It's Veterans Day week, and there are several opportunities around the West Valley to honor those who have served. We've also got a little mystery to solve this weekend, when Sun City opens a time capsule that's been tucked away for 50 years. I'm especially curious to see what residents back in 1976 had to say to those of us living here today!

On the homeowner front, Sun City's proposed 2027 fee increases are moving closer to a final vote, and this week's featured home offers something you don't see every day in the desert: a private dock, a boat, and waterfront living right here in Sun City.

Thank you to all the Veterans who served our great country. 🇺🇸 Enjoy this week's Scoop!

I made the trip to St George, Utah, with my daughter Ava this past weekend. She had a class for her hair extensions certification, and I had a day to go exploring. I ended up at Snow Canyon State Park, just northwest of St George, and while driving through the park I came across this huge flag floating in the desert.

Turns out the flag was suspended between the sandstone cliffs as a tribute for Veterans Day.

Organized by Follow The Flag Southern Utah, this breathtaking display honors veterans, first responders, and those who have sacrificed for our country.

It made for a very cool addition to a beautiful State Park, and was not something I would have ever expected to see.

Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up here

~ 🇺🇸 Honor Our Veterans This Wednesday

Several West Valley communities are honoring our veterans on Wednesday, November 11, with ceremonies, a parade, and a free patriotic concert.

A wonderful opportunity to recognize and thank the men and women who have served our country.

~ What Did Sun City Residents Leave Behind 50 Years Ago?

We're about to find out! A time capsule placed beneath the Liberty Bell at Bell Recreation Center in 1976 will be opened this Sunday, November 15th, revealing letters written to today's residents and potentially a few surprises from Sun City's past.

When: Sunday, November 15, 1:30 to 3:30 PM
Where: Sundial Recreation Center, 14801 N. 103rd Avenue

Learn more here.

~ Sun City’s 2027 Fees Could Be Going Up. Sun City homeowners currently pay a $680 annual RCSC assessment per property, which would increase to $740 under the proposed 2027 budget, an additional $60 per year. Homebuyers would also see the one-time Capital Improvement Fee increase from $1,500 to $2,000, while the $4,000 Preservation and Improvement Fee and $500 transfer fee would remain unchanged. The proposed changes passed their first reading in October, with final board approval expected in November before taking effect January 1, 2027.

~ Sun City West residents, here's your chance to have a say in your community! The Recreation Centers of Sun City West has launched its 2026 Annual Member Satisfaction Survey, giving members an opportunity to share feedback on facilities, programs, and services. The survey takes about 25 minutes and is available through emailed invitations, online links, or paper copies at recreation centers, Member Services, and the R.H. Johnson Library.

~ Local veterans, there's a special opportunity waiting for you! Sun City West resident and volunteer Dave Olsen is helping spread the word about Honor Flight Arizona, a nonprofit that takes World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War veterans on a three-day trip to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials honoring their service. The entire trip is 100% free for veterans, and with so many veterans living in our Sun City communities, Dave hopes to reach those who haven't yet experienced this unforgettable tribute.

Every new property, tenant, and lease brings new risk.

WithCoverage replaces your traditional broker with an AI-enabled team of real estate insurance experts and attorneys.

Let us review all your policies for free to show you how we can save you money and better protect your portfolio.

Your broker will not be notified. This is simply our way to earn your trust.

Start with your free and confidential risk analysis →

Most West Valley residents are familiar with Luke Air Force Base, but fewer may know the remarkable story of the young Arizona pilot whose name it bears.

Born in Phoenix in 1897, Frank Luke Jr. became one of America's most daring fighter pilots during World War I. Nicknamed the "Arizona Balloon Buster," Luke specialized in destroying heavily defended German observation balloons, which were used to direct artillery fire. In just 17 days of combat in September 1918, he was credited with destroying 14 balloons and four enemy aircraft.

Luke's final mission came on September 29, 1918, when the 21-year-old pilot was shot down behind enemy lines in France. According to the account supporting his Medal of Honor, he continued fighting German soldiers on the ground rather than surrender.

Luke was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, and in 1941, the Army Air Corps named its new training base west of Phoenix in his honor. Today, more than a century after his death, his name remains a familiar part of life in the West Valley.

[Sun City] 🎶 Sun City’s Fall Concert Series is here! The 2026 Sundial Fall Ticketed Concert Mini-Series moves on with the next performance on November 11th. Come see Project Presley, A dynamic tribute to Elvis Presley, which channels the King's iconic rock, blues, and gospel sound with authentic energy, vintage flair, and electrifying live showmanship.(link)

[Sun City] This week’s movie is ‘THE DEVIL WEARS PARADA’. Showtimes are Wednesday 11/11 at 2pm & 7pm at the Marinette Rec Center & Saturday 11/14 at 2pm & 7pm at the MOUNTAIN MUSIC ROOM (New location). See the NOVEMBER movie lineup here.

[Sun City] Sun City’s Sun Bowl Fall Concert Series is underway, with the next show happening on Sunday, NOVEMBER 8th. Come see Ahwatukee Foothills Band , which celebrates Veterans at the Sun Bowl. Join us at 4:00 p.m. for a very special tribute to those who served in the Armed Forces. (link)

[Sun City] The Del Webb Sun Cities Museum is honoring local veterans with free admission on Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11! It's a great opportunity for veterans to explore the fascinating history of Sun City and learn more about how this pioneering retirement community came to be. The museum's offer is a small but meaningful way to thank those who have served our country.

[Sun City] Sun City is celebrating America's 250th Anniversary with a full week of festivities, November 8th-15th. From a Veterans Tribute Concert and golf specials to a BBQ, karaoke, and a community parade on Saturday, there's something for everyone. The celebration wraps up Sunday with the opening of a 50-year-old time capsule buried beneath the Liberty Bell at Bell Recreation Center in 1976, offering a fascinating glimpse into Sun City's past! (link)

~ The Sun City Host Lions and Sun City Mid-Week Lions Clubs are teaming up for their 5th Annual Food Drive on Saturday, November 14th, benefiting Valley View Community Food Bank. It's a great opportunity to help local families in need and make a difference right here in our community! To learn more, email the Sun City Host Lions.

[Sun City West] The Sun City West Friday Farmers Market has moved indoors for the summer, at the Sun City West Foundation. The market is open from 10a-2pm each Friday. (link & map)

[Sun City] The Sun City Farmers Market is sticking around for the summer, with new hours designed for early birds. Stop by Bell Recreation Center on Thursday mornings from 9am-1pm. to browse fresh produce, baked goods, and offerings from local vendors. (link)

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

[Sun City West] Movie Night at the Stardust Theatre Join them for a matinee showing of THE SHEEP DETECTIVES, on Thursday, November 19th, at 6pm (link)

[Sun City] Skip the Black Friday crowds at the mall and shop local instead! The 41st Annual Sun City Fall Arts and Crafts Festival returns to the Sundial Recreation Center on November 27 and 28, featuring more than 400 local artisans selling handmade gifts, jewelry, artwork and more. Admission and parking are free, and you'll also find live entertainment, five food trucks, raffles, and even visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus! Friday, November 27, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and continues on Saturday, November 28, from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Sundial Recreation Center located at 14801 N 103rd Avenue in Sun City.

🏡 HOME OF THE WEEK: Waterfront Living in Sun City!

Imagine enjoying sunset cruises right from your own private dock on Sun City's beautiful 33-acre lake! This 2-bedroom, 3-bath home features two en-suite bedrooms, a separate den, spacious entertaining areas with a wet bar, and gorgeous lake views. Best of all, the boat and kayak are included, so you can start enjoying life on the water right away!

See all the pics & details here.

Property listed by Polly Brown with HomeSmart

J.D. Manning, the publisher of the Sun City Scoop, is also a local Realtor. If you have questions about the market or your specific real estate situation,
you can reach J.D. at (480) 797-8975

Are you part of a club you’d like featured here? Send me the details!!

The Sun City Scoop Newsletter is growing fast, and in an effort to make sure I’m providing the content you want to see, please do me a favor and complete this survey. Thank you 🙏

Thank you to everyone who has completed the survey! 🙏

If you know someone who would benefit from the Sun City Scoop, please forward this email to them. 🙌

If you want to learn more about who is publishing this newsletter, click here.

Some of the images you see in the newsletter are created using modern AI image tools. Whenever possible, I use my own photos from around Sun City and the West Valley, but sometimes it is helpful to generate an image that better illustrates a story or historical topic. These images are used simply to supplement the articles and help tell the story visually, not to mislead or deceive readers.