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How does one enjoy a root beer or coke float digitally?
The Sun City Home Owners Association started a monthly Thirsty Thursday Club as a way to draw new residents to the office, 10401 W. Coggins Drive, to hear about the advantages of becoming a SCHOA member and talk with staff and other residents. As an enticement, root beer and coke floats were served to those who attended.
But when the pandemic began closing down agencies in March, Thirsty Thursday had to take a break. It returned in July in a different format.
A meeting was conducted then through the Zoom meeting application and it went well, according to Mary Riemer, SCHOA board member and Membership Committee chairwoman.
“We had 12 signed up and attending virtually,” she explained. “We even had a couple of Idaho who just bought a home here but because of COVID have not even been to the community since.”
SCHOA officials plan to continue the meetings, but those who want to enjoy a float during them will have to get their own.
Ms. Riemer said the club will skip August but hopes to return in late-September, although a firm date has not yet been set.
“Instead of floats, since that is impossible digitally, we will give away a $25 gift card,” Ms. Riemer said.
Residents interested in participating in the Thirsty Thursday Club can call Martha Lattie, SCHOA marketing director, at 623-974-4718 to be put on the invitation list.
Ms. Riemer said officials are also considering continuing the Zoom portion of the Thirsty Thursday meetings in addition to in-person when the SCHOA office can open to the public again.
SCHOA officials are also looking into other member recruitment options. SCHOA is a voluntary membership HOA.
Ms. Riemer said a new resident letter is in development, to be sent to all new residents. SCHOA officials get new resident information from title companies as people purchase homes in the community.
The office closure has been difficult because the HOA in a person-to-person contact agency.
“While we’re closed, residents and staff don’t get much chance to really get to know each other,” she said. “But virtual meetings are better than nothing.”
Ms. Riemer is looking forward to getting back on a regular schedule with the Thirsty Thursday Club.
“I am excited because we can get in contact with residents and prospective residents,” she said.
Rusty Bradshaw News Editor | Sun City &
Sun City West @SunCitiesEditor
Rusty Bradshaw is a 40-year veteran of community journalism, having worked at newspapers in Wyoming, Oregon and Arizona. He has been with Independent Newsmedia 15 years.
Rusty earned a junior college certificate from Northwest College in Powell, Wyoming and a bachelor of science degree from Eastern Oregon University in LaGrande Oregon.
An avid football fan, Rusty also enjoys photography, reading, spending time outdoors and enjoying life with his wife. He also authored three books of fiction, “The Rehabilitation of Miss Little,” “Moist on the Mountain” and "Gorge Justice." Visit www.rustythewriter.org.
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