Schroeder: This, too, will pass — I promise

While the thermometer seems to be stuck at the moment somewhere around 110 degrees most days, it is not the first summer I have experienced here in Sun City with record breaking temperatures and non-existent monsoon storms that would normally provide at least momentary relief.

Recreation Centers of Sun City aquatic facilities have been a godsend for many as we make our way through both the heat and the health crisis we are managing to survive. Everyone’s vigilance wearing masks and following social distancing guidelines has helped to keep everyone safe.

While long planned vacations were canceled, many have still found a way to escape the heat for a weekend or took a road trip to see family. Some donned face masks and took to the skies as time went by. Others came into the community to visit with us, deciding that we all can’t stay home or alone forever.

Though many wish that fitness centers would have remained open, RCSC is required to follow the government health and safety requirements. When it is safe to do so, we’ll get back to normal. But we’re not there just yet. Making these decisions and staying the course have been tough on everybody. But we’re getting through it!

We can be certain that sooner or later we will once again enjoy the fabulous weather we so enjoy here in Arizona when we turn the calendar page and autumn arrives. We’ll have much to do once we can start spending extended periods of time outdoors — whether it is time spent walking, playing miniature golf or bocce or lawn bowling, fishing, hiking or biking, tennis or pickleball.

Until things improve, gatherings for dancing, cards and game playing will be mainly at home. Social clubs might need to Zoom to resume their gatherings. No matter what, where there’s a will, there’s a way.

Heck, we can even ask Alexa to play all sorts of songs that bring back memories and even reminisce about evenings at the Sun Bowl. Dancing makes us happy, so go ahead and just do it.

Several clubs are operating at this time so you can still consider taking up a new hobby. Call ahead and make plans to see what is being offered. Remember, you’re never too old to try something new.

We are all looking forward to having more options for recreational activities — many of them in the great outdoors and in the safest manner possible.

Get ready for more fun times ahead. They’ll be here before we know it. Someday, this will all be just a distant memory.

Editor’s Note: Dan Schroeder is Recreation Centers of Sun City board president for 2020.