Volunteers are the Heart of GVR Clubs
GVR’s 57 clubs bring people together. From arts and crafts to sports, clubs create connections—there really is something for everyone. Clubs provide the majority of the recreation options GVR members enjoy. But clubs don’t run themselves. Behind the scenes, volunteers keep things moving—staffing shops, teaching classes, maintaining equipment, organizing events, and welcoming newcomers.
For many, volunteering is a natural extension of belonging. In the Artisans’ Shop, Nan Clarke is one of eight board members among 56 volunteers who take four-hour shifts in the West Center shop. Over in the Lapidary and Silversmith Club, a longtime member shared how learning from others inspired him to step up and help new members. “Someone took the time to teach me. Now I get to pass that along.”
At the GVR Cycling Club, the spirit of volunteering is very much alive. “Treasure and celebrate your volunteers,” says club president Joanie Rogucki.
The Ceramics Club asks its 215 members to volunteer four hours per month to do pouring, kiln work, monitoring, handbuilding, workshops, paint purchasing, mold buying, and updating the outside displays. The Glass Artists Club has 230 members with 92 dedicated volunteers. Volunteers find opportunities to match their interests, and club president Peggy Jordan says the experience “creates lasting, thriving friendships.”
The Santa Rita Art League flourishes thanks to the dedication of its volunteers. “Their time, energy, and passion ensure that members have opportunities to create, learn, and connect. Volunteers gain more than they give—forming friendships, learning new skills, and shaping the club’s future,” says CoPresident Jeani Gustafson.
In the Woodshop, volunteers ensure that tools are in working order and safety guidelines are followed. The same spirit is found in clubs such as Amigas and Michigan Club, where volunteers plan gatherings and create a welcoming space for neighbors to connect. Michigan Club President Diane Watts shared how Bob & Sally Hetrick stepped up when their previous caterer was no longer available. “They jumped in with vim and vigor and came up with great ideas and choices for new options, which have proven to be great. We salute them.”
Pickleball, one of GVR’s most active clubs, relies on members to organize play, mentor newcomers, and coordinate events. It’s never just one person—it’s a team effort. Tennis Club President Frances Bouffard agrees. “Volunteers are the backbone of our tennis club, who give their time for the love of the game.” Volunteers run leagues, clinics, tournaments, and social events.
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CONTACT US — 520-625-3440
Operational matters hotline@gvrec.org
Board policy matters board@gvrec.org
Customer Service 520-625-0288
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
3660 S Camino del Sol
5750 S Turquoise Mtn Dr
2980 S Camino del Sol
7 S Abrego Dr
(520) 631-7151 (520) 631-0761
(520) 631-8060
(520) 631-8072
Center Operations
Assistants (Yellow Shirts) 520-343-2440
Abrego North Abrego South
Casa Paloma I
Casa Paloma II
West Center 1601 N Abrego Dr 1655 S Abrego Dr
565 W Belltower Dr 921 W Via Rio Fuerte 1111 S GVR Dr
(520) 631-7068 (520) 631-8092 (520) 631-7909
Del Sol Clubhouse, 3355 S Camino del Sol, 6am–9pm Pickleball Center, 2612 S Camino de la Canoa, 6am–dusk SATELLITE CENTERS 520-549-9733
MARCH BOARD & COMMITTEE MEETINGS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS WORK SESSION – No Work Session
BOARD AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Tuesday, March 11, 1:30–3pm, West Center Room 2/Zoom
NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS COMMITTEE
Thursday, March 13, 10–11:30am, West Center Room 2/Zoom
FISCAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Tuesday, March 18, 1:30–3pm, West Center Room 2/Zoom
BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING
Wednesday, March 19, 2–4pm, West Center Auditorium/Zoom
MEMBERSHIP ANNUAL MEETING
Wednesday, March 26, 9–10am
BOARD OF DIRECTORS SPECIAL MEETING
Wednesday, March 26, 10:30am
ELECTION
Voting Ends Tuesday, March 18, at 4pm March 26 – Annual Meeting of the Corporation
Any change in meeting status will be announced on the GVR website calendar.
BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
The February Board of Directors meeting occurred after deadline—look for highlights in the weekly eblast.
Continental Vistas
Madera Vista
400 W Circulo del Paladin
330 N Calle de las Banderolas
906 W Camino Guarina
440 S Camino del Portillo
GVR BOARD
GVR BOARD OFFICERS
President: Marge Garneau
Vice President: Bart Hillyer
Secretary: Jim Carden
Treasurer: Nellie Johnson
Assistant Secretary: Candy English
Assistant Treasurer: Kathi Bachelor
DIRECTORS
Nancy Austin
Dave Barker
Barbara Blake
Beth Dingman
Bev Lawless
Joe Magliola
GVR BOARD COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Audit Committee: Nancy Austin
Board Affairs Committee: Bart Hillyer
Fiscal Affairs: Nellie Johnson
Investments Committee: Nellie Johnson
Nominations & Elections Committee: Candy English Planning & Evaluation Committee: Jim Carden
Email: board@gvrec.org
Can’t attend a meeting in person?
Scan this QR code for ZOOM meetings.
Did You Know?
The Green Valley Artisans’ Shop is hosting its Spring Fling Courtyard Gift and Bake Sale on Friday, March 14, and Saturday, March 15, from 9am to 4pm at the West Center courtyard. Open to the public, this annual event showcases handcrafted pieces by local GVR artisans.
For over 40 years, the Artisans’ Shop has offered a unique selection of pottery, woodwork, textiles, jewelry, glass art, and more. It also serves as a retail space for members of other GVR clubs.
At the sale, you’ll meet about 20 artists, browse one-of-a-kind creations, and enjoy a bake sale supporting the shop’s upcoming expansion in April. Be sure to enter the totem raffle, featuring a stunning three-foot ceramic piece by local potter Teresa Turocy, valued at $400.
Stop by, shop local, and support GVR’s talented artisans!
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 President
It is hard to believe this is the end of my second year as President of the Board. What a “wild” ride! So many wonderful changes over the last year that it is hard to remember all of them. The most exciting one is the opening of our first drop-in center at Del Sol Clubhouse and the opening of the 1989 Bake House. Their hours are Monday to Saturday, 7am–2pm and Sundays, 8am–1pm— the food is GREAT!
Staff is looking into the plumbing at the Desert Hills pool. It appears that there were “too many hands in the pot” and lines were capped off and just left in the ground. This will be interesting to watch.
Bids are open to expand the size of the Artisans’ Shop at West Center, and staff is working to obtain a plan and costs for a Lapidary Club expansion. This should be coming back to the Board for review soon.
Desert Hills locker room expansion and redesign is out for bid. Opening the metal shop at West Center was approved by the Board and the contract was signed. The Member Services staff is slated to move to the West Center lobby area after a redesign. Approval of the bid should come before the Board soon.
Check GVRec.org to find the schedule for the nifty Canoa Hills Center indoor walking track, and join other members who are enjoying the newly renovated center.
We are working on reducing our Board from twelve to nine members, and will only elect three members on the Board each year over the next three years to accomplish this. Thanks to all who attend our meetings and those who send us emails with their questions and concerns.
—Marge Garneau, Board President
The Whipple Observatory monthly lecture series is back!
GVR is excited to bring back the popular Whipple Observatory monthly lecture series by speakers from some of Southern Arizona’s biggest space research facilities. All lectures are once a month at the West Center Auditorium from 9–10am. There is no charge for admission, and concessions are available for sale. Doors open at 8am.
Don’t miss the last two presentations:
• Thursday, March 27: Science Results from the World’s Largest Optical Telescope: LBTO by Dr. Joannah Hinz, Deputy Director, LBTO and Associate Research Professor, University of Arizona
• Thursday, April 24: The Darkest Night: A World Without Light Pollution by Amy C. Oliver, FRAS, Outreach Lead, Whipple Observatory and Principal Investigator, Dark Skynet and Project Glowworm
March into Something New
Looking to shake up your routine or explore new interests? GVR’s March classes offer unique opportunities to learn, connect, and have fun. Whether you’re curious about poetry, fascinated by Nikola Tesla, or eager to de-stress, there’s something for everyone.
Check Out:
• Poetry Demystified – Find meaning and enjoyment in poetry without the pressure.
• Releasing Stress – Learn practical techniques to relax and reset.
• Reading Shakespeare in the Desert – Experience the Bard’s works with a Southwest twist.
• Nikola Tesla – Delve into the genius behind modern electricity.
• An Inordinate Fondness of Beetles – Discover the incredible world of these tiny creatures.
GVR classes are a great way to engage your mind, meet new people, and keep learning.
Sign Up
• Any time online at GVRec.org
• Monday to Friday, 8am–4pm: –By phone 520-625-0288 –In person at the West Center Box Office
MARCH 2025
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY
MARCH ART EXHIBITS
Canoa Hills – GVR Santa Rita Art League
Desert Hills – GVR Needlearts Club
Las Campanas – GVR Photography Club
East Center – Sharon Toal West Center – GVR Santa Rita Art League Jerry Marrion, GVR Photography Club
WEDNESDAY
GVR Foundation BINGO 3–7pm WC Auditorium
Sing & Sip Karaoke Free 4–7pm EC Lounge
St. Patrick’s Day Pool Party FREE 12–2pm Canoa Hills Pool
GVR Foundation BINGO 3–7pm, WC Auditorium
Lions Foundation Bingo 3pm WC Auditorium
Santa Rita Art League’s Awards Reception 6pm Canoa Hills
Free Lecture
Sarver Heart 10–11:30am, CH Saguaro
Free Lecture
Tucson Audubon 11am–12pm, LC Ocotillo
Wine & Design: Etch Two Wine Glasses 1–3pm, Las Campanas Board Affairs Committee 1:30–3pm, WC Room 2/Zoom
Fiscal Affairs Committee 1:30–3pm WC Room 2/Zoom
Movie: Arthur the King 2pm, $2 WC Auditorium
Trivia Night—FREE 4:30–6:30pm Del Sol Clubhouse “Fly With Me” Film Screening and Panel Discussion FREE 4–6pm WC Auditorium
Their work often goes unnoticed, and that’s fine by them. “I’m not looking for credit,” a club leader shared. “I just want to keep this place running so people can enjoy it.” But keeping clubs running takes more than casual help—it requires members willing to step into leadership roles. Club officers take on essential tasks like scheduling, budgeting, and keeping things organized. Without them, clubs can’t function. Volunteering doesn’t just keep the GVR activities menu vibrant—it strengthens connections, builds friendships, and keeps traditions alive. Whether helping out for an hour or taking on a leadership role, every bit makes a difference. If you enjoy a club, consider lending a hand.
GVR clubs—there’s something for everyone! For more information, go to GVRec.org and click on the CLUBS icon.
