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After being on hiatus during the pandemic, the event is scheduled 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30 at the Beardsley Recreation Center, 12755 W. Beardsley Road, Sun City West. Admission is free to the event, which includes live entertainment, food trucks, displays of restored vehicles, wine and beer tent, and exhibits from local businesses and organizations.
“Hundreds of people have attended this event in past years and we’re glad to be able to bring it back,” said Julie Kent-Partridge, NVC board of directors chairwoman. “This very popular event will be a great time for people to get together, have a good time and learn about community agencies and businesses.”
Kathy Chandler, NVC executive director, said the event is free for attendees due to generous community sponsors such a Benevilla and Home Instead. Businesses and nonprofit organizations wishing to participate should contact Ms. Chandler at 623-282-9304.
“We are aware the COVID-19 situation is very fluid and will be working with health care professionals to ensure social distancing and provide hand sanitizing and whatever else may be beneficial,” Chandler said.
Northwest Valley Connect is a nonprofit organization to serve residents of the Sun Cities and other communities in the area who need help with transportation in a region that doesn’t have public transit.
NVC has grown rapidly since it started in 2015 and provided 255 rides. In 2019 volunteers and staff provided 17,000 rides, This service helped residents visit medical facilities, pick up food and medicine, shop and visit others.
In addition to providing routine transportation needs, NVC became creative in coordinating COVID-19 inoculation appointments with Walgreens. NVC staff and volunteers helped many vulnerable individuals who are 65 and older, have disabilities and veterans without access to other transportation get round trip travel from their homes to the inoculations.
As the pandemic is ending NVC is getting an increasing number of requests for services and is in desperate need of volunteers. The greatest need is for drivers but call center operators are also needed. Drivers can operate NVC vehicles or their own and receive reimbursement for mileage.
People who are interested in volunteering, or have questions, are encouraged to call the NVC office at 623-282-9304 for more information.
Northwest Valley Connect was started six years ago as a joint effort between Benevilla and Sun Health to provide personal transportation services to seniors and others in the region who need them.
Visit northwestvalleyconnect.org or call 623-282-9304.
Editor’s Note: Roger Ball is a Northwest Valley Connect volunteer.
