Sun City Fire & SCHOA Partner to Battle Clutter

Sun City Fire & SCHOA Partner to Battle Clutter

“Life, liberty, and property.” These words are among the most eloquent written in history. They are also meaningful when the Sun City Fire and Medical Department (SCFMD) collaborates with Sun City Homeowners Association (SCHOA) to protect your life and your most valuable property: your home.

“Our compliance officers are Sun City residents who care about every one of our neighbors, and they are there to assist in honoring Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs) that help us enjoy a high quality of life and safety,” said Kristine Schmitz, SCHOA’s Compliance Manager. “When we are in the community, it is not uncommon to see a home where the residents are storing an unsafe level of items that place their lives, and their home – and neighbors’ homes – at risk.”

Fire Marshall Kenny Kovac explains why this is risky business. “The Fire Department urges all residents to be mindful of the fire hazards associated with excessive storage in and around their homes,” he said. “While it may be tempting to hold on to belongings or stock up on supplies, cluttered spaces can significantly increase the risk of fire and hinder rescue efforts.”

Indoor Storage Risks:

  • Blocked Exits: Excessive storage can obstruct doorways and windows.
  • Combustible Materials: Accumulating papers, clothing, and cardboard increases fire risk.
  • Electrical Hazards: Covering electrical outlets and wires can cause fires.
  • Limited Access for Firefighters and Paramedics: It’s difficult to navigate and carry out rescue operations, putting lives at greater risk.

Outdoor Storage Risks:

  • Fire Spread: Never store flammable items such as gasoline, propane tanks, a large quantity of wood.
  • Obstructed Access: Excessive outdoor storage can block and delay emergency response.
  • Weather Exposure: Items stored outdoors are subject to weather conditions, which can degrade materials and increase fire hazards over time.

Preventative Measures:

  • Declutter Regularly: Assess and reduce storage, donate unused items.
  • Organize Storage: Use shelving and keep storage neat and all exits and pathways clear.
  • Properly Store Flammable Materials: Keep these items in appropriate containers, away from ignition sources and in a well-ventilated area.
  • Check Electrical Systems: Ensure that electrical outlets and wiring are not covered or overloaded.
  • Maintain Defensible Space: Clear vegetation and other flammable materials from around your home.

Kovac added that the Fire Department is available for home safety inspections and to provide guidance on safe storage. “We encourage residents to participate in community clean-up events to help reduce clutter and improve overall safety in our neighborhoods,” he said.

For more information or to schedule a home safety inspection, please contact the Sun City Fire and Medical Department at 623.974.2321 or visit www.scfmd.az.gov.  To learn more or report a compliance concern to SCHOA, call 623.974.4718 or visit www.SunCityHOA.org.

 

 

 

 

Sun City Flag Unveiled

flag

In the photo from Left:  SCHOA General Manager Lisa Gray, Del Webb Sun Cities Museum President Andy Kindler, Sun City PRIDES President John Terko, SCHOA Board President Ed Van Ness and Sun City Condominium Association President Sue Clark.  Photo taken by Sun City Posse Commander Tina Anderson.

Keeping With Tradition Sun City Gets Its Own Flag

Flying sixty feet high over Grand and 107th avenues is a first for Sun City – an official community flag.

Three prominent flag poles have long been a symbol welcoming residents and guests near the original Sun City site, where thousands gathered to purchase homes captured in an iconic Jan. 1, 1960 photo in the same area.

In the middle of 107th Avenue flies the largest, an America flag 10 feet by 14 feet long, with the Arizona flag to the south and the new Sun City flag to the north – both 6 feet by 9 feet long.

Historically, the representation of the ‘Sun City’ flag has changed over the years from an original Sunburst logo of the Del Webb Corporation, to other flags featuring logos specific to just one among many community organizations. Responsibility for caring for the flags has also been up in the air, so to speak, with the Sun City PRIDES taking the lead on raising and lowering it in the 1980s, and the Recreation Centers of Sun City taking on the role in later years.

Thanks to a coalition of Sun City leaders, a Sun City flag representing the entire community has finally found its place in the spotlight, with the PRIDES once again taking stewardship of the care of all three flags.

“The new Sun City flag is designed to capture the spirit of our community, featuring the original Sunburst logo and retro style font, in cheerful colors that celebrate Sun City as the ‘City of Volunteers’.  The flag is inclusive of our entire community and the organizations that come together to make Sun City such a unique and special place,” said Lisa Gray, General Manager for the Sun City Home Owners Association (SCHOA).

In addition to SCHOA and the PRIDES, the coalition of those involved in this venture also include the SCHOA Foundation, Sun City Posse, and the Condo Owners Association. All five organizations worked to create this flag and have committed to helping to finance the flags as they retire, and new flags are needed. This is truly a team collaboration.

In a community with many veterans and a strong sense of patriotism, the responsibility of caring for the flags is taken seriously by the Sun City PRIDES who are careful to treat each flag with respect. Historically the flags are raised each Labor Day and taken down on Memorial Day to protect them from the elements during the hot summer and monsoon season. This will continue along with three volunteers who will assist, to ensure each flag is handled appropriately, never touching the ground, as it rises into the sky and later back down.

The PRIDES will also lower to half-staff on important occasions, said John Terko, President of the group.  “The flags are a prominent piece of our history, and we are proud to be caregivers and treat each of the three flags with the respect they deserve,” Terko said. “I encourage you to drive by and take a look at the Sun City flag, and we hope it inspires pride to live in our community.”

The cost of maintaining the flags, and replacing those that are retired, is an expense the community can help the Coalition maintain. Each flag cost hundreds of dollars but it’s a tradition that our leadership coalition felt needed to be continued.

We have opened the opportunity for those in the community who would like to help financially keep this tradition alive. While the PRIDES will maintain the flags, donations should be made to the PRIDES who will set aside all donations designated for the flags in a special account to be used only for this effort. Donations can be mailed to Sun City Prides at PO Box 1463, Sun City, AZ  85372.

Important Safety Tips from Sun City Fire & Medical

 

Fire Safety in the Home

 How to Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones

By Kenny Kovac, Fire Marshal Sun City Fire District

SUN CITY/ YOUNGTOWN—After two devastating house fires claimed lives in our community last month, Sun City Fire and Medical (SCFMD) is urging residents to take precautions to prevent future tragedies. Fires can spread rapidly, leaving little time to react, so being prepared can make all the difference.

Preventing Fires in the Home

The best way to stay safe is to prevent a fire from occurring in the first place. Here are some key steps to take:

• Check Smoke Alarms: Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every level of your home. Test them monthly and replace batteries yearly.

• Avoid Overloading Circuits: Do not plug too many appliances into one outlet. Faulty wiring and overloaded outlets are common fire hazards.

• Be Cautious in the Kitchen: Never leave cooking food unattended and keep flammable materials away from the stove.

• Use Heaters Safely: Keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn and never leave them running while asleep or out of the house.

• Store Flammable Items Properly: Keep matches, lighters, and flammable liquids in a secure place, away from children.

What to Do If a Fire Breaks Out

If a fire does occur, every second counts. Here’s what to do to stay safe:

• Get Out Immediately: Do not try to retrieve belongings. Leave the house as quickly as possible.

• Stay Low to Avoid Smoke: Smoke rises, so crawl on the floor to avoid inhaling toxic fumes.

• Check Doors for Heat: Before opening a door, feel it with the back of your hand. If it’s hot, use an alternate exit.

• Use a Fire Escape Plan: Have a plan in place with two exit routes from every room and practice it regularly with your family.

• Don’t Go Back Inside: Once out, stay out. Call 911 and let firefighters handle the situation.

Community Call to Action

SCFMD emphasizes the importance of preparedness: “These recent tragedies highlight how crucial fire safety measures are. We urge all residents to take proactive steps to protect their families.”

SCFMD offers free smoke alarm checks and will conduct fire safety workshops in the coming weeks. Residents are encouraged to participate and ensure their homes are as safe as possible. For more information on fire safety resources, visit www.scfmd.az.gov or call SCFMD 623-974-2321.

Natural Homemade Week Killer: A Recipe that Works

weeds

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We know that weeds continue to be an issue this time of year, and want to help by sharing a natural, homemade weed killer that has worked for us!

The recipe is made from products that are easy to obtain locally – white vinegar, Epsom salt, and Dawn dish detergent. Multiple of our own staff followed this recipe and were thrilled to see weeds dead the very next morning!

The basic ingredients are 2 cups of Epsom salt, 1 gallon of white vinegar (5 percent dilution), and 1/4th of a cup of Dawn dish liquid.

Below is a link to the full article with instructions, that involve simply mixing the products together, letting it settle for two minutes, pouring into a spray bottle and spraying the weeds! We recommend spraying again the next day unless results are immediate. Pull any remaining dead weeds and roots.

Always keep safety in mind, of course, and read the safety instructions on any product you use.

Enjoy the full article here.

Earn Charitable Tax Credits Before Tax Day by Supporting the SCHOA Foundation

The Charitable Tax Credit allows Arizona taxpayers to claim a dollar-for-dollar credit when they make donations to qualifying charities like SCHOA Foundation.

When is the deadline to make a tax credit donation?
TAX DAY! Contributions made to a Qualifying Charitable Organization (like SCHOA Foundation) that are made on or before April 15th may be applied to either the current or the preceding taxable year for your Arizona State tax return.

How much can I contribute?
To receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit on your Arizona state taxes, donors can give a maximum of $495 for single taxpayers or heads of household and $987 for couples filing jointly.

What if I donate to another entity? Can I claim this credit, too?
YES! There are four different qualified areas eligible for a tax credit, and you can claim each of them in the same tax year, up to your tax liability from that year.

How will my donation to SCHOA Foundation be used? You may designate your donation to go to the RAMP program helping Sun City Residents, who cannot financially or physically clean their own exterior property. Or you may ask the donation to go towards the repainting of 17 miles walls throughout Sun City (photo below). This will cost you nothing as you will receive that amount back as a credit to your 2024 Arizona taxes. It is always great, in keeping our donated monies in Sun City to help our own community.

If you are not familiar with the AZ Tax Credit program follow the following steps:

Step 1 – Donate to SCHOA Foundation, 10401 W Coggins Dr, Sun City, AZ 85351. (You can donate online here)
Step 2 – File your taxes & claim the credit by using the SCHOA Foundation code 22263.

Your donation will help our Sun City neighbors in need, in cleaning their property back to community standards. Above is an example of a property of over-grown trees and shrubbery with abundant weeds that we recently cleaned for the owner. It was done at no cost to the homeowner and paid by donations from people who wanted to help. The owner, after his property was cleaned and bushes trimmed, was delighted and very appreciative of how it turned out.

For more information on the process, visit the Arizona Department of Revenue’s Website by clicking here.

On behalf of the many property owners, who have been helped, I want to extend a big THANK YOU for your past and future donations which help many Sun City residents in a time of need.
Tax deductible donations to the SCHOA Foundation can be made online by visiting SunCityHOA.org/Foundation.

– Lloyd Maple
SCHOA Foundation President

SCHOA Looks to Membership Growth for Success

The Sun City Home Owners Association (SCHOA) kicked off 2025 with our Annual Meeting – celebrating our accomplishments in 2024 and sharing our 2025 goals.

It was important to begin the annual overview by reminding the audience that SCHOA has a long, rich history behind the very development of Sun City – and has continued to serve as a protector and advocate over the past 62 years.

While SCHOA membership is voluntary, adherence to the CC&Rs, otherwise known as deed restrictions, is mandatory. And membership growth can have a big impact on the entire community.

The good news is, membership in 2024 increased by nearly 500 new members, as new and current programs and activities were launched to educate, and support the community – including workshops, our electronic recycling event, the new residents’ orientation, and our annual Senior EXPO. Additionally, we launched our SCHOA online Merch Shop, updated our popular Sun City map — which is a community favorite — and launched our first annual Merry and Bright Christmas Lights Contest.

Compliance received 3,528 complaints in 2024, which is approximately 13 per day. The most reported issue is the condition of property. Kristine Schmitz, our compliance manager, reminded those in attendance that SCHOA enforces the CC&Rs, and what we don’t and can’t do is handle issues that involves law enforcement or civil cases.

SCHOA hosted the first Sun City Day of Service in October which brought out more than a hundred volunteers who helped to clean up 12 properties. This was a true community effort, and we are grateful for all those who volunteered their time to bless others. SCHOA also cleaned an additional 16 properties through our Community Intervention Program (CIP) and 3 properties throughout SCHOA Foundation RAMP program. So, in 2024, a total of 31 properties were cleaned through SCHOA.

Ed Van Ness, SCHOA Board President, told the audience that he was proud of what SCHOA has accomplished, and is looking forward to taking more steps forward in 2025. To quote him, “There are a lot of great things happening at SCHOA, and I only expect it to grow.”

I agreed with President Van Ness. I believe 2024 was a transformational and innovative year for SCHOA. Together our entire team has accomplished so much and I’m super proud of them. We look forward to continuing serving the community as we move into 2025.

The Sun City HOA provides a wide variety of resources to Sun City residents:

·        SCHOA maintains our CC&Rs or deed restrictions for single-family homes which protect property values.

·        SCHOA protects the age overlay that ensures we remain an affordable active adult community.

·        SCHOA monitors legislation and utility rates that could affect Sun City.

·        SCHOA offers a robust Business Partner Referral Program to its members that allows them to find companies that have been vetted and avoid being the target of scams and frauds.

·        SCHOA educates the community with a variety of events and meetings, as well as programs and activities from the monthly Roads and Safety Committee meetings to the recent First Annual Merry & Bright Christmas Lights Contest.

SCHOA membership is only $25 annually per household and is key to achieving its mission. It’s the best $25 you can invest in your community.

Learn more about the Sun City Home Owners Association at www.SunCityHOA.org, call (623) 974-4718 or stop by the office Monday-Thursday 9:00am until 3:00pm and Friday 9:00am until Noon at 10401 W. Coggins Drive, Sun City.

— Lisa Gray, General Manager

Merry and Bright Homes

The full list of Merry & Bright Christmas Lights Contest homes and the numbers they are listed by on the map:

Visit here to vote for your favorite – they are listed in the order of their numbers with photo.

Merry Christmas!

  1. 20026 N. Concho Circle
  2. 10138 W. Sombrero Circle
  3. 18829 N. Welk Drive
  4. 10806 W. Willowbrook Drive
  5. 11013 W. Jacaranda Drive
  6. 17039 N. Del Webb Blvd.
  7. 17411 N. Boswell Blvd.
  8. 9802 W. Evergreen Drive
  9. 9727 W. Calico Drive
  10. 9727 W. Cottonwood Drive
  11. 18423 N. 94th Avenue
  12. 9403 W. Willowbrook Drive
  13. 16829 N. Pine Valley Drive
  14. 9506 W. Burns Drive
  15. 9411 W. Cedar Hill Circle
  16. 15805 N. Lakeforest Drive
  17. 15614 N. Bolivar Drive
  18. 15618 N. Bolivar Drive
  19. 9906 N. Newport Drive
  20. 10307 W. Desert Forest Circle
  21. 10332 W. Desert Forest Circle
  22. 10349 W. Talisman Road
  23. 10240 W. Charter Oak Drive
  24. 10619 W. Ridgeview Drive
  25. 10741 W. Brookside Drive
  26. 10926 W. Meade Drive
  27. 12105 N. Frontier Drive
  28. 10924 W. Roundelay Circle
  29. 10950 W. Tropicana Circle
  30. 11005 W. Cameo Drive
  31. 10309 W. Floriade Drive
  32. 14240 N. 103rd Avenue
  33. 9909 W. Oakstone Drive
  34. 14426 N. Arrowhead Court
  35. 14441 N. Boswell Blvd.
  36. 14233 N. Boswell Blvd.
  37. 9201 W. Raintree Drive
  38. 10020 W. Royal Oak Road (R)
  39. 9517 W. Alabama Avenue
  40. 11827 N. Sun Valley Drive
  41. 10520 W. Crosby Drive
  42. 11208 N. 109th Avenue
  43. 10237 N. 106th Avenue
  44. 10351 W. Andover Avenue
  45. 10811 W. Camden Avenue
  46. 10053 N. 110th Avenue
  47. 11166 W. Cumberland Drive
  48. 11034 W. Cinnebar Avenue
  49. 10642 W. Mission Lane
  50. 10408 W. Mission Lane

Digital Map Tour

merry bright sponsors

  • The Merry & Bright Digital Tour can be used on phones, tablets and desktop computers.
  • The tour features all homes registered to take part in the contest to win prizes including the “Whoville Award” voted on by the public.
  • All homes are located in Sun City, Arizona.
  • The tour should immediately scroll to street level as you scroll down to each home featured. While we numbered the map for your ease in identifying homes to vote for, you can scroll down to any home you would like to see and travel in the order of your preference.
  • Click on the “+” over each photo to get a closer look.
  • Anyone can enjoy the tour and vote for the “Whoville Award” winner.
  • One vote per person toward the “Whoville Award.”
  • Paper maps are also available at the SCHOA Office during open hours, at 10401 W. Coggins Drive, Sun City (Monday – Thursday ) 9:00am – 3:00pm and Friday 9:00am to Noon (Closed Holidays).

SCHOA Launches First Sun City Merry & Bright Christmas Lights Contest



Sun City – want to show off your Holiday Spirit?

SCHOA is on a mission to turn up the Merry – and the Bright – in Sun City with the launch of a new holiday tradition that embraces the joy of the season.

The SCHOA Merry & Bright Christmas Lights Contest is the first of a planned annual tradition that encourages Sun City to showcase their decorated homes as part of a holiday lights tour that involves prizes and the community voting for their favorite.

“There is nothing that brings community together with love and joy, like the Christmas season. It really is the Most Wonderful time of year, and we want to add to that joy in our very own hometown,” said Lisa Gray, SCHOA’s General Manager. “I’m excited about SCHOA hosting this community event and encourage homeowners to participate and share their holiday spirit with all of us.”

One of the most famous Christmas movies, “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas,” captures the spirit of the new tradition, Gray added: “I love the famous quote where the Grinch after visiting Whoville, sums it all up in the end, as he spreads Christmas spirit in a way we envision this new tradition doing:  Simply put, “Maybe Christmas (he thought) doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more.”

Prizes will be awarded for the following categories – the “Whoville Award” (which will be chosen by Sun City residents), the “Griswald Award” (Lights, Lights and More Lights!), the “Gingerbread Award” (Best Use of Homemade Decorations), the “GO BIG or GO HOME Award” (Best use of Inflatables), and the “Small but Sparkly” (Best Decorated Porch, Patio or Balcony).

Registration begins on November 21 and ends on December 12.  SCHOA membership is required to enter a home in the contest. Lights should be displayed beginning December 15 through January 1. SCHOA Board Members along with event sponsors will be the official judges and judging will take place on December 18.

Maps will be made available online, and in paper format, for the entire community to tour the homes on their own time, and then vote for their favorite.

As registration begins, and the map comes together, updates will be shared online and in SCHOA’s newsletters, which residents can sign up to receive by subscribing to our emails and newsletter at SunCityHOA.org

To register and review the official rules visit www.suncityhoa.org/lights.