SMOKE SIGNAL
Sundance 1 RV Resort
Manager’s Message –
I think we all can say – Hallelujah to Out with 2020 and In with 2021!!
We hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and have special plans for celebrating the New Years! While this year was far different than years past, we hope everyone found unique ways to still celebrate the season!
While we are truly missing those, who could not be here this season, whether it was due to travel restrictions, health conditions or just hunkering down in place to ride out this season of uncertainty, we are making the best of what we can provide for those who are here! We have experienced many changes in following state Covid guidelines since last March and anticipate there will be more. We have been able to increase offerings from what was available during the summer months, which include pool and room usage and restrictions. We are so grateful that more is available for all of our residents and guests. Our hope is that we will be able to increase even more in the next few months. Thank you to all who are understanding and supportive to all the efforts put into place to keep our community safe!
We still need to keep in mind we have a speed limit throughout the park of 15 miles per hour. That goes for everyone, cars, trucks, bicycles, motorcycles & golf carts. Stop signs are also required for EVERYONE to obey. As always, it is your responsibility to follow all park rules and this includes the pet rules. All pets MUST be on a leash at all times (this is not just a Sundance rule but an ordinance for the city of Casa Grande as well), riding in a golf cart not on a leash is an infraction to the rules. Please do not let your pet relieve themselves on any property that is not designated for that purpose such as, other people’s yards or lawn decorations, unoccupied RV spaces and inside the retention ponds. It is also your responsibility to pick up after your animals even if using the canal area.
If you still have a blue or yellow sticker in your window, we ask that you please remove it as those are outdated and the gate greeters will be required to stop you each time you enter the park. If you do not have the Orange Horse window cling on your windshield please stop by the office to pick one up. These are only for Annual Sundance residents. If you are not an annual you need to keep the paper in your windshield that was given to you when you checked in. Any questions feel free to contact the office. 920-426-9662
Thank you to everyone who is contributing to keeping the front office contactless as possible. Many of you are using the Office Drop Box located on the wall across from the mailroom for making your rent and electric payments, it can also be used for any questions or communication requests to the office. Please be sure to put your name and site number on the envelopes.
We are looking forward to seeing what 2021 will bring and pray we see normalcy return and abundant blessings to all!
Kate & Tom Ebert – Managers
“Inspiration comes from within yourself. One has to be positive. When you’re positive, good things happen.” — Deep Roy
Sundance 1 LLC Park Requirements
Failure to follow these guidelines may force us to close the activity/room.
- A signed Assumption of Risk, Waiver and Release of Liability Agreement is required to be on file in the Activities office for all residents and guests that are staying at Sundance 1 RV Resort and want to use any of the amenities.
- Once waiver is signed, you will receive a gold wristband. The wristband along with a cloth mask and Sundance name badge will be required to participate in any activity offered by the park or to enter any park facility.
- For pool or hot tub use, the wristband should be worn and your name badge should be attached to your cover up or shirt.
- Replacement bands will be available for $ 1 each in activities.
- Wearing of masks for outdoor activities is optional, but social distancing is still required at all times.
All rules and regulations are subject to government guidelines and will be adjusted accordingly and as required.
Important Phone Numbers
911 for all police, medical and fire emergencies
Sundance Main Office 520-426-9662 (Non-business hours calls will transfer to Host)
Sundance Host 520-213-5914
APS 1-800-240-2014
City of Casa Grande 520-421-8600
Activities 520-876-2714
Activities –
We are so excited to announce the addition another activity to our awesome line up things to do! Gourd workshop will begin later this month at the Wood’N Gourd Shop (building #1) located behind the Ranch House. More info is under Gourd workshop in this edition.
Did you know that the Activity office is the “go to office” of Sundance? Not only do we sell tickets for events, we sell postage stamps in small quantities, can provide info on activities in the park and where they are located, make temporary name badges for residents and guests, provide local info of surrounding area, convert cash to quarters, sell bags of ice and more! Stop in and say hi to our friendly and helpful team!
Activity teams worked hard at the beginning of the season to pressure wash all tables and chairs. Please do your part to keep the tables and chairs from being marked up or defaced. Do not put your gum under the tables or chairs, please dispose of it properly.
Activity Coordinators and monitors please don’t arrive early for your room sessions if you are following another activity. We don’t want anyone being rushed out and proper sanitation needs to be done after each group uses a room.
A thank you goes out to Silvia Freer for volunteering as Stained-Glass Coordinator for the past several years. We appreciate the time you have put in and are glad that you will be still active in the room.
The Weekly calendar is available in the Activity office now. Updates can occur at any time so make sure you have the most current version. Room calendars are located in each room, so feel free to go exploring and see what fun things await you.
Thank you to everyone who decorated their RV, Park Model, or Home to bring the spirit of the season to Sundance. Winners for RV; 1st Luanne and Roy Durfey, 2nd Robert and Sharon Anderson, 3rd Gordon and Jeanne Beck. Park Model winners; 1st Debra and Rusty Stith, 2nd Ricky and Patricia Dedmon, 3rd Andy Karlsnes. Home winners, 1st Gary and Michelle Traphagan, 2nd Jim and Shirley Skinner, 3rd Jim and Jennine Williams.
Angel Tree – A special thank you to everyone that participated in making The Seeds of Hope Angel Tree a huge success. The 24 kids were guaranteed a wonderful Christmas due to your generosity! Thank you Salli Haller
Bible Study – Join us as we study Jonah at 10-11:30am in the Hang Out Room. For further info contact Deb G. #512.
Billiards – In an effort maintain the tables properly please practice the following. In the corner pocket of the table is a small piece of cloth that is to be placed under the cue ball when breaking the rack. There are wipes available in the dispenser that can be used to clean cue sticks and the top black rail on the table. At no time are you to use any spray or wipes on the cloth of the table or on the pool balls. If you want to wipe the pool balls, please use a dry, clean paper towel with no solution. Only bottled water can be brought into the room and must be kept away from all tables and equipment. As with any park building, a mask is required to be worn at all times during your visit. Tony Lau
Bingo – Come and play on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at the Hole in the Wall. Sign up is recommended and you can always come at 6:30pm at the Hole in the Wall to see if there are any seats available. Players who sign up must arrive between 6-6:30pm. If you arrive after that time, you will have to wait at the end of the line for walk-ins. You will be surprised by a few additions to the games. Everyone has been cooperative which we do appreciate and glad you’re having fun!
Cactus Needles – If you like to knit or crochet join us in the Hang Out room 10am-12pm on Mondays. We work on projects for local agencies who are involved with foster children and the homeless.
Cans for Veterans – Drop off your aluminum cans at site 171 in the container. We do prefer them crushed but will accept uncrushed cans as we well. All proceeds are donated to the Sundance/Fairways Veterans. Thank you from Paul and Sally Brown
Caregiver Workshop – Our next two sessions are scheduled on Friday, Jan. 15 and Jan. 22nd, 10am -12pm at the Ranch House Meetin’ Room. Limit of 6 attendees per sessions. Sign up is located in Activities.
Ceramic Shop – Now that the holidays are over, and everyone is ready to get busy with their activities and projects. The Ceramic Shop is open. Hours are: Monday through Friday, 9am -12pm and 1-3:45pm. We have greenware, bisque and all the other supplies you would need to do your masterpiece. We have a monitor in everyday to help you and answer any questions you may have. Come and check us out. Lynn Olson, Coordinator
Church – Sundance Church holds non-denominational services every Sunday at 8:45am at the Hole in the Wall. Masks will be required and we will be allowed 50 in attendance. Chairs will be set up for social distancing. We hope you will join us.
Condolences – Sundance sends sincere condolences to family and friends in the loss of Mary Lott, Pat Seeman, L.J. “Jr:” Zimmer, Steve Shepherd and Bob Shafer. Also, to Esther Ropert (former Sundance resident now Fairways) in the loss of her son.
Country Store – Friday, Jan. 08 Country Store will be held from 9am-12pm. We will have a walk pattern in place along with mask and social distancing requirements. Everyone has been so cooperative with this event and we thank you for supporting our crafters.
Couples and Pattern Dance – Please consider joining our classes starting Thursday Jan. 7 at 10am in the Hole in the Wall. Our beginning Country Waltz class will be at 10am and Pattern at 11am. There is plenty of room to social distance, get some exercise and still have fun. Classes are $1 per couple and sign up is in Activities. Thank you, Kent and Sandi Reedy
Gourd Workshop – Our new gourd workshop will be opening on Tuesday, Jan. 12. We are located in the Wood’ N Gourd Shop (building 1) next to the Ranch in Sundance 2. Please park in the parking lot behind the Ranch House. Our hours are Tuesday and Thursday 9am-12pm and 12:45-3:45pm. We will offer beginner and advanced sessions. We will have a pre-project meeting at the Wood’N Gourd Shop on Tuesday, Jan. 05 at 12:30pm and another at 2pm. Please let me know which time you will be attending as we have limited room capacity for each meeting. Please wear mask, name badge and wristband. Lynn Olson jaclyn201107@aol.com
Greeting Card Making Class- Classes will now be held on a bi-weekly basis beginning Thursday, Jan.14, 10am-12pm at the Ranch House Meetin’ Room. A minimum of 3 participants are needed to hold class. $10 fee for 4 cards. Sign up is available in Activities. Susan Updike
Housekeeping – Do not remove sanitizer spray bottles from rooms. All rooms have at least one or more bottles designated to each room. If you find one in the wrong room, please return it to the proper location.
Laundry – Please remember when using the new washing machines that you do have to press the “start” button in order for the machine to begin the cycle. If you don’t press the “start” button the machine will time out and the unit will not operate. This is a different process than how the older machines are operated. Don’t put quilts or large bed coverings in our washers and dryers as they do not wash or dry these items well. We ask that you take them to one of the facilities in Casa Grande that can handle larger items of this nature.
Library – Our shelves have a wide variety of reading material to satisfy the most robust reader. Our new location in the Ranch House offers a welcoming feeling to the Library and you can even enjoy the reading and puzzle room across the hall.
Line Dance –Class will be back in session Thursday, Jan. 07 and is held every Thursday, 1-3pm at the Hole in the Wall. Fee is $2.00 per class. Everyone is welcome to join us.
Mailroom – Mail for Sundance 2 should not be dropped off in the “in park” bin. Mail should be sent through USPS or dropped off by the sender directly at the recipient’s door. Sundance 2 address is 1837 N. Thornton Rd. and include unit #. Please stop by and let us know if there are individuals at your site that have different last name(s) than you or if there is a business name associated with your site. This is important info so we don’t “return mail to sender” due to not knowing the name differences. Saturday hours are 10:30am-12:30pm. Our newly installed sliding window in the breezeway is now equipped with a bell and everyone who has a package or inside mail box can use this pickup method. Thank you for your help.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors – If you are need of temporary help, please reach out to the Activities office so we can put you on the list. We also have a volunteer list for anyone who wants to be a helper. For further info stop in at the Activities office or reach out to Sharon Olivo.
Pool- In an effort to keep debris down in the pools, please do not wear street shoes in any pools or hot tubs. The fine gravel and dirt can have an effect on filters and possibly cause failure. Pool shoes are fine just don’t wear them to and from the complex.
Potlucks – Hello to all of Sundance Michiganders! We arranged to have our potluck in the Hole in the Wall on Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021 4-6:30pm. Sign-up sheet is in Activities. Call with questions 810-623-3185 and we hope to see you there. Kathy K.
Random Acts of Kindness – Congratulations to the following December nominees: Mary Ann Brown was nominated by Pat La Voie for gifting her a 3-wheel bike that Pat intended to buy from her. Monica Smith was nominated by Kate Ebert for sewing beautiful masks that are available to guests when they visit the front desk. Reina Nelson was nominated by Barbara Burrell for driving her to Chandler Regional Hospital since she doesn’t drive at night, to pick up her husband Jim after he was discharged. Claudia Winter nominated Lucille Colligan for all the time she spent keeping an eye out for her loose dog and letting others know to watch for it too. Do you know someone who has a done a “good deed” for you or the park? Come to the Activities Office and fill out a Random Act of Kindness nomination form. Nominations will be unread until drawn at random around the middle of each month. The selected nominees will receive a gift and will be acknowledged in the next Smoke Signal edition. Deadline for February nominations is Friday the 15th.
Round Up Meeting – Everyone is invited to our park meeting held every Tuesday morning at 8:30am sharp at the Hole in the Wall to learn about upcoming events and news in the park. Often, we will have guest speakers who provide information on services they offer. Refreshments are served and sign up is recommended due to limited room capacity.
Rzr Group – If you’re interested in joining our group for some great desert riding feel to reach out to me to get on the email list. We usually ride on Tuesdays except for holidays. Stop in at Activities for more info. Andy K. andydorita@q.com
Senior Stretch – Guys and gals are invited for a great work out on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 10:30-11:30am at the Hole in the Wall. This is a low impact workout for those of us who may not be able to do the more strenuous types of movement or for those who just want to move. Give us a try! Nancy Bittinger
Shuffleboard – Regular shuffleboard everyone plays for themselves at 9:30am Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Bowling pin shuffle is on Tuesday at 9:30am and this is a team event. If you have never played and would like to learn, come join us and we will teach you. Shuffleboard is an outdoor event where masks are not required but highly recommended because it’s difficult to social distance. At this point everyone playing has been wearing masks and we have been having a great time. The cost to play is .50 per day which is inexpensive fun. See you there! Joe and Carolyn Hess
Softball – Winter League play for the Sundance Mustangs begins January 5th. All Mustang games will be at the Palm Creek Softball Field. Game schedules are available in the Activities Office. The concession stand will be open. Please use COVID precautions when attending games, these include masks and social distancing. We hope to see and hear you at the games. Ron Guidi
Stain Glass – Stained Glass has an opportunity for you! We are in serious need of monitors. Do you have some stained-glass experience? Are you willing to share your skills by volunteering 2 ¾ hours a week? Pease contact a member of the steering committee to obtain additional information and to answer any questions you may have. Join our mask wearing, social distancing team! You have never tried stained glass? Oh my!! We really want you!! Stop in to see our new, enlarged and updated shop. Give us a chance to help you experience the enjoyment of creating. For $8 we will help you create a beginner’s project (we have many beginner patterns) that will teach you the basics of the art. We have everything you need to complete your projects. We can help you with traditional stained-glass creations, stepping stones and mosaics. If you have done stained glass before, come on back!! Shop hours will be finalized and posted by Jan. 1. Stained Glass Steering Committee, Harriett Reed, Cindel Nielson, and Jim McBride
Sundance Motorcycle Riders – Our group is growing and rides are usually on Sundays. If you’re interested in joining, stop in at Activities for additional info. Thanks Doug Boyd.
Sundance 1 & 2 Sewers/Quilters – The Community Charity portion of our group made 27 fuzzy, cuddly quilts which were donated on December 16 to the Casa Grande Police Department to use in their cars to give to children in need. We welcome sewers and quilters to join in the fun of making items for the Dept. of Child Services and Oasis Nursing and rehab Center.
Sunshine Committee – Your Sundance friends are like family and they care about each other. If you know of someone who has suffered a loss, in the hospital, or recovering at home please email their info to Darlene at seaclark25@yahoo.com.
Thank You – Daryl Clark, thank you for your donation of Christmas lights to Activities. They were used around Pool 1.
Thank you to Doretta Oaklief for refreshing a few of our sound boards on the kitchen end of the Hole in the Wall with new fabric this summer.
Barb Robinson wants to thank the mystery person who left beautiful roses on her porch on Wed. 12/16, it made her day.
Thank you to Mike and Jeanette Harris for their donation of a counter top multi-purpose oven to the park.
I would like to sincerely thank everyone for the many acts of kindness shown to me after Steve’s passing. The condolences, prayers, sympathy cards, memorials, flowers, food and visits were so appreciated. I am so lucky to live in such a caring community with my “Sundance family”. Steve represented the McGavin family for 20 years and “he never met a stranger, just a new friend that he hadn’t spoken to yet!” A memorial that would best celebrate Steve’s life is not possible at this time. Please wear a mask and stay safe. Thank you, Dennie Shepard (and of course Sofi)
I hope this letter of appreciation finds you all well. To the Sundance Community, on behalf of the Arizona Punishers Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club (PLEMC), and from the Punishers Worldwide we thank you for your continued support and loyalty to our community. The AZ PLEMC has been attending the Casa Grande Toy Run for the past six years and for the past two years we have been coming into the park and celebrating the beginning of the day with Don and Ruth Ames at site #73. Last year the Az. Desert Central Punishers Chapter, out of Casa Grande, made the Ames honorary supporters of this amazing Worldwide Club. This year due to restrictions because of COVID we as a Club had to come up with a new plan, and no-one likes change. I sat down with Don and Ruth and we mustered up the idea to involve the Sundance Community, which is exactly what you did. The generous outpouring of gifts and monetary donations was breathtaking; in a time that people are suffering with loss of work and maybe even the sad reality of losing a loved one, you all pulled together for a great cause. I am not only honored to have Don and Ruth Ames as my parents but I am honored to be the President of the Casa Grande Chapter. Thank you for the continued support and see you next year. Az. Desert Central President, Bill “PINz” Ames
Town Council – Your Town Council encourages everyone to complete the form located in Activities to address any comments or suggestion you may have on how to improve the Sundance community. It’s important that it is signed for it to be considered for discussion. – Alan.
Veterans Group – The Sundance and Fairways Veterans have a Bruno Scooter available for use to any veteran with mobility challenges. A widow or widower of a vet can also use the scooter as well. This is a larger scooter which would not be for in-home use. Reach out to Sundance Activities if you know of a vet that would or could use this equipment. Congratulations to our raffle winners! Berni Dalelio of Fairways is the winner of the stained-glass eagle picture and the Quilt winner is from Sundance, Margie Elling. Thank you to everyone for your support. We have had to make some changes on how we meet and are now meeting once a month at Sundance and at Fairways. Next meeting will be Mon. Jan. 11 for Sundance Vets at the Hang Out Room 9am. New veterans are encouraged to sign up for news about the group. We are a social group with no afflation with any of the national veterans’ organizations. Barry Segal. FW#168
Sundance Resident Spotlight –
Mary Ann Brown has been at Sundance since September of 2017. She rented at first, and at the urging of relatives, purchased shortly thereafter. She had a 3-wheel bike that she once enjoyed but due to a foot injury it has just sat for some time. She just wanted someone else to clean it up and enjoy and money wasn’t in the equation. She is just happy that Pat now has transportation within the park and was quite surprised about the nomination.
Monica Smith feels she doesn’t have a lot of talent, so making masks is her way of doing her part of trying to stop the spread of the virus and keep people well. Her heart goes out to all of the frontline workers that are dealing with this disease on a daily basis. She estimates that she has made 700 masks since March of 2020 and she truly enjoys making them. Besides donating to the front desk at Sundance, she also gives them to her church, the Navajo Nation, and has handed them out at Safeway Grocery and from her porch to people walking by. Monica and her husband attended a New Years Eve dance 10-12 years ago at Sundance and knew this was the place for them.
Reina Nelson arrived at Sundance with her husband Kirk in 2019. Kirk and Gary Traphagan met on a golf course in Lake Havasu and Gary urged them to come to Sundance. She said “within a month of being at Sundance, we purchased our park model”. She knows what it’s like to not have good night vision and just wanted to help Barb out and didn’t need to be recognized for it. This nomination was totally unexpected, yet very much appreciated.
Being an animal lover Lucille Colligan had no problem looking for a loose dog. She didn’t really know the color or description of the dog since she only caught a glimpse of it. Her concern was the area is dark and she didn’t want it to be harmed. The event ended happily as the dog returned home on its own and the owners were not aware at first, that it had escaped. Lucille was apprehensive at first to look at Sundance as she is more accustomed to grass, hills, and trees, however since being here 8 or 9 years she has adjusted well to the desert surroundings and Sundance.
Stained Glass Renovation –
When starting a project of renovations such as what was done in the Stained Glass is very overwhelming if your goal is to provide the type of room/space that will be productive and functional for the activity using the space.
We were so fortunate that Harriett Reed came to us with not just a wish list or verbal suggestions of what should be done but she provided very detailed information on not only what the room needed but also explained to us the process in stained glass –she put much time into creating a graph layout of what was needed for the room to be the most useful and provide adequate space for creating the individual projects …This made our job much easier to visualize and bring to life.
If anyone has not yet stopped into the Stained Glass room to see for yourself the expansion and improvements we encourage you to do so. This is truly an amazing activity that Sundance is able to offer to all residents!
We are truly grateful for the above and beyond efforts that Harriett put into helping us create a space that will be used for many years to come!
Thank you Harriett for all the hours you put in from designing the layout…moving glass and sharing your vision. Sundance 1 RV Resort will forever be blessed because of it!