⛈️ Lorena storms, book news & sharks 🦈

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I guess early September is hurricane season…hopefully we get some nice rain and not too much wind.

Be safe out there, and enjoy the cooler temperatures from Tropical Storm Lorena.

In this week’s Scoop:

• Why are gas prices on the rise? ⛽️

• Local authors & their new books. 📕

• Farmers markets season is back. 🥗

• And so much more!

COMMUNITY NEWS

~Gas prices keep going up, what’s the deal?

Drivers across Arizona are paying more at the pump, with average prices up more than 20 cents in the past month, most of it felt right here in metro Phoenix. AAA reports that flooding at a major Midwest refinery pushed national prices higher over Labor Day, but local experts say seasonal refinery maintenance may also be adding pressure. While border cities often benefit from proximity to California and New Mexico refineries, Phoenix drivers remain stuck with the steepest costs. (link)

~Sun City resident Marco Messina has turned a decade of community experiences into storytelling. His new books, Lemonade: A Story of Resilience and 99 Characters in Search of an Author, blend personal challenges with vignettes inspired by neighbors’ lives. Messina, now 74, says he writes purely for the joy of it, capturing the spirit of resilience and kindness found right here in Sun City. Both titles are now available on Amazon. (link)

~🇺🇸 DAR Chapter Publishes Local History Book.

Sun City’s Agua Fria Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution has received a $500 “America250” grant to publish Agua Fria Stories to Celebrate America’s 250th. The paperback highlights members’ ancestors who fought for independence and contributed to shaping America in the years that followed. Created to honor the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary, the book reflects DAR’s mission of preserving history, promoting education, and celebrating patriotism. You can find the book on Amazon or visit their website.

ARIZONA TRIVIA

Last week’s trivia question was ‘To call a person a “Hassayamper” is a polite way of saying that person is a ______?’ The answer was, a liar.

The Hassayampa legend is a classic Arizona tale!

The Hassayampa River, which flows through central Arizona near Wickenburg, is often dry on the surface but has water running underground. According to local lore, the river got its name from a Yavapai word meaning “the river that loses itself.”

But the real legend is this: 👉 Anyone who drinks from the waters of the Hassayampa is doomed to never again tell the truth.

This “liar’s curse” became part of cowboy folklore in the late 1800s and stuck around as a piece of Arizona storytelling. It was even popularized in poems and tall tales, especially among prospectors and settlers who liked to embellish stories around campfires.

EVENTS

[Peoria] 🎶 Sun City Stomperz Hit 250th Show.

At 90 years old, trombonist Ernie Landes is still swinging with the Sun City Stomperz, the beloved West Valley Dixieland Jazz combo. The group, celebrating 20 years together, will mark a milestone 250th performance on Friday, Sept. 12 at 6 p.m. at Charley’s at the Lakes in Peoria (19260 N. Westbrook Parkway). With a lineup of seasoned local musicians and a catalog of more than 200 songs, the Stomperz are planning a “favorites” setlist for the big night. Expect fun, happy music and a true celebration of Dixieland tradition! (link & map)

This Week

[Sun City] This week’s movie is ‘JAWS’, starring Richard Dreyfuss & Roy Scheider. Showtimes are Wednesday 9/3 at 2pm & 7pm at the Marinette Rec Center & Saturday 9/6 at 2pm & 7pm at the MOUNTAIN VIEW CENTER (New location).

[Sun City] Desert Glow Farmers Markets is hosting their first market of the season, from 8-12pm on Thursday, September 4th, at Desert Episcopal Church. (link & map)

Head out to the market and see Sun City resident, Connie Adams, of Connie’s Corte Bella Unique Floral Creations and gifts. She will be at the market Thursday, and many more throughout the fall & winter. You can see some of her creations below.

[Sun City West] Movie Night at the Stardust Theatre is back! Join them for a showing of Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl on Tuesday, SEPTEMBER 9TH at 6pm. (link)

[Sun City West] Enjoy a trio of great musical performances this September as the Rec Centers present “Stardust Series in September.” On the first three Thursdays of September (Sept. 4, 11 and 18) sit back and enjoy musical performances from CAFE Flutes, Highway 74 and T.A. Burrows, all from inside the Stardust Theatre at the Kuentz Recreation Center. This is an opportunity to see three talented acts that have been waiting for their stage, don’t miss out! Each show begins at 2 p.m. with doors opening at 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 per show and are available online and at the R.H. Johnson Box Office.

[Peoria] Morning are back!!! Join us September 6th as our market goes back to mornings. Because it will still be hot, we are going to start an hour earlier so come meet the new vendors who are joining us and say hi to your current favorite. New September hours: 7am until Noon (link & map)

Upcoming Events 

[Sun City] Save the Date for the Sun City Royal Autumn Ball, to be held on Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at the Sundial Auditorium.

[Sun City West] Happy Hour BASH is returning to Sun City West at 3pm on Wenesday, September 24, 2025, with a performance by the Jeff Sullivan Trio at the Palm Ridge Recreation Center. (link)

Weekly Events 

[Sun City West] The Sun City West Friday Market has moved indoors for the summer. You will find them every Friday from 9am-1pm, at the Briarwood Country Club. (link & map)

[Surprise] Surprise Farmer’s Market, every Sunday from 3-7pm. A weekly market featuring fresh local ingredients, homemade goods, and artisanal crafts from nearby farms and ranches. (link & map)

Have an event you want listed here? Please reach out!

REAL ESTATE

HOME OF THE WEEK: It is almost time to start taking advantage of ‘outdoor living space’ and enjoying the amazing weather we live here for.

This home in The Grand may be one of the best setups I have seen lately, with lots of seating options, views of the golf course and a pool.

See all the details & pics here.

Listing brought to you by Nancy Muslin with Realty ONE Group.

VOLUNTEER

The Friends of the R.H. Johnson Library has an immediate need for volunteers to help with book sorting and book transport, in support of their book sales which directly support our library. The most immediate need is for book transporters. Book transporters take crates of donations from the library to the storage shed behind the R.H. Johnson Social Hall. This volunteer job does require use of your personal vehicle and the ability to lift and stack heavy crates. If you are interested, please contact the library at [email protected].

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