SEPTEMBER 2026
GVREC.ORG
The Clubhouse Café As the Clubhouse Café staff concludes its fourth month of operation, and expands its hours and menu, there’s a great opportunity to discuss how the café encapsulates the service, excellence, engagement, and neighborliness of GVR’s staff. There’s a saying: it takes a village. In the case of the café, it took an entire organization to bring it into being. Almost every GVR department—Facilities, Field Services, Finance, Communications, IT, and Recreation—has had a hand in the café’s success. Appliances were ordered and connected, painting and minor remodeling happened, accounting systems were set up, publicity was generated, computers and printers installed, staff volunteered to cover an open shift here and there, or contract with entertainers to appear at the cafe, and employees with extensive restaurant backgrounds stepped up to lead the way in the kitchen and at the counter. Other departments have pitched in as well, ‘taste testing’ menu items and offering great feedback. It’s a rare treat when cross-department partnerships like this can happen. Service at the café involves staff presence every bit as much as a memorable product. A cheerful welcome, pleasant conversation, and a ‘thanks for coming in’ is part of a member’s experience every bit as much as a perfectly made latte, some of the best pastries in town, or a panini with a fresh slice of cantaloupe on the side. Café staff are conscious
of the fact that GVR members deserve the absolute best, and it’s rewarding to staff when members compliment them by coming back and becoming regulars. Excellence is something every GVR staff person expects of themself. Café work is fast-paced and involves following recipes in a well-rehearsed order of operation. Staff train, take notes, discuss, train some more, take advice, and make changes when needed, all in the belief that day by day, customer by customer, the café will become the destination of choice for members looking for a place where they’re certain they’ll be served top shelf food and drink. Engagement is an attitude toward one’s work, and at the café, staff are engaged in making sure that the menu is a dynamic one which takes on new items, adds items suggested by members, and, just as important, discontinues or changes those items that members don’t find attractive. We started with basic coffee/espresso drinks and some pastries, have added some healthy snacks and breakfast paninis, are offering ‘JavaLina’ mochas and lattes as well as, at the request of a member, lavender lattes, and are about to embark on a lunch service, including sandwiches, lunch paninis, soups, and desserts. As we’ve done with other menu upgrades, we’ll introduce lunch items gradually, beginning mid-September.
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
SEPTEMBER BOARD & COMMITTEE MEETINGS
GVR BOARD
STRATEGIC PLANNING SESSION Wednesday, September 2, 9–12pm, West Center Room 2/Zoom Tuesday, September 8, 9–12pm, West Center Room 2/Zoom Monday, September 21, 1–4pm, West Center Room 2/Zoom
GVR BOARD OFFICERS President: Candy English Vice President: Steve Reynolds Secretary: Kristy McCue Treasurer: Lanny Smith Assistant Secretary: Jodie Walker Assistant Treasurer: Nellie Johnson
BOARD AFFAIRS COMMITTEE Tuesday September 8, 1:30pm, West Center Room 2/Zoom BOARD WORK SESSION – If Needed Wednesday, September 9, 2–4pm, West Center Room 2/Zoom FISCAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE Tuesday, September 15, 1:30–3pm, West Center Room 2/Zoom Tuesday, September 22, 1:30pm, West Center Room 2/Zoom (if needed) BOARD REGULAR MEETING Wednesday, September 23, 2–4pm, West Center Auditorium/Zoom Any change in meeting status will be announced on the GVR website calendar.
BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS There are no Board meetings in July.
DIRECTORS Dave Barker Bart Hillyer
Chris McCrummen Barry Stock
GVR BOARD COMMITTEE CHAIRS Audit Committee: Dave Barker Board Affairs Committee: Steve Reynolds Fiscal Affairs Committee: Lanny Smith Investment Committee: Bart Hillyer Email: Board@GVRec.org Can’t attend a meeting in person? Scan this QR code for ZOOM meetings.
Did You Know?
Letter from the President
Starting Tuesday, September 1, GVR’s Member Services (Customer Service and Membership) will be together at West Center, creating a convenient one-stop shop for members.
Dear GVR members,
Until now, some transactions were handled at the Administrative Offices while others took place at the West Center Box Office. It’s a division of services that left members wondering, “Which desk do I go to?” Beginning September 1, that confusion will be a thing of the past. At West Center, members will be able to buy event tickets, purchase guest cards, replace lost cards, notify GVR of any title changes, add cardholders, drop off annual dues payments, and take care of other membership needs—all in one location. The move also makes things easier for new and prospective members. West Center is easy to find, with directional signs already in place on La Canada and Continental, and parking is rarely an issue. With Customer Service and Membership staff working together, there will also be more flexibility to lend a hand when the lines get long. And what better place to make a first impression? Visitors to West Center can see GVR in action, from pools, tennis and shuffleboard, to arts and crafts workshops, The Artisan’s Shop, Events and Entertainment, and more. It’s a great introduction to all that GVR has to offer!
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.
Happy September and welcome to fall in Green Valley! With the approach of cooler temperatures, it is an exciting time to get out and enjoy all that GVR has to offer. The Board continues to develop the new five-year strategic plan. During two Work Sessions in August (August 5 and August 24), the Board reviewed the strategic plan survey results. Out of 5,585 randomly selected members, 1,183 completed the survey giving us a response rate of 21% which is statistically significant. Additionally, 1,075 members participated in the open-response survey. This is great news, especially as we need the feedback of GVR members to continue making GVR a great organization. Led by Zelos LLC, a professional strategic planning consultant firm, the Board discussed GVR’s current mission and vision statements, major strengths of the organization, challenges, and areas for improvement. (Results of the survey are located at gvrec.org.) The findings of the survey were highly favorable to GVR, and to the wonderful GVR staff, in particular. Important results are discussed below:
• An overwhelming number of participants reported that the current mission and vision statements of GVR accurately reflect GVR’s purpose (96% and 95% respectively).
• Major strengths of GVR are as follows: GVR maintains
clean, attractive, and well-maintained facilities; GVR offers many high-quality activities, clubs, classes, and amenities; GVR creates and supports a welcoming, active, social, and healthy lifestyle; and, GVR staff are helpful, responsive, and member focused.
• Specific areas for improvement and challenges are as
follows: Strengthen communication, transparency, and member engagement; Continue investing in facilities while planning strategically for the future; and Preserve GVR’s value while maintaining affordability.
The Board pledges to embrace these survey results as we develop GVR’s next five-year strategic plan. Have a wonderful September! Sincerely, Candy English GVR Board President
GVRNOW! GVR NOW! SEPTEMBER 2026
3
There’s Plenty to Do This Fall Fall has a way of getting us out the door. Maybe it’s a morning walk, coffee with a friend, or simply having somewhere to be and something to look forward to when the days begin to settle into a slower rhythm.
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY 1
2
RockStar Bingo 10am–12pm DSC Game Room
That’s one of the things that’s great about GVR’s Leisure Education program: it gives us reasons to leave the house, spend time with other people, and enjoy what’s happening right here in our community. The autumn season brings a wonderful mix of opportunities to get together. There are classes to stretch your body, wake up your creativity, feed your curiosity, or simply give you a chance to spend an enjoyable few hours with good company. Some may become regular favorites; others might be a one-day learning experience that leaves you smiling all the way home.
GVR Offices
6
7 and customer service NFL Football 10am–9:20pm DSC Game Room
NFL Football 10am–9:20pm DSC Game Room
And really, isn’t that what a good community is about? Having places to go, people to meet, and plenty of reasons to say, “Sure, why not?”
• Monday–Friday, 8am–4pm, in
person at West Center, or by phone at 520-625-3440
• Anytime online at GVRec.org The new fall catalog is here! Pick one up at any center or view it online at GVRec.org.
20
Day Trip: Cardinals vs. Seahawks 7am Depart from DSC NFL Football 10am–9:20pm DSC Game Room
27
4
SEPTEMBER 2026 GVR GVRNOW! NOW!
14 Singles Club Meeting 9:30–10:30am DH Auditorium
Learn From the Master: Brain Health 10–11:30am DSC Game Room NFL Football 6:15–10:15 pm DSC Game Room
How to Register for Classes
Strategic Planning Session 9–12pm WC Room 2/Zoom
Singles Club Meeting 9:30–10:30am, DH Auditorium
NFL Football 6:15–10:15pm DSC Game Room
13
8
desks are closed. Centers are open as usual
GVR Foundation Bingo 3–7pm, WC Auditorium
21 Singles Club Mtg 9:30–10:30am DH Auditorium
Strategic Planning Session 1–4pm, WC Room 2/Zoom GVR Foundation Bingo 3–7pm, WC Auditorium NFL Football 6:15–10:15pm DSC Game Room
Learn From the Master: Cyberwarfare 10–11:30am, DSC Game Room
Beyond Broadway 2–4pm WC Auditorium
Trivia Time 4–6pm, DSC Café NFL Football 6:15–10:15 pm DSC Game Room
Day Diamondback 8:30am, Dep
Strategic Sess 9–12 WC Room
9
Lunch & Movie 1–4p, WC
RockSta 10am– DSC Gam
Board of Work S 2–4 WC Room
Board Affairs Committee Meeting 1:30–3pm WC Room 2/Zoom Sit Down with Scott 15 16 9:30–11am, LC Acacia Room Show & Tell 10am–12pm, DSC RockStar Bingo 10am–12pm, DSC Game Room Fiscal Affairs Committee Mtg 1:30–3pm, WC Room 2/Zoom Concert: The Tokens 6–7:30pm, WC Auditorium
22
Fiscal Affairs Committee Meeting 1:30–3pm WC Room 2/Zoom
Hall & Oates Tribute 7–8:30pm WC Auditorium
28 Singles Club Mtg 29 9:30–10:30am, DH Auditorium
NFL Sunday Football 10am–9:20pm
WEDNE
23
RockSta 10am– DSC Gam
Board of Regular 2–4 WC Auditor
30
SEPTEMBER 2026
ESDAY
Trip: ks vs. Phillies part from DSC
Planning sion 2pm m 2/Zoom
ar Bingo –12pm me Room
THURSDAY 3
Coffee & Crafts 10am–12pm, DSC
Directors Meeting 4 pm rium/Zoom
4
Free Lecture: Northwest Medical Center 1–2pm EC Auditorium
FREE PBS Screenings Marble Hall Murders & The Marlow Murder Club 2–4:30pm, WC Auditorium Amigas Meet & Greet 4–5:30pm, SRS Anza Room
10
11
17 Coffee & Crafts
10am–12pm DSC Game Room NFL Football 5:15–9:15pm DSC Game Room
Karaoke at DSC 530–730p
18
Project Procrastination 10am–12pm Del Sol Clubhouse Lunch & Movie 1–4p, WC NFL Football 5:15–9:15pm DSC Game Room
September 18 and 19 at 5pm East Center Free and open to the public
GVR Pacific Northwest Club Potluck 4:30pm DH Auditorium
19 Amigas Coffee Time Sip & Sing Karaoke 4–6p, DSC GVR Aquabelles: Celebrate Home! 5pm EC Pool
The Chicago Experience 7–8:30pm WC Auditorium
24
5
12
NFL Football 5:15–9:15pm DSC Game Room
25
CELEBRATE HOME
SATURDAY
Sip & Sing Karaoke 4–6p, DSC
NFL Football 5:15–9:15pm, DSC Game Rm
Directors Session 4pm m2/Zoom
ar Bingo –12pm me Room
FRIDAY
Aquabelles’ Show
9–10:30am SRS Anza Room
GVR AmigOs Meeting 9–10am EC Auditorium
Keep your eyes and ears open for GVR news in KGVY’s community quarterly newspapers and on the air!
GVR Aquabelles: Celebrate Home! 5pm, EC Pool
26 Season Kickoff Karaoke at DSC 530–730p
Pool Party and Dance 5–8pm LC Poolside
Fred Keltt’s Comedy Tour 7–9pm, WC Auditorium
SEPTEMBER ART EXHIBITS Canoa Hills – Richard Paige Desert Hills – Santa Rita Art League East Center – Paula Richards West Center – Santa Rita Art League
Register now! Cardinal Male, Richard Page
GVRNOW! GVR NOW! SEPTEMBER 2026
5
Cover story, continued… Being neighborly is, for GVR employees, something of a given. The services that staff provide aren’t transactional, that is, they’re not one-time interactions between worker and customer where one thing is exchanged for another. Instead, staff look for a more hospitable interaction with members, since after all, we want members to feel every bit as much at home at the café as they do their favorite fitness center, pool, or meeting room. You’ll not find a better view, a better coffee drink, a better sandwich, or a better group of other members/customers than you’ll find at the Clubhouse Café. We’re looking forward to seeing you. The Clubhouse Café is located in the Del Sol Clubhouse at 3355 S. Camino del Sol. Open daily from 7am–12pm.
The Café is growing—again! The café is growing every day, and there’s plenty more to come! A delicious new lunch menu is in the works for loyal patrons and new friends alike, with paninis, cold sandwiches, soups, and salads being added gradually over the next couple of months. There’s always a new reason to stop by, say hello, and enjoy your daily dose of Clubhouse Café. Visit the café inside the Del Sol Clubhouse at 3355 S. Camino del Sol. Open daily from 7am–12pm.
NEW!
Private Pickleball Lessons Sign up for personalized coaching to improve your game with instruction tailored to your individual goals. Whether you’re brand new to the game, looking to sharpen fundamentals, or preparing for tournament or league play, private lessons provide focused attention and customized drills to help your progress faster. Private Lesson One-on-one (1 player) 60 minutes, $40 Semi-Private Lesson Small Group (2 players) 60 minutes, $35 per person Small Group Lesson Group (3–6 players) 60 minutes, $25 per person
6 SEPTEMBER 2026 GVR GVRNOW! NOW!
By appointment only. Please contact Suzanne Remington: 520-330-2655 or azpickleballchick@ gmail.com.
September Events The Tokens – Live in concert
Tuesday, September 15, 6pm From the group who brought you The Lion Sleeps Tonight, enjoy the band whose distinctive harmonies and polished pop sound helped define the era’s doo-wop and early pop crossover style. West Center Auditorium Member/Guest: $30; General Public: $50
The Chicago Experience
Thursday, September 17, 7pm Relish in classics like Saturday in the Park to ballads we never forgot as this show takes you on a musical journey through decades of chart-topping favorites. West Center Auditorium Member/Guest $35; General Public $55
You Make my Dreams Come True: A Tribute to Hall & Oates Tuesday, September 22, 7pm Matthew Holter and Jeremy Vega deliver a high-energy performance packed with iconic hits, smooth harmonies, and pure feel-good nostalgia. West Center Auditorium Member/Guest $35; General Public $55
A Night of Comedy with Fred Klett
Friday, September 25, 7pm Fred Klett, cruise-ship comedy royalty, hosts a night of sharp observational humor, quick wit, big laughs, and unforgettable fun for all. West Center Auditorium Member/Guest $30; General Public $50
Season Kickoff Pool Party and Dance
Saturday, September 26, 6pm Kickoff the season with an evening under the stars with cool drinks, poolside grooves, and good vibes all around. Cornerstone Band will bring live music, you bring your favorite beverage, we’ll bring the snacks. Las Campanas Poolside Member/Guest $18; General Public $38
Beyond Broadway
Sunday, September 27, 2pm Pianists Jay Melberg and Sly Slipetsky are joined by a five-piece band to deliver Broadway hits with unexpected detours into pop, rock, and a touch of country. Member/Guest $25; General Public $45
Get tickets online at GVRec.org, by phone 520-625-3440, or in-person at West Center GVRNOW! GVR NOW! SEPTEMBER 2026
7
September and October GVR Day Trips
Sunday, September 20, 7:15am
Sunday, September 27, October 4, October 25, 10am
AZ Cardinals vs. Seattle Seahawks
Borderlandia Nogales Taco Tour
This VIP football day trip includes round-trip transportation and a rooftop tailgate party featuring all-you-can-eat food service and all-you-care-to-drink beer, wine, and seltzers.
Come along for this one-and-one-half mile walking tour in Nogales, Sonora to explore history and culture one bite at a time. Dine on authentic tacos from El Galena all the way to La Roca. Don’t miss this popular day trip!
Departs from Del Sol Clubhouse
Departs from Burger King, Nogales, AZ
Member/Guest $299; General Public $319
Member/Guest $100; General Public $120
Monday, October 12–October 15
Sunday, October 18, 6am
Laughlin, Nevada Trip
NASCAR
Get away for a three-night trip featuring a comfortable stay at the Aquarius Casino Resort along the scenic Colorado Riverwalk. This trip includes an excursion to Oatman, AZ, a full free day to do as you please, and a light daily breakfast.
Grab your tickets for a full-throttle NASCAR race-day adventure with reserved seats, Victory Lane access, garage views, and special drive Q&As.
Departs from Desert Hills lobby Double Occupancy—Member/Guest $389 per person; General Public $449 per person Single Occupancy—Member/Guest $439 per person; General Public $499 per person
Departs from Del Sol Clubhouse Special Access— Member/Guest $199; General Public $219 VIP Experience— Member/Guest $399; General Public $419
Purchase tickets online at GVRec.org, by phone 520-625-3440, or in-person at West Center