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In the June issue of our Lifestyles magazine, our article was about "helping our own." We found there were 28 clubs or groups of volunteers that helped the residents of the Pass Area. There are no formal clubs or groups organized to assist our own residents at Sun Lakes. A number of our District Delegates suggested we have a meeting of everyone who might be interested in discussing this situation. Further, we have had conversations with residents wanting to know the extent of such a program. We have reserved Tues., Aug. 11, at 1 pm in the South Clubhouse to have a meeting of anyone who might be interested in such a program. We would discuss to what extent we would assist, the various things we would do and not do, locations we would drive to or not drive to and so on. The group would not be a taxi service, but we might commit to short trips to the medical facilities in our area. We would consider specific requests for assistance, but certainly not honor a request to clean someone's home once a week. The people volunteering would create the rules and perimeters within which they would operate. There would have to be a method of communication, available to all residents to request assistance. It could be to pick up dinner at our restaurant and take it to their home, it could be a request to change batteries in the smoke alarms, it could be a request to re-program their sprinkling system. How many of our residents are interested in helping our own neighbors? There are very few of us who do not have time during the week to donate a few hours to make life better and easier for our people. As we discuss the scope of our group, our personal commitment would be different from the person next to you. Finally, our meeting would answer the question whether this is a viable concept and should we pursue it or should we abandon it and go on to something else. If enough of our residents show up for the meeting, maybe we will have some volunteers to help our own. DElEgaTE assEmbly REpoRT Joe Formino, Chairman, District Delegate Assembly 6 | sun lakes lIfestyles | auGust 2015 | CommunIty news Cars have changed. So have traffic rules, driving conditions, and the roads you travel every day. Even the most experienced drivers can benefit from brushing up on their driving skills. By taking the AARP Smart Driver course you'll learn the current rules of the road, defensive driving techniques, and how to operate your vehicle more safely in today's increasingly challenging driving environment. After taking the course, you may even be eligible for a discount on your car insurance. (Participants should consult their auto insurance agent for details.) An AARP Smart Driver course will be Tues., Aug. 25, 12:30 to 5 pm at the South Clubhouse. You must have completed either the 8 hour or 4 hour course within the last three years to qualify for this class. The course costs $15 for AARP members and $20 for non-members. Space is limited, so register early at the Main Clubhouse starting Aug. 1. aarp SMart driver courSe Well, the heat is on in the Banning Pass. With the drought being what it is, the effects are easy to see everywhere. The 32 percent reduction is impacting everyone to some degree here at Sun Lakes. As for the golf course; the outer perimeters and Driving Range are where the most noticeable. What now? Where do we go from here? Is the governor done with the mandate? Probably not. Currently the mandate is on "Potable Drinking Water" but this wording could change if the drought continues. The next step could be on all water sources including underground wells or ground water. Currently, we are looking at alternative landscape conversions in many of the outlying, nonessential playing areas. This aspect is the trend in many of the golf communities throughout Southern California. The future is now, an action plan is being looked at and reviewed to help Sun Lakes keep its aesthetic values and property values at a premium. Water is a precious commodity; some day if not now it soon will be the new "Gold." Please keep in mind that we are a golf community. The golf course is relative to everyone whether for playing the game or admiring the beauty of the setting within the community. It is very hard to walk or drive through the community without being touched by the golf scape. Tough decisions are tough to make; especially when it costs money but unless we do something the property values could be affected and home sales could be affected. This is a real threat to all golf courses and all golf communities in Southern California, Arizona and Nevada. We can do nothing and hope for rain but the prudent thing to do for the environment and for the community is reduce turf and water demand. Otherwise; pray for rain, California needs it and so does the Banning Pass. ~ Mark Burchfield, Course Superintendent Drought and the Golf Course Pass Putters Group & Demo Day The Sun Lakes "Pass Putters" Group is having a blast! This group is open to any Sun Lakes homeowner that wants to try and improve your putting and meet new residents. We get together once a month and putt on the Main Clubhouse putting green 18 holes, you keep score, and play individually or as a team based on monthly events. There is a minimal fee for an apron to hold your ball, pencil, and scorecard. Join us Aug. 14 at 9:30 am, Sept. 11 at 9:30 am, Oct. 2 at 2 pm, or Nov. 6 at 2 pm. If you are interested please stop by the golf shop at least one day in advance of all starting times. Should you have interest please come in and see a golf shop representative or Al Vallecorsa, PGA Director of Golf from 8 am to 5 pm. We look forward to seeing you and hope you can join in on the fun. COMinG SOOn! DEMO DAy: Fri., Oct. 9, 9:30 am -2:30 pm on the North Practice Range. Come and try out the latest golf clubs from the best vendors. Special one day pricing will be available during the event.

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