more articles & reports online.
Links & Updates from City Officials
THE DUCKS Rights and Responsibilities that serve as a guidepost
THE DOBSON ASSOCIATION ADMINISTRATION OFFICE
2719 S. Reyes, Mesa, AZ 85202
480-831-8314
Monday through Friday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Closed Saturday, Sunday and Holidays
LA CASITA RECREATION CENTER
2719 S. Reyes, Mesa, AZ 85202
Monday through Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Saturday through Sunday: 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
SARATOGA RECREATION CENTER POOL
2345 S Saratoga, Mesa, AZ 85202
Monday through Sunday: 8:00 am - 9:00 pm Holidays: 8:00 am - 9:00 pm
LOS ALTOS LEISURE POOL
2524 W. Campo Alegre
Monday through Sunday: 8:00 am - 9:00 pm Holidays: 8:00 am - 9:00 pm
IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE PLEASE CONTACT THE ADMINISTRATION OFFICE DIRECTLY WITH CONCERNS, COMMENTS OR SUGGESTIONS.
ADMINISTRATION & MAINTENANCE hoa.admin@dobsonranch.com communications@dobsonranch.com collections@dobsonranch.com compliance@dobsonranch.com
Fran Pawlak, Executive Director
Marc Diaz, Landscape & Maintenance Supervisor
Akina Trimmer, Accounting Manager
Jonathan Lefler, Code Compliance Specialist
Chad Turner, Communications Administrator
RECREATION & LIFESTYLE recreation@dobsonranch.com
Jackie Hutton, Recreation Facilities Supervisor
Joel Harbison, Recreation Coordinator
Jessi Feltmann, Preschool Teacher
Bari Watnick, Preschool Assistant
Ranchers’ Roundup: The articles and comments in this monthly publication are intended to inform, illustrate or provide explanation to members of the Association, and do not necessarily serve as official opinions of the Board of Directors, staff, nor its members. As such, we do not make any representation as to the validity or qualifications of any advertiser or contributor.
For the most accurate and up to date info please subscribe to our weekly email updates. CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE! 6
All events are subject to change. Visit the Events Calendar at dobsonranchhoa.com for updated info.
FAMILY ENGAGEMENT CLUB & MOM’S CLUB
Christa Tropin, Chairperson at ctropin@dobsonranch.com.
DOBSON RANCH COMMUNITY CLUB
Kate O’Hara, Chairperson at azkateo@gmail.com.
WRITERS CLUB
Chad Turner, Chairperson at ctproductionz@gmail.com.
LINE DANCING CLUB & HIKING CLUB
Barbara Stout, Chairperson at stoutgeo@gmail.com.
RETIREES’ CLUB
Jean Brown, President at jeansponderbrown@gmail.com
BRIDGE CLUB
Susan Toevs, Chairperson - suzila@aol.com
RETIREES’ CYCLING CLUB
Arnie Chase, Chairperson - 480-838-4124.
PICKLEBALL CLUB
Rich Bitner at rebitner@cs.com
WOMEN’S CLUB
Patty Smith, President at smiths1975@cox.net.
SMALL BUSINESS CLUB
Nikki Ausdemore 480-628-6730 nikki@orangeblossombookkeepingaz.com.
YACHT CLUB
Wes Ver Woert, Chairman at WesV56@gmail.com.
DEMOCRATS & FRIENDS CLUB
George Tihanyi at 480-792-6746
REPUBLICANS CLUB
Michelle Masters, Chairperson at DobsonRanchGOP@gmail.com.
INDEPENDENTS CLUB
Jack Wagner, Chairman at golfingjack@msn.com.
YOYO CLUB
Chad Robinson, Chairman at dryoyoclub@gmail.com. Instagram @dryoyoclub.
CC&R COMMITTEE (AD-HOC)
Nicole Lynam, Chairperson at nlynam@dobsonranch.com.
BUDGET & FINANCE COMMITTEE
Spencer Jarvis, Chairperson at jarvis.spencer@gmail.com.
ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE
Nicole Lynam, Chairperson at nlynam@dobsonranch.com.
MASTER PLANNING COMMITTEE
Tim McElrath, Chairperson at tim@mcelrath.me.
RECREATION COMMITTEE
Rich Bitner, Chairperson at rebitner@cs.com.
WATER & LAKE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
Ed Ricci, Chairperson at edricci@oxbyel.com
PRESCHOOL COMMITTEE
Christa Tropin, Chairperson at ctropin@dobsonranch.com
Dobson Bay Club • Ogden Mgmt. • 480-622-3445
Dobson Ranch Condos • United HOA • 480-567-9791
Dobson Glen • Trestle Mgmt. • 480-422-0888
Dobson Greens • Self Managed • 480-839-9079
Dobson Villas • Peterson Company • 480-513-6846
Laguna Village • Brown Community Mgmt. • 480-839-8013
Lake Park Village • Tri-City Property Mgmt. • 480-844-2224
The Landings • Brown Community Mgmt. • 480-339-8806
Legante Paseo • Trestle Mgmt. • 480-422-0888
Water Works • Associated Property Mgmt. • 480-941-1077
Wood Creek Townhomes • City Property • 602-437-4777
Vice Mayor Francisco Heredia – District 3
District3@mesaaz.gov - 480-644-3003
Animal Control (Cruelty, Barking) - 480-644-2268
Code Compliance - 480-644-2061
Utilities, Solid Waste & Water - 480-644-2221
Graffiti Hotline - 480-644-3083
Housing, Community Development - 480-644-3536
Mesa Public Library - 480-644-3100
Mesa Fire & Medical, Non-Emergency - 480-644-2400
Mesa Parks & Recreation - 480-644-2211
Mesa Police Department, Non-Emergency - 480-644-2211
Mesa Police Headquarters/Info - 480-644-2324
Fiesta Patrol Division - 480-644-2614
Neighborhood Outreach - 480-644-5700
Household Hazardous Materials Center - 480-644-4463
Green Pool Issue - 602-506-6616
Streetlight Hotline - 480-644-3191
Transportation (Street Lights, Potholes) - 480-644-2160
Transit - 480-644-5541
Volunteer - 480-644-5432
Utility Emergency (Water) - 480-644-2262
Crime Prevention/Neighborhood Watch - 480-644-2539
AZ Blue Stake - 602-263-1100
Salt River Project - 602-236-8888
Homeless Liaison Officer Cook - 480-228-1449
As many of know, although I was likely to be appointed, I withdrew myself from consideration for the open HOA board seat on April 18. I would like to say congratulations to Andy Rehn for his appointment to the board. I think he is a great addition to the board and brings some very useful knowledge and skills to that role.
I would like to thank my fellow board members Sandra Murray, Michael Snedeker, Stephanie Fee, Randy Harvey, and Christa Tropin for their unwavering support on April 18, throughout the campaign, and over the past years sitting together on the board. I will forever cherish the kind words each of you said on April 18 in my defense. I know my decision was a shock and disappointment to you. We have faced some battles and there is nobody else that I would have wanted sitting in the foxhole beside me. I wish you all the best of luck with continuing your support of our community from the board table. We have amazing staff and consultants to help guide you... use their expertise. I know there are still many challenges ahead but I have full confidence that you can handle them. I hope our new board is able to bridge the division, find common ground, and work together to repair our community.
I would like to thank all the other board members that I have served with for the last three years. It has been a pleasure to get to know all of them and work toward keeping our community the special place it has always been. Thank you to Kate O’Hara and Beth Zima for serving beside me on DRAC. I will miss counting shrubs and approving paint colors with you. I will still be around for a while to help train my replacement.
Thank you to the Dobson Ranch HOA amazing staff. You are the backbone of this community and your long hours and hard work is appreciated more than words can describe. There have been a lot of changes over the past year but it has been a pleasure to watch them grow into an amazing team with a deep love for Dobson Ranch. The experience, new ideas, collaboration, and efficiency that they bring to our community is priceless.
And thank you to the residents that have, and continue to, support me and our community. You are the heart of our community and what makes Dobson Ranch the special and one-of-a-kind place that it is. Dobson Ranch is “The Best Place to Live” because of you.
Like I said on April 18, I am still available to help this community and the board in whatever ways I am able to, I just need to do it from this side of the table. I hope to continue being involved with committees and clubs, as my time allows.
-Nicole Lynam
Christa
Andy Rehn Director E: arehn
E-mail:
We performed the procedures enumerated below on April 9, 2024 in connection with The Dobson Association, Inc.’s Annual Meeting Board of Directors Election. The Dobson Association, Inc. management is responsible for the April 9, 2024 Annual Meeting Board of Directors Election.
a. We verified the tally of 879 ballots, which included 823 direct online votes, 11 eligible mailed ballots entered as offline votes by Butler Hansen, PLC, and 45 in-person ballots that were entered as offline votes by Butler Hansen, PLC.
b. We also entered the 268 disqualified members, provided by the Association who were delinquent in their assessments, into the electronic voting system to ensure that their votes were not counted. We counted the 49 in-person ballots received at the meeting and verified that 45 were eligible. Four of the in-person ballots were not counted, which included duplicate ballots.
Presentation of election results of the April 9, 2024, Annual Meeting Board of Directors Election. Paul E. Hansen, CPA and Director of Butler Hansen, PLC, reported that quorum was met. Paul E. Hansen, CPA, also presented the results of the top three candidates, which included:
• 1.Holly Prasetio with 658, or 24.95%, of the eligible votes
• 2.Sam Javelosa with 640, or 24.27%, of the eligible votes
• 3.Bradley Bettencourt with 547, or 20.74%, of the eligible votes.
This information can also be found on the Dobson Ranch website.
When we are part of a thriving community, we feel a sense of joy, belonging, connection, and familiarity. Within a strong community, residents feel valued. Community gives meaning to our lives so that the needs of each member and the needs of the whole community are fully met. Communities take care of their members and each other because they are invested in collective long-term success. Without a doubt, we can achieve more and go further together, knowing our rights and responsibilities as members. Strong communities are always evolving and progressing. They embrace tough circumstances, adapt, and become strong as they manage together. Effective communities try new things and are proactive to creative, innovate , and learn while appreciating multiple points of view.
More than a destination at the end of the day, a community is a place people want to call home and where they feel at home. This goal is best achieved when homeowners, residents, and association leaders recognize and accept their rights and responsibilities. This entails striking a reasonable balance between the preferences of individual homeowners and the best interests of the community as a whole. It is with this challenge in mind that Community Associations Institute developed Rights and Responsibilities for Better Communities. Rights and Responsibilities can serve as an important guidepost for all those involved in the community—board and committee members, community managers, staff members, homeowners, tenants, family members, and guests.
Homeowners have the right to:
• A responsive and competent community association.
• Honest, fair, and respectful treatment by community leaders and managers.
• Participate in governing the community association by attending meetings, voting, serving on committees, and standing for election.
• Access appropriate association financial books and records.
• Prudent expenditure of assessments.
• Live in a community where the property is maintained according to established standards.
• Fair treatment regarding financial and other association obligations, including the opportunity to discuss payment plans.
• Receive all documents that address rules and regulations governing the community association prior to purchase and settlement and upon joining the community.
• Appeal to appropriate community leaders those decisions affecting nonroutine financial responsibilities or property rights.
have the responsibility to:
• Read and comply with the governing documents of the community.
• Stay informed by attending meetings and reading materials provided by the association.
• Maintain their property according to established standards.
• Treat association leaders with respect and honesty.
• Vote in community elections and on other issues.
• Pay association assessments and charges on time.
• Contact association leaders or managers, if necessary, to discuss financial obligations and alternative payment arrangements.
• Request reconsideration of material decisions that personally affect them.
• Provide current contact information to association leaders or managers to help ensure they receive information from the community.
• Ensure that those who reside on their property (e.g., tenants, relatives, and friends) adhere to all rules and regulations.
• Respect the privacy of community leaders at their homes and during leisure time in the community.
Community leaders have the right to:
• Expect homeowners to meet their financial obligations to the community.
• Expect residents (homeowners, tenants, and others) to know and comply with the rules and regulations of the community.
• Expect residents to stay informed by reading materials provided by the association.
• Respectful and honest treatment.
• Conduct meetings in a positive and constructive atmosphere.
• Receive support and constructive input from residents.
• Personal privacy at home and during leisure time in the community.
• Take advantage of educational opportunities (e.g., publications and training workshops) that are directly related to their responsibilities and as approved by the association.
Community leaders have the responsibility to:
• Fulfill their fiduciary duties to the community and exercise discretion in a manner they reasonably believe to be in the best interests of the community.
• Exercise sound business judgment and follow established management practices.
• Balance the needs and obligations of the community as a whole with those of individual residents.
• Understand the association’s governing documents, become educated with respect to applicable state and local laws, and manage the community association accordingly.
• Obtain input from residents through open meetings, committees, surveys, and other methods.
• Conduct open, fair, and well-publicized elections.
• Welcome and educate new members of the community.
• Encourage events that foster neighborliness and a sense of community.
• Conduct business in a transparent manner when feasible and appropriate.
• Allow homeowners access to appropriate community records when requested.
• Collect all monies due from homeowners.
• Devise appropriate and reasonable arrangements, when needed and as feasible, to facilitate the ability of individual homeowners to meet their financial obligations to the community.
• Provide a process that residents can use to appeal decisions affecting their nonroutine financial responsibilities or property rights where permitted by law and the association’s governing documents.
• Initiate foreclosure proceedings only as a measure of last resort.
• Make covenants, conditions, and restrictions as understandable as possible, adding clarifying lay language or supplementary materials when drafting or revising the documents.
• Provide complete and timely disclosure of personal and financial conflicts of interest related to the actions of community leaders. (Community associations may want to develop a code of ethics.)
©2021 Community Associations Institute www.caionline.org
#WeAreCAI
Four outstanding seniors from Mesa Public Schools have been awarded Student Community Service Awards by the Mesa Citizen of the Year Association. Ava Rodrigues (Mountain View), Camryn Long (Red Mountain), and Kassandra Macias and Natalie Pacheco (Westwood High) each received a $2,500 scholarship in recognition of their exceptional dedication to community service.
To qualify, students must complete a minimum of 150 service hours during high school and demonstrate a strong commitment to ongoing community involvement. The Mesa Citizen of the Year Association underscores the significance of honoring the impactful volunteer efforts of Mesa Public Schools students, who actively contribute to city programs, nonprofits, and other vital community initiatives.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE...
The following report presents the results of field inspections on the Dobson Ranch lakes for the month of March 2024. This report summarizes data collected under the updated program started in 2019 and expanded in 2020 that includes comprehensive testing of one-half of the lakes on a monthly basis from March through October and bi-weekly field inspections twice per month throughout the year. Comprehensive testing on lakes 1-4 was completed during the month and laboratory reports are provided. Comparison to the last comprehensive test (September 2023) are provided for those lakes. Field sheets for the inspection weeks are also included. Additional data requested for Lake 8 are provided at the end of the narrative report.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE...
Mesa’s Commitment to Trees
www.mesanow.org
The City of Mesa has designated Friday, April 26 as Arbor Day to celebrate the City’s commitment to tree care and planting programs. In honor of the nationally celebrated observance, Mayor John Giles has issued an Arbor Day Proclamation.
“Mesa’s commitment to Arbor Day goes far beyond a proclamation,” said Mayor John Giles.
“We’re on a mission to plant one million trees as a lasting gift to future generations, ensuring they inherit a city that is cooler, cleaner and more beautiful.”
CLICK HERE TO READY MORE...
www.mesanow.org
As part of its efforts to bring more quality dining, shopping, and entertainment options to Mesa, the City of Mesa Office of Economic Development is surveying Mesa residents, and employees who work in Mesa to determine their retail preferences and interests.
The online survey gives residents the opportunity to share their opinions regarding Mesas current retail environment and what types and brands of retail establishments they want to see in Mesa. The survey runs through Tuesday, April 30.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE...
To read this article, go to www.dobsonranchhoa.com/our-lakes
May 2 - Master Planning Committee Meeting - 7:00pm at La Casita Recreation Center
May 5 - Cinco De Mayo Celebration - 3pm-5pm - La Casita Recreation Center
May 6 - The Writers Club - Learn Scrivener - 7:00pm - La Casita Recreation Center (Chica Rm)
May 9 - Small Business Club - 7:00pm at La Casita Recreation Center
May 12 - Mother’s Day
May 18 - Movie in the Park -
• Movie starts at 7:30pm - Laguna Park
• Music Entertainment from 5:30pm-6:30pm -with Professional Musician Scott Hallock
May 20 - Budget & Finance Committee Meeting at 6:30pm
May 27 - Administration Office & Recreation Office - CLOSED In observance of Memorial Day
May 30 - Board of Directors Meeting at 7:00pm
Check the website calendar for more activities for Dobson Ranch Clubs, Committee’s, and Events.
Where: La Casita Recreation Center
When: Fridays Time: 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm
Table tennis is available for Dobson Ranch residents only. Players must be ages 13 or older to participate or if younger, accompanied by an adult. Paddles and balls are free to rent with a driver’s license or school ID. To join the group, email Frank Mizner at planner1948@gmail.com
When: 1st Thursday & 3rd Friday
Where: La Casita Recreation Center
Time: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Come and enjoy some social time with the group of Dobson Ranch retirees’.
When: Fourth Friday of the month
Where: La Casita Recreation Center
Time: 6:30 pm (arrive by 6:15 pm)
Cost: Free to residents. $5 non-residents.
To join the group, please email Frank Mizner at planner1948@gmail.com.
When: Every Third Friday
Where: La Casita Recreation Center
Time: 6:30 pm (arrive by 6:15 pm)
Cost: Free to residents. $5 non-residents.
To join the group, please email Carolyn Sedlak at fpsedlak@yahoo.com
When: Every Third Friday
Where: La Casita Recreation Center (Chica Rm)
Where: La Casita Recreation Center
When: Tuesdays Time: 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Are you interested in Line Dancing? It’s open to everyone, not just the ladies. We dance to various music. It’s mostly an exercise class. Bring your own water. Email list: stoutgeo@gmail.com
When: Monday - Thursday (June 3 - October 3)
Where: La Casita Recreation Center Pool
Time: 7:30 am - 8:20 am
Instructors: Becky and Chuck. Classes open to all. Cost: $3.00/day, or you can buy a 2-week punch card for $24.00. Plan to pay on the first day by cash, check or Venmo. Any questions, please contract Becky directly at haslerr@gmail.com.
Time: 12:30 pm - 4:00 pm
This group is open to all residents. The only requirement is to know how to play the game and to sign up in advance. For more information contact Susan Toevs at suzila@aol.com (Bridge group is NOT a Retiree’s sponsored group)
When: Tuesdays & Thursdays
Time: Times vary upon level of lesson
Cost: $25/hr (Pay instructor)
Please see the Rec Desk page on the Dobson Ranch website to sign up for lessons.
www.dobsonranchhoa.recdesk.com
Lessons presented by USPTA Master Professional Mike Van Zutphen.
(AGES 3-5)
When: Thursdays
Where: Saratoga Recreation Center
Time: 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Children will be introduced to dance through their favorite fairytales during this positive and encouraging class. Dance can build self-esteem and improve motor skills. Watch your prince and princesses shine in this fun and creative program. Children need soft soled shoes and comfortable clothes. Ballet shoes, leotard and tights recommended. There will be a performance last day of class. Children must be able to work in a group setting and follow directions. For more information, contact Jana Moore at 480-363-9997. Contractor fee due to the instructor the first day of program: $35 check or cash only.Mizner at planner1948@gmail.com.
(AGES 4-6)
When: Thursdays
Where: Saratoga Recreation Center
Time: 5:30pm - 6:30pm
In a fun, encouraging and high energy atmosphere, your child will be shown the fundamentals of ballet and jazz, which can help improve motor skills and creative expression. Soft soled shoes are recommended or bare feet. Children must be able to work in a group setting. There will be a recital at the end of the session. For more information contact Jana Moore at 480-363-9997. Contractor fee due to the instructor the first day of program: $35 check or cash only.
(AGES 5-8)
When: Tuesdays
Where: Saratoga Recreation Center
Time: 5:30pm - 6:30pm
This upbeat and fun class is perfect to sample different dance styles which will include jazz, ballet, modern, hip hop, and other styles. Get moving with this upbeat and fun class and discover dance. For more information on this program, contact Jana Moore at 480-363-9997. Contractor fee due to the instructor the first day of program: $35 check or cash only.
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Randy Harvey, the newly elected Dobson Ranch Association President, emphasized the significance of homeowners during his opening speech at the 45th annual Breakfast, particularly acknowledging those watching online. He stated, “we want you to understand, you are the reason why we are all here, it is to serve you.” This statement underscores the core principle that drives the relationship between Dobson Ranch and the City of Mesa. The gathering, attended by City of Mesa officials, Dobson Ranch representatives, and special guests, aimed to reinforce existing connections while upholding the professional rapport between these entities. It was a collective acknowledgment that maintaining and refreshing these connections is essential for both Dobson Ranch and the City of Mesa to serve each other’s needs and interests effectively. Those in attendance were:
• Mayor John Giles
• Vice Mayor Francisco Heredia
• Dobson Ranch Executive Director Fran Pawlak
• Dobson Ranch Board of Directors
• Dobson Ranch Committee Members
• Chris Brady, City Manager
• Ian Linssen, Assistant to City Manager
• Jessie Brodersen, City Communications
• Mariano Reyes, City Communications
• Haylie Smith, Parks & Recreation
• Jason Reno, Fiesta PD Commander
• Amy Sailors, Crime Prevention Officer
• Kevin Hernandez, Community Action Officer
• Trever Cook, Community Action Officer
• City Officials and Dobson Ranch HOA Staff
The topics on the agenda for that mornings event, stemmed from a Fiber Optic Update in Dobson Ranch, Websites and the variety of ways to be informed within City of Mesa, as well as what Crime Prevention and Safety Officers have created ways to keep ourselves, our families and our valuables safe. The following are a list of topics and links that were shared from speakers at the Breakfast with the City of Mesa.
• “Dobson Ranch sits at the epicenter of the valley with the 60, the 202 and the 101; its a perfect place to live, work and play.”Vice Mayor Heredia
• Fiesta Mall Project - City hired an Urban Planner and is looking on how to enhance the area. City of Mesa is working with the land owner of former Fiesta Mall land to find the best way to revive the Fiesta District and make it a destination.
• “We are with you in the good times and the bad times.” -Mayor Giles
• “Mesa is space age and out of this world. Mesa is now tied to high tech and the aerospace industry.” - Mayor Giles
• A couple of years ago, City of Mesa council approved 5 new internet companies.
• “Fiber Optic installation in Dobson Ranch will be the first to be completed and to be fully built out.” - Ian Linssen
• Their is a possibility that another company will be coming into Dobson Ranch to install more Fiber Optic lines, but these will be run through the “public right of way” areas.
• “Dobson Ranch has some of the fastest internet speeds on the planet.” - Ian Linssen
• www.MesaAz.gov (New website coming soon!)
• www.MesaNow.org
• Mesa Now Mobile App - Road Restrictions, the ability to pay utility bill, and more.
• Mesa Now Newsletter
• City of Mesa social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, X, NextDoor, Linked In.
• Mesa Parks & Recreation Newsletter
• www.MesaParks.com
• Mesa Playbook
• Watch Your Car Program - Partner with DMV
• Social Media challenge for cars such as Hyundai and Kia cars being stolen. Steering wheel locks are available for free at the Mesa Substation. 1010 W. Grove Ave, Mesa 85210
• Lock your vehicles and take valuables out of your car.
• Lights On Program. Instead of citation, officers who have initiated a traffic stop because of car lights, have the choice to give out a voucher to get your taillights, headlights and turn signals repaired at no cost.
Summer is around the corner, and Mesa residents can now sign up for a variety of exciting Parks and Recreation programs! From sports leagues to youth activities and adaptive recreation, there’s something for everyone. Highlights:
• Adult Sports: Volleyball, softball, tennis, pickleball, and the new co-ed volleyball league.
• Youth Activities: Tennis, cheer clinics, scorpion hikes, and more, including a Major League Baseball event.
• Teen Activities: Dodgeball, pickleball, tennis camps, STEM activities, and more.
• Adaptive Recreation: Summer camps, hiking, fitness classes, and recreational bowling.
• Mesa Aquatics: Dive into private swim lessons, aquatic sports teams, Dive-In Movies, and more!
How to Register: Choose from online registration, email ParksRecInfo@MesaAZ.gov, by mail, or in-person at the Mesa Parks and Recreation office. For questions, call (480) 644-PLAY (7529).
Discounts Available: Some residents may qualify for the MRS Discount, offering 50% off youth and adaptive programs. Save the Date!
Don’t miss the Annual District 3 Spring Blast at Rhodes Aquatic Complex on Friday, May 10th, from 5-7pm. Enjoy FREE open swim, FlowRider rides, food, music & entertainment, and learn about water safety. Hope to see you there! For any questions about this event, contact my office at 480-644-3003 or District3@MesaAZ.gov.
A heartfelt thank you to the residents who stopped by the Dobson Ranch Spring Fling event on Saturday, April 20. This new ranch-wide event for all ages showcased the great amenities at Los Altos, community and conservation outreach, entertainment, and ladybugs!
This event was put on by the Water & Lake Management and Recreation Committees; Spring Fling was a fun-filled morning filled with fishing and Pickleball instruction, as well as dance performances by Dobson Ranch’s very own Line Dancing Club and Youth Dance Classes. Kids’ crafts, free snow cones, an SRP electric car, and the annual release of ladybugs topped off the morning. Keeping with the yearly ladybug tradition, all kids in attendance left with their own jar of ladybugs.
Thanks are also in order for the Spring Fling vendors, sponsors, and volunteers. It is ongoing community support and partnerships that ensure the success of the event:
• A & P Nursery
• Dobson Dolphins Swim Team
• Dobson Ranch Library
• La Casita Preschool
• Master Gardeners from The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension
• SRP
• SummerWinds Nursery
• Trees Matter
• Dobson Ranch Communications Administrator
• Dobson Ranch Recreation Coordinator
• Fairytale and Ballet & Jazz Dancers
• Line Dancing Club
• Recreation Committee
• Recreation Coordinator-Water & Lake Management Committee
Finally, congratulations to Jeanne Marie S., Meg H., Ralph G., Rick S., and Sunny M., the lucky winners of this year’s raffle prizes, graciously donated by the vendors.
If you missed Spring Fling - you can still stop by Dobson Ranch’s gardens anytime:
• Memorial Rose Garden
SouthWest corner Dobson & Baseline (2025 S. Dobson Road)
Our rose garden is home to approximately 175 rose bushes.
• Xeriscape Demonstration Garden 2451 W. Kiowa Avenue. What was once a tennis court and then a community garden, Dobson Ranch’s Xeriscape Demonstration Garden showcases a variety of low-water-use plants, trees and shrubs.
By Chad Turner
One of my fondest memories of visiting my grandmother in Tucson is when we would take a loaf of sandwich bread to the park and feed the ducks. Being a small child and not understanding, I was doing them more harm than good. Recently, in the Dobson Ranch weekly emails, I have requested suggestions for articles to place in this publication, and many have responded with the topic of feeding the ducks. In my research, I came across this article from National Geographic that explained why we should hold back the urge to feed the ducks human food. I will always keep those memories close to me, and I am sure my grandmother was unaware of the harm we had caused to that local habitat. Even though those ducks have long passed, it is essential to know our local wildlife.
National Geographic - Education Blog Ducks are omnivores, meaning they regularly consume a variety of foods, including plants, animals, algae, and fungi. Ducks are a wildly varied species, with cosmopolitan distribution ranging from sub-Antarctic islands to tropical Hawaii to all those subtropical Canada geese. Their diets are dependent on their habitat. Having said that, ducks regularly eat: algae and aquatic plants worms, crustaceans, and snails and other mollusks small
fish and fish eggs insects berries, fruit, and nuts small amphibians such as frogs, newts, and salamanders
So, most people have been feeding ducks all wrong. Why do experts recommend not feeding ducks bread crumbs?
It’s junk food that offers little-to-no nutritional benefit to the ducks. “White bread in particular has no real nutritional value, so while birds may find it tasty, the danger is that they will fill up on it instead of other foods that could be more beneficial to them,” says a spokeswoman for the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Reliance on human-supplied food keeps ducklings from learning how to forage healthy food for themselves.
A high-carbohydrate, high-protein diet is associated with a wing deformity known as “angel wing” or “airplane wing”. Angel wing is a condition where the last joint on the wing is distorted and causes the end feathers to stick out laterally—sideways—instead of lying flat against the body. This prevents the bird from flying.
Specifically, a high-protein diet contributes to the wing bones growing too fast and making the wing too heavy for the joint. The excessive growth also twists the joint.
Angel wing can be reversed in ducklings but is incurable in adults. Uneaten bread crumbs attract predators, grow mold that makes ducks and other riparian critters sick, and contribute to the growth of cyanobacteria and harmful algal blooms.
National Geographic (2017). Retrieved from https://blog.education.nationalgeographic.org/2017/03/27/stop-feeding-ducks-bread/
B.C. HANDYMAN – Retired contractor- 30 years experience. Will do small maintenance jobs/repairs and small remodel jobs in the Mesa area. Not a licensed contractor. Contact Bill Chase 320-808-5317.
TIME TO PAINT YOUR HOUSE? -
Cardinal Painting Company. Interior/Exterior. One room to complete house. Licensed. Bonded. Insured. ROC#257509. Fast, Free Estimates. 480-294-3744
KILEY’S PAINTING – Interior/Exterior. Small jobs or the whole house. Dobson Ranch resident. Reasonable prices, quality work. Licensed, bonded, insured. ROC#337276 Free Estimates. Call Aaron 602-716-1720.
LUXURY VINYL PLANK – Owner/ Installer. Products Sales/Installation. New Baseboards. Floor Prep. Call or Text 480-600-0374. Sullivan Hardwood Flooring, Inc. ROC# 151124. Since 1999. www.FloorAZ.com.
DOUG DO LIST HANDYMAN - Doug Do List Handyman Service. 30 years of experience in home maintenance and repairs. Dobson Ranch resident for over 20 years. 480-276-1842 Not a licensed contractor
AQUA TECH PLUMBING & DRAIN
- For all your plumbing and drain cleaning needs, Licensed. Bonded. Insured. ROC#228747. Reliability and experience you can afford. 480-5073335. aquatechplumbingaz.com
DZO REMODELING LLC - We do Plumbing, Drywall, Painting, Bathroom/ Kitchen/Flooring Remodels, Roofing and much more! 12+ years experience! ROC 343814 Licensed, Bonded and Insured! Victor 480-543-8879. Click Here for Facebook page.
MARIA’S HOUSECLEANING
- Houses, apartments, townhomes. Weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly services. References available. Free estimates. Maria Gomez (480) 6205536. Not a licensed contractor.
SAENZ LANDSCAPING - Complete landscaping service. Weed control, tree trimming/cut down, sprinkler installation/ repairs, timers, vacuum breakers, pavers, turf, concrete, stucco. Free estimates. Not a licensed contractor. Call or Text Jose (602) 330-6804.
BLUE JAY POOL REMODELING LLC
- Pool service, repairs tile, Pebble-tec, Lights repair, pool decks. Travertine, Acid wash, pump installation, filter installation. Electrical system repair, and pool remodeling. (480) 232-7692
COMPLETE COVER PATIOS & DECKS - With many years of experience in general construction, I would like to offer my skills to build or repair your cover patio or build your room enclosure. I have experience in all fields of construction. We provide absolutly free quotes. (623) 792-3096
SPRINKLER REPAIR - Servicing the Dobson Ranch area only. Since 1981. All types of sprinkler repairs. Old drip systems replaced. Call Frank 602-6904767.
PALMS & TREES USA
LANDSCAPING SERVICES - 40 years of experience. Free estimates. Yard, tree services. Licensed, bonded & Insured. Call or text (480) 897-3610 or (480) 577-1025
Dobson Ranch HOA does not endorse any of our advertisers. www.dobsonranchhoa.com/advertising Call 480-831-8314 or email communications@dobsonranch.com
