Scroeder: It has been a very strange year so far in Sun City

2020 has most definitely been a very strange year - and it is far from over.

Everything started quite normal back in January. Winter visitors flocked back south. Resolutions that were made at the start of the new year had Recreation Centers of Sun City fitness centers buzzing with activity and people eagerly signed up for a variety of clubs to keep themselves engaged – physically, creatively, mentally and socially.

The news stories started very slowly about places that at the time seemed far away. Most of us kept busy doing what we do in Sun City – staying active, engaged and involved.

They said at the start that older people and those with underlying health conditions were more at risk. Then the messages started becoming more alarming and dramatic. Stay six feet away from others; better yet just stay home. RCSC followed the guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the state of Arizona and the Maricopa County Health Department.

We did our best to help everyone stay healthy.

While the COVID crisis was bothersome early on, who could have asked for a better place to be than Sun City? The weather was perfect, exactly how we like it and why many of us moved here. Though we were not allowed to enter RCSC properties or facilities for a time, we enjoyed what we could do – walk, bicycle, garden, read, clean closets, relax and even listen to how quiet it had become other than the birds chirping.

As I recall even the jet noise from Luke Air Base virtually disappeared.

After the governor’s “stay at home” order expired, recreation centers re-opened and most cardholders did their darnedest trying to comply with the rules and regulations. Several RCSC clubs even figured out ways to allow members to return safely to their hobbies and crafts – face masks, limiting the number of club members gathered and the like.

Now weeks have turned into months and spring has turned into summer. Precautions seem to have been running non-stop on TV and radio. Signs on the doors of every establishment and billboards remind us of what we should and should not do. Restrictions change as the numbers climb and more are infected. Many jurisdictions now require that face masks be worn – and worn properly – or face possible fines. The governor keeps telling us that we’re safest at home.

No matter which side of this you’re on, it is not appearing to go away anytime soon. Perhaps now is when we should seriously start thinking and planning on what our next steps will need to be for the future.

While RCSC has many projects planned, including the completion of Grand Center and the renovation of Mountain View, what operational changes might need to be permanently addressed? Maybe some even wonder whether RCSC can ever again open our recreation centers as they once were available. What do we envision as an alternative? Reservations required to use the fitness centers? Temperature checks or infrared imaging?

None of us knows where this all might lead, but we must remain optimistic that we’ll find ways to enjoy and continue to take part in all the activities that Sun City has to offer. Maybe this is finally the catalyst that makes some of you get involved. Your ideas and suggestions could perhaps be the missing piece of the puzzle that could complete the picture.

Just remember, the more invested you are in the community, the more you’ll care about what comes next.

Do some reading and research. Get to know the difference between the organizations here in Sun City and who does what exactly. If you’re not ready to run for the board, make plans to attend upcoming committee meetings in the fall and learn what goes on. Rather than make demands and create havoc, perhaps you should be asking questions. Once you know how it works, you’ll be able to help others understand.

The world is very complicated right now. But good things are coming soon. You might be able to make a difference. You’ll never know until you try. Keep on truckin’ and stay well!

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