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The Master Architectural Committee (MAC) has had a busy year in 2025, and we look forward to an interesting year in 2026. The following members have been appointed to the Master Architectural Committee for a two-year term commencing Jan. 1, 2026, and expiring Dec. 31, 2027: Roy Nierman, David Kealy, Lyla Wolden, Jerry Howell, and Helen Mitchell. All of these committee members have previously served on this committee, so we will be able to start the new year at full gallop. Our goals are to: 1. Be fair and impartial in applying the rules, regulations, and CC&Rs of Sun Lakes Country Club. 2. To maintain the quality, appearance, and values of the homes in Sun Lakes Country Club. 3. To help make Sun Lakes Country Club the number one choice of anyone looking for a 55+ community in which to live. This is an older community. It was built from 1987 to 2004. This means many homes need some TLC and improved landscaping. Many trees that were beautiful 20 years ago are now safety hazards. Roots are growing above ground and are pushing up sidewalks and our driveways. Some trees are so giant that they are a hazard to homes during high winds. The time has come to replace some trees or to trim others so they don't encroach on neighbors' property. Some homes need to be repainted. The outside stucco should be painted every 16 years and the trim should be painted every eight years. Wooden patio covers or wooden fences have started to rot and need to be replaced with new wood, aluminum wood patio covers, or vinyl fencing. Landscaping needs to be reviewed. Sprinkler systems that are 20 years old may need to be replaced. With the water shortage in California, many of you may be looking to replace your yards with drought-tolerant landscaping or to redo them with artificial turf. Redoing your yard with drought-tolerant plants may be less expensive than replacing a sprinkler system, watering bushes, and maintaining a grass yard. The rules at Sun Lakes have changed, and only 30 percent of your yard needs to be soft scape ( i.e., artificial turf or grass) 70 percent of your yard may be hardscape (rocks, concrete, or other hard materials). Now is the time to start thinking about and planning your new projects. Once you decide what you wish to do, contact your painter, patio cover salesman, landscaper, and brick mason to determine who will do the work and at what price. Remember, many craftsmen out there would love to help you with your improvements. The best way to hire a contractor or landscaper is to approach a homeowner who has had work similar to what you want done. If you like the work, ask the homeowner about their experience with the contractor. If they were satisfied, get a referral. Most homeowners love to share that information with you. Remember, before any exterior improvement can be started, an application must be submitted to and approved by the MAC. Put us to work, submit your applications for exterior improvements. ~ Roy Nierman, Chairman 12 | SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | JANUARY 2026 | Master Architectural The Library Committee would like to thank all the wonderful people in our community for supporting the library's book sale during the Craft Fair. We were able to buy many new books for our libraries with the proceeds. Look for them! We made a special effort to purchase large-print and audio books because many residents in Sun Lakes have difficulty reading small-print books. If anyone has large-print books and/or audio books that they would be willing to donate to the Sun Lakes libraries, we would appreciate it. We are now making an effort to keep books in a series together in one library and to label each book with a number indicating which book in the series it is. More information about the series will come in a future edition of Lifestyles. If you belong to a book club in Sun Lakes, let us know. We want to compile a roster of book clubs in the community. Contact John Hasha at (951) 267-1901 or hashajohn@gmail.com. If you would like to volunteer to maintain the libraries, contact Laurel Stanley at (585) 378-0803 or lvstanley@gmail.com. Come and browse our libraries and see what we have! Library Advisory Tuesday night Bingo is going strong. The Bingo Committee aims to provide entertainment for our guests and raise funds for local charities. Come join the fun, win prizes, and enjoy delicious food and beverages served by our own Restaurant and Lounge. Food and drinks can be purchased with a credit card. All residents and visitors are welcome to buy items. We will play 12 regular games and three special games. Guests can participate for as little as $7 for the entire evening. Remember, only cash is accepted — no checks or credit cards. Many cash prizes and door prizes will be awarded weekly. Doors open at 4:30 pm, and games begin promptly at 6 pm, generally concluding by 8:45 pm. Any questions? Please call Karen at (575) 202-6266. Bingo Advisory

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