Gloria Combs and Sandy Worden
Judy Onken
CLGA members are more than just pretty faces, and Gloria Combs and Sandy Worden are personifications of that fact.
Gloria Combs has served in several roles that make the club work smoothly. Remarkable, however, is that she brings dedication and longevity to assignments taken. She served five years as Handicap Chairman and another five years as Membership Chairman. She always volunteers to help with special events.
There is a good deal more to Gloria than golf. She served as administrative manager of the HOA for more than 10 years and was elected to the HOA board in 2011. She has sung with the Chordaires and currently plays Mah Jongg and bridge. Gloria belonged to the Dance Club for many years and is currently taking applications for a new partner. She holds Sun Lakes’ most prestigious honor, the Crystal Award, presented in 2023. For more than 10 years she has served in the Ambassador program that welcomes and introduces new residents to the community. She is often the first friend made by a new Sun Lakes homeowner and a great community resource.
Sandy Worden has served CLGA in just about every capacity. If there is a need, she fills it. Her current assignment is representing us with the Homeowners Golf Committee. You can read her reports on the club website. She is also the intrepid leader of the Tuesday Tee-Timers group, which makes herding cats look easy.
Her volunteer work, however, is largely unknown. For more than 20 years, she has served as a teacher’s assistant in Gila reservation schools in Gila Crossing, Black Water, and Sacaton. Children in the 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade receive her help in any way the teacher asks of her. These students have had very different socialization experiences from those to which we are accustomed and on occasion behave in ways we might not find acceptable. Sandy chooses to focus on how appreciative and grateful many of the students become over time.
Gloria and Sandy represent positive attitudes and giving of themselves in time and effort. These attributes are precious and make us proud to call them friends.