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Michigan Club members celebrate St. Patrick’s Day early with dinner and dessert
By MICHAEL FORTUNA, DAILY SUN
THE VILLAGES — Pat Shaw wasn’t expected to arrive in the world on St. Patrick’s Day, but the luck of the Irish had other plans.
“I was supposed to be Cynthia,” Shaw said. “(But my mom) couldn’t name me anything else but Patricia.
“I like that the whole world celebrates my birthday.”
Shaw and the rest of the Michigan Club celebrated St. Patrick’s Day a day early on Tuesday night at La Hacienda Recreation Center.
After a brief business meeting, club members enjoyed corned beef subs, potato salad, chips and a soft drink. For dessert, they ate cake decorated with a shamrock on top.
It only cost club members $5.
“That’s a heck of a buy,” club president Don Sutton said.
Then the group Last Tyme Out entertained with its bluegrass/country/gospel sounds.
Shaw was born in Detroit, then later moved to Sterling Heights and lived there for 30 years. The Shaws were within 10 miles of their jobs, going in opposite directions.
“It was good, but we hated the cold,” said Shaw, a Village of Santo Domingo resident. “We don’t miss the snow at all.” She joined the club 10 years ago, but this is her first year as secretary.
The Shaws have run into people who once lived next door to Pat’s husband, Frank.
“Small world, huh?” Shaw said.
Sutton has been with the group for 19 years, and he is now in his second term as president.
“It’s good meeting people (in the club),” said Sutton, who lives in the Village of Mira Mesa. “Most of my friends have passed on, then I meet new friends.”
He was born and raised in the Detroit area, and he also lived in Warren, Mich.
“It’s a long time ago,” Sutton said. “I played hockey and softball as a kid.”
His two children still live in the Detroit area, so he makes it a point to travel north at least once a year.
“(Michigan) is just a beautiful place to live,” Sutton said.
The club, which has about 300 members, will have horse races next month as well as a potluck dinner. Throughout the year, members take part in golf scrambles and trips to Tampa Bay Downs, among other activities.
“We’ve got some good workers,” Sutton said. “They all work real hard. Last month we had a casino night, and at 4 p.m. they were setting things up.”
The Michigan Club meets the third Tuesday of each month at La Hacienda Recreation Center. Residents who lived in, worked in, or were born in Michigan are welcome to join. For information, call Don Sutton at 750-0466.
Michael Fortuna is a reporter with the Daily Sun. He can be reached at 753-1119, ext. 9234, or michael.fortuna@thevillagesmedia.com.