It may have been the year of the dragon for the Chinese calendar, but for GVR, 2024 has been the year of the stagnant real estate market. With a little more than 25% of the 2024 operating budget dependent on revenue from home sales, dismal sales presented significant challenges. Staff cut the budget and tightened departmental belts, but we still anticipate a $90,000 end-of-year deficit. Fortunately, GVR is well-positioned for fickle markets and remains in sound financial shape. None of this affected reserve funds, so our practice of maintaining our assets continued unimpeded.
This past summer’s Maintenance, Repair, and Replacement work included the usual roofing, paving, and floor maintenance tasks. We also resurfaced the pool deck at Canoa Ranch and removed the carpet and stage at Desert Hills, creating a lighter, cleaner feel to the whole meeting room level. Several spaces got a fresh coat of paint including the West Center locker rooms. Pool deck furniture was replaced at Casa Paloma I. The pickleball courts at Canoa Ranch were resurfaced along with shuffleboard at
Abrego South. When a crew was in town to resurface a few tennis courts, for $1,000 we had them apply Pop Tennis lines to five existing courts that have been busy with players four mornings a week all summer long. HVAC replacement and repair at six centers was a big expense, but the Line Dancers at Canoa Hills have sure appreciated having temperature control again. Members may also notice new AV equipment in some rooms, in-process landscaping at Del Sol Clubhouse, new furniture here and there, and a few pieces of updated fitness equipment.
On Wednesday, October 23, the Board of Directors unanimously voted to adopt a budget for 2025. The budget reflects a conservative approach. With recent and anticipated adjustments to interest rates, the real estate market may pick up again, but caution is still the watchword. The full budget message can be reviewed at GVRec.org, under the Governance tab. An abridged version is included in this month’s issue as a special budget insert.
Desert Hills Auditorium
Canoa Ranch pool deck
CONTACT US 520-625-3440
Operational matters
Board policy matters
email: hotline@gvrec.org
email: board@gvrec.org
West Center Customer Service 520-625-0288
RECREATION SERVICES
NORTH CAMPUS 520-648-7669
Includes:
Abrego North
Casa Paloma I
Casa Paloma II
Continental Vistas
East Center
Las Campanas
Pickleball Center
West Center
SOUTH CAMPUS 520-838-0169
Includes:
Abrego South
Canoa Hills
Canoa Ranch
Del Sol Clubhouse
NOVEMBER BOARD & COMMITTEE MEETINGS
CANDIDATE INFORMATION SESSION
Wednesday, November 6, 10am West Center Room 2 / Zoom
BOARD AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING
Tuesday, November 12, 2024, 1:30–3pm West Center Room 2 / Zoom
BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING
Wednesday, November 13, 2024, 2–4pm West Center Auditorium / Zoom
FISCAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING
Tuesday, November 19, 2024, 1:30–3pm West Center Room 2 / Zoom
Any change in meeting status will be announced on the GVR website calendar.
BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
In a regular meeting on Wednesday, October 23, the Board of Directors took the following actions:
• The 2025 GVR Budget including the Fee Schedule, Operating Budget, Capital Budget, and Capital Improvement Plan passed unanimously
• Nellie Johnson was appointed as the Fiscal Affairs Chair: passed unanimously
• The Record Date of January 27, 2025 passed unanimously
• The Board voted in Nellie Johnson for Treasurer and Kathi Bachelor for Assistant Treasurer
Desert Hills
Madera Vista
Santa Rita Springs
Center Operations Assistants (Yellow Shirts) 520-343-2440
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: Barbara Blake
Planning & Evaluation Committee: Jim Carden
Email: board@gvrec.org
Can’t attend a meeting in person?
Scan this QR code for ZOOM meetings.
Letter from the CEO Did You Know?
Did you know you can directly impact GVR’s future by serving on the Board of Directors or on a committee? By stepping up as a candidate, you’ll have the opportunity to influence important policy decisions that shape our community. Whether it’s budgeting, facilities planning, or enhancing programs and clubs, your voice helps guide the direction of GVR. We’re looking for dedicated members to get involved and make a difference.
Curious about what it takes to run?
Join us for a candidate information session on Wednesday, November 6 from 10am–12pm in Room 2 at West Center. Get your questions answered and learn more about how you can contribute your unique skills to strengthen GVR. Take this step toward creating a positive impact—our community thrives when members get involved. Shape the future of GVR.
NOVEMBER
HOLIDAY CLOSURES
• Monday, November 11: GVR offices and customer service desks are closed in observance of Veteran’s Day.
• Wednesday, November 27: All centers and amenities close at 6pm.
• Thursday, November 28: GVR offices and customer service desks are closed. Limited facilities are available from 5:30am–1pm: pools, fitness centers, and sports courts will be open at Canoa Ranch, Desert Hills, Las Campanas, East Center, Santa Rita Springs, and West Center. GVR offices, meeting rooms, and club spaces will be closed.
• Friday, November 29: All centers and amenities are open 5:30am–9pm. GVR office and customer service desks are closed.
Members, this month’s edition of the GVR Now! includes the abridged 2025 budget recently passed unanimously by the Board of Directors. I encourage you to review the full budget document, available online at gvrec.org under the governance tab.
GVR provides important services to a unique population of approximately 22,344 members in Green Valley Arizona. Our lean ratio of one staff position to every 204 members demonstrates how we strive to make every dollar count. GVR continues to focus on providing excellent customer service and improving service delivery while minimizing costs. The past year was challenging to balance and prioritize the needs of our organization with the limited resources available, but we were successful. In developing the FY2025 Budget, we have made every attempt to find savings while keeping our 2022–26 Five-Year Strategic Plan as our guide. As we enter the next fiscal year, we will again need to closely monitor revenues and expenditures, and make any necessary expenditure adjustments throughout the year. This 2025 Budget accomplishes the Bylaws requirement that GVR “shall be guided by the actual expense of operating the recreational facilities of the corporation, including a reasonable reserve for capital replacements with the objective of operating the facilities on a self-sustaining basis.” This budget is a solid foundation to keep GVR fiscally strong and responsive to its members.
—Scott Somers, CEO
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.
Discover Something New This Season
Fall classes at GVR offer a variety of topics to explore, and here are a few examples found in the recreation catalog on the following pages:
• Page 31: Fall Prevention for Daily Living – Improve and maintain your balance with this practical class.
• Page 45: Civil Discourse – With election day approaching, learn how to engage in thoughtful, respectful discussions.
• Page 45: Feathered Family Portrait: Turkeys, Pheasants & Grouse –Discover more about these seasonal birds just in time for Thanksgiving.
In addition to Thanksgiving, November also marks Movember, a month dedicated to raising awareness for men’s health. Men can stay active with classes like Stretch for Guys or explore the many co-ed fitness and pickleball options available. (Mustaches are optional!)
GVR offers a diverse range of activities, from art and music, to cards, dance, health and fitness, languages, nature, gardening, and more. November is the perfect time for connection, reflection, and celebrating relationships. Why not bring a friend and strengthen your bond while trying something new?
Sign up for GVR classes:
• Online at GVRec.org
• By phone at 520-625-0288
• In person at the West Center Box Office
(GVR Customer service is available Monday-Friday, 8am–4pm.)
NOVEMBER ART EXHIBITS
Canoa Hills – Santa Rita Art League
Desert Hills – GVR Ceramics
Las Campanas – Heidrun (Runi) Kessler
East Center – Barbara Sweeney
West Center – Santa Rita Art League
Secret Garden, Abstract acrylic by Jan Holland
ARTISANS FESTIVAL
Friday, November 8, 9am–4pm Saturday, November 9, 9am–3pm
Unique, hand-crafted art West Center Auditorium and Courtyard
Directors
Meeting 2–4pm Auditorium/Zoom
Free Lecture GV Gardeners
9–10:30am, EC Auditorium
Free Lecture
R.O.S.E Financial Scam Awareness & Prevention
2–3pm, CH Saguaro
Free Event: Tricky Trivia 4:30–6:30pm Del Sol Clubhouse
Free Lecture GV Gardeners 9–10:30am WC Auditorium
Katherine Byrnes presents Gold Dust Women 7–9pm, WC Auditorium
Free Lecture Northwest Medical Center 10–11am, EC Auditorium
Free Event Puzzles & Pie 4:30–6:30pm Del Sol Clubhouse
Thanksgiving Day
GVR Artisans Festival 9am–4pm West Center
Artisans Festival 9am–3pm West Center Serve with a Vet 2–7pm WC Tennis Courts
Amigas Coffee Time 9–10:30am SRS Anza Room
AmigOs Meet & Greet 9–11am EC Auditorium
GVR Artisans’ Shop Gift and Bake Sale 9am–4pm WC Courtyard
Customer Service and GVR Offices are closed Customer Service and GVR Offices are closed
Keep your eyes and ears open for GVR news in KGVY’s community quarterly newspapers and on the air!
2025 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 that starts this year will reduce the Board from twelve to nine Directors over the next three years. Members will vote for three Directors, with four Directors completing their terms for the next three years. This year Jim Carden, Nancy Austin, Beth Dingman, and Joe Magliola are completing their terms in March.
IMPORTANT DATES
Candidate applications are available year-round on the GVR website under Governance/Election Information
November 6 Candidate Information Session
WC Room 2, 10am–noon
December 2–19 Candidate application period begins–applications due by December 19 at 4pm
January 2–16 Petition period begins— petitions due by January 18 at 4pm
January 21 Board candidate orientation
January 24 Slate of candidates presented to the Board and GVR members
January 27 Record date—to receive a ballot, members must pay all outstanding dues by this date, or submitted an application for a monthly payment program or dues assistance through MAP.
February 10 Notice of Annual Meeting; ballots mailed to members
February 19 Voting begins
February 20 and 25 Candidate forums
February 26 Candidate Meet & Greet (after Board of Directors meeting)
March 13 Elections ends: last day to vote— paper and electronic ballots due by 4pm
New Directors are announced
March 26 Annual Meeting of the Corporation
Support GVR Members in Need
The Member Assistance Program (MAP) has been a vital resource for Green Valley Recreation (GVR) members in financial need for 28 years. Each year, MAP helps members cover their annual dues, allowing them to stay engaged in the GVR community.
Your tax-deductible contribution to the GVR Foundation for MAP makes a real difference, providing crucial support to fellow members in need. Donations can be made year-round, but between November 1 and January 31, you may give credit for your MAP donation to your favorite club.
In 2024, MAP assisted 106 households, with 60% of recipients being female-only households, and an average membership tenure of over a decade. The 2025 Member Assistance Program is now underway, and on behalf of GVR, the GVR Foundation, and the members it helps, thank you for your continued support and generosity.
Three ways to donate:
1 When GVR dues are paid
2 At GVRecFoundation.org
3 To GVR Foundation P.O. Box 1553
Green Valley, AZ 85622
November Events & Entertainment
For tickets or to reserve a table, please call 520-625-0288. For more details, visit GVRec.org.
Wednesday, November 6, 6pm Dinner and Comedy Show
Tuesday, November 12, 1pm Wine & Design: Autumn Centerpiece Event
Celebrate fall by creating a beautiful seasonal centerpiece. With instructor guidance, students learn contemporary floral design techniques using a personalized pumpkin as the base. Tapas and two beverages are included.
Del Sol Clubhouse; Member/Guest $45
Thursday, November 14, 7pm Gold Dust Women
Rock out with international award-winning vocalists Katherine Byrnes and Khris Dodge Entertainment as they pay tribute to the divas of folk-rock! Experience the power and passion of Stevie Nicks, Linda Ronstadt, Joni Mitchell, Carly Simon, Carole King, and more.
West Center Auditorium
Member/Guest $30; General Public $40
Try These Free Intro Fitness Classes!
Want to explore new ways to stay active? Join us for these complimentary introductory fitness classes designed for all fitness levels. Each session is led by a GVR trainer who will guide you through safe, effective exercises that support strength, mobility, and overall well-being.
Intro to Functional Fitness with Micki
Learn how functional fitness exercises can strengthen and improve movements you use in everyday life.
date: Thursday, November 7
time: 10–11am
instructor: GVR Trainer Micki McCollister
Movin’ & Groovin’ to Oldies
Enjoy a fun and functional workout while moving to your favorite tunes from the past.
date: Wednesday, November 13
time: 10–11am
instructor: GVR Trainer Allan Carter
Intro to Low Impact Exercise
This class focuses on building strength, mobility, and balance without straining your joints.
date: Wednesday, November 20
time: 10–11am
instructor: GVR Trainer John Cox
Intro to Resistance Bands
Discover how resistance bands can improve coordination, mobility, and strength across all muscle groups.
date: Wednesday, November 6
time: 10–10:45am
instructor: Fitness Coordinator Lee Smith
December Events & Entertainment
For tickets or to reserve a table, please call 520-625-0288. For more details, visit GVRec.org.
Tuesday, December 3, 1pm
Paint & Sip: Winter Tranquility
Sip, swirl, and let your creativity flow for a fun-filled afternoon guided by a talented artist. Savor delicious appetizers and two beverages while bringing your masterpiece to life. All supplies are included, so come ready for a relaxed, playful experience filled with art, wine, and laughter.
Abrego South – Rec room Member/Guest $45
Saturday, December 7, 3pm
Friday, December 6, 3pm
Golf Cart Parade & Social Hour
Celebrate the season with a festive golf cart parade around West Center! Enjoy the holiday spirit, then head to the auditorium for music, treats, and a white elephant gift exchange.
West Center Parking Lot
Member/Guest $15; General public $25
Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!
Attend the Civic Orchestra of Tucson’s festive holiday concert, “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” This joyful program features beloved holiday favorites that capture the warmth and cheer of the season.
West Center Auditorium
Member/Guest $15; General Public $25
Sunday, December 15, 6pm
Shimmer: A Winter Cirque Reverie
Journey to a shimmering winter wonderland of circus spectacle and daring feats. Watch the ballerina in her snow globe and be captivated by the aerial snow show. Enjoy acrobatics, specialty acts, and impressive costumes in the whimsical world of Shimmer—a cirque winter experience for the whole family!
West Center Auditorium
Member/Guest $30; General public $40
Don’t miss out on future happenings— visit GVRec.org and sign up for the eBlast to stay updated on upcoming GVR events.
