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| SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | MARCH 2016 | 3 By George Moyer, SLCC HOA President FROM THE PRESIDENT'S DESK This message might be a little longer than normal, because I want to address two issues. The first is a special event that is going to be held in Sun Lakes on March 19 at the South Clubhouse. We will be hosting a competition, sponsored by the U.S. Navy and the Science Experience. Their mission statement is, "To educate people for work and personal life in the 21st century through the use of interesting and educational interactive exhibits in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics." They have had kids build air-powered rockets and solar powered cars. They also hold annual science and technology oriented summer camps. This fourth annual event will consist of about 40 teams of middle and high school students that have built underwater crafts. They will be testing their creations under water in our indoor pool. The testing will include maneuvering their crafts through an underwater obstacle course. In addition, the teams will have to go before a panel of judges to make verbal presentations and answer questions. This event is open and free to anyone wanting to watch the competition. The sponsors are also seeking interested Sun Lakes' residents as volunteer help for judging and other things. They are aware of the number of retired engineers that live here and think it would be fun for them to take part in the judging of these young people's efforts. If you are interested in helping you can contact the Science Experience people at info@TheScienceExperience.org. They also will be holding a volunteer orientation here at Sun Lakes on Sat., March 12 at 9 am, place to be announced. If you are interested in volunteering for this great event please come. The second part of this month's message is not as easy to write. Many of you already know that I have decided not to seek another term on the Master Board. I am not going to go into the reasons for my decision, but I do want to let the community know from the bottom of my heart what the past 8 years have meant to me. They have been some of the best years of my life, and have cemented in my mind the very reason I wanted to move here in the first place. Where else can a perfect stranger come into a new community and instantly make 6,000, less a few, friends? Where else can a couple like Sandy and I leave a perfectly good life, and sight unseen find a completely different and better one? I venture to say nowhere else. The people, social and physical environments, and staff are unbeatable. Since this is my last article as president I want to thank all of the Board members with whom I have been privileged to serve. They are Larry Means, Jim Evans, Mary Baines, Sherman Gallas, John Clark, Doug Swenson, Kevin Wolfswinkel, Dan Comerford, Mike Primak, and Bob Ewert. They worked hard to see Sun Lakes remain the great place it has been and to see that success continues into the future. Yes, we did not always agree. In fact, we quite often argued vehemently. Yes, you should be vigilant and aware of what they are doing, because their decisions affect everyone. If you feel a decision is wrong make your opinion known. That is welcomed. However, always remember that they are residents too, and have a sincere love and devotion to Sun Lakes and you the residents. I will miss working with them and for you. In closing I have a few requests. There are issues that confront our community and the solutions are not always clear. When these occur many well intended residents will start unfounded rumors, offer unsubstantiated claims, and/or use outdated, or misunderstood, statistics to try and influence your opinions. Don't be confused or misled. Contact a Board member, a staff representative, or your District Delegate for proper information and clarification. In this way you will be getting factual information on which to base your opinion. My second request is that we treat everyone in Sun Lakes with respect and understanding. Occasionally residents forget to do this, and accost other residents verbally, and sometimes physically. Staff members have also been verbally abused in a profane and menacing manner. This is unacceptable. Remember that staff is only carrying out the policies and procedures adopted by the community. If you feel a rule is too restrictive go to the Board and ask that it be amended, or ask your District Delegate to bring it to the assembly for their review and recommendation to the Board. Lastly, I would ask that you stay involved. Sun Lakes works because of community involvement. Even if you are still working you can take part in some way. This is your community, and you need to take ownership if you want it to continue to be the best community of its type in southern California. I am not going anywhere. You can bet I will be around and involved. Thank you Sun Lakes for the trust and support you showed me during my terms. It was very gratifying and the motivation for me to do the best job I could in serving you.

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