Somersett Living May/June 2023

S mersettLiving

A FREE PUBLICATION

MAY/JUNE 2023

Who’s ready for summer pool season? p. 26

Somersett Living

Somersett Owners Association

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID DENVER, CO PERMIT NO. 5377

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May/June 23

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2023 Board of Directors soaboard@somersett.org

Jacob Williams President

MAY/JUNE 2023

Anna Olea-Moger Secretary

Mark Capalongan

Vice President, Community Relations

Clint Maples

Vice President at Large

Lance Fithian Treasurer

Staff Directory Nancy Kerry 775-571-9233 Community Manager Nancy.Kerry@mysomersett.com Lorrie Olson 775-571-8695 Professional Community Manager Lorrie.Olson@mysomersett.com Jessica McCarron 775-571-9479 Assistant Community Manager Jessica.McCarron@mysomersett.com Sean Leonard 775-571-8059 Management Analyst Sean.Leonard@mysomersett.com Robin Bolson 775-571-9643 Communications Manager Robin.Bolson@mysomersett.com Devon Scott 775-571-9201 Administrative Assistant Devon.Scott@mysomersett.com Hunter Edgar 775-571-8767 Resort Manager Hunter.Edgar@mysomersett.com

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Message from the Board

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Somersett Events

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Somersett Golf & Country Club

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Summer Camp 2023

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The Village Views

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Canyon Nine

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The Club at Town Center Reminders

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Somersett Living Profile: Brian Meltzner

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Somersett Living Profile: Tristan and Dany Pollock

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Sports, Fitness & Wellness Classes

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Somersett Owners Association

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May & June Events Calendar

Somersett...It’s great to be home!

Whether you are a resident or just live nearby, Somersett has so much to offer the entire Reno community.

Sign up for our enewsletters

Did you know the SOA sends out a weekly enewsletter called Somersett Happenings?

It’s the best way to stay up-to-date on the latest SOA news, community events and more. To sign up, message robin.bolson@mysomersett.com or call her at 775-571-9643.

Somersett Owners Association The Club at Town Center | 7650 Town Square Way Reno, NV 89523 775-787-4500 | soa@somersett.org | somersett.org Association Hours:

Monday–Friday: 8 am to 5 pm. Closed on Monday, May 29.

Club at Town Center Hours:

The Club at Town Center is open from 5 am to 9 pm daily for those with an Access Card, fob, or app to unlock the front doors. If you need to enter the Club and you don’t have an Access Card, entry to the atrium just inside the main doors is available weekdays from 8 am to 5 pm.

Zachary Williams 775-571-8187 Recreation Manager Zachary.Williams@mysomersett.com Alyssa Anders 775-571-9943 Youth Program Coordinator Alyssa.Anders@mysomersett.com

Sierra Canyon Aspen Lodge:

Ron Eckhardt 775-571-8050 Operations Manager Ron.Eckhardt@mysomersett.com

Somersett Living newsletter is subsidized by advertising and is published by:

Kathy Slocum Just Imagine Marketing and Design 775-846-5656 | kathy@justimaginemktg.com

Steven Eaton 775-571-8080 Maintenance Supervisor Steven.Eaton@mysomersett.com

Designed by:

J. Lewis Falconer Art & Design 775-507-9791 | j.lewisfal@gmail.com

The Village & The Vue:

Managed by FirstService Residential Vincent Mazucci, Administrative Assistant 775-403-9107 | vincent.mazucci@fsresidential.com

Jesse Bolson Senior Maintenance Tech Jesse.Bolson@mysomersett.com

Tammy Leonard, General Manager | communitymanager@sierracanyonhoa.com Zaidee Shaw, Assistant Manager | assistantmanager@sierracanyonhoa.com 775-624-2900

Front Cover: Isaiah is ready for some summer pool time! Photo by Robin Bolson

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Board Message, Spring 2023 Spring is here Spring is technically well underway, even though there has been an initial “failure to launch.” According to experts, your patience will be rewarded with the best Superbloom event in recent history. It’s time to get out there on one of the many hiking trails throughout Somersett. Speaking of trails, our rotating maintenance schedule and slurry seal will focus on trails this summer, which should refresh those trails that are paved.

And now a couple of reminders Are you new to Somersett? Something about the look and feel of this community brought you here and we are thrilled that you decided to join us. People often tell us that the greatest thing about Somersett is its neighbors. We hope you have met yours. Some neighborhoods have even organized block parties to bring neighbors together. Just a reminder that much of the magic that makes Somersett a unique and enjoyable experience is because we maintain certain standards and rules.

Fire risk reduction We’re also due for a bumper crop of weeds and tall grasses which will present a greater fire hazard this year. Remember to maintain defensible space around your home and if you’d like to expand that effort onto common area behind or next to your home, submit the Defensible Space form to the office and you’re good to go (email soa@somerset.org to get a form).

Somersett has over 3,000 acres of grass and scrubland and each year the Association focuses our efforts and budget on the highest-risk areas. It doesn’t mean we cut weeds behind all homes. Your efforts augment ours.

Those requirements are not always obvious, and a gentle reminder is sometimes needed, especially in the newer neighborhoods. The Somersett lighting policy (see section 1.3 of the Aesthetic Guidelines) is specific and all outside lights need AGC approval (as does any outside modification or landscape change). Up lights are not allowed, meaning no up lights or decorative lighting up your landscaping and trees. Spots and floodlights are also not allowed. Lights on your house exterior should be shielded so the bulbs do not shine outwards onto adjacent properties. Bulbs should be a maximum of 200 lumens and should have a color temperature of less than 2,500 degrees Kelvin (warm white). Please look at what you have on your property and make the needed adjustments. Not all production homes have approved lighting and as we seek better compliance, we will find ways to help homeowners comply with a minimum of effort or inconvenience. Compliance activities will be stepped up this summer. Before then let us know how we can help.

Your neighbors are appreciative of your efforts to achieve compliance and lighting is always a big concern.

Thanks to a matching grant from the U.S. Forest Service, the money spent on wildfire risk reduction in Somersett and Sierra Canyon will nearly triple for the next five years.

This will eventually expand our fire-control efforts including the construction of six new fire breaks, machine and handthinning over hundreds of acres, biomass hauling, and the creation of evacuation plans. Funds will also be directed to education to reduce fire risks and increase readiness and will include 1-2 professional administrators of the program. We expect that by June or July, the grant contract will be ready to sign after which fire expenditures from our budget will be matched with grant funds. Before that we will work preemptively on the highest risks using our own budget since getting an early start on the fire season is imperative.

Summer means green landscaping Another major effort is underway this spring which is the completion of our WeatherTRAK irrigation system. Mainline smart valves were installed prior to the re-pressurization of the system for the growing season. This is an integral and ongoing part of our progress toward modernization and greater efficiency. The result will be better control of our irrigation, and less water waste.

New gate controllers You might have noticed the PacStates trucks parked at one of the gates recently. Some of the new gate controllers are now online and the rest are scheduled to come online shortly.

As this system rolls out, watch for instructions and details on the new features and how to activate your entry devices, including your smartphone. Some private streets are due for maintenance this year including slurry seal. Those will be announced soon. The City of Reno maintains Somersett parkway and other public streets.

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Activities shift into high gear Summer will be here soon, and preparations are underway to kick our activities into high gear. The snack bar at the pool will be run internally this year under a dedicated seasonal food manager with the goal of increasing the food quality and service. This is a reversal from the past two years when our operations were outsourced. With new options and talent, plans are constantly evolving to meet your expectations.

Order something delicious at the pool this year and let us know what you think.

Keep an eye on your calendar for upcoming community events including the return of some favorites as well as new events.

Sparkling Wines, Paella, and Jazz is coming to the TCTC soon. Concerts on the Green will return. Three community garage sales. We will also have expanded instructor-led group activities this year including golf and pool clinics as well as tennis if we find an instructor.

Summer is the active season in Somersett. Make plans to enjoy your club and the many events and activities this year.

Cheers, The Somersett Board

Somersett Events Kids’ Movie Night

Friday, May 12, 5:30-8:30 pm $15/child; ages 5-12 Club members only

Your child will enjoy pizza while watching a family-friendly movie with their friends. They are welcome to dress in PJs and bring a pillow and a comfy blanket!

This event is not open to Sierra Canyon residents.

Unless otherwise noted, these events are open to all Somersett residents, including those who live in Sierra Canyon. For more information, go to www.somersett.org.

Sparkling Wine, Paella, and Jazz

Spring Garage Sale

Join us for this effervescent party featuring sparkling wine, tapas, 3 authentic paellas, dessert, and a live jazz band.

Saturday, May 6, 7 am-3 pm

The first community-wide sale of the year is on Saturday, May 6, and we expect to have well over 100 homes taking part. Look for a digital map of participating homes on the home page of www.Somersett.org starting on Monday, May 1. Be sure to scroll around the map - some addresses have listed some of the top items they are selling.

Up next: The summer sale is on July 29 and the fall sale is on Oct. 7.

Kentucky Derby Viewing Party Saturday, May 6, 2:30-5 pm Club members only

And they’re off! It may be the “most exciting two minutes in sports,’’ but let’s face it, Kentucky Derby parties are about more than the race itself.

It’s a chance to put on a fancy hat (ladies), break out a bow tie (gents), sip mint juleps, and cheer for your favorite horse! We will watch the race on the big-screen TVs in the Canyon View Room. Bring an appetizer to share and your beverage of choice.

We will provide cutlery, plates, and glasses. This event is free, but registration is required. Check the Events Calendar on Somersett.org for a registration link.

This event is not open to Sierra Canyon residents.

Saturday, May 20, 6-9 pm On the patio behind the Club at Town Center (weather permitting) or in the Canyon View room.

Chef Tim Meevasin was classically trained in Spain and will present three beautiful paellas in his supersized pans: Seafood Mixta, Classic Valencia (chicken and sausage), and Vegan Wild Mushroom Paellas. You are welcome to try all three! Chef Tim and his sous will prepare the tapas on-site and serve them personally. Chef Tim loves to interact with his guests, and he invites you to watch him prepare his masterpieces!

Be sure to come to this event in something that sparkles. It will be an evening to remember!

Tickets: $70 - check the Events Calendar on Somersett.org for a ticket link.

Open to: All Somersett residents, including those who live in Sierra Canyon. Adults only, please.

Plant Sale & Fundraiser

Saturday, May 20, 10 am to noon At Somersett West Park

The SOA’s Community Garden Committee will sell tomatoes and other plants to raise money for the Community Garden at Somersett West Park. Plants are chosen for their ability to thrive in Northwest Reno’s short growing season and sometimes unpredictable climate. Last year our gardeners sold out so be sure to get there early!

Blood Drive

Saturday, May 27, 10 am-2 pm

Did you know that by donating blood, you can save up to three lives? And on May 27, you can donate right here in Somersett when the Vitalant Bloodmobile parks in the Club at Town Center lot. Those who donate will receive a free health screening, provided by Vitalant. To sign up, call 775-329-6451.

Summer Kick Off

Monday, May 29, 8:30 am-8:30 pm

Mark your calendar to help us kick off summer at Somersett!

Here’s the schedule (subject to change): 8:30 am: Closest-to-the-Hole Contest on the Canyon Nine (open to Sierra Canyon residents) 10 am: Pool opens 10:30 am: Pickleball Round Robin 12-4 pm: Phatman & Robin & Phriends performs (poolside) 4-7:30 pm: Whitewater performs (poolside) 5 pm: Adult Happy Hour Social with drinks and snacks in the Canyon View Room.

Also: Kids’ challenges with prizes, and MORE! Please note: This event is open to Club members only except where noted. No guests are permitted.

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Somersett Golf & Country Club Country Club Golf Shop Hours May 7:30 am-6:30 pm Tuesday-Friday 7 am-6:30 pm Saturday-Sunday; Closed Monday June 7 am-7 pm Tuesday-Friday 6:30 am-7 pm; Saturday-Sunday; Closed Monday Community Driving Range Hours May 8 am-5:30 pm Tuesday-Sunday June 8 am-6 pm Tuesday-Sunday Country Club First Tee Times

May 8 am Tuesday-Friday

June

7:30 am Saturday and Sunday; Closed Monday 7:30 am Tuesday-Friday 7 am Saturday and Sunday; Closed Monday

Golf Tip

Bocce Ball Court Hours May 8 am-6 pm* Tuesday-Sunday June 8 am-7 pm* Tuesday-Sunday *May play until dusk if in possession of own bocce balls Please note: There is a grooming rake/brush located on the outside wall of the golf shop.

Bocce balls and scoreboards may be checked out from the golf shop staff during operating hours.

Play the Tom Kite-designed Championship Country Club Course

All Somersett residents are welcome to play the Championship Country Club Course six times per year per the SOA/Country Club agreement (you may schedule a tee time four

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It’s spring – time to play the Canyon 9.

What is the best way to control distance from short range to the green?

1. First, you must understand the distances you hit the ball with all of your wedges in your bag on a full swing. A player more than likely has at least three wedges. I carry four. The distance you should learn is CARRY distance. Once you chart those distances you have a starting point. You must use all your wedges in your bag – not just a Pitching Wedge. Your Gap, Sand, and Lob Wedges provide distance control in and of themselves. If they are 4 degrees difference it will equate to +/- 10 yards per club. When you are charting your wedges, you want to make 1/2 shots, ¾ shots, and full shots with all of your wedges. Take note of your trajectory as well – certain clubs and trajectories will be better with different green types and pin locations.

Your tempo for a less-than-full shot is 2:1. (Full swing is 3:1) This puts the emphasis on a positive strike through the ball and encourages a complete finish. To practice this, recite a two-syllable word on the backswing and a one-syllable word on the through swing (you have to recite at the same speed though). Example – AP-PLE-PIE or PIZ-ZA-PIE Control distance with length of backswing. This, with adhering to the 2:1 tempo, will allow you to start seeing different distances without hitting the ball “easy” or “hard.”

A shorter backswing will be slower than a longer backswing, however, they should take the same amount of time. Your

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Driving Range – PLEASE READ

Somersett residents have both complimentary & fee-based access to the country club Driving Range. We encourage you to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity. The range is available Tuesday through Sunday and is closed to all activities on Mondays.

In season (mid-April through October) there is no charge for residents to hit off the matted surfaces. Most of the time this

By Stuart Smith – PGA Director of Golf

Controlling your wedge distances

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times and twice you may play as a guest of a member). Each resident may book up to a foursome of players at our accompanied guest rate of $125 per player. This includes green fee, driving range usage, and golf cart.

We take tee times for Somersett residents four days in advance at 775-787-1800, Ext 2.

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through-swing will reflect this as well when reciting the one-syllable word. A longer backswing will equate to a faster through swing whereas a shorter backswing will equate to a slower through-swing. Consistent tempo will lead to better distance control with your wedges.

Benchmark a couple of backswing lengths with all your wedges and chart what carry distances you are getting. This will help you take it to the course.

Limit the weight transfer on less-than-full shots and keep more weight on your lead foot. This will ensure that you get a good clean strike of the ball. I like to hit shots as if my feet have grown roots into the ground. I may even twist my knees outward as I address the ball to get a little tension between the ground and feet/lower body.

Make sure you hinge your wrists on the backswing. This will help the club travel down through the ball.

Lastly, you still must turn your chest through to the target.

If you are accelerating the club through the ball with a 2:1 tempo you will be successful with this. Remember – the ball gets in the way of the club head. There is no need to hit at the ball.

Always work to improve your skill set. If your skill is where you want it – Enjoy!

Need help? Our professional staff at the country club is anxious to get you on your way to better golf. You won’t find a more experienced teaching crew in all of Reno. Give us a call at 775-787-1800, Ext 2.

will be on the north side of the driving range. However, on rare occasions we will be on mats on the south side and you will be welcome to utilize that side. Our service attendants will provide shuttle service, or you are permitted to walk to what is the back of the driving range. We do not allow private carts access due to the one lane path traveling back and forth. The golf balls will be staged there for you.

Turf tee: Somersett residents may also access the turf tee. The $15/person fee must be paid in advance at the golf shop. Be sure to present your receipt to the range attendant. You MUST pay the $15/person fee in order to use the putting and chipping area – no exceptions! Accessing the turf tee and practice areas without paying the fee will result in lost privileges for the remainder of the current season. Juniors MUST be accompanied by an adult.

Men, please remember our simple dress code of no denim, no jogging suits, collared golf shirts and caps worn forward at all times. For women, no denim, no jogging suits, no spaghetti strapped tops, bare midriffs, or short shorts are permitted.

Proper footwear such as golf shoes or tennis shoes is required.

Learn to Golf - Adult

Saturdays May 6, 13, 20, 27, June 3, 10, 17 11 am – 12:15 pm $20/clinic RSVP 4 days prior to clinic 3 min; 12 max Engage in the game of a lifetime – GOLF. We are here to get you ready to play. Building on the success of last year’s well-received Learn to Golf Program, Rob Dugan and the country club’s other PGA professionals will instruct this beginner/intermediate class.

Whether you are a former golfer looking to dust off your clubs and brush up on your fundamentals OR someone eager to learn for the first time, this is a great program.

A typical session will include clinic-style instruction as well as time for individual assistance. Over the course of each month, we will cover all aspects of the game including full swing, putting, short game, and on-course playing instruction. This program will run through the season with a projected end date of Sept. 30. Please sign up with the golf shop staff at least 4 days before clinic time. The golf shop may be reached at 775787-1800, Ext 2. We are all excited for the 2023 golf season!

Somersett Market is changing, check out my updated Stats!

We have buyers! Call me if you are thinking about selling your home in the next 12 months and need to know your updated value. And if you are a buyer, I have some Somersett homes that are not on the market yet, but will be.

No one knows more about Somersett.

Go to Somersettstats.com for all of your Somersett stats!

David Hughes

775-771-1783 Top selling agent in Somersett for the last 15 years.

Homes-Reno.com Somersett Living

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Fireside S’mores

Every Sunday of summer, May 28-Sept.

3, 6:30 pm | Club members only | Free

Join us for family pool time and fireside s’mores. The fire will be lit from 6:30 until 8:30 pm. Available while supplies last.

This event is not open to Sierra Canyon residents.

Pool Movie Night

Friday, June 9 | 7:30-10 pm Club members only

Bring your water floats and watch either “Jaws’’ or “The Sandlot” from the Play Pool during our outdoor community movie night! The slide will be shut down and the pool deck will be for eventgoers only. This event is open to everyone - not just kids. Free.

This event is not open to Sierra Canyon residents.

Pickleball Tournament

Saturday, June 10 | 11 am start 16-team bracket | $10 per team (teams of two)

Thinking of

Compete and have fun with your neighbors in this informal tournament! This tournament will be single elimination, with a prize for 1st place and 2nd place. Brackets will be displayed around the courts and will be updated after each game.

This is a great opportunity to meet other members of the community who share your love for the game of pickleball. Team sign-ups will begin on May 8 on ACTIVENet. Sign-ups are limited, so secure your spot early!

This event is not open to Sierra Canyon residents.

season, we are excited to welcome The Blues Monsters to our outdoor stage on Hole 1 of Canyon Nine. The band with its monster horn section was voted the #1 blues band in North Lake Tahoe for 7 years running. With their combination of R&B, funk, jazz, and Chicago-style blues, they are sure to get everyone up on their feet and dancing!

We will also have guest food trucks and the camaraderie of your Somersett friends and neighbors.

This event is free and open to ALL Somersett residents.

Summer Canyon Nine Golf Tournament

Saturday, June 24 | 11 am shotgun start (please arrive a few minutes early to allow time to go to your starting hole) $35 per player | Sign-ups start May 20.

Single-player entry.

Music on the Green

Saturday, June 17 | 5-8 pm

For our first Music of the Green of the

Join us in celebrating Somersett’s wonderful Par-3 Canyon Nine Golf Course with this fun tournament.

Check out all the new course

buying or selling ?

Today’s real estate is a rapidly changing market.

You need a reliable, honest and experienced expert as your advocate. Call me, your trusted neighbor, to help navigate your real estate goals.

I’M YOUR SOMERSETT REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST R UBY VO N SC HWERIN NV REALTOR® | NV S.0026519

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The Cliffs

at Somersett Looking to get more exposure for your business?

Advertise in Somersett Living! For more information about rates please call Kathy Hess-Slocum at 775-846-5656 or email kathy@justimaginemktg.com.

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The Cliffs features stunning views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Downtown Reno and so much more. With six floorplans of one and two level home designs ranging from 2,640 to over 4,200 square feet, enjoy spacious living with gourmet kitchens, spacious loggias, 3–5 bedrooms, 3-car garages and walk-out basement options.

Visit our Model Homes.

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thecliffsatsomersett.com 2204 Cold Creek Trail, Reno

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775-277-3200

Somersett Events improvements and enjoy the day with your fellow neighbors. This will be a stroke-play event with Closestto-the-Pin contests on 3 separate holes. Winners of the tournament and Closest-to-the-Pin contests will receive prizes.

Drinks and snacks will be provided throughout the event and after play, participants will enjoy a meal from Somersett’s Poolside Cabana.

Sign-ups begin on May 20 on ACTIVENet. Spots are limited, so reserve your spot early!

This event is open to all Somersett residents.

BBQ Night

Friday, June 30 | 6-9 pm Club members only

Enjoy this adult-only evening at the pools and spas and watch the sunset

while sipping a glass of wine. You will also enjoy a tasty BBQ and great entertainment. We will provide beer, wine, and soda. Tickets are $35, which includes everything - food, drinks, and live music.

Parents, no babysitter? No problem!

We will have a program for children in the Sports Court at the same time.

The price for this will be $12 per child.

This event is not open to Sierra Canyon residents.

SAVE THE DATE Fourth of July Bash

Tuesday, July 4 | Club members only 12-4 pm

Join us poolside as we celebrate the red, white, and blue! Enjoy tunes from a DJ and games for all ages, including water volleyball and water basketball.

Please note, the Club closes at 6 pm

on July 4. No guests are permitted on this holiday.

This event is not open to Sierra Canyon residents.

4th Annual Somersett Car Show Saturday, July 8 | 8 am-2 pm

Come check out all the cool and classic vehicles at our fourth annual Somersett Car Show! While you are oohing and ahhing at all of the cars, enjoy live music by a popular local band on the big stage and nosh on delicious food from guest food trucks and Town Center restaurants. There will be activities for the kids, too.

Don’t miss this!

Have a car you’d like to enter in the show? Registration begins on June 1. Check out the home page of www. somersett.org for more information.

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Kids’ Corner

Kids’ Corner Hours & Programming* Mondays-Fridays: 8:45-10:45 am | Wednesdays: 5:30-7:30 pm* Saturdays: 8-10 am, 10 am-12 pm | Closed Sunday * We must have reservations for the evening sessions by 4:45 pm the day of the session or it will be canceled.

Childrens Programs Before- & After-School Program Monday through Friday | Grades K-5

This program provides quality before- and after-school experience for children at a reasonable price. From the minute they step in our door in the morning or off the bus in the afternoon, your children will enter a safe, structured environment filled with activities and games, help with homework, tutoring, snacks prepared daily, and fun times with their Somersett friends.

Morning Program 7-8:30 am; $40/child/week; $15/child/day Afternoon Program 3:30-6 pm; $60/child/week; $20/child/day Both Morning & Afternoon $100/child/week; $35/child/day Register: At the front desk

Summer Camp 2023

Join us for exciting trips to Wild Island, the Discovery museum, Kimmie’s Candy, Roller Kingdom, Fly High, Animal Ark, Carson Valley Swim Center, Rancho San Raphael Park, and Sand Harbor. Your children will also experience fun visits from some of our local firefighters and police, and we will welcome back the Challenge Island STEAM program for some educational thrills.

Your children will enjoy group swimming lessons in the morning, with plenty of free swim time in the afternoons.

Register for camp through ACTIVENet. Dates: 8 weeks, starting on June 19 and ending on Aug. 11. Kindercamp for children entering kindergarten is Aug. 14-18 | Hours: 7 am-6 pm | Ages: 5-12 | Cost: $250 for a full week; $185 for Monday/Wednesday/Friday

Camp Dates & Trips

All trips are tentative and are subject to change. If you have questions, please reach out to us at SummerCamp@ mysomersett.com Camp is for Somersett residents only. Field trips and prices are subject to change.

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June 19-23 Theme: Superheroes Field trips: Tuesday, Kimmie’s Candy; Thursday, Roller Kingdom June 26-30 Theme: Under the Sea Field trips: Tuesday, Wild Island; Thursday, Discovery Museum July 3 + 5-7 (no camp on July 4) Theme: Creepy Creatures Field trip: Thursday, Animal Ark July 10 –14 Theme: Harry Potter Field trips: Tuesday, Fly High; Thursday, Carson Valley Swim Center July 17-21 Theme: Jurassic Park Field trips: Tuesday, Rancho Park; Thursday, Roller Kingdom July 24-28 Theme: Super Spies Field trips: Tuesday, Discovery Museum; Thursday, Wild Island July 31-Aug. 4 Theme: Disney Field trips: Tuesday, Fly High; Thursday, Kimmie’s Candy August 7-11 Theme: Camping Field trip: Tuesday, Sand Harbor Thursday: End of Summer Bash (swim all day, cook hamburgers, face painting, water balloon fight, summer ’23 T-shirt dying) August 14-18 Kinder Camp (for children entering kindergarten - no field trips) For up-to-date information, please visit the Camp Page at somersett.org/p/camp or email summercamp@ mysomersett.com

The Village Views News from our sub-association, The Village at the Town Center Residents of Somersett, At the time of this writing, you can see slight glimpses of spring in Northern Nevada (finally!). With that, a bevy of projects will come to fruition around The Village.

• A much-needed refresh of our main gated area will take place sometime in the spring. We are very excited to get this project off the ground as the gates are the original ones that were installed almost two decades ago.

• Additionally, we are going to add lots of color and additional foliage to really make the main entrance "pop" as they say.

• We are also working closely with Reliance to replace our aging and outdated irrigation system and to move forward with a village-wide landscaping "refresh." When complete, our landscaping will be more drought tolerant and more modern looking as most of the plants and shrubs were installed when the development was first built.

• And if that wasn't enough to get excited about, we are also in the process of securing a vendor for painting 1/2 of the houses in the development. When complete, our community will hopefully be the talk of Somersett.

Patience and understanding will be the order of the day as this will take some time to complete. We are hoping to have everything wrapped up before the Fall of 2023. Needless to say, exciting times are ahead for residents of The Village.

Robert Alesevich HOA Board President The Village @ Somersett

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Please check in at the Golf Hut before you play.

Canyon Nine Golf Course is a private course for the enjoyment of Somersett residents and their guests (including our sub-associations, The Village, The Vue, and Sierra Canyon). Play is free for residents; $10 for their guests.

This executive par 3 walking course is the perfect choice for learning the game or a quick nine after work. No tee times are required. Play is first-come, first-served.

Golf course reminders: For the continued enjoyment of this invaluable asset of Somsersett, Canyon Nine users should remember these important rules.

• Players must start from Hole #1. Starting on any other hole is not permitted.

• Please help maintain bunkers by entering at the shallowest point and raking the bunker.

• Repair all ball marks on the green and divots.

• Individuals using the Canyon Nine trails shall keep

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their dogs on leashes at all times and promptly remove their dog’s waste.

Golf clinics

We will offer adult golf clinics twice a week, every other week through the end of September, as well as once-aweek golf clinics for juniors. Sign up on ACTIVENet. Here is a tentative schedule and clinic overview.

For up-to-date information, go to www.somersett.org/p/golf-lessons Adult Clinics Tentative times: Saturdays and Wednesdays through Sept. 30

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Clinic overview: These 90-minute clinics will review and teach multiple aspects of the game of golf with the overall goal of improving participants’ skills. These sessions are for players of all skill levels wanting to further develop their game, learn the game, or simply stay sharp throughout the summer season.

Clinic day example: • 20 minutes of putting (developing proper technique, reading greens, pace work) • 30 minutes of short game (chipping, pitching, bunker technique, club selection) • 30 minutes of full swing (shots from the tee box, course management, how to hit more greens) • 10 minutes of individual work (each participant will practice in most needed areas)

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Junior Clinics Tentative times: Thursday late afternoons/evenings through September Overview: Similar to the adult clinics, these sessions will review basic golf skills. With exciting games ramping up the fun factor, your kids will have the bug for golf in no time. All your child needs are a set of clubs and a positive attitude to take part in this great opportunity to learn the game of golf!

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The Club at Town Center Reminders Reserve your spot

ACTIVENet and its app Captivate are a feature-rich reservation system that has replaced Zen Planner. But ACTIVENet can do much more than reservations. Here are a few highlights: EVENTS: You can reserve and pay for events through the app.

KIDS’ PROGRAMS: Sign up your child for camps and other kids’ programs, fill out digital forms, and pay through the app. There is no need to stop by the front desk to fill out forms. Also, staff will have information about the children in the Club’s programs at their fingertips.

FITNESS CLASSES: Residents can easily reserve their spot and check into the class through the app.

Instructors can see a list of those who reserved a spot in their class.

PICKLEBALL: Pickleball players can reserve each of the four courts on Tennis Court 2 individually for the same time slot.

COMMUNICATION: Staff can easily notify people via text who have signed up for classes, kids’ programs, or events about any changes or updates to activities.

The app also allows push notifications, custom alerts, and more.

For more information, go to www.somersett.org/p/ActiveNet

Remember, when entering the Club, each member should use his or her access card/fob or app to unlock the door for members of his or her household. Please do not hold the door open to allow additional people to enter. Violation of this policy could result in your access being revoked.

TENNIS COURTS AND LAP POOL You may use your access card to open gates at the Tennis Courts or Lap Pool. You still need to reserve a tennis or pickleball court through ACTIVENet. GUEST PASSES The Board has approved 10 free guest passes for each Club at Town Center member household. The passes are good through Dec. 31, 2023, excluding the holidays of Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day. Additional guest passes are available at the cost of $10 for adults; $8 for juniors. A 10-pack bundle of passes is available for $60. Households may bring up to four guests at one time for a maximum of 10 visits per guest. Members must always accompany guests.

RSVP POLICY Please remember to RSVP for programs by the deadline listed so we can ensure that enough supplies and staff are available. All fees are due at the time of reservation.

Unless stated otherwise, cancellations must be made 48 hours before an event to receive a refund. No refunds will be given for no-shows. Unless noted, all events are for residents only. If residents choose to bring a guest, event and guest fees apply.

LATE PICK-UP FEE The Club will charge a late pick-up fee for any child not ENTERING THE CLUB picked up within 15 minutes of a program’s end time, Per the Board’s direction, Club doors are now always including Kids’ Corner. Following the 15-minute grace locked and access is available to Club members from 5 am period, a $5 fee will be charged for every 10 minutes your to 9 pm via an access card, fob, or app. The outer doors will child remains with us. be open on weekdays from 8 am to 5 pm, allowing entry to the vestibule. Thank you for helping us preserve this facility for the use of residents only!

DON’T HAVE AN ACCESS CARD? If you don’t yet have an access card, fob, or the app (your choice), please email soa@somersett.org to obtain a waiver form. Once you fill out the form and send it back to us, staff will arrange to give you a key fob, key card, or a link to the app (your choice) which we will activate once your residency is authenticated.

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Somersett Country Club

The 18-hole Championship Country Club Golf Course was designed by U.S. Champion Tom Kite. Memberships available at 775-787-1800 or www.SomersettGolfandCountryClub.com.

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POOLS/SPAS A resort pool with a 98 foot water slide, three lane junior Olympic pool and two full spas.

CARDIO-WEIGHT STUDIO Ellip exercise bikes or treadmills available

THE GREAT ROOM Enjoy a sunset, relax with a book in front of the fireplace, check your e-mail from your laptop on the wireless network or watch the golfers on the Canyon Nine from the outdoor deck.

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Somersett Homeowners Golf Course

The Canyon Nine is an executive nine-hole par 3 course designed by U.S. Champion Tom Kite. It is the perfect place for learning the game or enjoying a quick round after work.

The course is an amenity for all residents of Somersett, including those living in Sierra Canyon by Del Webb.

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LAHONTAN AUDUBON SOCIETY

By Alan Gubanich Chair, LAS Education Committee “Look – there’s a Red-tailed Hawk coming over!” Almost in unison 13 people turn their heads to the sky and raise their binoculars to their eyes. It’s another “bird walk” led by Lahontan Audubon Society (LAS) guides, usually Jeff Bleam or Lauren Whitenack, just two of several people who volunteer for LAS. And it’s been that way for 60 years now (we will celebrate our 60th anniversary in December).

Founded by Dr. Fred Ryser of UNR, Dr. John Davis, a local physician, and Marjorie Stillman, a local conservationist, LAS has been going strong all these years relying totally on volunteers.

It is an official Chapter of National Audubon Society.

People eagerly attend our bird walks on Fridays and Saturdays, as well as our monthly general meetings on the fourth Tuesday of almost every month. These meetings feature a variety of

speakers and topics. They start at 6:30 pm at Moana Nursery on Moana Lane and are free and open to the public.

But LAS is about more than just bird watching. As our Mission states: “LAS seeks to help restore, preserve, and improve habitat for birds and other wildlife and to provide education about birds and their habitats in Nevada and adjacent California.” And we do this in many ways. Our Conservation Committee built that wooden overlook at Herman’s Pond at Rancho San Rafael; helped build an overlook at Washoe Lake State Park; initiated the Important Bird Areas (IBA) program in Nevada (a pamphlet describing these 39 areas is available for purchase on the LAS website: www.nevadaaudubon.org); regularly publishes articles about conservation issues in Nevada; and, among other things, is now engaged in the Pinyon Jay Project in conjunction with the local Great Basin Bird Observatory (GBBO). Pinyon Jay populations have been in decline for several years now, so LAS has several volunteers who regularly venture out to census and observe Pinyon Jays to try to understand what factors may be leading to these declines and what can be done to reverse the trend. One volunteer, in fact, does his censuses in the Somersett area. LAS is also working to repair the damaged walkway at Swan Lake north of town and improve the habitat at this Important Bird Area.

Up until October of 2021 Lahontan Audubon had been an allvolunteer organization. We now operate with an Executive Director and 2 AmeriCorps volunteers, but no one else gets paid for their time. The volunteers do it because they enjoy birds and they believe in the Mission of LAS. The organization has a Board of Trustees (nine people who each serve a 3-year term) and a President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer, along with, of course, a number of working committees. One of the most active is the Education Committee, which continually receives requests from schools, organizations, retirement homes, local communities, and so on for talks, displays and other educational activities. For these purposes the Education Committee owns over 200 taxidermy mounts of birds for educational purposes. Most of the mounts are on display at the Galena Creek Visitor Center off the Mt. Rose Highway, and the new Rosewood Nature Study Area on Pembroke Lane.

These mounts are used to give school kids and adults close-up looks at birds and hopefully stimulate their interest in birds and nature. Last year for example, these mounts were used at 53 events and viewed by over 4,400 people at: 14 school visits;

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look for microorganisms in lake water to understand the food webs that support bird life at the lake. Last year, after a twoyear hiatus because of the pandemic, we hosted 6 trips from 4 different schools. In past years, however, we have had as many as 10 to 15 trips servicing as many as 10 different schools and over 900 kids a year.

If you have ever been a volunteer at some organization, you know the problem. Volunteers come and go. The same applies to LAS. Thus, we are always looking for new people. Many opportunities exist. This June we will need a new Treasurer (ours is moving to Texas) and two new Board Members. Elections for these positions are in May. If you are interested, contact our President, Suzie Reynolds, at suzie.reynolds@nevadaaudubon. org. If you love to work with kids, the Education Committee is always in need of volunteers; contact the Education Chair, Alan Gubanich at 4merlasvp@gmail.com to help with school visits (mostly elementary grades), public education events, school field trips, or any number of other educational activities. If you are conservation oriented, contact the Conservation Chair (Rose Strickland) at rose.strickland@nevadaaudubon.org. We can also use help with Membership; Communications; website management; and other tasks. Contact Susie Reynolds to find out more at the address given above. Or go to our website (www.nevadaaubon.org), click on the Get Involved link at the top of the Home Page, then the Volunteer link in the submenu, and fill out the form and send your information to us.

21 public events (display tables); 10 public talks; 3 field trips; 3 drawing workshops; and 2 shorebird identification workshops.

Our education volunteers also lead field trips for schoolkids at Washoe Lake every Spring. The kids are given binoculars and taken on walks to look at birds, then they use microscopes to

We welcome all comers – no knowledge of birds is necessary.

If you would like LAS to send speakers to your community to talk about various topics (birds or not!) contact Alan Gubanich at the address given above. If you’d like to meet some of our members and hear an engaging talk for the public, join us at our monthly General Meeting on May 23 at Moana Nursery, from 6:30 to about 8:00 pm. We’d love to meet you and have you join in the fun!

Do you know a Somersett resident we should profile? Let us know who they are and what makes them interesting. Email robin.bolson@mysomersett.com.

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P R O F I L E

Wild about photography

By Robin Bolson, Communications Manager You may already have seen Brian Meltzner’s striking photos from his postings on NextDoor, which draw hundreds of comments and likes: A bald eagle at Mayberry Park, wood ducks at Idlewild Park, and blue herons at Cottonwood Park.

What makes his images special – besides their quality – is Brian’s intention to take photos that “tell a story,’’ such as a Cooper’s hawk with its feathers puffed up against the cold on a fencepost behind his home in Sierra Canyon, or a robin holding a berry “snack’’ in its mouth.

One of his photos – the Cooper’s hawk – took first prize in a contest sponsored by the Lahontan Audubon Society.

Seeing his images, you might think that Brian has been a professional photographer all his life, but it’s something he loved when he was younger and rediscovered about four years ago.

When Brian was in high school, he was inspired by the oceanographer and filmmaker Jacques Cousteau. He lived in Southern California at the time and had access to great spots to scuba dive. So, he earned his scuba certification and took photos during his dives with an Instamatic camera protected by an underwater housing. For his senior year project, he put together a presentation about scuba diving off Santa Catalina Island complete with a slide presentation of his photographs.

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This photo of a Cooper's hawk took first place in a contest sponsored by the Lahontan Audubon Society.

Brian and Carol bought their home in Sierra Canyon in 2015, and he intended to retire and play golf all the time.

But his sore back had other ideas, and he had to abandon this plan. Then, about four years ago, he and Carol took a photography workshop in the Great Smoky Mountains. “That began my reconnection with my love and passion for photography,’’ Brian says. “It changed the way I see things, the way I experience things.’’

Now he is on a path of discovery and learning about photography. He loves taking photos of birds and other wildlife, but his biggest passion is dragonflies. “It’s not just that they are so magical,’’ he says, “they are also so unfamiliar to most people and to be This was combined with a lesson on how able to capture images of them with a to prepare abalone, using abalone he close-up lens and share these images is collected while scuba diving. “This was special.’’ the first time I recall doing something But they are also challenging to capture. rather unusual and my fellow classmates “They don’t stay still,’’ he says. First, you and other faculty in attendance really must locate them in your lens, which is loved it” he explains. difficult because it’s a close-up lens and After high school, Brian put the insect is constantly moving. Then photography aside other than vacation photos and trips to photography galleries you must track it and get it in clear focus until you finally capture the image. This where “I would just sit there and just go happens in the space of 3 or 4 seconds. ‘wow’.’’ He would move from Southern “The one thing you have to learn if California to the Bay Area to attend you’re doing wildlife photography is university and enjoy a long career patience, patience, patience,’’ he says. working for a manufacturing company For Brian, photography is a way to share associated with the medical device industry. He also met his wife Carol there his love of the natural world with others.

“I always thought to myself, if I ever got where they would raise a family. to the point where I could create an His wife Carol’s parents lived in Reno image that somebody liked and would and when they visited the area, Brian found the trip over the Donner Pass to be want to print and display, I would be very happy and joyful,” he says. cathartic. “When you start seeing trees around Auburn, to me, it just flipped a switch,’’ he says.

One day while driving to Reno on Route 80 he noticed the Del Webb sign on the monument on the west side of Somersett. He and Carol soon visited and fell in love with Sierra Canyon. “It is unlike any other (community) I ever experienced,’’ Brian says. Instead of leveling the land to construct houses in flat tracts, the Meltzners loved how Somersett has homes on different elevations surrounded by natural beauty.

“I pinch myself every time I walk outside and see the beauty that surrounds me,’’ he says.

Brian has a website, Beautiful Noise Photography (www. beautifulnoisephotography.com), where he offers images for sale.

His goal from the picture sales is to cover his expenses and donate much of the rest to charity, namely the American Diabetes Association. Brian has had Type 2 diabetes for several decades.

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P R O F I L E

The Pollocks

By Robin Bolson, Communications Manager For most people, a honeymoon consists of a week or two in Hawaii or somewhere warm and relaxing. But for Dany and Tristan Pollock, it meant embarking on what they call a Sabbatimoon, lasting two years and covering over 60 countries and six continents and logging over 100,000 miles. Along the way, they worked to support entrepreneurs and startup ecosystems.

Fast forward a few years to today and Tristan and Dany are living a relatively quiet life in Somersett’s Back Nine community raising a feisty, adorable 1-year-old named Delta. Dany works remotely in internal communications for the “electric adventure vehicle’’ company Rivian while Tristan labors in the climate tech/startup world, as a managing partner at Cool Climate Collective which has invested millions in over 20 climate tech startups.

But how did these world travelers and Minnesota natives land in Somersett? It started with regular visits to Reno to spend time with one of Dany’s friends from her childhood. As the Pollocks got to know the area, they started thinking of Reno as a little like Denver, a community focused on the outdoors and the arts. “It’s more vibrant than people know,’’ says Tristan.

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And Reno’s clean water was another draw. “Being near the source of mountain water is pretty cool,’’ says Tristan.

Once they decided they wanted to settle in Reno, they looked around, found Somersett, and fell in love. “I’ve been swimming all the time, and I love all the trail systems,’’ says Tristan.

The couple was also impressed with the thoughtful way the community was developed. “Everybody’s got beautiful views of the mountains.’’

“We were looking for something that really felt like you were just in nature,” adds Tristan. “We could choose when we go into the chaos of the city or midtown. Here you have coyotes and quails in your backyard.’’

The family loves to take walks around the neighborhood where Delta is ‘’touching and interacting with all the plants and trees.’’

With the move to Reno and the arrival of the baby, the sabbitimoon “almost seems like a distant memory,’’ says Tristan.

Tristan and Dany got married in Minnesota in the summer of 2017 and never intended to start this epic journey. They went

to Burning Man and then bought a one-way ticket to Mexico without a plan on how long their trip would last. They originally thought it would last a year, but when the end of the year came up, they said “we’re not done yet.’’ They hadn’t even made it to South America.

They traveled for another year, making plans for the next destination whenever they had good wi-fi and probably would have continued longer if they didn’t start to miss routines and having close friends nearby.

amazing Michelin Star restaurant that was nearby,’’ says Dany.

After two years of adventures, when they returned to their home in Minnesota, they faced what turned out to be the opposite of a world jaunt: the COVID pandemic. They spent the whole first year of the lockdown in Tristan’s parents’ basement.

After about a month of not being able to go anywhere, the four decided to create a children’s book to help families navigate the pandemic. They had everything they needed right there after all - Tristan’s parents are both creative.

So, Tristan and Dany wrote the book, Tristan’s mom drew the illustrations, and his dad took care of the graphic design.

They self-published the book, titled “Stay at Home, Dog!” and donated much of the proceeds to a Minnesota-based charity, Feed My Starving Children. (If you’re interested, the book is still available on Amazon.)

With all of the places they visited, could they choose a favorite?

Tristan doesn’t hesitate – it is Chile for him. “It’s got a little bit of Reno in it, hot springs, mountains, ocean,” he says.

While there they especially enjoyed the Huilo-Huilo Biological Reserve, with the “craziest hotels’’ shaped like pinecones and mushrooms, and treehouses. The landscape was beautiful with mountain rivers and waterfalls. “I didn’t expect that,’’ he says.

And Dany is partial to the islands - “Tasmania was incredible,’’ as were Iceland and Easter Island and Bali. “There’s something about island cultures,’’ she says. The friendly people and being able to explore the whole island without feeling overwhelmed.

She also enjoyed the islands’ natural worlds which “encapsulate different types of species and animals and plants that are a little bit different than other places.”

They didn’t stay in one place very long, except when they were working, such as in Saudi Arabia, Albania and Russia.

They spent two months in Moscow which was like “a winter wonderland,’’ with lights across the whole city, Red Square and the cathedral. In Saudi Arabia, they enjoyed amazing places that in the U.S. might be national parks but because Saudi Arabia doesn’t have as much tourism (other than Mecca), they don’t have the infrastructure set up.

One would expect that after two years, traveling would get to be a little tiring, but that wasn’t the case for the Pollocks. What did get old was the planning, which was key to getting the most out of their visits. “We found if (our trip) would be spontaneous, we would miss out on opportunities, like a cool festival or an

Photo by Yashila Sanchez del Campo

Will they ever return to traveling now that they have a home base and a tiny human in tow? Dany is looking forward to setting out as a traveling trio, although they will stay in one place longer than they did on their Sabbitmoon. “But we want to wait until she is a little older,’’ she says. We can’t wait to follow along via Instagram!

Follow the Pollocks online

Instagram: instagram.com/wedidthat Blog: www.heywedidthat.com Tristan: www.tristanpollock.com (info about his amazing accomplishments too numerous to list, including a Tedx Talk and a start-up used by the likes of Kanye West!)

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Sports, Fitness & Wellness Classes For a complete description of all our classes and a current calendar, please visit the Fitness Classes page on www.somersett.org.

A new fitness class schedule began in April with some of your favorite classes and exciting new ones. Find a full line-up of classes in ACTIVENet. Spots are limited and reservations are required.

Fitness class descriptions

TRX Body Sculpt: A low-intensity, full-body sculpting class using the TRX suspension straps and weights. (Christy, 10-11 am on Thursdays) Hatha Yoga: Concentrates on physical health and wellbeing using body postures, breathing, and meditation to connect a healthy body and a clear mind (Linda, 8:30-9:30 am on Mondays and Wednesdays) Integrated Yoga: Greet the morning slowly and methodically with deep stretching and mindful yoga practice, including meditative awareness. (Karen, 8:309:30 am on Fridays and 9-10 am on Saturdays) Power Cycle: A full-body cardio and strength class switching back and forth from the spin bike to the ground for weights. (Christy, 10-11 am on Tuesdays) HIIT & Tone: High-intensity rounds to boost your cardiovascular health and toning exercises to improve J your strength, balance, and coordination. (Angela, 10-11 am on Fridays) Tight & Tone: Body sculpting and muscle toning with an emphasis on the core and lower body, this class will include body weight, mat, and band exercises. (Rebekah, 11:30 am-12:30 pm on Tuesdays) HIIT & Run: Prepare to burn calories in this highintensity interval training class. Cardio with a variety of different heart-healthy exercises is easy to follow and fun.

(Rebekah, 11:30 am-12:30 pm on Thursdays) TRX Circuit: A full-body, high-intensity circuit class split into four stations: TRX, spin, and two weight circuits. A mix of strength and cardio. (Christy, 10-11 am on Mondays) TRX Power Hour: A high-intensity, full-body hour workout using the TRX suspension straps and weights.

(Christy, alternates with Muscle Mix from 10-11 am on Wednesdays) Muscle Mix: A full-body workout mixing it up with weights to straps to balls and kettlebells, ropes and bands working all our muscles. (Christy, alternates with TRX Power Hour from 10-11 am on Wednesdays) Intro to Fitness: An introduction to the fitness equipment, how to use it safely, and how to structure a rewarding workout. (Erica, 2 pm on Tuesdays)

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Saturdays in the Sierras with Linda

May and June, dates to be announced Meet at the Club | Location is to be determined

Join Linda and your neighbors for an exhilarating hike or kayaking adventure in our beautiful mountains. Bring your own water, sunscreen, and snack.

These outings are carpooling events, weather permitting. Register through ACTIVENet. For more information, email Zach Williams at Zachary.williams@ mysomersett.com

Pickleball

Outdoors on Tennis Court 2 Indoors in the Sports Court: Wednesdays/Fridays, 1-4 pm & Saturdays/Sundays, 11-2 pm

Pickleball is a racquet sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. Even if you’ve never played this beginner-friendly game before, come on out and join the fun

Personal Training

Personal training is a great way to get personalized fitness routines designed to increase your performance and get results. Whether you are new to the gym, coming back after some time off, or you want to shake up your normal routine, our personal trainers can help you work out safely efficiently.

The Club has two personal trainers. Dell Etherly specializes in strength and conditioning and Erica Clark’s focus is fitness and mobility. For more information, look for brochures near the front desk.

Age Limits in the Gym

Children under 14 years of age are not permitted to use the fitness facilities, including the fitness room and group fitness classes. Children ages 14-17 MUST complete a fitness waiver and meet with a member of Club staff regarding fitness etiquette prior to using the fitness center or aerobics classes.

Fitness Questions

For information about our free classes, fitness equipment, personal training and pricing, please visit our website at www.somersett.org or contact Zachary Williams at zachary.williams@mysomersett.com. If you are new or simply curious about our strength-training equipment, call today to arrange a complimentary fitness orientation.

Massage & Spa

Massage is a terrific way to reduce stress, relax, disconnect for a while, and do something nice for your body. Even a single massage session has been shown to significantly lower heart rate, cortisol, and insulin levels - all of which help reduce daily stress and lead to a more balanced life.

The Club at Town Center’s massage therapist Linda Morgan (Lic. #6696) is available to give you a customized massage based on your individual needs. Linda’s specialties include soft and deep tissue massage, relaxation, rejuvenation, and sports stretching techniques. She also offers lymphatic and Reflexology treatments. Additionally, Linda is a certified yoga instructor who can help design a home routine that will help bring relief to your problem areas.

So, why not treat yourself and schedule a massage today!

For more information, pick up a brochure at the front desk.

Massages are open to ALL Somersett residents, including Sierra Canyon.

Cooking classes • Catering • Gourmet deli Kitchen store • Spices by the tablespoon Knife sharpening —SERVING LUNCH— 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Mon. – Fri., 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Sat.

UPCOMING COOKING CLASSES Mar. 8 Techniques 5 Mar. 29 Mediterranean Mar. 9 Ricotta & Burrata WS Fish & Seafood Mar. 10 Taste of Thailand Mar. 30 Spring Vegetarian Mar. 11 Donuts & Churros & Vegan Mar. 15 Techniques 6 Apr. 11 Kids Cook!

Mar. 16 Italian Weeknight Apr. 12 Teens Cook!

Recipes Apr. 13 Girls Night Out – Mar. 17 Cooking w/ Irish Chocolate & Cheese Whiskey Apr. 14 Sushi Mar. 18 Gluten Free Baking Apr. 20 Taste of Tuscany WS Apr. 21 Date Night – Mar. 22 Mexican Mole WS French Bistro Mar. 23 Taste of Provence Apr. 22 Culinary Basics WS Mar. 24 Paella Apr. 27 Taste of India Mar. 25 Ramen & Asian

Dumpling WS

WS=Workshop

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May/June 2023 POOL INFO

2023 SUMMER POOL INFO

Aqua HIIT

Play Pool, Slide and Lower Spa

Swim lessons

The pools are an amenity for members of the Club at Town Center.

The Play Pool will open for the season on Saturday, May 27, from 10 am to 8:30 pm.

Open daily (after May 27): 10 am – 8:30 pm

Lap Pool

Lap Swim is a shared space. All lap swimmers are expected to share the pool. Please circle-swim when necessary, since no lane capacities are in place.

The Lap Pool and Upper Spa are currently open during the following hours: Monday – Friday: 7 am-8 pm Saturday – Sunday: 8 am-8 pm

Lap swim times starting May 27:

Monday, Wednesday: 6 am – 10 am Tuesday, Thursday: 6 am – 9 am, 10am - 11 am Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 7 am – 11 am Please note that the Lap Pool will not be available for lap swim use during AquaFit classes (see times below).

Lap Swim Etiquette

Linda will give you a high-intensity workout from 9-10 am on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

We will offer free swim classes every week in the Lap Pool starting May 20. We will also offer summer swim instruction for a fee starting in June. Find more information on the Swim tab on Somersett.org.

Free Swim Lessons:

12 participants; Monday evening at 6 and 6:30 pm; 25 minutes.

Each resident may register once per month.

Swim instruction Group Lessons

2-week sessions: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays starting June 13 | $60/session for members Session A: June 19-30 Session B: July 10-21 Session C: July 24-August 11 Group lessons are available to resident members of the Club at Town Center. Beginner, advanced beginner, and intermediate levels will be offered. Swimmers must be at least 3 years old to participate in group lessons. Lessons are 25 minutes long.

Please be courteous to other lap swimmers. Circle swimming is Private Swim Lessons a good rule of thumb when there are multiple swimmers in one $40/single lesson lane. Please stay to the right of the blue lane guide. $160 for a package of 5 $220 for a package of 8 Private swim lessons are available to members of The Club 24 person max at Town Center. Lessons are 30 minutes long. Availability is One of our most popular fitness classes is back for another fun, limited. fit summer! Join this invigorating and joint-friendly workout Register for all swim lessons on ACTIVENet. For more in the Lap Pool. Reservations are required and can be made information, please visit the swim program page on through ACTIVENet. somersett.org or contact Zach Williams at Zachary.Williams@ mysomersett.com. Swimmers must be at least 3 years old to AquaFit participate in group lessons. Lessons are 25 minutes long.

Join instructor Angela from 10-11 am on Mondays and Wednesdays.

AquaFit and Aqua HIIT

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Aquatic Rules — POOL RULES —

1. Hours of operation are set by management. Swimmers are asked to use caution at all times when utilizing the pool area. Any incident should be reported to a lifeguard immediately.

2. The Lap Pool has designated times for lap swim only and free swim determined by management.

3. Children using flotation devices must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Children under the age of six must be closely supervised by an accompanying adult.

4. Children who are not bathroom dependent must wear a designated swim diaper. The Club reserves the right to ask that a child be removed from the water if not wearing a swim diaper.

5. Proper bathing suits are required for swimming. No cut-off shorts or thong bikinis allowed.

6. Please shower before entering the pool.

7. No diving in any area of the pool.

8. No running and jumping off the side of the pool. Members should not throw other members or children into the pool from the pool deck.

9. No glass containers of any kind permitted on the pool deck.

10. No food or drink allowed in the pool.

11. Temporary shade structures are limited to outdoor personal umbrellas. No tents, canopy or other similar personal shade structures will be permitted on the pool deck.

12. Persons with skin disorders may

Swim Stroke Clinics

be denied use of the pool.

13. No pets allowed within the pool deck area. Exceptions will only be made for service animals.

14. No rafts or inflatables are permitted without approval from management.

15. No running, horseplay or water guns are permitted within the pool deck area.

16. No balls will be permitted in the pools.

17. Non-aquatic toys are not permitted in the pool. Diving rings and other pool specific toys are permitted.

18. Kickboards are for use as swimming aids and/or swimming instruction; no standing, sitting or horse play allowed.

19. The pool furniture is not to be removed from its location on the pool deck.

20. Members are not permitted to bring in outside coolers larger than 12” x 12” x 12” without prior management approval. No outside alcohol is permitted. Staff reserves the right to inspect coolers and take possession of any alcohol being brought into the facility.

21. Refrain from talking to lifeguards while they are on the stands.

22. Lifeguards’ instructions must be obeyed at all times by members and guests for maximum safety. Failure to follow rules will result in being required to leave.

23. Management may reserve portions of the pool deck for member or club-sponsored parties or events.

24. No outside decorations will be permitted. This includes, but is not limited to, streamers, balloons or confetti.

Rebekah is the instructor for clinics that focus on learning various strokes. Time is to be determined.

Tuesdays, Beginner: Learn the fundamentals of freestyle and backstroke, while learning helpful tips to enjoy lap swimming as a great exercise and leisure activity.

Wednesdays, Intermediate: Perfect your freestyle and backstroke technique while learning breaststroke, proper breathing techniques, and flip turns to improve your overall lap swimming experience.

Thursdays, Advanced: Improve your speed with various stroke drills, while perfecting your freestyle, backstroke, and breaststroke technique. Learn the fundamentals of butterfly, as well as diving techniques.

— SLIDE RULES —

1. Swimmers must stay clear of the catch pool and slide exit area. Do not reach into the slide from the deck area.

2. Riders must exit the catch pool immediately by use of stairs. No diving from the slide into the catch pool.

3. Children less than 48 inches tall who are unable to swim may only use the slide with a parent.

4. Parents may assist their child out of the water in the catch pool if necessary, but they cannot stand in front of the slide to catch their child. Parents may wait at the steps if needed.

5. Only one person at a time is permitted to go down the slide, excluding a parent and small child as described above.

6. Please walk up the steps and make sure the catch pool is empty before going down the slide.

7. Riders must go down on their back, feet first.

8. No flotation devices of any kind are permitted on the slide, including those in bathing suits.

9. No goggles, sunglasses, hats, or any object that may fall off into the water is permitted on the slide.

10. Lifeguard instructions must be obeyed at all times by members and guests for maximum safety.

— AQUATIC — WEATHER POLICY

For the safety of members, the Club follows American Red Cross guidelines for thunder and lightning. From the time staff hears thunder or sees lightning, the pool will be cleared for 30 minutes. In the case of lightning, the pool deck must be cleared due to the danger of lightning strikes.

In the case of consistent inclement weather, the manager will make the decision to close the pool for 2-hour increments to accommodate the ever-changing weather patterns. If the weather improves, then the pool will reopen. Pool closing and/or opening times will be placed on the Golf Hut window, concierge desk and Facebook.

Rain passes will be issued in the case of inclement weather if the guest signed in less than one hour prior to closing time. The check-in attendant on duty will issue the rain pass to applicable guests. No cash refunds will be given.

Air quality: Management reserves the right to close the pools at any time due to poor air quality. If the air quality index reaches 170 or higher, the pools will be closed due to the health and safety of residents and staff.

— SLIDE RULES —

1. Extended exposure to hot water or vapors may be detrimental to the health of elderly persons and persons with heart conditions, diabetes, or high or low blood pressure.

2. People with skin, ear, genital or other body infections, open sores, or wounds should not use the hot tub due to the possibility of spreading infection.

3. Do not ingest water by mouth as this can cause infection and illness.

Parents are to warn children not to allow water in their mouths.

4. The heat of the hot tub water speeds up the effects of alcohol and can cause sleepiness, dizziness, and unconsciousness.

Horseplay, splashing, swimming, and diving are not permitted in the spas

A fun – and safe – summer on our water slide One of the most popular features of the Club at Town Center is our 98-foot water slide.

We know you cannot wait to use it this summer!

But before you and your kiddos take off down this exhilarating ride it is important to understand the slide rules. Why? Because the TCTC water slide is THE most expensive amenity to insure and with that comes regulations that are taken directly from Nevada law and the slide manufacturer. These rules are in place to make the slide safer and to protect the Association’s liability should an accident happen.

One of the most important rules is that children under 48 inches tall must ride with an adult. The reason for this is that younger people often don’t have enough body strength to control both their and the child’s bodies, which could result in an injury as they go down the slide. It could also cause disorientation that could lead to potential drowning in the catch pool.

For the same reason, children under 48 inches tall should not ride alone as their small bodies could be thrown around in the slide with the speed and force of the water.

While most slide users do follow these rules, a few in the past have tried bargaining with lifeguards to convince them to bend these rules. This summer, any belittling or attempts to intimidate our lifeguards will result in the offender losing the right to use the facility - in serious cases for the remainder of the summer.

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On-site office is located at The Club at Town Center. Assessment mailing address: Somersett Owners Association, P.O. Box 98263, Phoenix, AZ 85038-0263. Association hours are Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. Offices will be closed on Memorial Day, May 29.

Rules & Regulations Tips • Temporary shade structures are prohibited per CC&Rs This time of year, you may be thinking about installing some Article IV, Section 45. protection from the hot summer sun in your yard. Here is some • Color and material samples must accompany all AGC guidance from the Association’s Aesthetic Guidelines (section 6.3), submittals for review and approval. Structures should match which was revised recently: or serve to enhance the existing home colors and surrounding landscape. Matching the trim or body color is encouraged. Bright Patio Covers, Pergolas and Arbors white is prohibited.

• Patio covers are attached to the home, pergolas are • All patio cover or pergola posts must be a minimum of detached, and arbors are detached from the home and smaller in size. Solid roofs are allowed if properly engineered. No corrugated 6”x6” (I Beam style Posts that achieve a minimum outer dimension of 6”x6” are also acceptable). materials are allowed (metal, fiberglass or plastic).

• A picture of the area showing the color of the home and • Proposed shade structures must be designed and plans where the trellis is proposed to be installed must be submitted prepared by an AGC approved residential designer or architect and may also be prepared by a contractor licensed in the State of in order for the AGC to determine the suitability of the proposed color.

Nevada.

• Louvered or retractable trellis lattices may be considered • Homes visible from public areas as well as the golf courses will be reviewed for how the structure appears from off- for approval on a case-by-case basis. The lattices must be electronically controlled and maintained in an operational status. site.

• Construction details, color and material shall reflect the architectural style of the home. Height should be in proportion to For more information, go to www.somersett.org/p/AestheticGuidelines the home.

• Fixed and roll-out awnings and roller shades must be approved by the AGC. A straight valance is required.

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Accounting Portal

You can check your account balance, update your contact information, and more through Somersett’s accounting portal: somersett.vmsclientonline.com How to access the portal: Your username is your account number OR your email of record. If you don’t know your password, click on the Forgot Password link and follow the prompts. If you have any questions, email soa@somersett.org and we will be happy to help you.

owners and are held at The Club at Town Center. They are also open to members via Zoom.

May 2

2:00 pm

Facilities

4

9:00 am

AGC

4

12:00 pm

Finance

9

4:00 pm

Communications

To report a non-compliance, please email soa@somersett.org or call 775-787-4500. While we do investigate and document each complaint received, we cannot disclose the status of anyone’s account. Should a homeowner not respond to or correct a violation, he or she will be summoned to a hearing and could be suspended from the Club and assessed fines. The Association has a policy not to enter a property unless it is bank owned, and then only to repair front-yard landscaping.

11

10:00 am

Community Garden

11

3:00 pm

Events

17

10:00 am

Ad Hoc CC&R

18

9:00 am

AGC

22

4:00 pm

Executive

24

5:30 pm

Board

Somersett Owners Association 2023 Meeting Schedule

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Compliance Information

Any changes to the meeting dates will be updated online on the SOA Board & Committees Meeting Calendar at www.somersett. org. Executive sessions and Aesthetic Guidelines Committee meetings are not open to residents other than those who are on the agenda. Communications, Facilities, Events, West Park Garden, Finance, and Ad Hoc CC&R committee meetings as well as meetings of the Board of Directors are open to all

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29 SOA Closed 10:00 am

June

Ad Hoc CC&R/final

1

9:00 am

AGC

1

12:00 pm

Finance

6

2:00 pm

Facilities

8

10:00 am

Community Garden

8

3:00 pm

Events

13

4:00 pm

Communications

15

9:00 am

AGC

26

4:00 pm

Executive

28

5:30 pm

Board

Meeting Agendas and Minutes

Agendas for Board of Directors’ meetings will be posted online at www.somersett.org at least five days prior to the scheduled meeting. Final minutes will be posted once they have been approved at the next scheduled meeting. For a draft copy of minutes, please submit your request to soa@somerett.org.

Committee meeting agendas (other than AGC) will be posted on the Meeting Calendar on www.somersett.org when they become available, a few days before the meeting date. Zoom access information is also available on the Meeting Calendar.

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May & June Events 2023 SUNDAY

MONDAY May 1

2

TUESDAY

3

WEDNESDAY

8

9

15

16

10

22

23

Executive Session

28

29

30

6

17

24

31

7

Facilities Committee

11

12

13

14

Communications Committee

18

19

20

Summer Camp Begins

25

26

Executive Session

30

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Somersett Living

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May/June 23 November/December 22

Spring Garage Sale

Kentucky Derby Viewing Party

12

13

Kids’ Movie Night

18

19

AGC

25

Sparkling Wine, Paella and Jazz Adult Social

26

28

Board Meeting

27

Blood Drive

June 1

2

3

9

10

Finance Committee AGC

8

Community Garden Committee Community Events Committee

15

Pool Movie Night

16

22

Pickleball Tournament

17 Music on the Green

AGC

21

20 Plant Sale to benefit Community Garden

23

Ad Hoc CC&R Committee

27

SATURDAY 6

Community Events Committee

Ad Hoc CC&R Committee Final

SOA Offices Closed

5

FRIDAY

Board Meeting

Summer Kick-Off

4

11 Community Garden Committee

Ad Hoc CC&R Committee

21

5

Finance Committee

Communications Committee

14

THURSDAY

AGC

Facilities Committee

7

4

24 Canyon Nine Golf Tournament

29

30

BBQ Night

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