Clubs Are at the Heart of GVR: Why Your Participation Matters
At Green Valley Recreation (GVR), clubs are more than just a way to pass the time—they’re where friendships form, skills develop, and members shape their own experience. As GVR grows, so does the importance of supporting the clubs that bring the community to life.
For six decades, clubs have been a central part of the GVR landscape. What began as groups of members sharing a common interest has become an essential part of life here. Today, nearly 60 clubs give members the chance to connect, create, and contribute. From arts and sports to regional connections and games, clubs offer something for everyone.
Clubs are such an important part of GVR that we have a full-time staff member dedicated to working directly with them. It’s a clear sign of just how much value GVR places on helping clubs thrive and making sure members have the support they need to keep things running smoothly.
Behind every successful club is a network of volunteers— people who help organize events, manage finances, open studios, run meetings, and greet new members. As club participation increases, so does the need for volunteers to help keep things running smoothly.
In 2024, GVR had 57 clubs and over 10,000 members actively involved in at least one. While club membership
continues to grow, the need for members to fill leadership and support roles is what brings success.
A handful of clubs, like the GVR Valley Players and New England Club, have closed in recent years. While not all closures stem from a lack of volunteers, the connection is clear.
“No one wants that title, but volunteers for helping seem to be more willing,” says Diane Watts, president of the GVR Michigan Club. “Breaking down responsibilities into smaller tasks makes a big difference.”
That idea, making roles more approachable, is gaining traction across GVR. National research supports this shift. Many people are more likely to help if the task is short-term, specific, and clearly defined. Whether it’s setting up chairs, handling refreshments, or managing an event for a few hours, this “episodic volunteering” approach helps ease people in.
Julie Jacques, who served on the GVR Clay Studio Board for nine years, saw firsthand how structure and clarity can turn things around. “In 2018, we started requiring four hours of service per month from members who use the studio,” she says. “It was the best thing we’ve done. It made everyone feel like they are an important part of the club.” Members are given clear expectations, and the system is fair—medical and age exemptions are available, but even some over 85 didn’t
The GVR Michigan Club breaks down responsibilities into smaller tasks. GVR Clay Studio members volunteer four hours per month.
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
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
SEPTEMBER BOARD & COMMITTEE MEETINGS
BOARD AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Tuesday, September 9, 1:30–3pm, West Center Room 2 / Zoom
BOARD WORK SESSION
Wednesday, September 10, 2–4pm, West Center Room 2 / Zoom
NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS COMMITTEE
Thursday, September 11, 10–11:30am, West Center Room 2 / Zoom
FISCAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Tuesday, September 16, 1:30–3pm, West Center Room 2 / Zoom
Tuesday, September 23, 1:30-3pm, West Center Room 2 / Zoom
BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING
Wednesday, September 24, 2–4pm, West Center Auditorium / Zoom
Any change in meeting status will be announced on the GVR website calendar.
BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
In a regular meeting on Wednesday, August 27, the Board of Directors took the following actions:
• Passed motion to hold an Ad-Hoc Committee between GVR and the GVR Foundation. An informational report will be brought back in November to both Boards.
• Passed Corporate Policy Manual (CPM) change to Member Code of Conduct.
• Passed CPM Change to Clubs Holding Competitive Events.
• Approved Beth Dingman as Nominations and Elections Chair.
• Elected Beth Dingman as Board Secretary.
• Withdrew amend motion on the Board calendar.
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: Beth Dingman
Treasurer: Nellie Johnson
Assistant Secretary: Bart Hillyer
Assistant Treasurer: Steve Reynolds
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?
The Aquabelles are turning 60 this year. It all began in the summer of 1965 when Ella Grimel taught swim lessons to seven women, then introduced them to synchronized swimming, now called artistic swimming. By 1968, they were performing, thanks to finally getting matching swimsuits.
Today, the club has around 25 members, with fifteen to twenty active swimmers. Others help with music, decorations, and choreography. There are also social members and Aquabeaus, the men who join in the fun. Members range from 60 to 85 years old, including an 84-year-old who just celebrated a birthday. They come from all walks of life: retired teachers, nurses, lawyers, veterans, and more. What brings them together is the joy of movement, connection, and a strong sense of purpose.
“If you can swim, tread water, and float,” they say, “there’s a place for you.”
Club President, Sheri Fronsee shares, “We are a group of retired women who love to swim and who came together for some physical and mental exercise… and absolutely love performing.”
Catch the club’s Diamond Jubilee show at GVR East Center pool on September 12 and 13 at 4pm. The performances are free and open to all.
Letter from the President
Members,
As your Board President, I’d like to take a moment to share a bit about the role of the GVR Board and when it’s the right time to contact us.
The Board’s job is to govern, and not to manage daily operations. We set policy, define direction, and ensure accountability, but we don’t oversee staff or operations. This helps the Board stay focused on its responsibilities and maintain a clear relationship with both members and management.
If you have a question or suggestion related to policy — such as the guest policy, member code of conduct, elections, committees, and so on — you’re welcome to email us at Board@GVRec.org.
For operational matters like maintenance, classes, events, or membership, the best contact is Hotline@GVRec.org, where GVR staff can assist directly.
Thank you for staying informed and involved. Clear understanding of roles helps all of us support GVR’s continued success.
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.
Fall into Something New at GVR
September marks the beginning of GVR’s fall term, and with it comes a fresh lineup of classes. This month, we’re offering more than 45 new options to explore.
Among them are eleven brandnew opportunities: Adaptive Yoga, Qigong for Vitality, Yoga for Golfers and Pickleballers, Paint a Birdhouse, Beginning Russian-Ukrainian, Understanding Your Credit Score, Gourd Art Using Epoxy Clays & Putty, Home Title Fraud, Beginning Drawing Jumpstart, Introduction to Magic, and Managing Results 101. These join nearly 90 other classes across a wide range of topics.
You’ll find more choices in cooking, fitness, literature, art, aquatics, and specialty subjects. Whether you’re looking to build a skill or just try something different, there’s likely a class that fits.
We’re always looking to add what interests you most. If there’s something you’d like to see, let us know — we’ll do our best to find a teacher, class, or lecture to match.
Pick up a fall catalog, browse the full lineup of classes, and sign up at GVRec.org, by phone at 520-6250288, or in person at the West Center Box Office.
SEPTEMBER 2025
The GVR Box Office and Admin office are closed; centers are open as usual
GVR Foundation Bingo 3–7pm, WC Auditorium
Singles Club Meeting 9:30–10:30am
DH Auditorium Sit Down with Scott 9–10am Del Sol Clubhouse Games Room
SEPTEMBER 12 & 13 at 4pm East Center Pool 7 South Abrego Drive Free & open to everyone!
Keep your eyes and ears open for GVR news in KGVY’s community quarterly newspapers and on the air!
Season Kickoff Pool Party 5–8pm LC pool
Buy tickets and register for classes today!
Andy Savarese, GVR Santa Rita Art League
want to stop contributing. “We’ve never had trouble filling Board or officer positions,” she adds.
Some clubs have introduced a “shadow officer” model, where new volunteers learn alongside current leaders. This gradual approach helps build confidence and ensures that knowledge is passed along. Others are rethinking how they bring members in to a volunteer role, asking someone to greet at the door or help with one event can feel more manageable than stepping into a full leadership position.
Still, for larger clubs, the challenge remains. Jeff Washburn, president of the GVR Pickleball Club, says, “It’s not always hard to get volunteers, but it’s sometimes hard to keep them. People may help once or twice but aren’t looking for long-term commitments.” He points to communication and planning as two key challenges. “We need to be clear about what we need, when we need it, and how much time it will take.”
Officer positions, in particular, are tough to fill. “There’s the perceived time commitment, and maybe a little anxiety about being a decision-maker,” he says. “And unfortunately,
sometimes leaders feel judged or misunderstood. But most people just want to enjoy the club—play pickleball or use the studio—without too many rules. They don’t always see what it takes behind the scenes.”
The rewards, however, are real. Washburn says, “It can be incredibly satisfying to see a project through or watch your club grow. Recognition matters—even just a thank you.” One Board member suggested a monthly spotlight on club leaders in the GVR eblast as a small but meaningful way to show appreciation.
Looking ahead, both club leaders and GVR staff are exploring ways to better support volunteers. Education and transparency could be key. “We shouldn’t be so desperate to fill a Board seat that we ignore whether the person is a good fit,” Washburn says. “It causes more issues in the long run.”
That’s part of why the upcoming 2025–26 GVR Clubs Catalog matters. Arriving in the Community Quarterly this September, the catalog offers a look at every club and how to get involved. Whether you’re new to GVR or a longtime member, it’s a great way to find something that interests you— and maybe, a way to give back.
Every club at GVR exists because members like you choose to participate. Your time, energy, and ideas make these communities work. Flip through the catalog when it arrives. Find something that catches your eye. Then, once you’re connected, consider lending a hand. You might be surprised that your ideas are the ones that will make a difference for everyone!
As Julie Jacques puts it, “When someone takes the [Clay Studio] intro course, they’re told up front: this studio doesn’t run itself. Everyone does their part.” That mindset, shared responsibility, with a bit of flexibility, is what keeps GVR clubs not just running, but thriving.
New Complimentary Fitness Class: Power Chair Fitness
Get a full-body workout from a seated position. Perfect for beginners or anyone easing into activity. Use bands, light weights, and discs (or cloths) in this 45-minute session. Just bring your gear and a can-do attitude!
Instructor: Micki McCollister
Class # 11351 Sept 8–29 10–11am
Class # 11751 Oct 6–27 10–11am
Class # 11752 Nov 10–24 10–11am
Three or four classes on Monday
GVR Pickleball Club members like to see projects through and watch the club grow.
September Events
Paint & Sip: Fall is Here
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1PM
Sip, swirl, and follow step-by-step guidance from a professional artist as you create your own fall-inspired masterpiece. Members may now bring their own beverage. Supplies and light snacks are provided.
Canoa Hills Saguaro Room · GVR Members/Guests $40; General Public $50
The Songs of Sinatra
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 18, 6PM
A Tribute to Eric Clapton and Friends
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 7PM
Come to a live performance that spans Eric Clapton’s legendary career—from blues and rock with Cream to hits like “Layla”, “Tears in Heaven”, and “Wonderful Tonight”. Featuring Mike Hebert, Ed Delucia, and Mike Yarema.
West Center Auditorium · GVR Members/Guests $30; General Public $40
Don’t miss a stylish tribute to Frank Sinatra featuring iconic ballads and big band swing. A night of rich vocals and classic melodies celebrating one of America’s greatest performers.
West Center Auditorium · GVR Members/Guests $30; General Public $40
Season Kickoff Pool Party
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 5–8PM
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 · GVR Members/Guests $15; General Public $25
Just One Look: A Tribute to Linda Ronstadt
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 7PM
Mindy Ronstadt honors her aunt’s legacy with a performance of Linda Ronstadt’s greatest hits, from powerful ballads to country-rock classics that defined an era.
West Center Auditorium · GVR Members/Guests $30; General Public $40
Dance with Mark Miller Band
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 6 PM
Kick up your boots for a high-energy night of live music and with this awardwinning Arizona group. Two-step, sway, and bring your favorite beverage.
West Center Auditorium · GVR Members/Guests $15; General Public $25
Day Trips
VIP Wine Tour: The Grape Escape to Willcox Wineries
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 9:30 am
Visit three Willcox wineries—Old Pueblo Cellars, Copper Horse Vineyard, and Birds and Barrels. Enjoy tastings at each stop and a boxed lunch. Transportation provided.
West Center Lobby
GVR Members/Guests $149; General Public $159
Tombstone
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 7:30 am
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
NEW for 2026! Barrett-Jackson
THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2026, 7 am
Get your tickets early for Barrett-Jackson, a Scottsdale event known as ‘The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions’. This tour offers a glimpse into high-profile auctions, luxury vehicles, and entertainment, making it a destination for car enthusiasts worldwide.
