2025
Fall Classes to Enrich, Educate,
and Inspire
As summer winds down and we prepare to welcome a new season, August is a good time to look ahead and plan for a meaningful, engaging fall. The GVR Leisure Education team invites you to expand your horizons this autumn with a fresh lineup of classes designed to challenge your mind, spark creativity, and bring people together. With talented instructors, diverse topics, and flexible scheduling, GVR continues to be a hub for lifelong learning and community connection. You can expect all of your favorite classes plus a large selection of new offerings.
One of the most rewarding aspects of curating GVR’s leisure education is the introduction of a new instructors who teach stimulating classes. Here’s a sneak preview of three novel instructors and the classes they’re teaching.
PSYCHOLOGY
Dr. Alan Schlaks, former college psychology professor, describes more than one of his classes as “fun”, so expect to enjoy yourself while learning techniques that just might improve your everyday life.
Dealing with Negative Emotions
Learn powerful techniques for managing anger, blame, and emotional distress. With a blend of psychology and practical strategies, this course explores how our thoughts shape our feelings—and how to shift both for healthier relationships and peace of mind.
Canoa Hills—Mesquite room
October 4–18, 10–11:20am Fee: Member $30 / Nonmember $40
Introduction to Psychology
Explore the minds of Freud, Adler, and Ellis while learning how psychology can improve your everyday relationships. Topics include depression, anxiety, behavior, and the universal need for love and respect. Includes Q&A each session.
Canoa Hills—Mesquite room
October 25–November 8, 10–11:20am Fee: Member $30 / Nonmember $40
Mediation and Conflict Resolution
Learn the principles of mediation and how to resolve disagreements with less drama and more dignity. Each session includes case studies and court scenarios that bring the material to life.
Canoa Hills—Mesquite room, October 10–24, 10–11:20am Member $30 / Nonmember $40
METEOROLOGY
Steven Koch is a professional atmospheric scientist holding advanced degrees in meteorology. He wants us “to gain a deeper appreciation of the world around us and the beauty of the processes in nature that create clouds of incredible beauty, shapes, colors, and diversity”. Mr. Koch says, “If nothing else, my hope is that [my students] would spend more time looking at the sky with a sense of awe and wonderment.”
The Mystery of Clouds
What is a cloud and what does its appearance suggest? Why is the sky blue and clouds white, except at twilight? What causes rainbows, halos, and other optical phenomena? How do cloud types relate to weather systems and how do they appear by satellite? What factors and forces cause convective clouds to develop into thunderstorms? The class also covers special cloud types like lenticular, nacreous, and noctilucent clouds, fog, and contrails. Instructor is an adjunct professor at the University of Arizona.
Las Campanas—Ironwood room, October 7–16, 2–3:30pm Member: $40 / Nonmember: $50
Operational matters hotline@gvrec.org
Board policy matters board@gvrec.org
Customer Service 520-625-0288 CONTACT US — 520-625-3440
RECREATION SERVICES
The following centers are open daily from 5:30am–9pm
MAJOR CENTERS
Canoa Hills
Canoa Ranch
Desert Hills
East Center
Las Campanas
Santa Rita Springs
West Center
3660 S Camino del Sol
5750 S Turquoise Mtn Dr
2980 S Camino del Sol
7 S Abrego Dr
565 W Belltower Dr
921 W Via Rio Fuerte
1111 S GVR Dr
(520) 631-7151
(520) 631-0761
(520) 631-8060
(520) 631-8072 (520) 631-7068
(520) 631-8092
(520) 631-7909
Center Operations Assistants (Yellow Shirts) 520-343-2440
SATELLITE CENTERS 520-549-9733
Abrego North
Abrego South
Casa Paloma I
Casa Paloma II
Continental Vistas
Madera Vista
Del Sol Clubhouse, 3355 S Camino del Sol, 6am–9pm Pickleball Center, 2612 S Camino de la Canoa, 6am–dusk
AUGUST BOARD & COMMITTEE MEETINGS
BOARD AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Tuesday, August 12, 1:30–3pm, West Center Room 2 / Zoom
BOARD WORK SESSION
Wednesday, August 13, 2–4pm, West Center Room 2 / Zoom
PLANNING AND EVALUATION COMMITTEE
Thursday, August 14, 1–2:30pm, West Center Room 2 / Zoom
FISCAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Tuesday, August 19, 1:30–3pm, West Center Room 2 / Zoom
BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING
Wednesday, August 27, 2–4pm, West Center Auditorium / Zoom
Any change in meeting status will be announced on the GVR website calendar.
BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
There were no Board of Directors meetings in July.
GVR BOARD
1601 N Abrego Dr
1655 S Abrego Dr
400 W Circulo del Paladin
330 N Calle de las Banderolas
906 W Camino Guarina
440 S Camino del Portillo
GVR BOARD OFFICERS
President: Kathi Bachelor
Vice President: Candy English
Secretary: April Hasson Hillard
Treasurer: Nellie Johnson
Assistant Secretary: Bart Hillyer
Assistant Treasurer: Steve Reynolds
DIRECTORS
Dave Barker
Beth Dingman
Marge Garneau
Bev Lawless
Lanny Smith
GVR BOARD COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Audit Committee: Bev Lawless
Board Affairs Committee: Candy English
Fiscal Affairs Committee: Nellie Johnson
Investment Committee: Lanny Smith
Nominations & Elections Committee: April Hasson Hillard
Planning & Evaluation: Steve Reynolds
Email: board@gvrec.org
Can’t attend a meeting in person?
Scan this QR code for ZOOM meetings.
Did You Know?
Pickleball is not named for pickles. Pickles, cucumbers packed in brine. No, not them.
Another popular theory is that pickleball was named for the owner’s dog, Pickles. Internet sleuths have determined that the dog was born after the game. So, no luck there.
According to Wikipedia and the wife of one of the creators of pickleball, Joan Pritchard, “the game became Pickle Ball after I said it reminded me of the pickle boat in crew where oarsmen were chosen from the leftovers of other boats.” Accordingly, the game was created from leftover equipment from several sports: a badminton court, paddleball paddles, and a wiffle ball.
Pickleball became the official state sport of Washington state in 2022. It is recognized as having been invented there one summer afternoon in 1965 on Bainbridge Island. One of the creators, Bill Bell, claims that he named the game because he enjoyed hitting the ball in a way that would put his opponent in a pickle.
Whatever way you slice it, it’s become a really big dill in Green Valley.
If you’re interested in GVR’s Pickleball Club, email: GreenValleyPickleballClub@gmail.com. To find out about ongoing pickleball classes, check out the recreation catalogs or visit GVRec.org: Leisure Education Classes.
Letter from the President
Members,
As summer settles in, I’d like to take a moment to recognize one of Green Valley Recreation’s greatest strengths: our volunteers. Whether you serve on a committee, help organize club activities, assist with events, or lend a hand behind the scenes, your time and care make a real difference.
Volunteering not only supports the programs and services that make GVR run, but it also deepens the sense of community that many of us came here to find. Getting involved is a way to stay active, meet neighbors, and feel connected to something larger than ourselves.
We’re fortunate to have so many members who step forward, often quietly, to contribute their talents. If you’ve been thinking about volunteering but aren’t sure where to start, there are opportunities for all interests and levels of availability. Once a week or once in a while—your involvement matters.
Thank you, to all who give their time so generously. GVR thrives because of you.
Kathi Bachelor GVR Board President
Children’s Pool Hours
West Center
Weekdays: Noon–9pm Weekends & holidays: ALL day
Abrego South TEMPORARILY CLOSED
All other pools Daily: 11am–1pm AND 4–6pm
No guest pass required for kids! Children seventeen and younger must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Children six and younger must have an adult in the pool with them at all times.
Leisure Education
August brings us three new GVR offerings: The Arizona Monsoon, Introduction to the Native American Style Flute, and Grasshoppers, Crickets, and Katydids
Or try your hand at Aqua Yoga, Myofascial Release, or Mindfulness Meditation.
As we move into Fall ’25, GVR introduces more than forty new, unique and challenging classes. We are all constantly growing and changing, and no matter how much you’ve accomplished, it’s never too late to learn new things to better enhance your life! Literature, history, dance, fitness, languages – we have it all – right here in Green Valley.
A brand-new category of classes this fall is Problem-Solving & Psychology. The August cover story looks at two of the new professors in this area: Alan Schlaks and Carol Signore. GVR is lucky to have such qualified teachers share their knowledge with us.
Register online at GVRec.org, call 520-625-0288, or stop by the West Center Box Office.
AUGUST 2025
AUGUST ART EXHIBITS
Canoa Hills – Richard Paige
Desert Hills, East Center, West Center – Robert Richwine
Las Campanas – GVR Photography Club
Singles Club Meeting
9:30–10:30pm
DH Auditorium
Indoor Drop-in Volleyball
1:30–4:30pm
LC Racquetball Building
GVR Foundation Bingo 3–7pm, WC Auditorium
Singles Club Meeting
9:30–10:30pm
DH Auditorium
Indoor Drop-in Volleyball
1:30–4:30pm
LC Racquetball Building
Singles Club Meeting
9:30–10:30pm DH Auditorium
Indoor Drop-in Volleyball
1:30–4:30pm
LC Racquetball Building
Singles Club Mtg 9:30–10:30pm DH Auditorium
Indoor Drop-in Volleyball
1:30–4:30pm
LC Racquetball Building
Tricky Trivia—FREE 4:30–6:30pm
DH Auditorium
*New Location*
Linda Gregory, GVR Photography Club
Drop-in
Volleyball
1:30–4:30pm Racquetball Building
Drop-in
Volleyball
1:30–4:30pm Racquetball Building
Directors Session 2–4pm 2 & Zoom
Amigas Meet & Greet 4–5:30pm SRS Anza room
The Grape Escape to Sonoita Wineries 9:30am–5pm, WC Lobby Planning and Evaluation Committee 1–2:30pm WC Room 2 & Zoom
Indoor Drop-in Volleyball 1:30–4:30pm LC Racquetball Building
Photographs and Memories—Celebrating Music of Jim Croce 7pm, WC Auditorium
Indoor Drop-in Volleyball 1:30–4:30pm LC Racquetball Building
Indoor Drop-in Volleyball
1:30–4:30pm LC Racquetball Building
Drop-in Volleyball
1:30–4:30pm Racquetball Building
Drop-in
Volleyball
1:30–4:30pm Racquetball Building
Directors Meeting 2–4pm Auditorium & Zoom
Indoor Drop-in Volleyball 1:30–4:30pm LC Racquetball Building
Indoor Drop-in Volleyball 1:30–4:30pm LC Racquetball Building
Summer Comedy Night 7–8:30pm WC Auditorium
Amigas Coffee Time 9–10:30am, SRS Anza room
Pick & Holler: Americana Music 7pm, WC Auditorium Postponed until Saturday, January 17, 2026
Keep your eyes and ears open for GVR news in KGVY’s community quarterly newspapers and on the air!
Painting Juniata River by Robert Richwine
MARRIAGE & ART
Carol Signore is a Marriage and Family Therapist and Life Coach with 30+ years of experience helping individuals, couples, and families make important changes and meet difficult challenges. “It has surprised and saddened me to find so many couples searching unsuccessfully for the freedom and happiness they always dreamed would follow their retirement and herald their ‘Golden Years’.” This two-hour interactive class gives an update on ways to make things “good again”. The class covers “common relationship challenges in retirement and discuss[es] strategies for reconnecting”.
Marriage, Retirement, and the Golden Years in 2025 Relationships evolve—and so should we. Whether you’ve been together for decades or are starting over, this thoughtful class provides insight into navigating marriage and personal growth in retirement.
Desert Hills—Room A, September 16, 10am–12pm Abrego South—Rec Room, November 11, 10am–12pm Member $35 / Nonmember $45
For those seeking a fresh artistic outlet, Carol brings her talents to GVR’s gourd art world as an Arizona Gourd Society Master Gourd Artist with the classes: Gourd Art—Painting with Hot Tools and Gourd Art—Using Epoxy Clays & Putties Employing woodburning or epoxy clays grants students the freedom to fashion depth, breadth, and personality to their gourd sculptures.
‘Variety’s the very spice of life, that gives it all its flavour.’
—William Cowper
The fall catalog will be in centers by August 4—online and in-person registration begin August 11. Phone registration is available the next day, August 12. Classes often fill quickly, so early registration is recommended. There are three convenient ways to sign up:
• Online at GVRec.org
• By phone at 520-625-0288
• In person at the West Center Box Office
This season, we invite you to step into a class that sparks curiosity, deepens your understanding, or simply brings a little more joy to your week. At GVR, learning doesn’t end, it just keeps evolving. So, pick a topic that speaks to you, and let your journey of discovery begin.
Meet the Newest GVR Personal Trainer
Dr. Paul Davis
Dr. Davis brings over 45 years of experience as a sports-focused chiropractor and personal trainer. He specializes in educating and training older adults in proper body mechanics and building functional strength. His advanced training and strong interest in senior athletes, particularly golfers, make him uniquely equipped to help them stay active, healthy, and performing at their best.
Gourd Art, Carol Signore
Summer Events
Tribute: The Music of Jim Croce
FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 7 pm
Don’t miss JD Madrid and Jared Bader bring the timeless music of Jim Croce to life. With heartfelt vocals and masterful guitar playing, this tribute performance transports you back to the 1970s.
West Center Auditorium
Member/Guest $30; General Public $40
Summer Comedy Night
FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 7 pm
Pick & Holler: Americana Music
SATURDAY, AUGUST 16, 7 pm
Sorry, this event is postponed until Saturday, January 17, 2026.
Enjoy an evening of laughter with two top-notch comedians who guarantee a great time. From witty observations to hilarious stories, their performance will leave you in stitches.
West Center Auditorium
Member/Guest $25; General Public $35
Season Kickoff Pool Party
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 5–8 pm
Kick off the fall season with an evening by the pool with live music from Johnnie and the Rumblers. Catch up with friends, enjoy light snacks, and relax under the stars. Bring your favorite beverage.
Las Campanas Poolside
Member/Guest $15; General Public $25
Purchase tickets online at GVRec.org, by phone 520-625-0288, or in person at the West Center Box Office.
Summer Movies
$2 MOVIES AT 2PM
WEST CENTER AUDITORIUM
Visit GVRec.org for details.
TUESDAYS
August 12 Top Gun
August 26 Top Gun: Maverick
September 16 Ordinary Angels
September 30 Nowhere Special
Fall Day Trips
Queen Creek Olive Mill
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 7:30 am
Queen Creek Olive Mill is a unique agritourism experience and marketplace. As a local sustainable farm, it produces Arizona’s only extra-virgin olive oil. Your day includes a farm fresh lunch, gourmet shopping, and learning all about olive oil— including how to use it in your kitchen.
West Center Lobby
Member/Guest $99; General Public $109
NASCAR Championship 2025
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 6 am
Enjoy Reserved Grandstand Seats and exclusive track access. Meet your favorite drivers, explore the garage, feel the race up close, and celebrate in victory lane.
West Center Lobby
Member/Guest $149; General Public $159
Tombstone
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 7:30 am
Shopping at Mesa Market Place
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 6:30 am
Get an early start on your holiday shopping at Arizona’s largest outdoor shopping market. Your ticket includes round-trip transportation and light snacks and bottled water on the bus Desert Hills Lobby
Member/Guest $45; General Public $55
Kick off your day with a silver mine tour, a six-mile trolley ride, then enjoy the dining, shopping, and entertainment choices in “The Town Too Tough to Die”!
West Center Lobby
Member/Guest $89; General Public $99
Fank Albrecht / unsplash