The high season is in full swing here at SunBird, and the weather has been terrific! We are so glad to have and welcome back many residents who have been away for the summer. Welcome back! During the month of November, we had several activities, including a “Denim & Diamonds” dance; a wonderful concert the night before Veterans Day titled “America the Beautiful”; and a Veterans Day service with guest speaker O.D. Harris, City of Chandler Vice Mayor, honoring all past, present, and active service members; SunBird’s Community Garage Sale; SunBird’s 26th Community Day; the Fall Fiesta huge outdoor concert with food fun and games at the clubhouse; Thanksgiving dinner at the Horizon Room; and much more. December has many holiday events, shows, and banquets planned. For details, see the other section in this edition of the SunBird News or visit SunBirdhoa.com.
SunBird Patrol has been actively monitoring the misuse of vehicle gate codes that delivery services, contractors, and others are using to gain access into the community. When discovered, that keypad code is disabled so that it can no longer be used. Some delivery services, such as Amazon, have options that can be set up by the user to schedule the best times for delivery. If using Amazon, go to “Accounts and Lists” then to “Your Addresses” then to “Edit” then to “Delivery Instructions.” Once at this field, the days and times of delivery can be selected for all deliveries from that time forward. Ideally, the times of delivery for SunBird should be no earlier than 6 a.m. and no later than 8 p.m. During this time, the gatehouse at Riggs Road is staffed, and the drivers can properly check into SunBird without entering a code or trying to sneak in behind a vehicle entering into SunBird. Additionally, some delivery services have been leaving packages and deliveries outside the gatehouse after hours and other gates around SunBird. When packages or deliveries are left unattended, SunBird Patrol will contact the delivery service for them to come back to retrieve. If we work together, we can help reduce the chances of having the gate codes or keys to SunBird falling into anyone’s possession. If anyone would like to update or change their vehicle gate code at no charge, please contact the SunBird office.
Scams are rampant almost everywhere and throughout every means of communication possible, including postal mail, telephone calls, text messages, emails, and in person. It is far too often that it is learned that someone in our community has been scammed. As technology advances, so do the efforts of scamming. Just this past month, SunBird residents have reported receiving a letter mailed to them from a “healthcare” company titled “Notice of Data Breach.” The notice is several pages explaining that their computer database had been hacked and your personal information may have been taken. The letter goes on citing free services for credit monitoring and identity protection. It is followed by a telephone number and website address to entice you to register for these services. This notice appears very legitimate, but it is a scam. Never give out personal information, including social security numbers and bank or other account numbers, or allow access to someone remotely to your computer if you are not absolutely confident. Sometimes it is very difficult to decipher a scam message received via text message or email from a bank, government, business, or even a family member. If a message is received that it is difficult to decide whether or not to respond to and is a company or someone normally communicated with, contact them by way of telephone with another telephone number other than the number provided by the potential scam message. Further, it’s a good idea to have a friend or family member review the message. It is unfortunate that business names, logos, and names of familiar people are used in scam messages that appear completely legitimate. On SunBird’s home page of the website there is a link titled “Beware of Scams,” which leads to the Arizona Attorney General website section titled “Consumer Scams.” Information is provided there with a telephone number to the Attorney General’s office for additional help or questions. Please use good judgment and caution with all solicited communications.
Over the past several months, the Rules Committee has been reviewing ways to promote a healthier community. SunBird is introducing some important updates regarding smoking on the common area property, focusing on the clubhouse area and recreational facilities. Maps indicating designated smoking areas where smoking is permitted around the clubhouse are located at the main entrance into the clubhouse and on SunBird’s website. Additional signage has been displayed in these areas and ashtrays were relocated further away from the building, facilities, and entrance areas. To be compliant with Arizona law, the SunBird HOA has adopted statute ARS 36-601.01 regarding the usage of marijuana. Smoking marijuana is not permitted in public or open areas within the SunBird community. This statute includes recreational and medical marijuana usage. The law permits residents to smoke marijuana on their personal property only. An article featuring this new update is also published in this issue of the SunBird News. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated in keeping SunBird a healthy and enjoyable environment for all.
From all of the SunBird staff, we wish each of you a happy, healthy, and safe holiday season. SunBird is a great place to be!