The Sun City PRIDES members conducted their annual membership meeting earlier this month in the parking lot of the Church of the Palms United Church of Christ, 14808 N. Boswell Blvd.

Being cautious of attendees’ health during the COVID-19 pandemic, the more than 50 attendees were required to bring their own chair, wear a face covering and social distance.

Annual meeting agenda items included the PRIDES’ board of directors reviewing the group’s 2020 activities, a detailed discussion of COVID-19 concerns, membership issues and conducting the election of officers. Past president Molly Soblewski chaired the transition meeting.

New PRIDES’ officers for 2021 include President Ronn Enzweiler, Vice President John Terko, Secretary Melinda Wills and Treasurer Bob Geier. New board directors are Steve Fribley, Bob Geier, Val Bedoe, Stan Pastorek and Ken Schueman.

The PRIDES’ newly elected president is cautiously optimistic for 2021.

“Like my predecessor, we will continue to monitor the COVID-19 status in Maricopa County and Arizona, being careful to maximize the safety of our membership as they work to help keep Sun City beautiful,” he said. “Our work is too important to the community for us to stop.”

PRIDES’ members are encouraged to focus on keeping their assigned areas as clean as possible while being mindful of all safety guidelines for working on the community boulevards. The Saturday Squad, after it is reactivated, will work on different areas each week that need special attention. The group’s endeavors to replace orange trees with drought-tolerant trees, cacti and flowering shrubs will continue in 2021.

When working in close proximity to other members and social distancing is not possible, members are required to use face masks. Members will not volunteer when they are sick or suspect they have been exposed to COVID-19. Meanwhile, the group’s leadership will be closely monitoring the COVID-19 health mandates set forth by Maricopa County and the state of Arizona.

A continuing concern is the smaller number of PRIDES’ volunteers who are able to continue working for a number of reasons. Numerous part-time residents have not returned to Sun City. This includes many Canadian members. Residents interested in helping to keep Sun City beautiful are encouraged to reach out to the group.

Mr. Enzweiler is looking forward to scheduling an Arbor Day celebration in February to memorialize past PRIDES’ members. Pandemic protocols are being drafted to ensure attending volunteers and family members’ safety.

The PRIDES focus on cleaning up the major boulevards and avenues in the three phases of Sun City. They do not work on commercial properties or residential streets and properties. 

Call 623-972-6558 or visit suncityprides.com to join the group or to donate. 

Editor’s Note: Mr. Huseonica is a Sun City resident active in the PRIDES who provides publicity for the group.