JANUARY 2026
GVREC.ORG
Member Feedback Drives GVR Guest Pass Policy Changes This summer, GVR invited members to share their thoughts on the guest pass policy, and the response was remarkable. A total of 2,069 validated members participated, offering clear, candid feedback on what works well, what needs improvement, and what would make guest access easier and fairer for everyone. That input became the foundation of the most significant update to GVR’s guest policies in more than a decade. Throughout the survey, members consistently emphasized the desire for options that better match how guests actually use GVR facilities. They also expressed a strong preference for transparency, flexibility, and—where possible—pricing that feels reasonable in today’s economic climate. The Board of Directors took that guidance seriously, and the approved 2026 guest pass updates reflect exactly that: you shared your priorities, and we listened. One of the most common requests was for a pass option that fit somewhere between a single-day visit and a full-year card. In direct response, GVR is introducing a brand-new weekly guest pass, valid for seven consecutive days from the date of purchase. This fills a long-standing gap for members hosting family or friends who are visiting for only a few days. In the past, members often had to stack multiple daily guest passes or purchase an annual guest card that went largely unused. The weekly pass offers a more practical, cost-effective ($30 for 2026) choice.
By popular demand, annual guest cards will no longer be tied to calendar years, but will no longer provide unlimited use. Annual cards will be valid for twelve full months from the date of purchase, but will be limited to 30 total days of use in those twelve months. Per the Corporate Policy Manual (CPM), complimentary guest IDs are treated as annual guest cards, so they will also be subject to the 30-day annual usage limit. The most substantial policy change is the shift to one guest card per adult guest. In the past, one guest card allowed up to four adults to access facilities, which created ongoing challenges with card sharing, tracking accuracy, and equitable use. Moving to individual guest cards brings GVR in line with industry standards and provides a clearer system for everyone. Members may still host multiple guests—each adult guest will simply need their own daily, weekly, or annual guest card. What hasn’t changed is that each household may hold only one annual guest card, regardless of the number of GVR properties they own, and annual guest cards cannot be issued on tenant-occupied properties. Children (aged seventeen and under) are still welcome without a pass as long as they are accompanied by a card-carrying adult. Alongside this shift, GVR is introducing a $5 card issuance fee, applied the first time a member purchases either an annual guest pass or a guest pass card. Cards are reusable and designed to reduce the need for replacement. Lost or damaged cards can be replaced for $5—a significant decrease from the previous $20 fee. The guest pass card is flexible and may be used for any combination of daily or weekly guest passes. If you already have your guest pass card, additional days or weeks can be added over the phone without requiring an in-person visit. The annual guest pass card is issued separately and is only valid for annual guest passes. Cards cannot be converted between categories; an annual guest pass card cannot be used for daily or weekly passes, and a guest pass card cannot be used for annual passes. Continued on page 6
CONTACT US — 520-625-3440 Operational matters Board policy matters Customer Service
hotline@gvrec.org board@gvrec.org 520-625-3440
Center Operations Assistants (Yellow Shirts)
RECREATION SERVICES
520-343-2440
The following centers are open daily from 5:30am–9pm SATELLITE CENTERS 520-549-9733
MAJOR CENTERS Canoa Hills
3660 S Camino del Sol
(520) 631-7151
Canoa Ranch
5750 S Turquoise Mtn Dr
(520) 631-0761
Desert Hills
2980 S Camino del Sol
(520) 631-8060
East Center
7 S Abrego Dr
(520) 631-8072
Las Campanas
565 W Belltower Dr
(520) 631-7068
Santa Rita Springs
921 W Via Rio Fuerte
(520) 631-8092
West Center
1111 S GVR Dr
(520) 631-7909
Abrego North
1601 N Abrego Dr
Abrego South
1655 S Abrego Dr
Casa Paloma I
400 W Circulo del Paladin
Casa Paloma II
330 N Calle de las Banderolas
Continental Vistas
906 W Camino Guarina
Madera Vista
440 S Camino del Portillo
Del Sol Clubhouse, 3355 S Camino del Sol, 6am–9pm Pickleball Center, 2612 S Camino de la Canoa, 6am–dusk
DECEMBER BOARD & COMMITTEE MEETINGS
GVR BOARD
NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS COMMITTEE Thursday, January 8, 10–11:30am West Center Room 2 / Zoom
GVR BOARD OFFICERS President: Kathi Bachelor Vice President: Candy English Secretary: Beth Dingman Treasurer: Nellie Johnson Assistant Secretary: Bart Hillyer Assistant Treasurer: Steve Reynolds
BOARD AFFAIRS COMMITTEE Tuesday, January 13, 1:30–3pm West Center Room 2 / Zoom BOARD OF DIRECTORS WORK SESSION Wednesday, January 14, 2–4pm West Center Room 2 / Zoom FISCAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE Tuesday, January 20, 1:30–3pm West Center Room 2 / Zoom INVESTMENTS COMMITTEE Wednesday, January 21, 9–10:30am West Center Auditorium / Zoom BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING Wednesday, January 28, 2–4pm West Center Auditorium / Zoom Any change in meeting status will be announced on the GVR website calendar.
BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
There was no Board meeting in December.
DIRECTORS Dave Barker Marge Garneau Bev Lawless
Lanny Smith Jodie Walker
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: Beth Dingman 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? Knowing who to contact at GVR can save time and help you get answers faster. Whether your question involves daily operations, policies, classes, facility use, or immediate assistance at a center, reaching out to the right department helps GVR serve you more efficiently. Who to contact and why:
• Center Operations Assistant (COA): 520-343-2440 On duty 5:30am–9pm daily for questions and more immediate attention regarding conflicts, injuries, repairs, and same-day guest passes.
• Customer Service (West Center Box Office):
520-625-3440 Monday–Friday, 8am–4pm for tickets, class registration, guest passes, tenant cards, and refunds.
• Facility Reservations: Reservations@GVRec.org
Contact this department to book facility space which is free for members when all attendees are members or eligible GVR guests.
• Leisure Education Classes: Classes@GVRec.org
Email for questions about schedules and teaching opportunities.
• Member Services: Membership@GVRec.org |
520-625-3440 Monday–Friday, 8am–4pm to update accounts, pay dues, establish membership, or obtain GVR property information.
• Operational Matters: Hotline@GVRec.org
Contact the hotline with questions about the maintenance of GVR pools, buildings, and property.
• Personal Training & Fitness Centers:
LeeS@GVRec.org Contact GVR’s Fitness Coordinator for questions about personal training and fitness equipment/ amenities.
• Policy Matters: Board@GVRec.org
Email the GVR Board for questions about matters such as the guest policy, code of conduct, annual dues, the Board meetings, and Board committees.
Contacting the appropriate department helps your question reach the right people quickly, reduces delays, and allows GVR staff to provide timely, accurate assistance to all members. If you need assistance and aren’t sure who to contact, please reach out to customer service at 520-625-3440 (Monday–Friday, 8am–4pm).
Letter from the President Members, At the November 19 regular meeting of the GVR Board of Directors, changes to the Guest Pass Policy were adopted. These changes, designed to reduce guest pass abuse and increase member options, take effect January 1. More than 2,000 members took the time this summer to offer honest, thoughtful feedback about how guest passes actually work in real life: when family visits, friends come to town, or grandkids are in the house for a week. As a Board, we paid close attention. Your comments made it clear that there were concerns about guest pass abuse, and the previous system no longer reflected how most members actually host and use guest access. That’s why I feel really good about these updates. From the new weekly pass to lower daily fees and options that better align with real usage, these changes are about flexibility, fairness, and value. You told us you wanted clearer rules, fewer workarounds, and choices that feel reasonable—and that’s exactly what guided our decisions. We know a few of the changes will take some getting used to, but overall, the Board believes this new approach is simpler, more transparent, and more equitable for everyone who enjoys our facilities. Thank you for speaking up, for participating, and for helping shape GVR’s future. This is a great example of member input truly making a difference. Kathi Bachelor, GVR Board President
Children’s Pool Hours West Center Weekdays: Noon–9pm Weekends & holidays: ALL day 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.
GVRNOW! GVR NOW! JANUARY 2026
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JANUARY
GVR’s winter leisure education classes are here, and it’s the biggest offering yet. Whether you’re eager to try something brand new or return to a favorite pastime, this season’s lineup in the 2026 winter catalog makes it easy and fun to keep learning all winter long. You’ll find a wide variety of class types to choose from, including arts and crafts, cards and games, cooking, culinary and nutrition, dance, fitness, health and sports, gardening, weather and wildlife, languages, music, problem solving and psychology, reading and writing, special interest topics, and spiritual development. There’s something here for every curiosity and comfort level, so follow your curiosity, jump into a class, and enjoy the ride. To help you find the right fit, the catalog includes several easy-to-use indexes. On pages 70–71, Drop-in Classes at a Glance highlight flexible, no commitment options that let you explore a topic without signing up for a full session. Page 72’s Weekend Classes at a Glance list is perfect for members who prefer learning on Saturdays or Sundays. On page 73, Evening Classes at a Glance gathers after hours offerings ideal for busy daytime schedules. If you’re looking for something fresh, check out page 74’s New Classes This Season which showcases the latest additions to the GVR learning lineup. How to Register for Classes
• Monday–Friday, 8am–4pm, in
person at the West Center Box Office or by phone at 520-625-3440
• Anytime online at GVRec.org
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JANUARY 2026 GVR GVRNOW! NOW!
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNE
JANUARY ART EXHIBITS Canoa Hills – Karen Workman Desert Hills – GVR Needle Arts Club Las Campanas – Paige MacFarland East Center – Sharon Toal West Center – GVR Arts & Crafts Club
5 GVR Foundation
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Bingo 3–7pm WC Auditorium
Watch Football Del Sol Clubhouse
Karen Workman
New GVR Winter Classes
GVR 6 Computer Club
Day Trip: Borderlandia Taco Tour Watch Football Del Sol Clubhouse
18 Watch Football Del Sol Clubhouse
Club Mtg. 12 Singles 9:30–10:30pm DH Auditorium
Free Lessons GVR Shuffleboard Club 10–11am, WC Courts New Member Orientation GVR Tai Chi Arts Club 12:30–1pm DH Fitness Studio
19 Martin Luther
King Day The West Center Box Office and GVR Administrative offices are closed. Centers are open as usual.
GVR Foundation BINGO 3–7pm, WC Auditorium
25 Watch Football Del Sol Clubhouse
26
Lions Club Bingo 3–7pm WC Auditorium Tricky Trivia 4:30–6:30pm DH Auditorium
Forum 9–10 DH Aud
1:30–2:30pm SRS Anza room
Showtime GVR Photography Club 2–4pm, DH Auditorium Laugh Lounge 7–8:30pm, WC Auditorium
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7
Din GVR Mich 5:30–7 WC Aud
Free lecture 13 Tucson 14 Bird Alliance 11am–12pm CH Saguaro room
Board Affairs Committee 1:30–3pm WC Room 2 & Zoom Travelogue GVR Photography Club 2–4pm, DH Auditorium
20 Fiscal Affairs
Committee 1:30–3pm WC Room 2 & Zoom
Speaker Series GVR Photography Club 2–4pm, DH Auditorium Tribute: Elvis 7pm, WC Auditorium
27 Free Lecture AZ Attorney General 2:30–3:30pm WC Auditorium
Forum 9–10am, DH
Free le Whipple Ob 10–11am, WC
Board of Work S 2–4 WC Room
21
Borderlandi
Investment 9–10:3 WC Room
28
Board of Regular 2–4 WC Aud
Whipple Observatory Lecture Series Returns
ESDAY
m Club 0am ditorium
nner higan Club 7:30pm ditorium
m Club H Auditorium
THURSDAY
1
FRIDAY
3
2
Sweet Saturday 10am–2pm GVR Artisans’ Shop
New Year’s Day The West Center Box Office and GVR Administrative offices are closed. Centers are open as usual.
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Free lecture GV Gardeners 9:30–10:30am WC Auditorium
9
Sing & Sip Karaoke 4–7pm Del Sol Clubhouse
16
ecture bservatory C Auditorium
January 14, February 11, March 11, April 8 West Center Auditorium · 10–11am
10 Saturday Night Dance Club 6–8:30pm SRS Anza room
Dance J&R Band 6–9pm WC Auditorium
Nominations & Elections Committee 10–11:30am WC Room 2 & Zoom
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SATURDAY
17
Amigas Coffee Time 9–10:30am SRS Anza room
Keep your eyes and ears open for GVR news in KGVY’s community quarterly newspapers and on the air!
AmigOs 9–10am EC Auditorium
Directors Session 4pm 2 & Zoom
22
23
ia Taco Tour
24 Saturday Night Dance Club 6–8:30pm SRS Anza room
Day Trip: Barrett-Jackson Auction
Committee 30pm 2 & Zoom
Tribute: Neil Diamond 7pm WC Auditorium
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30
31
Directors Meeting 4pm ditorium
Buy tickets and register for classes today! GVRNOW! GVR NOW! JANUARY 2026
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Cover story, continued… A welcome improvement is the ability to reload your guest passes over the phone. If you still have your original card, customer service can add additional days to it without requiring a visit. Cards can only be reloaded with the same type of pass they were originally issued. There is additional good news on the pricing front. The daily guest pass fee is being reduced from $15 to $10, making it more affordable for members who simply want to bring a guest for the day. This reduction, combined with the new weekly pass, gives members a more flexible range of options at lower overall price points. Behind the scenes, usage analysis also played a key role in shaping the updated program. A review of recent annual guest card data revealed that most annual guest cards were
used between four and fifteen days each year. Only a small number were used heavily, while others saw minimal or no use. This confirmed what members expressed in the survey— that the existing annual model didn’t fit most hosting patterns. The new options better match real-world usage, offering members more value and flexibility without paying for access they rarely use. Together, these updates represent a careful balance between member input, operational sustainability, and fairness across the system. Most members will find these changes to be positive enhancements—more clarity, more flexibility, and, in several cases, lower fees. Those who previously relied on broader or shared access may feel the change more directly, but the updated policy helps ensure that guest access at GVR remains consistent, equitable, and aligned with member expectations. As we transition into 2026, customer services is ready to answer questions, reactivate cards, and help members navigate the new options. The new daily, weekly, and annual guest passes will be available for use beginning in January. Updated handouts outlining the full guest policy will be available online and at all centers. These improvements would not have been possible without the strong participation and thoughtful feedback of the GVR membership. Thank you to everyone who took the time to help shape the future of guest access at GVR.
New Small Group Training Classes Balance & Core Calisthenics The core is the foundation for all movement in the body. This class focuses on exercises that strengthen the core and improve balance to support everyday activities. By building core strength and better balance, students can enhance their daily function, reduce the risk of injury, and boost overall health and well-being. Taught by personal trainer Shaun McGuire. For GVR Members Only
Kettle Bell Zone This kettlebell class focuses on proper technique to give students a safe, effective full-body workout. Build functional strength, improve balance and posture, and boost cardio fitness, all with one versatile tool. No experience needed. Taught by personal trainer Sharon Ryan.
For class times, registration details, and more small group training options, please see the GVR winter catalog, pages 76–77.
6 JANUARY 2026 GVR GVRNOW! NOW!
Get the Latest with the GVR Update Want to be in the know? Sign up for the GVR Update: our weekly eblast delivered every Friday. It’s packed with the latest on GVR news, Board and committee updates, policy changes, classes, events & entertainment, day trips, fitness, facility closures, and handy links. Signing up is easy!
• Visit GVRec.org, hover over INFO
HUB, choose GVR Update (eblast), and click “Sign up to get our weekly Eblasts!”
• Email Hotline@GVRec.org and we’ll add you to the eblast list.
No computer at home? Members may use the computer kiosks located in major center lobbies. Just click on the eblast icon and follow the steps.
NEW!
Lunch and a Movie • A new feature this season, Lunch
and a Movie, invites members to enjoy lunch and an afternoon film at West Center.
• Doors open at 12:30pm for a lunch
2026 ELECTION This year, GVR members in good standing will elect three of their peers to serve on the GVR Board of Directors. The 2024 bylaw change reduces the Board from twelve to nine directors over a three-year period. Members will vote for three directors, with four directors completing their terms for the next two years. This year Kathi Bachelor, Beth Dingman, Marge Garneau, and Bev Lawless are completing their terms in March. The slate of candidates includes Marge Garneau, Dale Howard, Chris McCrummen, and Barry Stock.
IMPORTANT DATES Candidate applications are available year-round at GVRec.org under Governance/Election Information tab. December 1–18 Candidate application period begins— applications due December 18 at 4pm January 2–19
Petition period begins— petitions are due by January 19 at 4pm
January 22
Board candidate orientation
January 23
Slate of candidates presented to the Board and GVR members
January 28
Record date—to receive a ballot, members must pay all outstanding dues by this date, or have submitted for a monthly payment program or dues assistance through the Member Assistance Program.
February 9
Notice of Annual Meeting and voting instructions
February 25
Candidate Meet & Greet (after Board of Directors meeting)
March 4
First candidate forum
March 9
Voting begins
March 11
Second candidate forum
March 20
Election ends: last day to vote— paper and electronic ballots due by 4pm New Directors are announced
March 25
Annual Meeting of the Corporation
purchase, and the $2 movie begins at 2pm.
• Members and their guests are
welcome to attend with or without lunch service.
GVRNOW! GVR NOW! JANUARY 2026
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January Events & Entertainment The Laugh Lounge at West Center (a Jason Love Production)
Two headliners turn the West Center into the Laugh Lounge. Reserve a table for eight: reserveatable@GVRec.org. Tuesday, January 6 at 7pm – West Center Auditorium GVR Members/Guests $20; General Public $40
Dance with J&R Band
Elvis – “THE CONCERT”
The Neil Diamond Story
Friday, January 9 at 6pm West Center Auditorium GVR Members/Guests $15; General Public $35
Tuesday, January 20 at 7pm West Center Auditorium GVR Members/Guests $35; General Public $55
Saturday, January 24 at 7pm West Center Auditorium GVR Members/Guests $35; General Public $55
Celebrate the New Year with J&R Band. Bring a favorite beverage. Reserve a table for ten: reserveatable@GVRec.org.
Graceland’s Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist, Jay Dupuis, delivers a performance officially endorsed by Elvis Presley Enterprises.
The Neil Diamond Story starring William Florian features hits like Song Sung Blue, Play Me, and Sweet Caroline.
GVR Winter Day Trips
January day trips have already sold out! For an updated lineup and availability, please go to the Events & Entertainment page at GVRec.org or call customer service at 520-625-3440.
Purchase tickets online at GVRec.org, by phone 520-625-3440, or in person at the West Center Box Office.