History buffs gather at Anthem

Residents with a common interest in history at Sun City Anthem, an age-qualified community in Henderson, have formed a discussion group.

"While members are interested in various historic periods, our focus tends to be American history," group member Art Kunis said.

Its plan for 2003 is to have a primary theme and weave in other historical topics as time allows.

"Next year World War II is our main subject, which we'll address in a series. For example, we'll cover the prelude to war, American forces involvement, politics, battles, sociological aspects, military view, and so on, chronologically," Kunis said.

Various club members lead the discussions.

"Expertise of our members ranges from teachers and history buffs on specific historic periods to those who simply have an interest in history," Kunis said.

Among the topics already discussed are the Great Lakes, important women of the 19th century and the Civil War.

In addition to Kunis, the group is led by Bill Kohn, Wayne Rohrbaugh and Norman Rosen. So far, 25 residents have joined the group, which may become a chartered club.

"We are drawn together by a common interest and an understanding that history guides our life in many respects," Kunis said.

A retired physician and general director of a medical facility in Chicago, Kunis brought his interest in history with him when he and his wife, Beila, moved to the Del Webb community. A member of the national Civil War Round Table organization, he attends battle re-enactments.

"My wife is more interested in Asian history, in fact she's an appraiser of Asian art," he said.

The Kunises moved to Nevada 16 months ago to escape cold weather.

"I was ready to retire. We were in Las Vegas visiting friends and decided to check out Sun City Anthem. We took one look and the next day we bought a home. We just fell in love with the community," he said. "There's plenty to do here. We've made many friends."

Beila Kunis is active in the mah-jongg club and uses the fitness center every day, while her husband plays bocce and is active in the water aerobics and computer clubs. He also took up golf and plays on the community's two 18-hole championship courses.

"I like to play the new Concord golf course because it's a friendlier course for a novice like myself. I play here at least once a week," he said.

The community also is home to the 77,363-square-foot Anthem Center, which offers fitness, social and recreational opportunities for residents, as well as Trumpets Restaurant and Lounge, which is open to the public.

There are 19 model homes ranging from 1,080 to 3,009 square feet and priced from the high $140,000s to more than $500,000.

To visit, take Eastern Avenue south, two miles past St. Rose Parkway, turn left on Anthem Parkway and then turn right on Alexandria Drive. Models are open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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