The high season is in full swing here at SunBird, and the weather is terrific! We are so glad to welcome back the many residents who were away for the summer and even longer. During the month of November, we have had many activities including a wonderful Veterans Day service, Community Garage Sale, SunBird’s 23rd Community Day, Thanksgiving Dinner, bus trips, Fame Trivia, live music events, Bar Bingo, dances, new Sunday Fun Day football parties, and much more. Coming up over the next several months are even more new activities, including new tribute bands scheduled for each month until May. Get ready to have a blast!
The road work in SunBird has been completed. Every road and asphalt parking lot within the four walls of the community has had crack sealing and seal or slurry sealing work conducted over the past two months. This was a large but necessary project to protect and maintain the integrity of the roads. We appreciate all for practicing a little more patience and understanding, as this did cause temporary road closures and detours throughout the project. SunBird wasn’t designed as an easy place to navigate through.
Working with various contractors on maintenance and improvement projects has been challenging, with the labor shortage and high demand of work needed in Arizona. Manufacturers, shipping, deliveries, and service contractors are overwhelmed with the amount of work, causing delays in scheduling, ordering, and completing projects. “We are Hiring” notices are posted at almost every business establishment around. Signs are also posted at several places of business stating, “We are experiencing an extreme shortage of staff and appreciate your patience during this time.” Just recently, I received a text message that my order, which had been ordered months ago, was in the store for pick-up. I went to the store to pick up my delivery and waited in line for 20 minutes to be told by the clerk my order was not ready and to check back in 15 minutes. After 15 minutes of waiting, I went back to the pick-up area and waited in line for another 20 minutes. When I got to the front of the line, I spoke again with the clerk and was told that the delivery had not actually been received by them. I began to get frustrated as the clerk left to look again for this order and then I noticed the sign regarding the staff shortage. I decided to not express my frustrations to the clerk who was clearly embarrassed, overworked, and really not at fault. We are still experiencing this trickle-down effect in many areas at SunBird. With this labor staff shortage, one would think it would be easy to fill these positions. The media has several articles and reports of employees who do not feel the need to stay at their job or motivated to excel due to labor market demand and opportunities to move elsewhere. This has been a frustrating time for all, and we appreciate your continued support as we are striving to rebuild and improve on our operations.
SunBird’s website has been updated and is updated regularly. Check our website to find out the latest news and information of what’s going on in SunBird. SunBird’s activities, meetings, calendars, clubs, groups, and organizations have contact information that can be accessed at sunbirdhoa.com. The SunBird website has great information about SunBird and, most of all, the applications and forms needed. Come visit us.
At this time of year, we look forward to the many festivities and celebrations, both in and outside of SunBird. Let’s always be thankful for our family, friends, and people around us. We are all so fortunate to have the many freedoms and luxuries of life. We sincerely wish everyone a safe and healthy holiday season and new year!