UNFINISHED DETAILS- Gathering 3.0 Thursday, August 21, 2025

UNFINISHED
Last week’s Gathering follow-up needs
not addressed:

1. A reminder, at the Gathering Thursday it was suggested that a place should be in the community room for comments or suggestions. Maybe a resident can get a whiteboard or shoe box wrapped nicely with a slot that could work.

2. Also a donated bookshelf for a lending library for books and magazines, puzzles and games was previously suggested by participants.

3. A name for the room signage is still needed.
Unfortunately naming the room was not done as planned last week with participant consensus.
When a few more suggestions are made here and other sites, I’ll create a poll to determine a final name as required for location signage at Fairway.

❗️Please respond on this thread ONLY that you are willing to help donate items mentioned and name our community space. Thanks!

There are no planned meetings for the rest of the year. Everyone is strongly encouraged to attend all the 19 RCSC board, exchanges, town halls, candidate forums and special sessions.

However, Gathering welcome efforts are being planned….see other topic threads for details.

Anyone know if there will be more Gatherings afterall?

❗️Please respond on this thread ONLY if you have credible, verifiable information about future Gatherings. Thanks.


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ORIGINAL TOPIC POST:
Come to the next “Gathering!”

Help take ownership of ideas that are in progress to spark our unique historic Sun City “sense of community,” again and into the future.

Thursday, August 21st, 2025, 3 pm - 5pm, Sonora room at the Grand Center,
10415 W Grand Ave
(623) 561-4600

The Gathering group is currently concentrating on community social area and welcoming efforts.

Your participation is welcome, valued and needed.

Please make a list of your ideas to share at the August 21st third Gathering.

Also, meet and get to know members of your community. They love living here, too, Hear how they think Sun City might be even better.

A recent participant shared they were born in a US Japanese Internment Camp. Another had just moved here three months ago. Every person’s story is unique. And they all choose to be involved in our community, “The City of Volunteers,” and “The Community That Changed A Nation.”

HOPE TO SEE YOU.
YOU BELONG HERE!

 

Our first two gatherings have been fun and enlightening. Sharing our stories with one another helps us understand the assorted ways we found our place in the sun. It also is revealing of the many talented and varied backgrounds of the 20 plus folks who attended. We know that has always been the case. We also know from a historical perspective, the more we tapped into the membership, the stronger the bonds, the deeper the roots grew, the more that sense of community followed.

This next gathering will have a purpose with defined topics. While some feel some sense of urgency, i've always erred on building solid foundations. I get it, i truly do; when we hear the board is listening to us, it feels good to be heard. Let me use this analogy; in a world where polling is often attacked, the reality is sample size is one of the first things considered.

Let's be honest here, 20 members is far from the kind of numbers we need before rushing off with great ideas and proposals. That's not being critical, just realistic. So you know, the discussion to grow the circle is being had, but we cannot rebuild a sense of community without community buy-in.

I'll give you the perfect example: The past twenty years or so, we splintered from the concept of big picture Sun City. There's still a boatload of small picture communities around Sun City. Almost every club, most organizations and many churches have fixated on their own survival/success. That's not wrong, the problem is everyone just looks after their own particular interest.

Dare i say, self-serving? We could and many have argued, it is a societal thing. Me, me, me. The shortcoming from that perspective most often results in tribal thinking, with the survival of their interests being placed above anyone/everyone else's. It is exactly why the past 10 years has been so challenging. There has been little collective spirit, you know, the greater good of the community and the organizations around us.

Restoring that will not be easy, cheap or fast. It's a process, and a long term one at that. There's the other rub, Sun City all too often looks at long term planning in very short spans of time. I can see we are trying to change, but when board members are in a constant state of flux, worrying or caring about 10, 15 or even 20 years down the road hasn't been our strong suit.

In my opinion, our gatherings are a start, a good start...but indeed only a start. We need the process to expand in numbers, increase in scope and develop a long-term strategy that becomes a fabric within the community and within the structure.

As always, this is just one man's opinion.

 

Sharing a comment promoting the August 21st, 2025 Gathering, by Carole Martinez on the
Commendation for the Board Members thread today:
“I expected blow back when I offered kudos to the board members for their time given. I could have never imagined the twists and turns that have followed.
It has been great to see the discussion continue and, I, for one, am very grateful to be able to post and share information about this community we all live in.
Thank you all for your continued contributions to making Sun City a better place to live. Even better, in my opinion, would be to have everyone come and be a part of a grassroots movement to make Sun City work for everyone’s benefit.
The reminiscences of what we were is only a hint of what we can become with the support of the community members. The needs have been clearly defined earlier. The gathering is beyond those needs for the RCSC to achieve. The gathering is what the community needs to move forward and grow. The gathering is about the community of Sun City, for the members of Sun City, and for those who would purchase in Sun City. We are Sun City and we would love to have you join our group to help build what Sun City can achieve with your help.
The next group gathering is August 21 at the Grand Center at 3 pm. Would be most exciting to have your voice included in shaping our conversation about and for Sun City.”
#
Original comment posted HERE.

 

I have ruminated over this post, as I have been trying to figure out how to best way to reply to it without sounding glib or rude.
The statement about expanding the “process”, increase in scope, and develop a long term strategy sounds like a goal of a structured process attached to a group with a specific purpose in mind. Whenever I think of strategies, I associate them with specific objectives looking for a particular goal to achieve. When I think of adding scope to a group, I think of how the group could use set benchmarks or timelines for measuring their success and progress.
The current approach to the meetings is one of no specific objectives and open to all participants and ideas. Love the concept of those motivations. I am having trouble with both concepts being mutually inclusive.
Most people feel better when a group has some sort of connection to their own personal values and interests. Does not stating what we are trying to achieve as a group, or even creating an identity that says who and what we are serve our group values? What are our group goals, values and beliefs? I know we are new, and are making every effort to be better able to tap into the community spirit that is so powerful and meaningful for all of us. The reason for not defining the group is as complex as the reasons there is such a need for a community outreach group. Leaving the group definition open is one way to try to invite participants. Not having a definition of what, where and how to get there can also create a vacuum that others may feel is not a cohesive process for the group.
Please understand I am not advocating in any particular direction. I am merely asking if there should be additional parameters offered as to what the objectives are for the group, are there any particular goals that those of us participating and those considering attending would like to see described? Should there be discussions around any long term/short term plans the group can implement or plan to achieve, with the help from the board? Is it feasible to believe the group can achieve great success without the need for board involvement?
I have great faith and respect that the group can and will continue to work together for the benefit of all of Sun City. I also am very aware of how new this group is, and the importance of collaboration and continued support from the members is to the success of the group and its participants. Just wanted to express my gratitude and appreciation for those involved and welcome any and all to please come and participate in the discussion.

 

Maybe post a synopsis of the meeting. How many attended, items discussed, ideas presented from residents. Giving a "flavor" of each meeting might entice more to want to attend.

Josie P, Jul 25, 2025

Making people feel included along with saying they are valued can go a long way.

 

Yesterday we held our third "gathering" and the numbers were half what the first two were, it was an interesting two hours. This one was more focused on two items: The community room and new residents. Obviously the first one was diluted by the fact we now had a community room as opposed to wanting one. There were more than a fair share of comments; both the upside and the downside.

The good news was there was little to no cost and it was done quickly; dare i say record speed by RCSC standards. While 3 pool tables were removed, two stayed, electronic dartboards were added as well as a television, some comfortable furniture and a couple of tables and chairs to sit around. The bad marks were the RCSC could have done a better job letting pool players know the change was coming and the bigger concern is if the room doesn't get wide acceptance, the board will see it as something the community doesn't need.

The second item was more my cup of tea. I've long lamented the failure to properly or adequately help new members get acclimated to our community. The Outreach and Communication committee will be working on that exact topic in the coming months. We know from our gatherings, there are at least three members who attended who have a background in Chamber of Commerce experience/leadership.

Clearly that's a nice fit with the idea/goal of establishing community relationships that extend beyond what we currently have. I saw and heard large windows of opportunity opening and any sense we can help shift the previous years direction is music to my ears and most of those in attendance.

Moving forward, i will be stepping away and focusing on the RCSC scheduled meetings, town halls and committees of interest. I heard others say they want to keep the gatherings going and kudos to them for stepping up and filling the small void i will make when i step aside. Sun City is filled with smart people with an enormous set of skills.

Again, thanks to all who participated.

 

Yes, but unfortunately, no date was set for a next "Gathering" meeting , or if it will be held in the Sonora Room at Grand or moved to the new Community Room at Fairway?

Personally, I too am more interested in the upcoming Town Halls, Exchanges and Board Meetings.

We're only 17 days away from the next Exchange on September 8th @ 9 .am. @ Sundial.

P.S. It's no longer unacceptable to wear white after Labor Day, September, 1st!

 

RCSC Provides Opportunities For Member Participation at Board, Town Halls, Committees and Work Group Special Meetings

How many meetings and hours do you plan to attend?

Much less than those who volunteer preparing and presenting multiple times to inform and engage the membership! Thank you.

• RCSC 2025 Town Halls: Mountain View, 2026 Budget, Bylaws and Policies and dates the board votes.

The Exchange Meeting
Monday, September 8, 2025, at 9:00am
Sundial Auditorium

‍Mountain View Town Hall Meeting Tuesday, September 16, 2025, from 5:30-9:00pm (3 and 1/2 hours) triARC Programing Presentation Sundial Auditorium

The Exchange Meeting (9:00am-noon) Monday, October 13, 2025, from 9:00am-3:00pm
1 Hour Break
Town Hall – 2026 Budget Presentation(1:00-3:00pm) Sundial Auditorium ( 6 hours if attending both the Exchange and Town Hall)

Town Hall – 2026 Budget Presentation Tuesday, October 14, 2025, from 5:00-9:00pm Sundial Auditorium (4 hours)

Town Hall – Bylaws Presentation Monday, October 20, 2025, from 10:00am-noon Sundial Auditorium (2 hours)

Town Hall – Bylaws Presentation Wednesday, October 22, 2025, from 5:00-9:00pm Sundial Auditorium (4 hours)

Special Session– First Reading of Bylaws Wednesday, October 29, 2025, from 6:00-9:00pm First Reading of the Bylaws Sundial Auditorium (3 hours)

Extended Board Meeting – First Reading Budget Motion Thursday, October 30, 2025, from 9:00am-3:00pm Sundial Auditorium (6 hours)

The Exchange Meeting (9:00am-noon) Monday, November 10, 2025, from 9:00am-3:00pm
1 Hour Break
Special Session – Second Reading Bylaws (1:00-3:00pm) Sundial Auditorium (6 hours if attending the Exchange and Town Hall including a 1 hour break)

️ Candidate Forum Tuesday, November 11, 2025, from 2:00-4:00pm Sundial Auditorium (2 hours)

Town Hall – Board Policies Friday, November 14,2025, from 10:00am-noon Sundial Auditorium (2 hours)

️ Candidate Forum Tuesday, November 17, 2025, from 6:00-8:00pm Sundial Auditorium!(2 hours)

Board Meeting – $ Second Reading Budget Motion and • First Reading Board Policy Motions Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 9:00am Sundial Auditorium

Special Session – Second Reading Board Policy Motions Monday, December 1, 2025, from 9:00am-noon Sundial Auditorium (3 hours)

️ RCSC Board Election In person voting at Lakeview Center, Tuesday, December 9, 2025, from 8:00am-4:00pm

❗️PARTICIPATE IN ALL THE 2025 REMAINING RCSC BOARD MEETINGS❗️
View by List and Calendar HERE.

DATE RELEASED
08/01/2025 - RCSC Board Special Meetings
RCSC E-BLAST HERE.

Source: https://suncityaz.org/rcsc/board-and-committee-meetings/

 

❓How do we let new residents and existing ones know we’re glad they chose to live in Sun City, that they belong here?
❓How do we inform residents about the many layers of the Recreation Centers of Sun City and our entire Sun City Community?

The RCSC Outreach and Communications Committee invites YOU to share suggestions to improve communication with both new and established Sun City residents.

❓Interested❓
Join them Thursday, September 18, 2025, 2pm Lakeview Board Room. RCSC Vice President and OCC chair is Chris Nettesheim – cnettesheim@suncityaz.org

 

I personally would like to see the gathering meetings continue, as they were fruitful in producing ideas for the community to build on.
I especially like the idea of growing the visitor center to be more available during longer hours and to make it the location of the packet pick up and perhaps the photo ID card location. Incorporating volunteers to be available to offer real value information about the community they just purchased in. Also, grow the visitor center to be a marketing center where those interested in more information can come to and get a more personal and informational experience. Get a videographer to put together a summary view of the community place the video on the website and have it playing on the visitor center in an area designed to offer information about the greatness of the community. While the focus may be for new buyers, I am sure there are plenty of current owners who could also utilize this information. Color brochures of the community, available for pick up by potential buyers and colorful packets for buyers to have to peruse.

How about scheduled open houses at the visitors center for those that just want to drop by and have a little more in depth overview of what Sun City has to offer for housing, recreation and other amenities. Perhaps twice a month, and invite the other key players in the community such as COA, SCHOA, CAN and others? Advertise extensively as to what days these people will be available for speaking engagements and then offer two way conversation with the buyers/owners so to create a bond moving forward. This is the start of building community.

Yes, this means the RCSC would have to have the visitors center open longer hours, and yes, it means creating literature and videos that feature the community, and yes, it means utilizing people for longer hours and possibly creating a regular position at the visitor center to be the coordinator, leader/trainer and general administrator for making sure these dates and times happen, the speakers are available and that folks really do feel welcomed and wanted when attending such ventures. So yes an additional investment of cash to make this come together. But the behind the scenes action of getting people interested, what does this look like from a visitor point of view, how do we get the volunteers, do we offer coffee or just water, do we have coordinated shirts so people recognize the community hostesses/hosts apart from the regular staff, these are all questions that offer value and can be answered at these gatherings. Is this viable, should this be pursued, how will we know we are making an impact? All great topics for the gatherings to address and expand on.

This is just one of the ideas, there are others, I just took this one and placed a few expanded ideas to it. and who knows what other expansion could come from the gathering meetings.

Thank you for entertaining my ideas. These are a mere drop in the bucket of what can be done when the community comes together to make something happen for the better.

 

I don’t know what value there is in putting together a community talent bank, a place where those willing offer services can register as being available to volunteer to help your neighbors? This would be a service that would be non-licensed, not registered with the city, so small items and projects that don’t defy county regulations cr ordinance. Each provider would work at will and will not be insured by the RCSC. Yet after putting all of that out there, the available handyman, or dog sitter, or sit with someone for a spell and talk. These are services needed. Perhaps a former CPA or attorney or grant writer could be found as needed. There is so much talent in this community.it’s astounding that a service group hasn’t been gathered to help do this work. What a great community service that could pay dividends in growing the community circle,

 

Nice idea Carol but I'm afraid our society has become too litigious and the liabilities are just too great.

Who's to say that if a volunteer failed to fix something, or broke something else in the process, they wouldn't find themselves named in a lawsuit?

 

All good ideas and concerns. What the gatherings showed us was there is indeed a willingness to get involved on a more human and emotional level. The idea we have fried our brains being tied to social media may well be a factor, but i prefer it to become a means to an end. Using it to bring people together seems to be an easy and attainable goal.

The real questions are where do we go from here? How deep do we want to engage and become connected with new home buyers? The Visitor Center with its shortened open hours provides the RCSC with boundless opportunities to evolve to a better place. Take the closed days (Fri, Sat, Sunday) and get creative. One of the suggestions for a community room was a bring-your-own"k-cup cafe." Pure genius. Loved the idea, and on a less intensive level, how about weekend openings with the Visitor Center becoming the place for new buyers to sit and chat with some of the senior residents?

Becoming creative doesn't have to include litigation. I like to think innovation to be far more attractive.

 

I believe SCHOA has a list available of tradespeople that are bonded and insured. As I recall, as long as the project is a smaller one, licensing is not required. Perhaps aligning with SCHOA on tradespeople could also help drive increased membership their way as well.
I still feel making the visitor center the hub for information on everything Sun City is the best answer on several fronts.
For perspective homeowners, a color brochure accompanied with the personal experience of a member being available for information. Will be a great marketing tool if a new video was produced highlighting the rec center’s, golf and so many activities available for the new members to enjoy.
Current homeowners may find out information about their community they’ve never heard before. I would like to see the new owner card program moved there as well, making it a one stop shop for every thing Sun City.
As folks pick up their cards, give them a newly developed and designed package of information that provides them with a wealth of information and numbers and website addresses so they can find information on their own or even better, come to the visitors center and have a host give you a personal knowledge based answer.
This will take the buy in from the RCSC, but the gathering group would be a great resource to tap for ideas about marketing, moving forward, attracting volunteers and what information, as a community, is important to share.
The outreach committee can help be a resource for the videographer, adding the video to the website, gosh, I could go on forever.
I will be beseeching the communication and outreach committee to once again put together a print version of information, similar to the old Sunviews and see about piggy backing with the Independent for mailing. Outreach means everyone, and not everyone has access to electronic media.
Whew, covered a lot, but I feel there is enough information to keep me gathering going, provide outreach and communication committees new avenues to support and grow the community innovation and involvement on many levels.

 

UNFINISHED
Last week’s Gathering follow-up needs
not addressed:

1. A reminder, at the Gathering Thursday it was suggested that a place should be in the community room for comments or suggestions. Maybe a resident can get a whiteboard or shoe box wrapped nicely with a slot that could work.

2. Also a donated bookshelf for a lending library for books and magazines, puzzles and games was previously suggested by participants.

3. A name for the room signage is still needed.

Please respond on this thread ONLY that you are willing to help donate items mentioned and name our community space. Thanks!

There are no planned meetings for the rest of the year. Everyone is strongly encouraged to attend all the 19 RCSC board, exchanges, town halls, candidate forums and special sessions.

However, Gathering welcome efforts are being planned….see other topic threads for details.

Anyone know if there will be more Gatherings after all? Please respond on this thread ONLY if you have credible, verifiable information about future Gatherings. Thanks.

 

And what's wrong with simply calling it the "Community Room"?

 

Thanks, FYI.

Unfortunately naming the room was not done as planned last week with participant consensus.

When a few more suggestions are made here and other sites, I’ll create a poll to determine a final name as required for location signage at Fairway.

Thanks, again!

 

I vote for “”community room” or “our space”. Not really attached to any particular name to what is supposed to be an open space to utilize as one wishes.

 

Thanks!
NO voting yet.
As noted, a poll will be posted after there are more responses.

 

How about The Gathering Place?