are as follows:
Pageant of the Masters, Aug. 19-22, 2026, $1,395 per person double/$1,795 per person single. This annual art show and tableau exhibit is run by volunteers and is remarkable.
Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, Oct. 8-11, 2026, $1,645 per person double/$2,095 per person single. Free Spirit has a unique location on a bluff overlooking the field. You get to see more than 500 balloons lift off in the biggest balloon festival in the country.
Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, Nov. 10-11, 2026, $585 per person double/$660 per person single. Another great, short trip from Free Spirit Vacations.
Cheers travel itineraries are open to all, since we utilize and partner with licensed travel agents. For more information, call Richard Lewin at 609-332-3915 or Donna Clucky at Free Spirit Vacations at 480-926-447, Ext. 2.
Monthly Wine Tasting: On the second Wednesday of each month, a club member hosts a wine tasting and potluck dinner in their home. Advance registration is required, and a $10 fee per person is collected to provide funds for the purchase of a variety of wine, selected and presented by the host/hostess. Anne Brunick serves as the activity leader, supporting and assisting monthly hosts. Volunteers to host this event remain open for three months in 2026. Please contact Anne for details if interested.
Title I School Donations: Cheers provides charitable support to needy students at Hamilton High School and all Title I schools in Chandler. Voluntary donations of food, household items, and/or cash are provided monthly. If preferred, one may write a check directly to a school of your choice, specifying which activity you wish your contribution to be credited to. These donations are coordinated by Sally Wegryn, who can be reached at 203-470-0733, in collaboration with Hamilton Social Work staff, and are greatly appreciated in our community.
Dine-Out: Dine-Out meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month. Members dine out together at a selected restaurant in the community. This activity, coordinated by Robert Russo, provides an opportunity to try new restaurants and perhaps new types of cuisine in the company of friends. Advance registration is required to confirm restaurant reservations. The April Dine-Out will be at Legends Showcase Bar & Grill in Chandler. Dinner will include “Elvis” entertainment.
Book Club: This group meets every third Tuesday at the Oakwood Library.
For further information regarding Cheers Social Group, membership, and/or group activities, please refer to our website at Cheerssingles.org or contact Chairperson Mike Swoverland at 480-907-4623.