TABLE OF CONTENTS Manager’s Corner .......................... 4 Coloring outside the lines .............. 5 Bermuda turf tips .......................... 6 Fall landscaping tips ...................... 7 Outdoor living at home ................. 8 Fall festivities ............................... 10 September and October events....11 Classes and clubs ....................... 12 Locals compete in GISHWHES .. 14
ON THE COVER A father and son toss the football while enjoying the park at a previous Power Ranch Camp Out. Families have an opportunity to step away from their phones and computers and bond over campfires. The next camp out on September 15 is a great way to meet new neighbors and hang out with neighbors that are already friends. Learn more about the next Power Ranch Camp Out on page 10. Photo by KristenCarterPhotography.com
Neighbors spreading joy An epic cookie thank you delivered to emergency room staff by Power Ranchers participating in a charity scavenger hunt. Learn more about the fun on page 14.
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2017 | POWER RANCH LIVING MAGAZINE | 3
ASSOCIATION
Manager's Corner
Power Ranch Community Association Board of Directors
By Andy Auteri, Community Manger
oving can be an exciting and stressful time, add the element of crossing state lines, not having a cell phone and driving in a caravan when the lead car is nowhere in sight, and you have a real adventure and a great story. The story is a long one. Eventually, with the kindness of a stranger, I was able to reconnect with my wife driving in the lead car a few hours later. Now that we have relocated back to Arizona from Colorado we are closer to our kids and grandchildren. We are enjoying the convenience of being able to stop in to take our grandkids out for ice cream while leaving their parents at home.
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Matt Dominy President
Gary Whelchel Vice President
Becky Cholewka Director
Hannah Boles Secretary
Randy Dix Director
James Piercy Treasurer
Robert Jamison Director
PRCA hosted the Welcome Dinner at the Ranch House Clubhouse on August 23; it was refreshing to meet over 60 new residents. For a few of those residents, it is their first time living in an association and others purchased here because they knew association living was their preferred choice of homeownership. Power Ranch has had 264 home closings in 2017. HUSD had large enrollment numbers during the summer months and is currently hiring new teachers for the influx of new students. With the stream of new families in the community, we can see things with a whole new perspective and lots of sets of new eyes, including my own. As the community manager, now with my second CCMC property, I am impressed with care and pride of ownership residents’ show in their homes, yards and contributing to the community. I look forward to getting involved in the community and Lifestyle events here at Power Ranch. As time goes on, I hope to meet each of you. We all have great stories, and I can't wait to hear yours. The Board of Directors is hosting a Meet and Greet on September 13, open house style at the Carriage House. I hope to see you there. See you soon,
Andy
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Power Ranch Community Association Staff
Andy Auteri Community Manager
Juliann Mowen Asst. Community Manager
Lori Camou Administrative Coordinator
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Stacey Schulze Communications Coordinator
Rebecca Benavidez Lifestyle Director
Denise Montana Covenants Coordinator
Dom Mansueto Maintenance Supervisor
Coloring Outside the Lines By Gary Whelchel, Vice President, Power Ranch Board of Directors
s a child growing up, we all heard the phrases from either momma or a teacher, “Be sure and color between the lines.” or “Don’t color outside the lines.” Unbeknownst to us, those were code for “Don’t be messy.” and “There are boundaries we must work inside.”
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Ah, the conundrum of an association board of directors when individuals approach the board with a request to color outside the lines and ask for a variance from the association's regulations and guidelines. As the Power Ranch Board of Directors, we have rules to preserve the appearance of the community, protect the value of our common property, our homes, and make our neighborhood more harmonious for all. What you may not know is that in some rare* instances, the Board will waive some rules and regulations. *Note the word rare. Remember, there are boundaries. It’s not a decision the Board takes lightly. There’s a fine line between upholding the rules and being flexible as times change and individual issues arise. Add to that the community is composed of millennials through seniors where everyone is peering through their own eyes of how they see change and personal preferences. If an owner comes to the Board and asks us to waive a regulation/guideline we consider the individual Power Ranch Community Association 4546 E. Haven Crest Drive Gilbert, AZ 85297 480.988.0960 | www.mypowerranch.com Carriage House (Association Office) Hours: Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Ranch House Clubhouse Phone 480.988.0938 Ranch House Clubhouse Hours: Monday - Saturday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. After hours, please contact Ground Services: North of Germann - 480.229.4051 South of Germann - 480.216.9141 Anytime you see vandalism or suspicious activity, contact the Gilbert Police: 480.503.6500. Facebook: www.facebook.com/ PowerRanchCommunityAssociation Twitter: www.twitter.com/PowerRanch Instagram: www.instagram.com powerranchcommunityassociation/ Power Ranch ASPiRE: www.powerranchbusinesses.com
circumstances, the priorities of fellow owners, whether it is setting a precedent, and how we’ll document the waiver. The Board will carefully review the rules and restrictions and whether there’s any flexibility. The Board has to be very careful about granting waivers so that we don’t set off an unintentional domino effect.
Gary Whelchel with his Doxie, Sassy.
Some things, like assessments, will never be up for negotiation. The Board may approve payment plans or waive late fees and interest depending on the circumstances, but owners must always pay their share of common expenses. In general, we understand the need to be flexible when circumstances warrant. We all live in this living, breathing, changing community, and issues aren’t always black and white. If you think the Board should waive or relax a rule, come and chat with Board members at an open meeting or with the community manager, but always remember we do our best to color between the lines!
Power Ranch Living Magazine is the official community magazine of Power Ranch, produced by the Power Ranch Community Association. It is designed to keep residents informed about what’s happening in the community, from special events, clubs, and classes to school information, dining, entertainment, and more. Law prohibits reproduction in whole or in part of any text, photographs or illustrations without written permission from Power Ranch Community Association. Trademarks, logos, and content provided by advertisers, sponsors and partners are owned by their respective companies, and they reserve all rights. The views, statements, and claims of advertisers or other PRL contributors do not necessarily represent those of Power Ranch Community Association, CCMC or their employees.
For advertising information, contact: Stacey Schulze: 480.988.0960 or email: sschulze@ccmcnet.com. ©2017, Power Ranch Living Magazine. All rights reserved. Please recycle. Printed in the USA. SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2017 | POWER RANCH LIVING MAGAZINE | 5
LANDSCAPE Reasons to Give Your Bermuda Grass a Rest
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By Anthony Marmino, Area Manager, Four Peaks Landscape Managment
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verseeding Bermuda lawns here in the Southwest has become a standard landscape practice, ensuring year-long green grass. Because most people come to expect over-seeding, many of the negative aspects tend to get overlooked. Typically, over-seeding starts in late September when Bermuda grass is actively growing. At that time, the combination of lowered cutting height and reduced watering helps to slow the growth of the Bermuda. The Bermuda is then “scalped” to remove most of the green grass and expose the soil for seeding. The Bermuda is then forced to compete for water, nutrients, and sun with the newly planted ryegrass. The result is the Bermuda lawn is now in a weaker health condition when entering winter dormancy in November. The following spring, still lacking energy from dormancy and again competing with the ryegrass, the Bermuda now has difficulty re-establishing itself. The Bermuda will continue to struggle until after the ryegrass dies out early to mid-summer. Overseeding can be a large contributing factor to Bermuda turf decline.
The photo above is an example of Bermuda turf that is in a declined state. Turf is lacking Bermuda after ryegrass has died and typically may contain weeds, especially spurge weed. The problem doesn’t occur quickly but can take a few years to happen. Utilizing proper turf management practices like fertilization, soil amendments, aeration, proper mowing, and allowing Bermuda to rest every few years, along with proper irrigation practices should allow these areas to recover fully.
The process of overseeding reduces the typical growing season for Bermuda, typically April through November, eight months, is now reduced to June through September, just three to four months. The shortened time is not enough to produce a healthy and vigorous Bermuda grass in the summer. Bermuda grass should “rest” from overseeding every third year. The rest will allow adequate time to develop a healthy root system and fill in bare or thin spots where Bermuda has not survived over-seeding in the past. 6 | POWER RANCH LIVING MAGAZINE | www.mypowerranch.com
Properly maintained Bermuda grass might be achieved by following proper practices and by giving it a rest every few years.
Here are some of the additional benefits of not overseeding Bermuda lawns: • Reduced cost of seed and expenses for establishing new winter ryegrass; • Cost savings of irrigation water and associated expenses because dormant Bermuda grass requires substantially less water; and • Fewer weed problems and less expense for weed control chemicals.
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Tips to Get Your Yard in Shape This Fall By Anthony Marmino, Area Manager, Four Peaks Landscape Managment
ooler weather is just around the corner; people migrate outdoors, and once again enjoy the landscape. It is time to complete irrigation chores and prepare your outdoor spaces for the cooler months. Complete a full irrigation check. Turn each station on from the controller to be sure that it not only turns on but it also fully turns off. A valve that seems to run or seep may need to have its diaphragm replaced. Check for sprinkler head alignment in the turf and minimize overspray. Be sure that sprinklers are vertical. Displaced sprinkler heads reduce how uniformly they apply water. Also, clean the filter on your drip valves and flush the end of the lines. Now is a perfect time to get new shrubs and trees in the ground. Although they may not appear to grow much in the next few months, they are busy establishing roots that will sustain the plant next summer. When placing drip emitters for new trees, it is important to create two rows around the tree. The first row should be at the edge of the root ball; the second row should be at the drip line of the canopy. This second row will allow for expansion of the root system and future growth.
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During the cool weather in the fall and winter months, over-watering is an all too common problem. When the temperatures cool, many people simply forget to reduce the amount they are watering both their lawn and plants. Plants and trees, mainly arid adapted varieties that are watered at the same frequency as they were in the summer may be susceptible to root and stem rot. Summer Bermuda lawns that have not been overseeded and now have a lush green appearance. There are some great interactive irrigation scheduling tools available on the internet. http://www.amwua.org/watering.html Click on the “Interactive Landscape Watering Guide.” www.etwatergnome.com is a great basic tool for many homeowners. Start by setting up an account, answer a few questions about your property, tell it what brand irrigation controller you are using, and the result will tell you how best to schedule irrigation for the controller you have. The website includes video tutorials on how to operate the controller you select. Check your account regularly for the latest irrigation scheduling updates.
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COVENANTS Outdoor Living at Home By Denise Montana, Community Standards
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emperatures are cooling down and homeowners are enjoying outside living. With more people spending time outdoors, it is a great time to review some of the guidelines established to assist in keeping a consistent aesthetic in the community. Committees composed of Power Ranch resident volunteers and the Board of Directors establish guidelines to keep Power Ranch looking its best while preserving, and even increasing, property values. Please consider these guidelines while making any improvements. Outdoor lighting adds ambiance to backyards and is rising in popularity. Please keep in mind that decorative string lighting may not be attached to any shared wall or fence, including those shared with the Association. Lights may not be higher than twelve feet or strung from the peak of the roof and can only be in backyards. Lights used for holiday decorations (bulb sizes C5, C7, and C9) are not considered decorative string lighting. With families spending more time outdoors, please keep in mind that basketball goals are not permitted in backyards. They are only permitted in the driveway, a minimum of 10 feet from the inner edge of the sidewalk. Backboards must be clear, and poles must be black or dark green. With the exception of basketball goals, sporting and playground equipment such as soccer nets, tetherball poles, toys, and bicycles must be stored out of public view when not in use. Trampolines, swing sets, and playsets may not be any closer than 10 feet from any shared wall or fence, including those shared with the Association. Approval by the Design Review Committee is required when installing playground equipment or trampolines taller than six feet. Remember the only flag permitted on brackets mounted on your home is the American flag. The American flag, military flags, POW/MIA flags, the Arizona state flag, Don’t Tread on Me, or an Arizona Indian Nation’s flag may be displayed on a freestanding flag pole. Looking to create an oasis in your yard with a gazebo or ramada? Both permanent and temporary structures may not be closer than five feet from any shared wall or fence. Please remember that any structure that can be seen from neighboring properties require approval from the Design Review Committee. Shade sails should never be used to create shade, as they are not approved for use in Power Ranch. You can find more information on the Board approved Landscape and Design Guidelines on the Association website at www.MyPowerRanch.com, listed under Community Info. 8 | POWER RANCH LIVING MAGAZINE | www.mypowerranch.com
LIFESTYLE
Fall Festivities Take Advantage of Cool Weather By Rebecca Benavidez, Lifestyle Director hen I think of fall, I think of slowing down which almost never happens but the weather calls to me, and like many others, I start enjoying the outdoors a bit more. There are lots of upcoming activities to give you and your family a variety of opportunities to be outdoors, enjoy the community, and take advantage of the excellent weather. Power Ranch is partnering with Hannah and Adam Boles with Bay Equity to host a Family Camp Out on Friday, September 15 until Saturday, followed immediately by the Breakfast & Bobbers event on Saturday morning. We are keeping the old-fashion camp out fun and adding a little twist. There will be a small obstacle course with a bouncer, and Blaine Long will be performing, a great artist who was a contestant on The Voice. This event is $25 per tent. Please register online. A new event coming to Power Ranch is the Concert in the Park on Saturday, September 30. This fun and free event will be in the Soccer Fields between the Carriage House and Power Ranch Elementary. You are more than welcomed to bring your chair or blanket to enjoy a night of good music performed by Outside the Line, a fun band that plays a variety of genres. Interested in the VIP Section? Tickets will be available and give you access to comfortable
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chairs, good food, and drinks. The event sponsors are John and Tanya Kubacki with Arizona’s Dukes of Air. And then there is Funtober! on Saturday, October 28. Enjoy live music, a pit master competition, BMX bike master performance, and so much more! Save the date and start perfecting your BBQ recipes. I look forward to seeing you all out there.
A photo from the 2015 Power Ranch Camp Out. Spots are limited, go online to www.MyPowerRanch.com to reserve a tent space.
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Community Events
ake a look at all the things going on in the months of September and October. You are sure to find something fun to try. Remember all events require registration at www.mypowerranch.com on the Event Calendar, registration openings will be announced in the weekly email blast. Events times, dates, and locations may change or cancel without notice. Saturday Bootcamp $10 for the entire six-week boot camp, Saturday mornings at 7 a.m. Sponsored by Aspire members Revelation Realty, and Guild Mortgage, August 19 through September 23 at the Ranch House basketball courts. Volleyball Camp A great start for beginners to learn the fundamentals of volleyball. Focus on individual skill development, as well as team play, and competition. The athletes will learn proper technique in passing, setting, hitting, and serving along with fun games and drills. Coached by Lindsey Simkins, colligate volleyball player for two years, coached club teams and high school teams. Six weeks, starting August 23 through September 27, Wednesday afternoons 4:30-5:30 p.m., ages 7-11, $50 for six weeks, located at the Groves volleyball court. To register, email lsimkins3@gmail.com or 480-2411445. Meet and Greet new Community Manager, Andy Auteri September 13, open house style at the Carriage House from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Light drinks and appetizers will be served. Power Ranch Family Camp Out September 15, starting at 5 p.m. Assigned tent camp sites, hamburger and hot dog dinner, campfire with live music. As seen on The Voice, Blaine Long will be performing. Continental breakfast included $25 per tent. The event is sponsored by Hannah and Adam Boles with Bay Equity, Aspire members. Breakfast & Bobbers September 16 at the Ranch House Lake, PRCA in partnership with Arizona Fish & Game will host a morning of fun fishing. Bring your pole or borrow one of ours. Please register to ensure we have enough breakfast and poles available, 7 to 11 a.m., $6 per person. Pizza & Paint September 23, paint a masterpiece with the assistance of Brushworks Studio. All the materials, pizza, and drinks are included! Ages 6 and older, parents and siblings welcome. $35 per person (look for the $10 discount for registering early), located at the Ranch House Clubhouse, from 3 to 6 p.m. register at www.brushworksartstudio.com. Pinterest Night Plan a crafting night out with neighbors. Create your choice of holiday sign for $20. Complementary drinks provided by Denise and Lisa of Revelation Realty and Shannon of Guild Mortgage. September 23, 5-7 p.m., Ranch House Clubhouse. Early Release Wednesday Craft September 27 at 1:30 p.m. Gilbert Rocks project, #kindnessrocks! Decorate your kindness rocks for $4 per person, children ages 7 and older. Free Concert in the Park September 30, Inside the Line, will be performing 5 to 8 p.m. at the soccer fields behind the Carriage House. Bring your blanket or chair and enjoy the evening. Interested in the VIP
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Children enjoy wearing costumes and the festivities at last year's Harvest Fest. Get ready for some new fun this year at Funtober on October 28.
Section? Tickets available for $20 per person will include dinner, drinks, and the comfy seats. The event is sponsored by Arizona Dukes of Air, Aspire members. Drumming Circle HealthRYTHMS Friday, October 6, 7-8:30 pm. feel the therapeutic effects of expressional drumming. The class is very welcoming, accepting, and beginner friendly. With no experience necessary and all drums and percussion is provided, you will be able to allow yourself laughter, creativity, discover a group of people who just want to feel or find their “beat" once again, and get some group empowerment drumming going on! Register now, you will have so much fun, and feel rejuvenated by the end of the evening, $10 per per participant, lead by SusyJeanne. Email: ssnmanning@gmail.com. Cruise & Be Happy October 7, save the date come out to get more information on how affordable your next family vacation can be. This FREE event is sponsored and hosted by Pam Hunley with Cruise, Trips & More, Aspire member. Community Garage Sale Interested in being placed on the Power Ranch map? The map is posted online and distributed locally. Register early $2 to be included on the map. PRCA is partnering with Goodwill to collect all left over garage sale items. Please drop them off at the Carriage House parking lot. All proceeds will go to Centennial Elementary. The event is sponsored by the Home Selling Team of Randy & Janine, Aspire members. October 14. Rose Society Presentation This free presentation will provide Power Ranch residents with the best practices for rose gardens. Located at the Carriage House, Conference Room, please register to ensure there is enough room for all. October 19, 1:30 p.m. FREE Movie in the Park October 21, Batman Lego Movie The movie event is sponsored by Cholewka Law, Aspire member. Funtober! October 28 experience the Harvest Fest revamped! BBQ Pitmaster Competition, Power Ranch Home Brewers Club will be providing a beer tasting tent, BMX Bikemasters Performance, pumpkin carving and painting contest, and more. More information is coming soon! SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2017 | POWER RANCH LIVING MAGAZINE | 11
ACTIVITIES Classes Silver Fitness Muscle, cardio, and yoga classes for ages 50 and up. Live a better quality of life with healthy bones, joints, and muscles by improving strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Held in the Ranch House Clubhouse Fitness Room, Monday through Friday, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Contact Kristina Sherman 774-487-0394, or drop in. My Perfect Body Now Bootcamp Monday through Thursday, 9- 10 a.m. Join Jennifer Shumway for boot camp fitness classes at the Barn. www. myperfectbodynow.com, 480-570-2800 Bushido Hawaii Kenpo Karate Blind Dragon martial arts offered to Power Ranch residents by a Power Ranch resident. Classes for kids and adults held at the Barn on Monday and Thursday nights. Email Tom Hicks thomaslhicks@cox.net Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Learn the art of Jiu Jitsu every Tuesday and Thursday, 5:15 - 6:15 p.m., ages 6-16, and Thursday 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. for adults, age 16 and older, $10 per class. Contact Matthew: Gillette.jiujitsu@yahoo.com Yoga in the Barn All levels! Yoga uses breath control, simple meditation, and the adoption of specific bodily postures. It is a widely practiced for health and relaxation. Don't travel any farther than the Barn. Classes on Tuesdays from 6:30- 7:30 p.m. $5 drop-in or five classes for $20. Hester 480-239-7832, yogawithhester@gmail.com
Clubs and Groups Aspire Business Group September 12 at 8:30 a.m. at Black Rock Coffee and October 10 at 6:30 p.m. at the Ranch House Clubhouse. Are you a Power Ranch Business? A Power Ranch resident who owns their own business or live within a 5 mile radius? Join us and network with local business owners. Meetings are held monthly. First meeting is FREE. Membership is required. Power Ranch Angels September 11 at 6:00 p.m. in the Carriage House, neighbors helping neighbors in Power Ranch. Looking for ways to give back, volunteer and find new friends in the process? Join us we are always looking for fresh ideas and an extra pair of helping hands. Homeschooling Connections There are many fun things to do for all ages. We meet once a week. Contact: Eva Weeks - 480-686-9519, weweeks@ hotmail.com. Homeschooling teens, contact Jennifer Guzman: jennguzmanaz@gmail.com. Power Ranch Home Brewers Club Are you a home brewer? Have you ever wanted to learn about home brewing? Do you just love beer, and like being around others that love it as much as you do? Then please, join the Power Ranch Home Brewers Club! Not just a club for home brewers; it’s a club for beer lovers. While we do center on home brewing, we are a community of people that just love to make, drink, talk, and learn more about beer. We are a brand-new club, and looking to grow and develop 12 | POWER RANCH LIVING MAGAZINE | www.mypowerranch.com
into an active, thriving beer community right here in Power Ranch. So, if you love beer, home brewing, or want to learn more about it, please, feel free to see it. We meet in the Clubhouse the second Thursday of every month, at 6:30 pm! At our meetings, you can expect presentations, guest speakers, talks, tastings, exchanging of ideas, recipes, good conversation and more. Contact Ken Morrison 480227-5943 Craft Night First Thursday of the Month at the Ranch House Clubhouse Join friends and neighbors to work on your crafting project. Bring a snack to share. Cancer Survivors Support Group Takes place on the Third Tuesday of every month from 7-8 p.m. at the Carriage House. Are you a cancer survivor looking for emotional support, health and wellness tips, wanting to be around those who know how you feel then this supportive and uplifting guided group is for you! Every week we will cover something new to help move through this cancer survivor journey. It doesn't matter where you are on your journey; newly diagnosed, going through treatment, one-year, or twenty-year survivor, it's about feeling supported wherever you are! Email Kelly info@healthywithkelly.com Girl Scouts Girl Scouting builds courage, confidence, and character from community service projects, to summer camp, travel opportunities, and career exploration. Girl Scouts participate in enriching, skill building activities that give them the tools to become who they want to be. $15 a year, ages 5 to 9. MOMS Club Our purpose is to offer support for mothers who are home during the day. We promote an atmosphere for moms and kids to build lifelong friendships. We do this through playgroups, children's activities, book clubs, coffee chat, recipe club, park days and Mom's Night Out. To get involved: momsclubgpr@gmail.com. Women’s Club Ladies 18 and older come to the first Wednesday of each month at the Carriage House. There are no dues or fees. The group plans activities and field trips around the valley, a social club, not a service club. For more info: sruffalo1393@q.com. Bunco Babes The second Wednesday of each month from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. Join the ladies at the Carriage House to play bunco and share a meal. Contact sonnarae@msn.com for questions
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Ladies Bunco This quick-paced, simple, silly dice game is the perfect way to spend a night out with the girls. Don't know how to play? You can learn in minutes. The game starts at 7 p.m. in the Carriage House. BYOB, $5 to play, space for 36, and fills quickly, RSVP to reserve your spot: prbunco@gmail.com Social Club Are you 55+, retired, or in a similar stage of life? Enjoy meeting other people by participating in outings, events, meals, and more. Send your name, phone, and email address to rbenavidez@ccmcnet.com to be included in the event emails and monthly newsletter. Ideas and volunteers always welcome! Weight Watchers Learn from a weight loss mentor, get inspiration and power from others embarking on the same journey; develop personal strategies; and get tips and great advice. Meetings in the Carriage House on Mondays, weigh-in at 6 p.m., meeting at 6:30 p.m., new member orientation at 7:30 p.m., all ages welcome. www.weightwatchers.com. Power Ranch Cycling Group Interested in joining a Power Ranch cycling club that takes off from the Barn or the Ranch House on Saturday mornings? Looking for beginning/intermediate cyclists interested in riding 25 to 30 miles at about a 15 MPH pace. Share with all your other cycling friends looking for something in our area. Contact: piercy.james@gmail.com. Card Players Join the Power Players in the Carriage House and play cards, dominoes, and now bridge! Tuesday, 1 - 4 p.m. or Thursday 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. at the Ranch House flex space. Games vary. We are happy to teach you to play something new. No commitment required. Bring a friend or come and meet someone new. Drop-In Bocce Ball This fun group meets Wednesday afternoons at 1 p.m., conversation and drinks afterward. First timers to experts are welcomed to join, the more, the merrier. Drop-In Pickleball Bring a partner or stop in to find one for drop-in, Doubles Pickleball. Informal meet-ups scheduled every Monday at 10:30 a.m. at the Arbors Tennis complex. Join in the fun. The game is easy to play and quick to learn. Bring your supplies and let's play! Drop-In Volleyball Every Tuesday, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Stop by the Ranch House volleyball court and find other volleyball-lovers willing to start up a game. This court does have a misting system. Check in the office for more information about how to turn it on and off. VFW Meetings Third Thursday of the Month at the Ranch House Clubhouse, email Michael at GilbertVFW@yahoo.com, for more information. Woodworking Club Held the first Wednesday of the Month, 7 p.m. at the Ranch House Clubhouse, woodworkers of all ages and experience levels are invited to join the group. Mark Witt, Power Ranch resident has been creating sawdust since 1975. Come and share ideas, projects, plans, and resources, encouraging everyone who wants to get involved in the craft. SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2017 | POWER RANCH LIVING MAGAZINE | 13
NEIGHBORHOOD GISH-what? Power Residents Act Silly for Charity By Kristen Carter, Power Ranch resident or a week in August, Power Ranch was overrun with giant chickens, Storm Troopers and people dancing with parrots. Twelve Power Ranch residents partnered with three Australians and participated in the worldwide charity phenomenon known as GISHWHES (Greatest International Scavenger Hunt the World Has Ever Seen), creating smiles and spreading love through random acts of kindness. The crew showed neighborhood pride with the team name the Mighty Morphin Power Ranchers.
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Scavenger hunt adventures included delivering an “Epic Cookie Thank You” (a 6-foot tall gingerbread skeleton) to emergency room staff, staging a whipped cream balloon volleyball game in public, doing a made up dance with tropical birds, and dressing as giant chickens while helping people cross the road. More generous antics included leaving notes filled with money at a laundromat, and painting rocks with uplifting messages. The team also took a shift at Feed My Starving Children, coordinated a donation of baked goods to a women’s shelter, and made artwork out of food for no particular reason other than it was fun! As silly as it all was, it’s all for a good cause. The GISHWHES community raised over $200,000 to save a school in Africa from closing when its director passed away from terminal cancer in mere weeks.
The task read: "Create a new summer activity." The team invented the Stache 'N' Splash. Pictured top to bottom, left to right: Kristen Carter, Sagan Dean, Chloe Carter, Michelle Houglum, Denise Siemen, Jessica Kirkland, Jennifer Blaes, Kaiden Dean. Team members not pictured: Teresa Davis, Erin Tams, Jessica Blonde, Casey Blonde, Heidi Bruder, Darlene Tryon. 14 | POWER RANCH LIVING MAGAZINE | www.mypowerranch.com
Some of the team’s residents are new to Power Ranch, others have been here since the beginning, but over a week’s time, they got to know each other, be ridiculously silly, and spread some kindness and fun through the community.
Residents Jennifer Blaes, Chloe Carter, and Sagan Dean were willing to be extra silly (and sweaty) in chicken suits for charity.