GVRNow!

Report on Efficiencies Initiatives — how are we doing?

Last June, the cover of the GVR Now! featured a letter to the GVR membership about my focus on efficiency. Six months later, a survey of the membership revealed the members’ top priority: pursuing greater operational efficiency to ensure members receive high value for their dollar. Some might call that serendipity.

Prioritized strategic planning initiatives

Most important

Least important

So, where are we with this endeavor one year after I started the conversation? How are we doing with our effort to pursue excellent facilities and services prudently, but effectively?

• The Glass Artists Club will have a studio this fall that provides them with nearly the same amount of space originally planned, at half the originally projected cost.

• Three space-expansion projects are being explored simultaneously, to maximize efficient use of resources. At West Center, if the long-discussed expansions of the Woodworker’s Shop and the Lapidary Shop can occur at the same time, GVR can bid a single project and work with a single crew, saving time and money. Lapidary expansion at West Center would allow the club to partially consolidate, closing the Desert Hills lapidary shop so the Ceramics Club can expand for a second and final time, affordably.

• Staff has identified a long-time practice that diminishes the quality of some recreation offerings while increasing costs: maintaining nearly all meeting rooms as “multi-purpose” spaces. The same rooms where members take classes about Southwest flora and fauna are expected to serve as yoga studios and card rooms. It works, but none of the groups enjoy quality amenities designed for how they use the space. In the coming months, staff will work with an ad hoc committee to address this problem, among others. For more information on this project, see the letter from the COO on page 3.

Continued on page 6

(Respondents ranked these options is order of importance, 1 through 7. The initiatives that are most important are at the top, with the lowest average rating.)

CONTACT US 520.625.3440

Operational matters email: hotline@gvrec.org

Board policy matters email: board@gvrec.org

Canoa Hills Customer Service

East Center Customer Service

Las Campanas Customer Service

520-625-6200 (Lunch 11:30am–12:30pm)

520-625-4641 (Lunch 12:30–1:30pm)

520-648-7669 (Lunch 11:30am–12:30pm)

West Center Customer Service 520-625-0288 (Lunch Noon–1pm)

GVR INFO

MAJOR CENTERS — Rec Staff

Open daily 5:30am–9pm

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

520-343-2440

JUNE BOARD & COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Audit Committee: No meeting scheduled

Board of Directors Work Session:

Wednesday, June 21, 2–4pm – WC Room 2/Zoom

Board of Directors Regular Meeting:

Wednesday, June 28, 2–4pm – WC Auditorium/Zoom

Board Affairs Committee:

Monday, June 12, 1:30–3pm – WC Room 2/Zoom

Fiscal Affairs Committee: No meeting scheduled

Investments Committee: No meeting scheduled

Nominations & Elections Committee: No meeting scheduled

Planning & Evaluation Committee: No meeting scheduled

Any change in meeting status will be announced on the GVR website calendar.

BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

In a regular meeting on Wednesday, May 24, the Board of Directors took the following actions:

• Approved Next Steps for Del Sol Clubhouse

• Approved the 2022 Surplus Transfer

• Passed a motion to direct staff to create questions for a survey on cameras at facilities. Questions will be reviewed by the Board at the June regular meeting.

• Approved an Ad-Hoc Committee for Space Use and Reservations

• Approved Photography Club space improvement (not to exceed $36,000)

Scan this QR code or visit gvrec.org/centers/facility-use for real-time pool, fitness, and pickleball usage.

SATELLITE CENTERS

All Satellite Centers 520-549-9733

Open daily 5:30am–9pm

Abrego North

Abrego South

Casa Paloma I

Casa Paloma II

Continental Vistas

Madera Vista

Pickleball Center

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

2612 S Camino de la Canoa

GVR BOARD

GVR BOARD MEMBERS

President: Marge Garneau

Vice President: Carol Crothers

Secretary: Bart Hillyer

Treasurer: Jim Carden

Assistant Secretary: Barbara Blake

Assistant Treasurer: Laurel Dean

DIRECTORS

Nancy Austin

Kathi Bachelor

Ted Boyett

Beth Dingman

Steve Gilbert

Bev Lawless

GVR BOARD COMMITTEE CHAIRS

Audit Committee: Nancy Austin

Board Affairs Committee: Carol Crothers

Financial Affairs Committee: Jim Carden

Investments Committee: Bev Lawless

Nominations & Elections Committee: Beth Dingman

Planning & Evaluation Committee: Kathi Bachelor

Email: board@gvrec.org

Center Operations Assistants (Yellow Shirts)

Did You Know?

Last month in this space we shared information about the value of exercising the body to maintain overall health. Exercising the brain is equally important in mitigating the effects or slowing the development of age-related cognitive decline.

The National Institute on Aging confirms the adage “use it or lose it” applies to the brain as well as the body. Using Functional Medical Resonance Imaging, researchers have strong evidence that we can build brain neural activity and gray matter at any age, the same way we build strength—through mental exercise.

One of the most effective mental exercises is learning something new. For a real challenge, learn a language or to play an instrument. Prefer a more social option? Square dancing requires the simultaneous use of both sides of the brain and is great for building memory and coordination. Learning new hands-on skills similarly builds multiple mental muscles as they integrate spatial analysis, sensory processing, and of course, listening to teacher. Teaching others skills you already have is an equally effective mental exercise.

Clearly, GVR’s leisure education offerings are just the ticket for seniors with goals to stay healthy and self-sufficient as long as possible. But if classes or lessons don’t sound appealing, there are other recommendations to consider. Volunteer positions entail learning new skills and developing new relationships. Exploring new environments works too—take a trip or just vary your existing routine. If you swim or work out in fitness centers, consider challenging yourself to workout in every GVR center or swim in every pool or at different times of day.

Is there a learning opportunity you’d be interested in that GVR doesn’t offer? Reach out to Steve Kindred at SteveK@gvrec.org and let him know. For volunteer opportunities, GVR clubs and the Green Valley Sahuarita Clearing House (520-393-0317) are great resources.

Children’s Pool Hours

West Center

Weekdays: Noon–9pm / Weekends & holidays: ALL day

Abrego South Daily: 4–6pm

All other pools

Daily: 11am–1pm AND 4–6pm

No guest pass required for kids!

Children 17 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.

Letter from the COO

On May 24, President Marge Garneau established an ad hoc committee to review space use and reservations policies, and develop recommendations for the Board. Chaired by Director Ted Boyett, the committee will examine and identify gaps in existing policies and collect information through member outreach activities. Recommended policies will be drafted to address concerns that members, instructors, and community groups have voiced over the years. Those recommendations will also advance the memberidentified mission of pursuing operational efficiency.

GVR maintains most meeting rooms as multi-purpose spaces, setting up and tearing down each activity and storing various furnishings for each space. Staff will set up a space for a meeting, tear it down for a yoga session, then set it up for another meeting before it becomes a poker room for the evening. As you may imagine, this is time-consuming, storage-intensive, and hard on the furniture and flooring. You may also imagine that a lecture room is not the best space for yoga or poker.

The committee will seek solutions to these problems by identifying rooms that can be designated and outfitted for specific purposes. If furniture needn’t be stacked and stored in a small footprint, padded chairs and better tables become possible. Spaces designated for meetings and lecture-style classes can be equipped to support remote meetings, conference calling, and videorecording. The committee will reach out to various user groups via polls, surveys, and focus group sessions to hear concerns and recommendations.

Members frustrated with trying to access spaces dominated by groups and clubs will also have a chance to make their case to the committee. Sports courts, pools, and dance floors are high-demand, communal spaces. The committee will bring the users of those amenities together to hammer out agreements and solutions.

Staff will provide a great deal of support to this committee of volunteers as they tackle longstanding problems. If you have recommendations, a perspective to consider, or an interest in helping out, email me and I will be sure your voice or offer is heard: NatalieW@gvrec.org

The aim is a policy and approach that ensures equitable access, prioritizes recreation, and enhances the members’ experiences.

-Natalie (Nat) Whitman, Chief Operations Officer

Trivia Question

Where can you study karate on Tuesday, learn Italian on Wednesday, and practice your collage skills on Thursday?

Give up? The answer is GVR’s Las Campanas Center!

Start with Shotokan Karate from 9–11 on Tuesday mornings, June 6 through 27, in the Ocotillo/Agave rooms. Shotokan Karate is a traditional Japanese martial art where students learn to use their hands and feet as weapons. Through karate training, one learns self-defense while developing confidence, discipline, and concentration.

Then, take Italian Skills Beginners I class from 2–3:15 Wednesday afternoons, June 7 through 28, in the Cottonwood room. This course teaches beginner students basic Italian skills through experiential learning. A thematic, active and functional approach integrates language with culture to encourage students’ motivation.

After that, Collage: Cut, Paste, Create is available on Thursday mornings from 10–noon, June 15 and 22, in the Acacia room. Get creative using paint, papers, pictures, etc. to make your own unique works of art. Great for card making too. No experience necessary.

Imagine it—a variety of learning experiences in a single location!

Chat with the CEO 2–3:30pm East Center Lounge

Las Campanas Center

LOOKING AHEAD

July 11

Andy Hersey

“This set of songs is acoustic based and eclectic. Country rock, silly drinking songs, a love song or two….”

Everyone welcome!

COOL OFF with Pool Flicks at West Center

Photo by Philippe Gauthier / Unsplash

• The consolidation of recreation catalogs cut print costs in half. Printing the GVR Now! locally at Action Print has saved money and improved the timely distribution of the newsletter.

• Where it made sense, some staff positions have been reduced to part time. Other positions have been eliminated and duties have been consolidated.

• Again this year, staff benefits increased more than expected, and once again, we worked with our broker to find solutions that fit the budget.

• GVR’s Fitness Coordinator has worked creatively with Maintenance Repair and Replacement funds to outfit the new fitness center at Desert Hills. Staff swapped equipment between facilities, and invested unbudgeted trade-in revenues (from old equipment) in additional pieces for the new center.

Personalize your fitness program

GVR offers five levels of training to help members get the most out of their fitness center experience.

1. Attend a free fitness center orientation at the center you plan to use for your exercise workout. The orientation includes an assessment of your fitness level, a tour of the cardio and strength training equipment, and a group orientation to the adjustments and use of the equipment. Schedules and registration information for orientations are posted in each fitness center.

2. Attend a free movement assessment in order to identify potential muscle imbalances surrounding a joint. These alterations can lead to increased stress on the tissue of the joint and lead to eventual injury. The goal is to identify any potential overactive and underactive muscles, and create a corrective plan through a corrective exercise regimen.

3. Attend a complimentary 30-minute personal training consultation with a GVR Personal Trainer.

4. Sign up for ongoing personal training. GVR contracts with a number of certified personal trainers to assist members in pursuing their fitness goals. A variety of personal training packages are available.

5. Try Buddy Training (two person maximum). Buddy training adds the benefit of keeping each other accountable while increasing motivation and support.

Email GVR Fitness Coordinator Lee Smith at LeeS@gvrec.org to discover more about your personal training options.

In the coming year, members can look forward to enjoying entertainment and activities at the Del Sol Clubhouse, a new fitness center, a new Glass Arts Studio, and a more effective approach to space use and room reservations. This summer, a new website will offer easier access to information and activity schedules, searchable document libraries, and online form submission that will make life a great deal easier. Overall, I feel we’re on track and making positive changes. Join me at a monthly Chat with the CEO to hear more details and let me know what you think.

—Scott Somers, Chief Executive Officer

Lee Smith, Fitness Coordinator

Future home of Desert Hills Fitness Center

CANASTA CLUB

This summer, spend cool Friday & Sunday afternoons with friends

The GVR Canasta Club is a fun, friendly group that meets at East Center from Noon–3:45pm every Friday and Sunday. In addition to weekly card playing, the club sponsors special events such as ice cream socials, luncheons, and potlucks throughout the year.

All GVR members are welcome. Annual dues are $5, and new members who join after October 1 will have membership throughout the following year. Play as a guest for one session to try out the club!

Curious? Call 937-974-6494 to speak to Kayann, Club President or go to: sites.google.com/view/gvrcanastaclub.

GVR Arts and Crafts Association is getting creative this summer

Even though the GVR Arts and Crafts Association’s member meetings run from October through May each year, the summer months find many members working on the annual Summer Project.

Since 1993, members have been making Christmas napkin rings for residents of senior living/care centers in Green Valley. In 2022, over 500 napkin rings were made! For some of the residents of these care centers, the napkin rings are their only Christmas decoration. Residents are surprised at their Christmas dinner as the staff places napkin rings on their dinner trays. There is a tag on each napkin ring letting them know that the GVR Arts and Crafts Association members are thinking about them at this special time of year.

All GVR members are encouraged to be a part of the club’s Summer Project this year! Meetings are Wednesdays, June 7–August 30, from 1–4pm in Room A at Desert Hills Center.

For further information, visit the club website: gvrartsandcrafts.com or email gvrartsandcrafts@gmail.com.

We’re neighbors. Let’s be friends.

If you’re looking for a group that likes to have fun, then the GVR Amigas Club might be for you. Whether you’re seeking enjoyable adventures, small group gatherings of games or cards, or a lunch out with friends, this is what Amigas do!

The club has two monthly drop-in events at Santa Rita Springs Anza Room, generally the first Thursday from 4-5:30pm, and the third Saturday from 9-10:30am. Snacks are provided, birthdays are celebrated, and interests and friendships are fostered. Amigas also work creatively during the year to organize a few, fun-filled, community-minded events.

Join the club to make lasting friendships with neighbors and Amigas. Watch for news about our Volunteer Fair in June at GVRamigas.org, or email the club at GVRamigasclub@gmail.com.

Upcoming Events

Father’s Day Brats and Beer Poolside Party

GVR members and their guests are invited to enjoy music, food, and dancing as we celebrate Father’s Day in a special way. Sonorous will play a variety of music to keep the poolside hopping!

Friday, June 16 6–9pm

East Center pool deck

Member/Card-Carrying Guest $20

Ticket price includes two brats and three beverages

Sorry, no general public admission. Get your tickets at any GVR customer service desk, online at GVREC.org, or call 520-625-0288

Get Away to Rocky Point July 19–22

Enjoy cooler coastal temperatures and explore the beauty of Rocky Point (Puerto Peñasco), Mexico, this summer with a three-night beach resort stay! GVR is partnering with Gray Line Tours to offer special pricing for GVR members, so dust off your passports and head to the beach.

Experience the trip your own way: lounge on the beach or enjoy the casino, or join your guide for sightseeing, dining, and shopping in the Old Port.

If you love a beach getaway, Rocky Point is half as far and half the cost compared to San Diego. Rates below include transportation, lodging, breakfasts, and guide services.

• GVR Member Single Occupancy: $800

• GVR Member Double Occupancy: $1,000

• Non GVR Member: add $50 per person

Interested but uncertain? Come to a free GVR Rocky Point Fiesta Bus Trip presentation with tour guide Bob at the West Center Auditorium on Monday, June 19 at 2pm. Refreshments will be provided.

To RSVP for the presentation, and to find out about trip tickets, contact: Marilu at 520-495-4727, or MariluG@gvrec.org

Peñasco del Sol Beach Resort