New Posse Commander & Dog Photo Contest 🐶

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The rain & cold last week was a nice reminder of how special it is to live here during the winter and get to experience the weather we’re having this week. I hope you’re finding time to get outside and soak it all in.

In this week’s Scoop:

• Lots of activity at the Del Webb Sun Cities Museum

• Free entrance days at the National Parks

• Maricopa County Home & Garden Show is this weekend

• And so much more!

COMMUNITY NEWS

~ The Sun City Posse welcomed Arlene Kluizenaar as its new commander, marking the start of an exciting year for the volunteer organization. Kluizenaar, who has been a dedicated Posse member since 2020 and has served in roles including patrol and CPR instructor, stepped into leadership with a commitment to serving all Sun City residents. See the full article at YourValley.net

~ The Northwest Valley is one of the fastest growing parts of Phoenix, and there are many projects which will impact residents in these areas. AZCentral.com has a recent article which provides details on the large projects underway that will help shape our part of town. (link)

~ Sun City West Dog Photo Contest. In conjunction with Stardust Theatre’s matinee showing of “A Dog’s Purpose” on Jan. 23, we invite members to participate in our dog photo contest for the chance to win a SCW gift pack! Submitted photos will be shown to the audience in attendance prior to the start of the movie for them to decide on a winner for our contest. Must be present at the movie showing to win.

How to enter To enter this contest, submit your dog’s best photo to [email protected]. In your email, make sure to include your name, email/phone number and your dog’s name.

Deadline to submit a photo is Monday, Jan. 19 at noon. (link)

~ The National Park Service offers several fee-free entrance days each year, giving everyone a chance to explore America’s national parks at no cost. These days typically align with special occasions like Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the anniversary of the National Park Service, National Public Lands Day, and Veterans Day. It’s a great opportunity to visit iconic parks, like the Grand Canyon or Saguaro, without paying an entrance fee, so mark your calendar and get out there. 🌵

Click here to see all of the free days offered in 2026.

ARIZONA TRIVIA

Last week’s trivia question was ‘Where is the oldest active livery stable in ARIZONA?’ (sorry for the mix up, the question should have been Arizona and not America. 🤦‍♂️)

The correct answer was: Grand Canyon

The oldest continuously operating livery stable in Arizona is located at Grand Canyon on the South Rim. Established in 1902, the stable was created to provide mule and horse transportation for early tourists arriving by train—years before the Grand Canyon became a national park in 1919.

From hauling supplies and visitors to offering iconic mule rides into the canyon, the operation has remained active for more than 120 years. Today, it is run by Xanterra and continues the same core mission it began with: safely transporting people and goods using animals uniquely suited to the canyon’s rugged terrain.

The Grand Canyon’s mule rides are considered one of the most enduring traditions in U.S. tourism—and the livery stable supporting them is a rare example of an Old West operation that never closed, relocated, or reinvented itself.

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EVENTS

This Week

[Sun City West] Movie Night at the Stardust Theatre Join them for an evening showing of NAKED GUN on Thursday, JANUARY 22nd at 6pm, or a matinee showing of A DOG’S PURPOSE on Friday, JANUARY 23rd at 1pm. (link)

[Sun City] This week’s movie is ‘THE LAUNDROMAT, The true story of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Showtimes are Wednesday 1/14 at 2pm & 7pm at the Marinette Rec Center & Saturday 1/17 at 2pm & 7pm at the MOUNTAIN MUSIC ROOM (New location). See the January movie lineup here.

Celebrate the Sun Cities through the generations at the upcoming annual members meeting of the Sun Cities Area Historical Society and the Del Webb Sun Cities Museum. The event will feature local speakers Bill Pearson and Anne Becknell, who share personal stories of following their families into the Sun Cities way of life. A short business meeting will include an update from museum president Andrew Kindler, followed by the presentations. The meeting is open to the public, and guests are welcome to attend and join as new members.

This presentation is from 2-4pm on Tuesday, January 13th at the Banner Olive Branch Senior Center.

[Sun City] As part of the WINTER Ticketed Mini-Series, BROADWAY, BABY! will be held on Wednesday, January 14th, at 6pm at the Sundial Recreation Center. (link)

Covering quintessential Broadway ashowtunes songs from the current crop of shows, Broadway, Baby! features classic and contemporary showtunes, ballads and more.

Weekly Events 

[Sun City West] The Sun City West Friday Farmers Market. The market is every Friday from 10am-2pm at the Lord of Life Lutherans Church. (link)

[Sun City] The Sun City Farmers Market is back at the Bell Center, on 99th Ave just south of Bell Road. The market will be held every Thursday from 9am-1pm. (link)

[Sun City] Desert Glow Farmers Markets is hosting their market, from 8am-12pm on Thursdays, at Desert Episcopal Church. (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)

[Sun City West] The Sun City West Desert Garden Club hosts weekly PLANT SALES from 9:00am to noon each Thursday Club members will be on hand during sales to answer questions and offer gardening advice. Visitors are encouraged to tour the adjacent botanical garden during their visit to the greenhouse. The plant sales are open to the public and payments can be made by cash, check, or credit card. Supporting Education and the Community.

Upcoming Events 

[Sun City] As part of the WINTER Ticketed Mini-Series, VALENS TO VALLI will be held on Wednesday, January 21st, at 6pm at the Sundial Recreation Center. (link)

An accomplished international performer, Nick Gallardo shares his nuanced vocal stylings as he sings the songs of Ritchie Valens, Frankie Valli, and others. Valens to Valli highlights Nick’s love of theatre, uncanny humor, and endless energy – not to mention his stellar musicianship. From the Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus to Dollywood to New York and cruise ships around the world, Nick has entertained audiences for more than 20 years … and he’s just getting started.

[Sun City West] SUN CITY WEST DESERT GARDEN CLUB Workshop: Citrus Pruning and Care Demonstration
Date: Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Time: 10:30-11:30am
Location: At a Private Residence, 12328 W Aurora Drive, SCW
Topic:  Citrus Pruning and Care Demonstration on how to prune citrus trees and care for them.
Presenter:  Ben McGonigle, Certified Arborist and Owner of Design Tree Maintenance

NOTE: This is a private residence, please be respectful of neighbors and parking. Open to All SCW Rec Card Holders

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

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Thank you for reading, have a great week!