An Active Adult Community

SUN LAKES TV NEWS

Sun Lakes TV News, originally known as the Sun Lakes Community Newscast, is an outgrowth of the Cottonwood Palo Verde Communications Committee.  Frank Nolan and Chuck Reinhart both served on that committee.  Frank came up with the idea of cable TV in 1995 due to the need to communicate more frequently and effectively with Sun Lakes residents. 

Chairman Frank Nolan assigned several members of the committee to develop the show format, equipment needs, and to recruit qualified volunteers to produce a weekly newscast; as well as a TV channel to carry the show.  Sun Lakes Cable (now Western Broadband), made time available on their "Activities" channel for the show.  

Frank Nolan became the Executive Producer with Chuck Reinhart as Show Producer.   Barbara Hazlett was the first Director. The first show aired February 19, 1996.  In 1999, when Frank was unable to continue, Chuck assumed Frank's duties as well as his own.  After Chuck retired as Producer in 2004, Barbara Carr became the Producer until her resignation in September 2007.

In October 2007, an Executive Committee was formed.  The show continued as a team effort under the leadership of Producer Pat Merkle. Team Leaders were Director Gary Applegate, Associate Producer Sandy Applegate, Lynn Dunlap, and Kathy Earl. In September 2009, Sandy Applegate joined Pat as co-producers for the 2009-2010 Season.

SLTVNews has had a long successful run.  Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end.  The final show was broadcast on March 31, 2010.  Times have changed.  Now the Sun Lakes Communities and SunBird have excellent websites and other communication tools.  Activities and events are getting to the residents much faster than a weekly newscast.  In addition, volunteers are not coming forward to fill the vacancies of those retiring from SLTV News.  This show continued for over fourteen years because of the dedication of so many wonderful volunteers.

*Cottonwood Palo Verde at Sun Lakes is an age 55 and older housing community in accordance with the Arizona and Federal Fair Housing Acts.