Some weeks creating the newsletter is a breeze, and it all comes together beautifully. Some weeks, life & real estate get in the way and I’m scrambling to get the newsletter put together at 9:52pm on a Tuesday night. 😲 🥴

Better late than never, right? Thank you for your patience, I hope you enjoy this week’s edition.

In this week’s Scoop:

Have an amazing week out there…🙏

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~ If you’ve driven past the southwest corner of Bell Road and Boswell Boulevard lately, you’ve probably noticed it. A Take 5 Oil Change sign went up, construction started… and then everything just stopped. Naturally, that raises the question a lot of residents are asking: what happened? Read the full article here.

~ A 100-year-old Chicago favorite is coming to the West Valley, as The Original Rainbow Cone plans to open its first Arizona location in Surprise, near Litchfield Road & Waddell Road. Known for its stacked, multi-flavor “rainbow” ice cream cones, the shop will bring a unique dessert experience to the area and add to the growing list of new dining options in Surprise. This location is scheduled to open on March 30th. (link & map)

~ Roadwork is now underway in Sun City, with improvements ongoing now through early May, that may impact traffic in key areas around the community. Drivers should expect delays, lane restrictions, and changing traffic patterns as crews complete the work, so plan a little extra time if you’re heading out. See the full article at YourValley.net

~ Paris Baguette has officially opened at 83rd Ave & Bell Road in Peoria, and it’s already shaping up to be a go-to spot for pastries and coffee in the area. On a recent visit, I picked up a chocolate croissant, a chocolate chip croissant twist, and a croissant donut filled with orange zest cream cheese, and each one delivered that light, flaky texture you want from a good bakery.

See the full review on our sister publication, EverythingArrowhead.com

~ Big news for our readers, the Sun City Scoop now has a full website at suncityscoop.com. You can now find local news, community updates, area history, and a full archive of past newsletters all in one place. It is your new go to hub for everything happening around Sun City, Sun City West, and The Grand.

If there is one image that instantly says “Arizona,” it is the towering silhouette of the saguaro cactus. Found only in the Sonoran Desert,

Saguaros are not just plants. They are slow-growing giants that can live for 150 to 200 years. A young saguaro may only be a few inches tall after its first decade, and it can take 50 to 70 years before it grows its first arm.

At full maturity, a saguaro can reach 40 to 60 feet tall, weigh several tons, and store hundreds of gallons of water inside its pleated skin. Those accordion-like ridges allow the cactus to expand during rare desert rains and slowly use that water over time.

Read the full Story of The Saguaro cactus.

You don't have to read everything — just the right thing. 1440's daily newsletter distills the day's biggest stories from 100+ sources into one quick, 5-minute read. It's the fastest way to stay sharp, sound informed, and actually understand what's happening in the world. Join 4.5 million readers who start their day the smart way.

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Who’s Keeping an Eye on Your Home While You’re Gone?

The Sun City Posse’s Vacation Watch is a solid community service, but it’s a surface-level check. No one is inside the home looking for leaks, HVAC issues, or early warning signs. That’s where a professional home watch inspection comes in, catching problems early while your home sits unoccupied.

Phoenix Home Watch provides professional visual inspections of your property, looking for obvious issues before they turn into costly repairs. We communicate with you in real time and serve as your trusted advocate while you are away.

Your home does not get a summer break. Neither do we.

Visit PhxHomeWatch.com or call Phoenix Home Watch at (623) 226-8299

[Sun City] This week’s movie is ‘BOB MARLEY: ONE LOVE’. Showtimes are Wednesday 3/25 at 2pm & 7pm at the Marinette Rec Center & Saturday 3/28 at 2pm & 7pm at the MOUNTAIN MUSIC ROOM (New location). See the MARCH movie lineup here.

[Sun City] As part of the WINTER Ticketed Mini-Series, 80’S LADIES will be performing on Wednesday, March 25th, at 6pm at the Sundial Recreation Center. (link)

A Salute to Hard-Rockin’ Women Pat Benatar, Joan Jett, Cyndi Lauper, Ann and Nancy Wilson, Bonnie Raitt, and Madonna; women whose voices are synonymous with 1980’s rock music. Welcome to the show that celebrates their contributions to musical history and the powerful impact they’ve had on all of us. If you Love Rock n’ Roll or don’t give a d*mn about your Bad Reputation, you’re not Alone!

[Sun City West] Movie Night at the Stardust Theatre Join them for a matinee showing of THE LEGO MOVIE on Friday, April 3rd at 1pm. (link)

[Sun City West] SUN CITY WEST DESERT GARDEN CLUB is hosting a Hands-On Cactus & Succulent Workshop. Residents looking to sharpen their gardening skills — or simply add a little desert beauty to their homes — won’t want to miss an upcoming hands-on workshop focused on cactus and succulent care.

On Wednesday, March 25, 2026, from 10:00–11:30 a.m., gardening enthusiasts are invited to gather at Sagebrush Room, Beardsley Recreation Center for an engaging and practical session on planting, watering, and maintaining cactus and succulents.

The workshop will be led by Kim Andrews of the Central Arizona Cactus and Succulent
Society, an organization dedicated to education, conservation, and appreciation of desert plants.Andrews will guide participants through proper planting techniques, watering schedules suited to Arizona’s climate, and maintenance tips to help these hardy plants thrive year-round. Unlike lecture-only presentations, this session offers hands-on instruction, giving attendees the opportunity to practice techniques and ask questions in real time. Whether you’re new to desert gardening or looking to refine your skills, this workshop promises valuable insights for gardeners of all experience levels.

The event is open to all SCW Rec Card Holders, making it a perfect opportunity for
community members to learn something new while connecting with fellow plant enthusiasts.

[Sun City] The Sun City Home Owners Association is hosting a Community Day of Service, giving residents a chance to come together and give back right here in Sun City. Volunteers will work on local projects that support and beautify the community while connecting with neighbors along the way. It is a great opportunity to lend a hand and show pride in the place we call home.

This event is being held from 7-12pm on Friday, March 27th. Registration is required and open now. (link)

[Sun City] LakeView United Methodist Church Craft Fair is being held on Saturday, March 28th from 9am-2pm. Vendor tables are available until March 20th.

[Sun City West] The Spring Craft Fair is coming to Sun City West on Saturday, March 28th from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the R.H. Johnson Recreation Center, 19803 N. R.H. Johnson Blvd. Browse a wide variety of handmade goods, gifts, and local creations while supporting talented community vendors. (link)

[Sun City] The Sun City Women's Chorus will be having their spring concert on March 28th 2026 at 1pm at the Sundial recreation center. Tickets are $5.00 and are available at the door or from any chorus member.

[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)

[Surprise] Surprise Farmer’s Market, every Saturday 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.

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

Lakefront homes don’t come up very often in Sun City, and when they do they are pretty special. This one is over 4,000 square feet

An incredible opportunity to live lakefront on beautiful Dawn Lake! This stunning home offers 4,096 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space, featuring 3 bedrooms (including two spacious primary suites) and 4 full baths. A bonus/office room with its own full bath provides flexible space and could easily serve as a 4th bedroom. From the moment you enter, you're greeted by 12-foot ceilings, elegant travertine flooring, crown molding, and an abundance of natural light. The open floor plan offers seamless flow between the formal living and dining areas, perfect for entertaining. The gourmet kitchen boasts an abundance of windows that fill the space with natural light and showcase the lake views along with custom cabinetry, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and a large island. Step outside to your private back patio ideal for relaxing, enjoying outdoor dining or a sunset boat cruise. Enjoy the serene beauty of waterfront living with all the comforts of a luxury home.

See all the pics & info here.

Listed by Cheryl Halvorson of Realty ONE Group.

Another amazing image by my friend Bruce Donaldson. These owls are near his home in Arrowhead Ranch, but they were too cute not to share.

Please reply to this email or send details on your club to [email protected]

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