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History of the prides

Sun City PRIDES members cleaning up 99th Avenue - 1980s. Photo Courtesy of the Sun City Area Historical Museum.

The PRIDES logo today, very similar to the logo created originally by Hank Wohlwend in 1980.

Sun City PRIDES members cleaning up 99th Avenue - 1980s. Photo Courtesy of the Sun City Area Historical Museum.

Sun City Prides participate in the Sun City 25th Anniversary parade in January of 1985. Photo Courtesy of the Sun City Area Historical Museum.

This 1992 photo of PRIDES cleaning up was taken by Paul Hermann and was given to the Sun City Area Historical Society Museum. It is shown here with their permission.

PRIDES facility at the east end of Greenway Road today.

Del Webb Blvd. plantings from the Beautification Project.

PRIDES sign on Del Webb Boulevard during the Beautification Project in 2015.

Sun City Prides, Inc.
History - 1980 to 2016

The Sun City Prides, Inc., or as they are familiarly known, THE PRIDES (an acronym for PROUD RESIDENTS INDEPENDENTLY DONATING ESSENTIAL SERVICES) was born in the Spring of 1980 as a service organization whose sole purpose would be to KEEP SUN CITY BEAUTIFUL by doing chores above the normal services of Maricopa County in order to preserve the high standard set for Sun City.
 
It all began with a Letter to the Editor written by Joe McIntyre, A Sun City resident, calling attention to the littering along 99th Avenue.  He stated that he would be out there on Saturday mornings to do what he could to clean up the area and hoped other Sun Citians might join him - - - and gradually they did.
 
The first recorded committee meeting was held on May 31, 1980, following a Coffee Hour hosted by the First Federal Savings and Loan Association, Youngtown, attended by 200 PRIDES.  In attendance were residents Joe McIntyre, L.D. Hutson, Ralph Ossa, Tom Cowley, Ann Foster, Beverly Monson and Betty Hallen, as well as Dennis Clark, Maricopa County Highway Department Supervisor for Sun City.  Joe McIntyre was unanimously appointed Chairman and Betty Hallen, Secretary.
 
The second meeting was held on June 7, 1980, and was attended by the committee members, 122 PRIDES, and representative from Maricopa County and the Del Webb Corporation.  At this meeting, L.D. Hudson was appointed Vice Chairman and Ann Foster, Treasurer.
 
Orange vests were provided by the County.  A logo was designed by Hank Wohlwend who hand-painted it on each jacket.
 
Originally, the city was divided into 33 work sections, each with a monitor who reported to the Monitor Coordinator.  Later, this was changed.  A Monitor Coordinator was appointed for each of the three areas in Sun City:  Phase I south of Grand Avenue; Phase II between Grand Avenue and Bell Road; Phase III everything north of Bell Road.  In general, the members worked within their own neighborhoods.  In addition, other work groups were gradually established for specialized work: tree trimming and painting, irrigation, weed spraying, fertilization and a special squad to cover the city wherever needed, especially picking up oranges.

The residents, clubs and organizations began to see the value of the work of the PRIDES and responded generously with financial aid, making it possible for the PRIDES to live up to the name, PROUD RESIDENTS INDEPENDENTLY DONATING ESSENTIAL SERVICES. 
 
1981
Over the years, the PRIDES have received many awards for their contribution to the community.  The County Achievement Award for 1981was given by the National Association of Counties in recognition of distinguished and continuing contributions to the cause of strong, efficient, modern county government in America. 
 
1982
In early 1982, the PRIDES became a non-profit corporation.  The Articles of Incorporation and the Bylaws were unanimously accepted at the Annual Membership Meeting on March 6.   Soon thereafter tax exemption status was received.  Full credit was given to Al Brown for his untiring efforts in bringing this to fruition.
 
The Bylaws called for a 9-member Board to be elected as follows:  5 members for a two-year term and 4 members a one-year term.  The Board elected its President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer.
 
1983
By 1983 there were 319 active PRIDES.
 
1984
By 1984 sufficient funds had been received through donations and bequests that consideration was given to obtaining a headquarters for the acquired vehicles, equipment, tools, etc.  In late 1984 the Sun City Water Company approved plans for a PRIDES’ building to be situated on their land at the east end of Greenway Road to house their vehicles and equipment.  Under the leasing agreement, use of the Water Company land by the PRIDES would be perpetual at the cost of $1.00 per year.
 
Del Webb Development Corporation (DEVCO) constructed an 80’ x 48’ building, which was completed by the end of May 1985 at a cost of $29,645.00, paid from the
PRIDES’ treasury. 
 
1985
At the 8th Annual Meeting on March 5th, a motion was made, seconded and approved to name the headquarters building the “Vern and Carol Howland Building” in recognition of the Howlands many hours spent taking care of the building, keeping the equipment in tip-top condition, being responsible for the inventory, constructing PRIDES’ displays and setting them up at the Recreation Centers Fun Fairs, and all of this done in addition to weekly spraying and other general work.
 
A ribbon cutting ceremony and an open house for the newly constructed PRIDES building was held on June 8.
 
The PRIDES purchased and maintained flags at the intersection of Grand and 107th Avenues.  A sensor light was installed.
 
1987
In February, approval was given by the Board of Directors to publish a Safety Bulletin twice a year.  This developed into a Newsletter titled “THE COMMUNICATOR.”
 
PRIDES’ Park at 105th and Peoria Avenues was completed by the PRIDES.  Later a gazebo and water fountain were added.
 
1990
A song to honor the PRIDES was composed by Sun City resident Dutch Schultz.
 
The PRIDES received The Governor’s Pride in Arizona Award, Arizona Clean and Beautiful.
 
1996
In February, the PRIDES, along with the POSSE, were invited to join the Homeowners Association President’s Council.
 
In the spring on this year, the Citizens Utilities Company donated a truck with a hydraulic lift, making it possible for the tree trimmer to reach the tree tops in a safe manner.
 
What has come to be known as “the Great Storm of 96” hit the Northwest Valley about 6 PM on August 14th.  It uprooted trees, tore shingles from roofs, did other structural damage, and scattered much debris.  The PRIDES did a great job in helping with the clean-up of the streets of Sun City in the aftermath of the storm.
 
From 1986 to 1996 the irrigation system in Sun City was maintained almost exclusively by the PRIDES under the direction of Merlin Stevens.  The County was called in only in emergency situations.

1998
In continuing with the history of the PRIDES, it is noted that a problem with swarms of bees occurred in 1998 and a contractor had to be hired to deal with the problem. 
 
A visitor from Japan interviewed PRIDES members at the Visitors Center to learn about our program after which a Long Range Planning Committee was formed. 
 
A chain gang was sent by the sheriff’s department for help in gleaning the fruit trees along Thunderbird.  
 
An Arizona State University study showed that most cities are having a problem with littering while the Sun City PRIDES got the job done with considerable help from Maricopa County.
 
2000
For the 40th anniversary of Sun City, the statue “Sun City Volunteer-A-Lifestyle of Giving” was created and dedicated with a PRIDE being one of the figures.  
 
2001
A finance committee was formed. 
 
The newspaper noted that PRIDES workers picked up almost 2 ½ tons of trash a week according to Maricopa County officials.
 
2002
Two new vans were purchased and the PRIDES logo was placed on them. 
 
2005
The County replaced the vests with one which had reflective stripes as a safety issue.  The old logos were sewn on them.
 
For the TV show “Extreme Makeover Home Edition” twelve PRIDES members worked long, hard days on a home in Gilbert for the latest production. The PRIDES received an Adopt-a-Highway Award for this service.  
 
2006
The dog statue was stolen from the Lakeview Recreation Center but the PRIDES worker statue is still intact to this day. 
 
A new golf cart was purchased which was modified to spray weeds, fertilize and water plants.
 
Wooddale Village and the Lakeview United Methodist Church honored PRIDES by serving a thank you meal.
The Metal Club helped the PRIDES by making a lock box to protect the flags at 107th and Grand Avenue.
New park benches were installed at PRIDES Park and in the dog park. 
Copper was stolen from the irrigation system and had to be replaced by Maricopa County.
 
The Beautification Committee was formed. 
 
The PRIDES participated in the Spring Fling parade held on April 1st.
 
2007
The PRIDES and the Sheriff’s Posse made an agreement that for $1 a year the PRIDES would keep the Posse grounds cleaned. 
 
2008
The PRIDES adopted the eScript program where the money members spent on merchandise has a percentage of the purchase donated to the PRIDES.
 
A list of maintenance activities to be performed by the PRIDES was agreed upon in writing by the PRIDES and Maricopa County. 
 
It was decided the PRIDES would not be charged to use the Sun City RCSC facilities.
 
2010
This was a very busy year for the PRIDES as it was the 50th anniversary of Sun City.  Many PRIDES participated in the parade in March and we won a parade award. 
 
2011
The Bell location at the Surprise boundary was landscaped and plans were made to improve the Olive and 111th entry by the Beautification Committee.
 
2012
The Lakeview Methodist Church continued honoring us with a breakfast.  At Sun City’s holiday celebration in December the PRIDES were presented with a check from the RCSC.  Many members came in their vests to show appreciation.
 
The Bell Road median project was completed with many beautiful cacti.  Plans were made to extend the project to the western boundary of the Safeway Plaza.  
 
A golf tournament to benefit the Sun City PRIDES was held for December 7th. 
 
2013
The documentary filmed of the Saturday squad was presented as a special event at the Sun Bowl.  Sun City PRIDES received a check from the El Dorado foundation on August 30.
 
2014
So long citrus and hello xeriscape landscaping.  All the orange trees were removed on Del Webb Boulevard between Bell Road and 99th Avenue and were replaced with drought resistant plants along with works of art from the Marinette Clay Corner Club and the Bell Metal Club.  The PRIDES working with MCDOT made plans for many more similar projects.  A ribbon ceremony was held on March 5th to celebrate the beautification project.
 
It has been determined that ADOT and not Maricopa County is responsible for cleanup on Grand Avenue since it is a state highway.   The painting and repairing of walls has been a problem as to who has this responsibility  The PRIDES are removing graffiti and trimming trees which hang over the walls.  PRIDES have spent time and money maintaining the walls in the past.  A plan was suggested that decorative metal art be used on the walls to make them more attractive.  A committee of the PRIDES and SCHOA was established to review future plans for wall projects. 
 
2015
The PRIDES Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation were revised and adopted.   A website was developed, suncityprides.com for the purpose of better communication with the community.
 
2016
Beautification projects were continued by landscaping Olive from 107th to 111th.  The Beautification Committee started tree planting along 107th to replace the orange trees.  The committee worked on getting funding for this through the “Project Desert Canopy” with the purpose of water conservation as well as replacing the orange trees.  
 
In conclusion…
 
The PRIDES are one of the few service organizations which does not have a fund drive.  We depend on donations from citizens, clubs, and businesses to provide funds for tools, vehicles, fertilizer, and tree and shrub replacements.  The county furnishes safety vests, orange plastic trash bags, paint for trees, herbicides and other materials and supplies. 
 
PRIDES members give input to the representatives from Maricopa County at the membership meetings which are held at the Bell Recreation Center the first Saturday of each month.  
 
The PRIDES Annual Meeting is held on the first Saturday of January each year.
 
Annual events are the Appreciation Luncheon held in February and Arbor Day tree planting in April to honor deceased PRIDE members. 
 
The PRIDES membership has remained strong with the continued outstanding support from the community and the local newspaper.
 
We appreciate people honking and waving and saying “thank you” as they see our workers with the orange vests and bags.
 
We are all proud residents of a great community!

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Leadership

 Currently, there are over 200 PRIDES continuing the task of "Keeping Sun City Beautiful," beginning their work where the County leaves off in order to preserve the high standard of cleanliness which has been set for Sun City.

There have been many strong leaders who have brought  this organization to where it is today. They are listed in the table below with their terms of office.

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PRIDES PAST CHAIRMEN AND PRESIDENTS

Start
May 1980
Jan 1981
Jun 1982
Mar 1984
Mar 1988
Oct 1988
Mar 1990
Mar 1994
Mar 1995
Mar 1995
Mar 1996
Mar 1998
Mar 1999
Mar 2000
Mar 2001
Mar 2002
Jan 2003
Jan 2004
Jan 2005
Jan 2006
Jan 2007
Jan 2008
Jan 2009
Jan 2013
Jan 2014
Jan 2015
Jan 2020
Jan 2022

End
Jan 1981
Jun 1982
Mar 1984
Mar 1988
Oct 1988
Mar 1990
Mar 1992
Mar 1994
Mar 1995
Mar 1996
Mar 1998
Mar 1999
Mar 2000
Mar 2001
Mar 2002
Jan 2003
Dec 2003
Dec 2004
Dec 2005
Dec 2006
Dec 2007
Dec 2008
Dec 2012
Jan 2014
Dec 2014
Dec 2017
Dec 2019
Dec 2021

Chairman or President
Joseph McIntyre (Chairman)
Lawrence Allen (Chairman)
Lawrence Allen (President)
Joseph McIntyre
Edward Koudelka
Joseph Keenan
Stanley Jones
Waldo Smith
Marr Simons
Howard Matthias
Edward Pierce
Elaine Olson
Waldo Smith
John Lines
Stanley Jones
Arlene K. Schindler
Art Klein
Beverly Sisler
Arlene K. Schindler
Jenny Lienhard
Beverly Sisler
Robert Story
Roger Aguirre
John Hemphill
Grace Kinsey
Ken Smith
Molly Soblewski
Ron Enzweiller
John Terk0