Issuu

A Snapshot of Life at Trilogy

and Groups

Photo by Mary Ann Eddy

Trilogy Moving Forward

Setting the Course

We hope that you attended or viewed the video recordings of one or both September budget meetings. While these sessions are primarily intended for CA management to present the proposed budget to the Board of Directors and Finance Committee, they also serve as educational opportunities to inform and educate Trilogy residents on future planned activities as preparation for the formal presentation of the 2026 Trilogy budget.

Looking forward, we will hold a Repair and Replacement (R&R) Reserve townhall meeting on October 1, 2025 to provide additional information on the Reserve Study and answer resident questions. One of our goals this year has been to improve communication and transparency within the community. We continue to explore new ways to keep residents informed and engaged.

Our continuing focus will be on serving the best interest of our active adult community as a whole; especially in upholding our fiduciary responsibilities and enforcing the community’s governing documents and our legal responsibilities. We recognize that there are different opinions on how the community should be managed, and while not all decisions

will be universally popular, we are committed to keep Trilogy’s well-being as the rationale behind our decisions.

As our community evolves, we must balance changing demographics with the need to maintain Trilogy’s high standards – both in lifestyle and property values. We are building on the strong foundation established by our governing documents and previous Boards/committees and are setting a course toward continuous improvement.

We value resident feedback and take it into account as we make decisions on behalf of the entire community.

Thank you for your continued support.

Message From the Board

Elizabeth Ridge, Board President

Article B-3 of the TPR By-Laws dictates that the board members be elected at the annual members’ meeting, held each March. The upcoming election will fill three board positions, each with a two-year term.

In December, the Elections Committee will begin seeking candidate applications. Potential candidates are encouraged to reflect on whether they can commit to the responsibilities of serving on the Board, including:

• Acting in the best interest of the community rather than personal preference or personal agenda.

• Regularly attending Board meetings and ensuring agendas, priorities, and responsibilities are followed.

• Listening to homeowner input and focusing on results.

• Being committed to showing up and adding value in and out of the board room.

• Ethically meeting the fiduciary duties of care and loyalty.

Protect the association from legal and financial risk.

• Enforcing compliance with rules and policies, and the code of conduct.

• Understanding and enforcing compliance with governing documents, i.e., Arizona laws and regulations, the Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions; By-Laws, Rules, and Policies.

• Respecting and supporting staff and their contributions handling information with confidentiality.

• Bringing the community vision to life.

• Reviewing and planning community reserves responsibly.

• Staying informed about Arizona statutes affecting planned communities.

• Valuing integrity and credibility above all else.

If you can commit to all of these expectations, please consider running for the Board. When voting, members should keep

these qualities in mind when evaluating candidates that seek election to the Board.

For the community, strong volunteer leadership means bettermaintained amenities, long-term strategic planning, and improved resident relationships. A well-run community association is key to a successful and healthy community, and that requires dedication and knowledgeable volunteers.

Community leadership is not without its challenges. Balancing homeowners’ diverse interests, which often conflict, and making difficult decisions for the greater good. Budget constraints, maintenance planning, and enforcement of community standards require tough choices. Board members are responsible for strategic planning, financial oversight, and hiring the Executive Director. The Board of Directors provides a unique benefit of living in a homeowner’s association. In addition to preserving property value, this organizational body is in place to foster a sense of community.

TPR needs engaged, responsible leaders.

We need YOU….

Elizabeth Ridge President elizabethr@mytpr.com

Lisa Gurtler Secretary lisag@mytpr.com

Steve Loney Vice President stevel@mytpr.com

Adrian Gordon Board Member adriang@mytpr.com

Lori Larson Treasurer loril@mytpr.com

Community Association Contact Information

Main Office Phone: 480-279-2053

Main Office Fax: 480-279-2099

Main Office Email: memberservices@tprcoa.com

Front Desk Office Hours: Monday – Friday 8am to 4pm Saturdays 8am to noon

Gate and After Hours: 6am – 10pm

Gate Phone Number: 480-797-1662

Your Community Association Management Team

Michele Ray-Brethower Executive Director michele@tprcoa.com 480-279-2058

Terri Hagan

Member Services/Event Services Manager

480-279-2069 Terri@tprcoa.com

Ryan Knobloch Technology Manager 480-279-2057 Ryan@tprcoa.com

Tammy Rowles Activities Manager 480-279-2054 tammy@tprcoa.com

Robin Dastrup Community Manager/ Fitness Manager 480-279-2052 Robin@tprcoa.com

Joel Schopp ACC 480-279-2064 Joel@tprcoa.com

Chris Clinton Facilities Director 480-279-2059 Chris@tprcoa.com

Dave Brown Special Projects Manager AVL Team Lead 480-279-2070

Caryn Lansford Accounting 480-279-2086 Caryn@tprcoa.com

Executive Director’s Corner

Michele Ray-Brethower

Executive Director vs Community Manager--why both positions are essential to a well-run community.

I joined the Trilogy community less than 60 days ago and this is my third San Tan Press article. This month I will write about something that might hit a nerve or two, as I have been asked several times why we need both an Executive Director and a Community Manager?

It is important to understand that in a community association environment, the Executive Director and Community Manager serve as complementary pillars of leadership. The Executive Director is charting the course, fostering strategy, and Board development as the Community Manager carries the torch, executing operational directives and nurturing resident satisfaction. At the same time, neither the Executive Director nor the Community Manager set policy, amend governing documents, approve contracts or budgets as these powers are reserved for the Board. In the end, both positions have one goal, a well-run organization that every homeowner can be proud of, and call home.

As Executive Director, I am the “chief impact officer” that translates our community’s mission into measurable results by setting vision and strategic direction for the organization. My responsibilities include leadership of staff (not necessarily managing all of them), overseeing all operations (the buck stops with me, and I hold staff accountable), supporting the Board, managing resources, and representing the organization publicly. I am the liaison between the Board of Directors and staff, ensuring governance compliance and facilitating board functions such as board training, meetings, and policy alignment. I am heavily engaged in financial oversight, strategic planning, development of organizational policies and compliance management, and I may not be the first contact with a resident when trying to handle direct resident issues. My role requires advocating for structural improvements, implementing updated policies and leading organizational change efforts. I consider myself a catalyst for board effectiveness, organizing meetings, and providing the resources necessary for oversight.

The Community Manager focuses on operational management by overseeing day-to-day operations. Typical responsibilities of the Community Manager involve maintenance work order submission and follow-through, vendor coordination, contract management, budget and financial administration, compliance inspections and enforcement of community rules. The Community Manager acts as a primary point of contact for residents, addressing concerns, clarifying board decisions, and facilitating communication between residents and the Board. The Community Manager provides professional guidance and support, rather than strategic or executive leadership, and brings the Board’s strategic decisions to life through practical actions such as rule enforcement, coordinating and managing maintenance and repairs and facilitating meetings while managing more than one department. Since we are a 55+ community, with a very active group of residents, the staff and I have several meetings a week to manage expectations and keep the organization functioning at a high level.

In closing, the collaboration between the two roles is key, as the Executive Director sets goals and strategy, while the Community Manager delivers practical support and operating execution to achieve those goals. The relationship is both symbiotic and essential. Without visionary strategic leadership, operations would lack direction and long-term planning. Without operational expertise, even the best policy would fail in execution. The differentiated strengths create a well-governed, thriving community where both residents and organizational leaders are empowered.

I ask if you are one of those individuals that are asking why we need both positions (perhaps you are looking at them for only monetary/budget purposes), I hope this article shows you why both positions are essential to the success of our community.

We are a team, and I ask you to support the organization and watch how we continue to flourish with both necessary executive and operational leaders cultivating this dynamic community culture.

MEET THE SAN TAN PRESS STAFF

If you would like to be part of the Trilogy San Tan Press Staff or have ideas for an article please contact Fran Molleur via email at f.molleur@cox.net.

Terri Hagan Project Manager/Advertising terri@tprcoa.com

Marsha Buck Proofreader buckaroo21@cox.net

Lin Eliason Writer linda.eliason@eliasonholding.com

Lori Wilkerson Writer Lori.wilkerson44@gmail.com

Fran Molleur Managing Editor 602-620-5842 f.molleur@cox.net

Judy Mitchell Proofreader jmitchell63@cox.net

Shirline Kish Writer shirlinek@gmail.com

Patti Seifert Restaurant Reporter poppy80@cox.net

Helene Shear Club/Group Liaison chezhelene@q.com

Mike Larson Writer drdezmo@yahoo.com

Maribeth Gudgeon Writer thisbroad59@hotmail.com

Mary Ann Eddy Photographer maryanneddy@cox.net

Pam Vander Heyden Writer hermandpam67@gmail.com

Kathy Gerdl Writer kathryng51@yahoo.com

Scott Fishman Photographer sfishman02@gmail.com

Candace Purdy Writer cop3491@sbcglobal.net

"I've always known RENCO Roofing to be a trusted provider, and they continue to live up to that reputation. You can count on them to do great work and truly take care of their clients. One of the homeowners in my community who used RENCO couldn’t stop talking about how pleased he was with the quality of work done on his roof. It's clear that RENCO goes above and beyond to ensure their clients are happy. Highly recommend!"

Ian Welsh

The Band of Angels

“Trilogy’s Helping Hands”

Here are other ways the Band of Angels assists Trilogy residents:

Angel Contact Group

Angel volunteers are available to provide Daily Check In-phone call service; and will also make a friendly visit to check in with the residents. This group also helps residents in our community who have been ill, injured, or have experienced the loss of a loved one. Angel Contact Group volunteers provide the following types of contacts to Trilogy residents: mail a special hand-made get-well card to a resident experiencing an illness and an angel to a resident who has been seriously ill, injured, or has experienced the loss of a loved one.

A recent addition to the Angels’ services is the meal delivery program. This is a meal purchased by the Angels for a resident whose life has been suddenly affected by health or life change. Also, bowl cozies to safely warm food in the microwave will be available with or without food delivery. If you have a Trilogy friend or neighbor who you think would benefit from a home-delivered meal or any other angel contact, please call Monika Gilbert at 949-300-3961.

Equipment

We have equipment available for residents and their guests to borrow for up to 90 days. This includes commodes, wheelchairs (both transport and traditional), walkers, seated walkers, shower chairs, knee scooters, bed rails, wheelchair ramps, canes and crutches, ice machines, etc. Also available to borrow are room monitors, two with cameras.

Equipment is available for loan and return only on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Call or text Linda Ray (480-338-3730) for an appointment.

Haircuts for Homebound

Contact hairstylist Anh Snell at 720-335-3106 to make an appointment for her to come to your home in the evening or Sunday for a complimentary haircut.

Note that Anh is not available for haircuts in September or October but will resume her service on the first of November.

Minor Home Maintenance

Volunteers help you replace batteries in smoke alarms, replace filters, replace light bulbs, add salt to the water softener, and other simple tasks. Contact Dar Cyr, (480-516-6989) Brian Gurtier (480-290-2231), Jim Heidmann 480-250-5683), James Marbury (480-276-6209), Steve Halvorsen (480-6206082) or Dan Schott (602-538-9889).

Resource/Outreach

Angels volunteers can provide help with forms for needed services such as home delivered meals, talking books for the visually impaired, stay at home or transition into assisted living, and more. We are having a Lunch and Learn on October 24 in the Trilogy Cafe. The subject is skin cancer. We have a kiosk in the Trilogy Library for brochures and other community information. Contact Eileen Marshall (480-621-5763)

In addition, we sponsor free outreach presentations involving many aspects of senior living.

The Band of Angels is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation. Donations are appreciated and tax-deductible. Please place in the Band of Angels mailbox in the Clubhouse lobby. Thank you for your support.

Band of Angels 25th Anniversary Open House

Friday, November 7, 9:30 am to 11:30 am

Join us in the Ballroom to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Trilogy Helping Hands, The Band of Angels. Presentation at 10:30 Light refreshments will be served.

Who was the first Trilogy Angel? It may not surprise you that it was Carol Borzillo who started the Band of Angels in 2000. You may not be aware however, that it was Carol and her husband Mario who were the very first residents in Trilogy. This summer Carol and Mario moved to Cadence, a senior housing community in Chandler.

Carol reports that in 2000, Trilogy was called Meadowbrook Village and the Clubhouse had a metal roof, which had to be replaced after a monsoon windstorm. And of course, all of the first residents were a close-knit community. Carol and Mario were the unofficial greeters for new residents.

Carol and others also were quick to offer assistance to others in need. If a resident was ill or had experienced a loss, they would deliver a homemade angel and card to let them know their neighbors were thinking of them. They’d also help out in any way they could, taking them to the store or to medical appointments, or providing a homemade meal, for example.

One of Carol’s favorite stories from the early days is that she heard of a resident who was facing a very serious surgery with a long recuperation period. He wasn’t at home when she went to deliver an angel but she left it outside his front door. She then phoned him to tell him what she had done and that the angels were praying for him. A couple weeks later she received a message from him saying he’d keep that angel forever. As he was waiting for the surgery, a doctor came in with the x-ray and said the blockage was gone–he didn’t need the surgery!

As the community grew, Carol had an idea to recruit others with an ad in what was then a community newspaper, asking “Do you want to play in a band? No instrument needed,” and attracted a dozen responses! Hence the Band of Angels was created. (Note the term is from a well-known African-American spiritual song, Swing Low, Sweet Chariot.)

As the group of volunteers grew, the Band of Angels became a charitable organization under the status of a 501(c)3 and also a club at Trilogy known as the Trilogy Angels.

Now the Band of Angels has well over 100 volunteers, and provides a wide variety of services to the Trilogy community. Cindy Miller has been the president since 2019. The Band of Angels is a well-known and well regarded pillar of the Trilogy community and has been the recipient of many donations from other Trilogy clubs and residents.

The Band of Angels also gratefully acknowledges the contributions of the Ceramics Club, who provide angels and the Scrapbook

Club who make the cards for the Angels’ outreach.

Throughout the years, The Angels have been the recipient of many notes, cards and other expressions of appreciation. An excerpt from a recent one: “I really appreciate all the Band of Angels do for our community. You are all remarkable and generous with your time.”

The core Angel Contact Group was led for many years by Jeanette Page, who recently turned over the reins to Monika Gilbert. In addition to delivering angels and cards, volunteers are available for daily checkins or friendly visits. When needed, they also deliver a purchased meal which can be warmed up with a cozy handmade by the Quilters.

One of the most utilized services is the loan of medical equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, canes and crutches, shower chairs, and ice machines–over 125 pieces (donated and purchased) at present. This year the equipment has found a new home in a garage on Citrus lane and the volunteers are led by Linda Ray.

Dan Schott is the coordinator for the Minor Home Maintenance Program. Dan and his team of ‘fix-it guys’ provide routine home maintenance tasks for residents unable to do so.

Today, Anh Snell provides haircuts to homebound residents. Prior to Ann, Sis Pietrzak provided professional haircuts to many residents for many years and we appreciate everything she did.

Wanda Kisicky is the Membership Coordinator and Jay DeMinico leads the Resource/Outreach team.

A special shoutout to Ruth Cyr and her events team who organize occasional fundraising events such as Girls’ Night Out, which in addition to their primary purpose of raising funds, provide a great time for members of the community.

Two new programs have been introduced this year:

The You Go Girl is a new pilot program under the Band of Angels planning monthly meetups for Trilogy women of all ages who are not yet connected to others in the Trilogy community. The goal is to create friendships and connections characterized by mutual support and emphasizing community, fellowship and fun in an atmosphere of kindness and respect.

And in June a new Band of Angels volunteer team began distributing Welcome Baskets to new residents, thereby completing a circle starting with Carol and Mario welcoming the first Trilogy residents 25 years ago!

Do Our Pets Really Love Us?

Pet owners adore their fur-babies. Pets are catered to with the best of foods, toys, beds, and ‘blankies,’ along with frequent displays of love and attention. But do they love us back, or are they just good at charming us into giving them more and more? Thanks to scientific research, there is proof that mammals, including humans, produce oxytocin, a hormone linked to positive emotional states during affectionate interactions, such as cuddling. Simply said, these animals are sentient beings with feelings similar to ours. A similar hormone is found in birds, but not in reptiles, so no need to try cuddling with your pet snake or lizard.

Due to this natural bond, there have been numerous occasions where animals have sought out human intervention for help. A few months ago, I wrote about the momma killdeer bird that came to our open patio door squawking at us. She was asking us to rescue her baby from the neighbor’s pool. There was a happy ending to that story. And there are many more such stories. A momma Indian elephant used persistence to get human help to rescue her calf from a deep watering hole. She was eventually able to lead a group of people to conduct the rescue. A Chihuahua dog jumped in the way of a rattlesnake as it struck at a one-year-old baby in the backyard. The pup took the bites and almost died, but the baby was unharmed. Then there is Homer, a blind kitten whose eyes had been removed due to a severe infection. One night, Homer’s owner awoke to hear Homer hissing. The owner realized that Homer was hissing at an intruder. Homer lunged at the intruder, attacking the burglar with his teeth and claws. The intruder quickly fled the scene.

Have you ever noticed your cat ‘winking’ or closing their eyes when you’re interacting with them? Your kitty might be performing a behavior known as the ‘slow blink,’ which shows their affection and trust in you. Their way of saying, ‘I love you.’

Roadrunner Photos

They also recognize when humans exhibit this behavior towards them. Tell your cat you love them by opening and closing your eyes slowly as you meet their gaze. You might just see your cat returning the gesture. Petting, grooming, and gentle talking also strengthen the bond you have with your cat.

When you and your dog maintain eye contact, both of you get a boost in oxytocin. This hormone strengthens social bonds and lets your dog feel the love. Long gazes (over one minute) boost your dog’s oxytocin more than short glances. Keep your eyes soft as you did when you were gazing at your first love at thirteen years old. As with cats, petting, grooming, and a gentle voice strengthen the bond you have with your dog.

One last and favorite story that I wrote about before is of a kitten in Trilogy that cried at people passing by. Still, it would run in fear as they approached. The kitten was alone, scared, and hungry, but somehow, he trusted that humans were his only source of help. He was finally trapped, and he hissed and popped as I approached. I gave him slow, lazy blinks and talked to him softly, assuring him that he was safe. He responded immediately in turn. Christened Ernie (photo), he was adopted by a family with children, cats, and dogs, where he remains happy to this day.

To report an unfamiliar cat, please contact the Front Desk at (480) 279-2053. To donate food, please contact Sandy Browne at (480) 318-9382.

Resources

8 Ways to Show Your Dog You Love Them So They Understand. https://www.rover.com/blog/show-dog-you-love-them

Sandra Browne

David Andrews

The Clubs of Trilogy at Power Ranch

CLUBS:

ART

Summer classes were a hit. Almost a dozen members joined in to paint a southwest scene featuring a roadrunner. Everyone had their own painting style.

Did you know road runners have colors in their feathers? Most appear to be just brown, tan, and black but in certain lighting conditions they feature iridescent blue, green, and bronze hues.

The Trilogy Art Club is open all year round and welcomes people to any level from beginner to professional. It can be very educational for newbies to observe the more seasoned artists. For more information on joining the Art Club, contact interim president, Kathleen Bell at tromsew7@gmail.com.

Pictured is a roadrunner acrylic painting by Art Club member, Domenic Campanella.

BOARDS & DECKS

Hello to you Trilogy, welcome to October,

The Boards and Decks Club announces that on Thursday, November 6 we will have our club kickoff event in the Cafe beginning at 3:30 pm. We will have snacks and a presentation about our club. Everyone is invited. The event is open to everyone looking to join a fun and friendly club. Come early to find a seat. Club members who attend will be able to pay their 2026 dues. The annual dues are $5. Come and join us. RSVP to Treasurer John Hewitt at jj4ndi@ gmail.com to reserve your spot before Friday, October 31.

Jackie Stratton, pictured here, caused lots of excitement on August 25 during our monthly Lucky 13 game day. She won three out of ten games, winning 32 dollars in quarters!

Sunday, October 26 at 1:30 pm will be our October Lucky 13 game. You must be 18 or older to play.

BOCCE

Welcome back to our returning snowbirds. Morning rolling still begins at 7 am but will be changing to 8 am sometime during the month. Watch your email for an announcement of the time change.

Fall Mixed League sign-up will be in early October with the player draft following. As usual, there are two divisions planned. Play will begin on October 21 and October 23. The Slate cup will be contested in December.

The Fall Tournament is scheduled for November 7-8 with sign-up throughout October.

Social activities are picking up again. Our Birthday/Anniversary Bash is October 18, and our Fall Barbecue is October 26.

Bocce 101 is back. Come to the courts on Wednesday afternoons at 1:30 pm, beginning October 9 to learn the game or get tips to improve your game.

Join us any morning at the bocce courts for some fun. Everyone is welcome.

BRIDGE

The Bridge Club is active year-round. Our year runs from January through December. There is a $5 charge to join the club. A check may be left in the club mailbox. This year the officers are asking you to fill out a form with your $5 registration. These forms may be found in the Catalina Room on the kitchen counter.

We meet in the Catalina Room on Tuesdays and Thursdays (12:30 to 3) for social bridge and Wednesday evenings (6 - 9) for duplicate bridge. There is a $1 charge per person for both social and duplicate bridge. The monies are paid out to the top winners for each event.

Social bridge does not require a partner, but it is nice to know how many people will be playing so tables can be prepared. President Deb Heim, (701-269-1725) handles this group.

Duplicate bridge does require a partner. Judy Edinger (480622-3324) is willing to find a partner for you. Otherwise, Vicepresident Anne Stuckey, (262-424-0969) handles this group. The Bridge Club welcomes new players at any time.

BUNCO

Bunco is a dice game that is easy to learn and fun to play. No yearly dues or membership is required. Everyone pays $5 each bunco night which goes into the winning payouts that night, so you aren’t really joining the Bunco Club. Everyone is welcome at any time.

Bunco Club generally plays on the last Monday of each month. If a holiday falls on the last Monday, bunco will be played on the prior Monday.

Check-in starts at 6 pm. Bunco starts at 6:30 in the Catalina (card) Room. The game ends at 8:45 or 9 pm.

If you have any questions, contact Gail Martin, President/ Secretary, gad3595@aol.com or 708-638-8831.

COMPANY OF FRIENDS

The Company of Friends August Cornhole Tournament brought out the spirit of friendly competition and much laughter. Pictured here are Kathy Herbert and Debra Gaston.

October 1 is the last day to purchase tickets for the popular Trivia and Family Feud contest, scheduled in the Ballroom from

THE CLUBS OF TRILOGY AT POWER RANCH

6 to 8 pm on October 4. You can form your own team of eight or join one upon arrival. Tickets are available on Purple Pass, and proceeds will support our charity, House of Refuge.

The highlight of November is the Trilogy Veterans’ Day event, taking place in the Ballroom from 5:45 to 8 pm. This special evening will honor all who have served our country. Guests can anticipate an uplifting Dogs4Vets presentation and dance to the music of Harry Matthews. Funds raised will benefit Dogs4Vets. Please bring snacks to share with your table. Purchase tickets through Purple Pass.

For further details, please contact Jim Townsend 480-720-6658.

COOKING

Hello Trilogy. The Cooking Club has one more Members’ Lunch this month before we kick off our fall season with our Community Breakfast on Saturday, November 1. The price for breakfast will be $8 and include eggs, sausage, blueberry pancakes, and buttermilk pancakes, as well as coffee, tea, orange juice, cranapple juice, and one special item. Watch for information in the Lifestyle email.

If you will be here in October, and want to know more about the Cooking Club, come join us for our October lunch.

We are not a gourmet cooking club. We are a club that enjoys getting together to cook and serve meals, both to our Trilogy community and to fellow members. Contact Tom Mayhew (tfmayhew@gmail.com) for more information.

Pictured are Pat Nelson and Linda Brannan, our hosts for the Cooking Club lunch in August.

EUCHRE

Happy October! A shout-out to all the witches, goblins and ghosts looking to play euchre! Pictured are our recent winners sporting their favorite sports team gear.

The club meets in the Catalina Room on Tuesday nights. Play starts at 6:30 pm. Cost is $2 per person. The four top point totals get payouts. Please sign up in advance for Tuesday play by emailing tpreuchre@gmail.com, or calling 480-256-9487 or Sheila Overturf at 614-558-5543.

Euchre is also played on Thursday afternoons at 1 pm for those wanting to learn or brush up their skills or just to have fun playing.

There is no signup. See what we are all about!

Congratulations to our weekly winners from August 26: Lance Leach, Maribeth Gudgeon, Jean Hartman and Andy Young!

FUN SAVORS

Can you believe it is October already? Fun Savors is happy to get the fall activities planned. If you aren’t a member of Fun Savors, we would love to have you attend our monthly General Meeting anyway! Please come and see what you can do and where you can go if you join. No pressure to join. Just visit! The October meeting will be Friday, October 24 at 9:30 am in the Ballroom. Come as you are. Nothing fancy. You bring your own coffee, water, etc. We always have a delicious donut for you. The meetings are usually no more than an hour long. You’ll be surprised to see your neighbors sitting in the audience! Here’s a hint of what you will hear about: High Tea, Hale and Queen Creek performances, a special Christmas event and the famous Fun Savors BarBQ!!

Pictured are Debbie Wilmer and Shirley Lee dressed for Back to The West, a Gaslight performance in Tucson.

GENEALOGY

The October meeting of the Genealogy Club will be held on Thursday, October 16 from 9 to noon in the Club Room. Our speaker, Duane Roen, has been tracing his roots since his teenage years, building a database with more than 32,000 ancestors. He and his wife have also been recording their family history since 1978, writing more than 21,000 pages of daily journal entries about their children and family. Combining his professional and personal interests, Duane worked with colleagues to establish courses on writing and recording family history at ASU. Duane is the founding coordinator of the Project for Writing and Recording Family History at ASU.

If you have been intending to start your Genealogy research, now is the time. Many of our members are willing and able to assist you in starting your research. Refreshments will be served. Guests and friends of members are welcome to attend. For more information contact President Barbara Weichert, at kbweichert@ gmail.com.

LADIES TLGA

Welcome back lady golfers! Our TLGA Kickoff Luncheon will be held October 28 at Slate Bistro starting at 11 am. It’s time to reconnect with friends and make new ones through the game of golf.

If you would like to join TLGA, please contact Lindsey Fonick at 408-858-7322. We would love to meet you and ‘play a round.’

LADY NINERS

The Niners continued our quest to beat the heat while enjoying our mornings on the course through the month of September. (Pictured are Carol Olson and Marsha Buck, winners in our Odd Number Holes game.)

This month we will be taking a break with overseed coming. We do enjoy sleeping in but miss our conversations with friends and the great morning weather. It has been a hot summer, but early mornings are the best!

Our regular league season begins on November 4, with the Kickoff Luncheon introducing new officers, new members and new plans for the group. We also get to see our seasonal members return to enjoy the course and the events for 2025-2026.

Members will be receiving email instructions for yearly fees and payments for early events. Please read those messages carefully so you will be on time with your responses. We look forward to a great season ahead!

LINE DANCE

The time is finally here! We can’t wait for you to learn and come line dance with us!

Tuesday class for intermediate dancers starts on October 7 at 1 pm in the Ballroom. Wednesday classes for beginners start on October 8 at 1 pm in the San Tan Room (dance studio accessible on the golf course side of the Clubhouse).

If you are trying us out and want a bit more instruction, come on Wednesday at 12:40 to learn a few basic steps. Your first class is free. After that, you can purchase a $24 punch card before class for six lessons.

Line Dance Club dues are $10 per year and help sponsor a community wide dance. Our Welcome Back Luncheon, Christmas party and Annual Meeting Luncheon are free to our members.

For other dance options such as swing, cha-cha, waltz and twostep see Purple Pass events on mytpr.

MAH JONGG

A big ‘high five’ to Rebecca Reber (photo) for getting a 15 Wonders hand while playing the Filipino version of Mah Jongg on Monday, August 25. 15 Wonders is the second highest hand a player can earn when playing Filipino Mah Jongg. Rebecca earned 100 points for the 15 Wonders hand, which required her to have a concealed hand consisting of the 1,3,5,7,9 of each suit. Congratulations Rebecca!

Currently there are over 190 club members who play Chinese, Filipino or American versions of Mah Jongg on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons from noon to 3 pm in the Catalina (card) Room.

If you are interested in joining the Mah Jongg Club or taking lessons in all Mah Jongg versions played in our club, please text Maribeth Gudgeon, Director of Membership Services, at 480263-3554.

PICKLEBALL

The Pickleball Club has continued to have active member participants playing every day. The mornings have been especially busy, and we now have many players showing up on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

For morning or evening play you will certainly find fun people with all levels of play, and you will hear encouraging chatter plus some smack down talk. (Of course, all include smiling faces.) If you are interested in joining our club, check out our information on the mytpr website, which includes contact information if you have any questions.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Welcome to the Photography Club! If you have an interest in photography, this is the place to be! No, you don’t need a fancy camera to check us out. Do you have a cell phone you enjoy taking photos with? That’s all you need! Our meeting in October will feature a discussion on cell phone cameras, so everyone should find this meeting of interest. We will also take on the current state of AI as it pertains to cell phone editing.

The Photography Club meets on the third Monday of the month at 1 pm in the Trilogy Café. We also will have field trips and social gatherings planned for the upcoming year.

Mission Statement: To enjoy our mutual interest and passion in the many facets of photography, regardless of experience, equipment type, or skill level. Whether you use a cell phone camera, pointand-shoot, DSLR, Mirrorless, or any combination, we encourage anyone with an interest to attend our gatherings, learn, and have fun!

For more information, please call our President, Scott Fishman. Scott can be reached at 913-710-5854 or sfishman02@gmail.com

QUILTERS

Quilt Club members have made clever, colorful Halloween quilts. Pictured is one by Linda Egner. (Will the ghost who is trick-or-treating get any goodies from the green monster living in the house?)

A Halloween quilt by Sandra Wooster is featured in the Snapshot of Life at Trilogy section.

With the approach of fall holidays, we are busy making quilts, place mats, table runners, tote bags, hot pads, and tissue holders.

Pictured are Sue Gibby, Kathy Schiele, Alaina Hageman, Margaret Olson and Tim Kiely.

On November 10 we start our Monday sidewalk sales in front of the Quilt Studio. We will be selling a variety of quilted items, not just those themed for the holidays. Hand-crafted items make wonderful gifts any time of the year.

If you are curious about what we do in the Quilt Club, stop by the Quilt Studio any Monday morning.

SCRAPBOOK

The Scrapbook Club invites all paper crafters and those interested in learning about our hobby to join us at our weekly gatherings. Come and go at any time during the day on Wednesday starting at 9 am and Thursdays after 6 pm. This past month individual members taught other members a variety of techniques including how to use a stamping platform, an inking technique for embossing folders, how to create images using the Cricut, and how to make a fun fold card complete with directions. Working on projects in a communal environment encourages creativity, motivates members to try new techniques, and facilitates making new friends.

A big advantage of membership is having access to all the club’s supplies. Supplies include paper trimmers, many stamp sets, dies, die cut machines including an older Cricut with many cartridges, embossing folders, inks, and punches plus a variety of card stock and pattern paper and assorted embellishments and stickers for members to use when creating a card or scrapbook page. Just bring your own scissors and adhesives.

Anyone interested in learning more about our club is encouraged to drop by any Wednesday morning. We’ll help you get started making a card and teach you how to use our equipment and tools.

This month’s cards were created by Ginna Cranston.

SINGERS

WANTED!! Your Trilogy Singers are looking for anyone who likes to sing to come and join us! There are no try-outs, everyone is welcome. We even have opportunities for “Booster” members to participate in our activities.

We continue to practice on Monday evenings, 6 pm, in the Ballroom. Our Fall Opening Social will be held October 15th at Slates Bistro. Be sure to sign up, you won’t want to miss this fun event! You can sign up at any of our practices each Monday evening, or by contacting Fran Molleur at f.molleur@cox.net.

STAINED GLASS

Welcome back to our snowbirds! Plans are to have a luncheon in October for all our members.

Our November evening class is full. It’s being held on November 10-21. If you want to be on waitlist, please contact Nancy Dyer at (207) 458-0820 or email her at nmdpharmd@gmail.com. The instructors are Jerry and Jim Morinville.

Our spring class will be held in March 2026. If interested, you

can contact Nancy Dyer to be put on a contact list.

TENNIS

It’s October, the snowbirds are slowly flying back to Trilogy, and peak tennis season begins. The club is excited about the start of our season in our first-class facility.

Activities include weekly men’s and women’s doubles and general drop-in play, in-house and social tournaments, practice sessions with our ball machine, and professional instruction.

If you are interested in learning to play or resurrecting your game, come join us. To join the club, simply go to mytpr.com website, select the Lifestyle tab, select Clubs from the dropdown menu, and finally select Tennis from the list. From there, select the Tennis Club Website, select the Membership tab, complete the online form, and click submit.

If you would like to reserve a court, select the Court Reservation System and follow the instructions.

THEATRE

John Mulaney said, “Part of standup is being loose and having a good time yourself and that translates to the audience.”

Speaking of comedy and having a good time, our comedy improv workshop is underway.

Our members also enjoyed a great performance of Anastasia at the Hale Theatre last month.

We will soon be announcing the selection of our play for 2026 as the committee has been hard at it, reviewing possible works. Plans for the December Holiday members event are shaping up, too. We’ll be looking forward to our ‘in-house’ entertainment. Stay tuned!

The Theatre Club meets the second Saturday of the month in the Ballroom at 9 am. Changes will be sent out via email when necessary.

Remember the words of Michael Altshuler, ”The bad news is, time flies. The good news is, you’re the pilot.”

TRAVEL

The next meeting of the Trilogy Travel Club will be on Thursday, October 23, at 4 pm in the Catalina (card) Room. All Trilogy residents are welcome, and there is no dues requirement to attend. Come and meet your fellow Trilogy travelers and share travel information. We will discuss future trips, including the January 2026 Princess cruise along the California and Mexico coast, already one of the most popular trips the Club has featured.

On November 4, the club will host a Travel Expo open to all Trilogy residents from 1 to 4 pm. Outside travel exports will present information about destinations in Arizona, the U.S. and around the world. Breakout sessions will look at local trips, cruises and exotic locations. Refreshments will be provided, and door prizes will be given. Registration is encouraged.

For more information about the Travel Club, please check our website or e-mail Ernie Nervegna at enervegna7@gmail.com or Marc Larson at mthelarson@gmail.com

The Groups of Trilogy at Power Ranch

Resident Gatherings

Trilogy Happenings

DEMS & FRIENDS

Dems & Friends is a group for all who are interested in seeing to it that our political systems at the local, state, and national level work for us all. We seek to be informed, engaged, and fairminded citizens.

With that goal in mind, we organize eight meetings a year guided by our members’ interests and concerns. We meet with political candidates, community activists, and our own wellinformed members to learn from and offer support to their work.

Please reach out to Linda Nelson at lindanelson7@gmail.com, if you’re interested in being added to our email list.

HORSESHOERS

Now it’s time to change the Horseshoe group schedule.

Starting October 6, we’ll meet from 8 to 9 am Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.

The Horseshoe area is open 24/7. Horseshoes are available on-site. So, come out and fellowship while enjoying the game.

IOWA

The Trilogy Iowa Group will be hosting our first Picnic in the Park on Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm. The event will be held at the Trilogy Community Park on the corner of S. Peachwood Dr. and E. Narrowleaf Dr (5415 S. Peachwood Dr.).

Iowans, please bring a dish you would like to share, a chair to relax in, and your favorite BYOB. The Trilogy Iowa Group will provide water, ice, cups, plates, napkins, and utensils. If you have Cornhole boards and bags, please bring them.

The next Trilogy Iowa Group Annual Potluck is scheduled for Sunday, February 22, 2026, in the Multipurpose Room.

If you are from Iowa or have an Iowa connection and are not on our email list, please send an email message to the Iowa Group (tpriowagroup@gmail.com) so we can add you to the group. Any email changes or corrections can be sent to the same email address.

If you are interested in joining our committee to help plan events, contact Jon Luksetich (luksetj@gmail.com).

REPUBS AND FRIENDS

The Repubs and Friends mission statement is quite simple: We are a group of conservative, pro-America, civic-minded, mature adults that believe in the rule of law and the U.S. Constitution.

We meet every eight weeks to disseminate information that addresses local and national political issues, utilizing the availability of local and national speakers and member input.

Our schedule for the remainder of 2025 is: 10/02, 11/20.

To become a member and receive email updates from the Repubs and Friends group, please send your request to; Repubs_N_ Friends@reagan.com

Repubs and Friends has a private Facebook group. If you desire to be a part of that group, please contact Margaret Serafin, whose contact information is on mytpr.com.

We look forward to seeing you at our meetings, and to providing a welcoming environment and a meaningful experience.

WINE & DINE

Are you curious about the Wine and Dine Group? We are a friendly, social dinner group that meets on the third Thursday of each month. We gather in small groups at each other’s homes, typically six to eight people per home. The host home provides the entree, side dish, dinnerware, water and coffee. The guests bring one of the following: an appetizer, salad or dessert. Guests also bring their own beverage. Each month, the host home changes, as do the guests at each home.

One of the fun things is that the menu topics vary every month. Gourmet cooking is not required. We have a variety of themes and meat choices throughout the year to appeal to all types of cooks and appetites. This month is Host’s Choice.

We are always happy to welcome new members. For more information or to join, contact our New Member Coordinator, Carol Mueller, dcmueller@cox.net

“EN POINTE –

A Life Balanced on Strength, Survival and Grace”

Lori Wilkerson

We watch the Ballerina defy gravity as she effortlessly ascends heavenward until she balances on the tips of her toes. Time stops. Our breath catches. We’re transported in stunned silence – unaware of the weight she bears while “En Pointe.” This is the story of Trilogy’s Mariana Laufer whose early life of poverty and loss, art and triumph forged an iron will and indomitable resilience leading her to achieve a life of “perfect balance.”

Born in war-torn Romania near the end of World War II, Mariana grew up in abject poverty, where there was “no food; no heat…nothing.” But to her young heart the dingy home that surrounded them was, “Paradise, as long as my parents were with us.” Sadly, this consolation evaporated like the long-ago beauty of Bucharest. Her father left the home and family, and her treasured mother died when Mariana was just thirteen.

But the hardships she experienced became her refuge. Each pain was the ink used to compose the score of her destiny. Mariana’s father, an engineer, was devoted to classical music. Her dreams were orchestrated by falling asleep to his playing Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata.” She imprinted his dynamic presentation, allowing it to shape her future self. “It touched my heart deeply… for me the music was food.”

Mariana discovered ballet while accompanying a friend to her lessons. There she saw the music inside her moving, the notes - escaping through graceful fingertips; crescendo Ing with each perfect landing. With faltering health, her mother began working as a cashier so Mariana could take a few lessons.

A teacher, quickly recognizing her student’s innate aptitude, exhorted Mariana to be scheduled for five lessons weekly. Realistically, knowing she could not afford this increase, Mariana’s mother decided her daughter should audition for the elite Choreography School of Bucharest – a state-sponsored program rooted in the prestigious Russian Vaganova method. The grueling training required the young ballerina repeat both her fourth year ballet training – which meant also repeating the academic year. She was labeled as “not up to par” with the requirements, but Mariana’s mother advocated for her, insisting she be given one more chance.

Described as “too old” and “chubby” for serious training, Mariana perfected each Plié and Pirouette, while honing a determination older than her years. But she was blindsided by a new assault – discrimination. After excelling in a pivotal first quarter exam, receiving exceptional notes and being called “a revelation;” she was summarily expelled. The reason? Her

family had applied to emigrate to Israel. “You are Jewish, so you have no place here,” she was told.

Like a crushed dandelion, the seeds of her mother’s faith and Mariana’s own determination found sacred soil in which to land. She persisted training incessantly and after graduating from the Conservatory, earned the right to audition for the Bucharest State Opera and Ballet – the pinnacle of a dancer’s dream. She bloomed before their eyes and successfully joined the company.

Mariana’s debut performance in “Swan Lake” remains etched within her. “I remember the smell of the theater; calming my nerves before I put my foot on the stage…it was a ritual.” Reminiscent of the air strikes of her childhood, however, treachery came uninvited. The Ballet Master, resentful of her background, mocked Mariana relentlessly. Without explanation, he required her to repeat her steps over and over, wanting to see her physical resistance. But the young maiden with an elder’s wisdom refused to compromise her dignity. After enduring his cruelty, she confronted him: “If you do not tell me what I am doing wrong, I will leave this hall. I’m done!” As her fellow students watched in shocked silence, Mariana walked out the door.

Mariana heart-brokenly realized she could not thrive under such conditions, nor could she prevail with the political pressures of Communist Romania under Russia. With courage that equaled her artistry, she chose to leave, first to Paris, and then Israel.

Like light shining through bomb-shattered windowpanes, hope turned out in Tel Aviv. Mariana immersed her talent between theaters, whose purpose was not only expressing art, but also to uplift morale throughout the region. Performances ranged from “The Batsheva Dance Company,” an internationally acclaimed contemporary group, to dancing under the direction of impresario Giora Godik at the renown Cameri Theater. The artist also co-founded “The Classical Israeli Ballet Co.” In addition to her theater engagements, Mariana performed eight regular shows a week, while somehow managing to dedicate time for Hebrew classes. With each heartbeat she knew she was fulfilling her parents’ long-ago dreams for her.

Two days after arriving in Israel, Mariana met Wolfgang “Wolfi” Laufer, a gifted cellist and family acquaintance, who was currently serving in the Israeli Army as a tank officer. After witnessing marital disintegration as a child, and afraid of sacrificing her hard-won career, Mariana had always vowed to never marry. But love prevailed. When Wolfi returned safely home after the Six Days War – the couple was married.

Finding herself once again strung between wartime tensions, Mariana’s unassailable craftsmanship persisted. There she discovered her greatest strength of all – motherhood, which reshaped her priorities. Within weeks of her son’s birth, the family moved to Sweden for Wolfi’s orchestral career. Following her daughter’s birth, Mariana faced a difficult decision. With two small children now centering her life, she set aside her performing career and once they relocated

to Hamburg, Germany, began teaching. The family moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where Wolfi became cellist of the “Fine Arts Quartet.” For decades, Mariana channeled her passion into teaching and coaching, mentoring young dancers with the same intensity that had once fueled her own steps.

Her life was filled with joy but not spared from trials. Wolfi’s international career – principal cellist with the Hamburg Philharmonic and beyond - brought pressure and personal struggles. Mariana leaned on her self-reliance, faith, and deep belief in her own fortitude. “Resilience comes from your desire of finishing something you love…a tenacity to see from Point A to Point B, no matter the hurdles.”

Her ultimate crucible arrived as a moment of reckoning when both Mariana and Wolfi were diagnosed with NonHodgkin’s Lymphoma. Though undergoing chemotherapy herself, Mariana steeled her will on caring for him. Tragically, complications during treatment claimed his life. Friends urged the stricken widow to sue for malpractice, but a life of excellence vs. evening the score guided her to refuse. “I can’t bring him back. I don’t need their money – even if I had nothing.”

Today, Mariana reflects on a life that defied limitations. In her self-published autobiography, “Over Three Big Lakes –Surviving Adversity,” (available on Amazon.com), she details in depth the winding road that led her, and the courage that guided her. Despite broken feet and hands, replaced hips, and the lingering effects of illness, she continues to share her wisdom with dancers. Her students have gone on to perform in prestigious companies, including the New York City Ballet and the Denver Ballet Company. They contact her from around the world to seek counsel and express their gratitude.

Mariana’s story is one of refinement, not just in movement, but in spirit. “When I close my eyes for the last time, I will be at peace,” she says softly. “Because I know I lived fully – balanced on strength, survival, and grace.”

CHARACTER COUNTS…

Thanks to Mom and Dad

One of the greatest joys of parenthood is watching your child achieve their own personal goals, whatever those might be. As a parent, you probably didn’t just watch, but you took part in the effort with financial assistance, transportation, advice and most of all, moral support. John and Dollie Spaun and their son, John Michael Spaun Jr (aka John John, or J.J.) are living proof that those goals can be reached, enjoyed and can provide amazing memories…like watching your son participate in the US Open, a contest pitting the best of the best golf professionals competing for the honors, not to mention a huge purse.

With a lovely café setting, 70 plus community members listened to the saga of a young golfer whose parents, Trilogy residents, enjoyed playing the game and introduced it to him at a very early age. John and Dollie, with permission from her obstetrician, played until her eighth month of pregnancy. When John John arrived, he began swinging the plastic clubs as soon as he was mobile. By age three, Dad, (John) set up some areas in the garage at their home in Southern California, and the practice began. Pictures and videos were shared of John John with his clubs, diapers and all. That was the beginning.

As time progressed, he also showed interest in skateboarding and his guitar. At one time, he told his dad that he wanted to be a professional skateboarder, and John, being the wise father, said “No!” Instead, the end of John John’s school day would find him heading to the local golf course to practice until it was time for Mom and Dad to arrive home after work. Weekend family time was spent on the golf course. J.J.’s interest and love for the game continued through high school where he became a CIF (California Interscholastic Federation) Finalist, and he received many accolades during his time at San Diego State.

As our time with the Spauns continued, we realized that their son, J.J., is a young man with many achievements to his credit. He is educated and an exceptional golfer in spite of never taking professional lessons. Today, he is also a husband to Melodie, and they are the parents of two adorable young daughters, Emerson and Violet.

Handling the pressure and stresses of his chosen career in golf takes an additional type of education, sometimes referred to as character education or learning “life skills.” In J.J.’s case, Dad and Mom were the best teachers for character development. Watching Dollie and John talk about their son J.J. was an emotional experience as they related a few situations that displayed the J.J. that they don’t always show on TV. We also witnessed the emotions of proud parents, which triggered a few wet eyes and sniffles in the audience.

J.J. had the opportunity to play in a few different tours including the Web Tour, the Gateway Tour and the PGA Tour Canada. At one time, his play was not making the cut, and he had to relinquish his PGA Tour Card. He regained his privileges through the Korn Ferry Tour Finals. We call this perseverance and determination.

Marsha Buck

John related an incident when J.J. was playing in a tournament at Bandon Dunes on the Oregon Coast. On the course, the same type of grass was cut at different levels for the green and the first cut surrounding the green. Players may only mark their ball while on the green, but J.J. realized he had marked while on the first cut. This is a penalty, and he reported his error to the official. This eventually cost him a win in that tournament but definitely showed his concern regarding playing by the rules and the importance of integrity on display here.

During the weekend of the 2025 US Open, Melodie, Emerson and Violet joined J.J. to enjoy the festivities and see Dad play. The Saturday night prior to the final day of golf was a rough one when Violet got sick, and J.J. went out in the early morning hours to find an open drugstore and medicine to help his daughter. Chaos aside, Violet felt better and the last day he won the tournament with a 64-foot putt on #18, the last hole.

Dollie explained to the group that J.J. misses “his girls” the most when he has to travel. It is evident that he is one dad who understands responsibility, especially for his family.

Thank you, John and Dollie for raising a young man with the important character traits to make him successful as a golfer but also as a husband, father and all-around good guy. We appreciate you sharing J.J.’s life with us, so we can enjoy his success, much of which is a result of your parenting. The life skills you have instilled will definitely have influence as he continues his career. Your pride in your son and his achievements is contagious.

There is one more individual who needs to be mentioned here. Mark Carens has been J.J.’s caddie for the last five years. Sometimes the caddies don’t receive the credit they deserve for keeping their players on track, calm and focused on the game. John and Dollie referred to Mark as “J.J.’s partner” in this endeavor.

If you are interested in seeing more details of this young man’s golf career, please check him out on Wikipedia. You can find a list of his accomplishments on many golf courses over his career with more to come. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._J._Spaun

The Boyce Thompson Arboretum, Another Arizona Icon

Shirline Kish

“Go

West Young Man!”

Here’s a riddle for you. What does a creek, conservation, a castle, Mr. Big, coatimundis, a kiddie show, and nuts have in common? If you guessed the Boyce Thompson Arboretum after visiting this unique botanical garden with our Trilogy Fun Savors, or went on your own private tour, you would win the prize. This arboretum is the oldest and largest garden in Arizona, consisting of almost 400 acres of land in the Sonoran Desert, and featuring over 2,600 different types of plants from around the world. It lies in a hidden canyon and adjacent valley, nestled along Queen Creek beneath the northern foot of Picket Post Mountain. Yes, it is the source of the very same Queen Creek that runs through our sister city! (When it rains!)

It takes about an hour to drive from Gilbert to the park, which is three miles southwest of Superior, Arizona. In a slow stroll, our friendly docents guided us through an hour’s walk on the Main Trail, describing the desert trees, arid shrubs, green succulents, cacti, flowers, and desert wildlife that have adapted to extreme temperatures and little rainfall. Most trails are typically short, clearly marked with fairly level pathways, and considered “easy.”

Lucy, our furry canine, would have been welcomed on a leash! Well, maybe…

In 1924, Colonel William Boyce Thompson, (1869-1930) a mining engineer, financier, and incredibly wealthy philanthropist from Montana, founded the Boyce Thompson Arboretum, as a desert plant research facility and “living museum.” He had made a fortune in the copper industry, as the founder and first president of Inspiration Consolidated Copper Company in Globe-Miami, Arizona and Magma Copper Company in Superior, Arizona (among numerous other enterprises)! He endowed the Arboretum (WBT Institute) with $10 million, worth $161 million today. He hoped that this “seed” money would enable the institute to acquire the very best scientists, equipment, and supplies to develop relationships with industry and the government. Methods to protect plants from industrial pollutants, used in farming, medicine, and conservation, were a few of the studies involved. The Boyce Thompson Arboretum (or BTA) became the 1st non-profit organization for scientific purposes in Arizona.

William Boyce Thompson believed, “All life depends on plants.” He hired several scientists to conduct early plant research at the Arboretum. One particular scientist from the University of Arizona, Director Franklin J. Crider, worked for a number of years on erosion control plants. Dr. Crider masterminded a conservation project of enormous proportions. Extensive experiments in root growth and dry-land planting methods were used to reverse the vicious cycle of de-vegetation on Picket Post. They located species of groundcovers that could reclaim damaged soil and prevent soil erosion. Their work was later expanded with the U.S. Forest Service to help solve problems due to overgrazing, destructive land use, and abandoned, eroded cropland. This project was so successful that in 1935, the government created the U.S. Soil Conservation Service across the entire U.S. All due to the “Arboretum Nursery.” A huge deal!

Along our walk, the docent mentioned a unique way for volunteers to help spread seeds in specific areas of the Arboretum. The Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts had fun shooting “seed bombs” with sling shots. What a quick and creative way to spread seeds in a mud clot! The BTA holds three Nationally Accredited Plant Collections and also has a rare and endangered plant collection. Some collections at the Arboretum include eucalyptus, southwest oaks, almond, pecan, pistachio trees, ephedra plants for medicinal use, dudleyas, which look like rosettes or lotus succulents, and desert legumes. The international seed bank of desert legumes with 1,413 species, is now housed at the Arboretum for the preservation of legume biodiversity from arid regions around the world.

After an enjoyable picnic lunch, our docent told us, “You should go visit Mr. Big!” Who is that? Well, “Mr. Big is a giant red gum, longneck eucalyptus tree. He is the unofficial mascot living in a cove of eucalyptus trees. And he is BIG! Standing at 117 feet tall with over 22 feet in circumference, he is designated as an Arizona Champion, the largest of his species in the U.S. He immigrated from Australia in 1926 as a 6-ft. three-year old.

Now, almost a centenarian, he is happily rooted next to his wife, “Mrs. Big.”

Near Mr. and Mrs. Big, were a happy band of coatimundis. These four little busybodies were so active foraging the ground for grubs, seeds, fruits, eggs, and other goodies that omnivores like to eat, that they ignored their audience. (They help control the insect, reptile, and amphibian population, too!) Their fluffy-ringed tails stood straight up like an exclamation mark and reminded me of a lemur or proud monkey. However, these critters are related to the raccoon family, having a slender body the size of a cat, and a long-nosed snout. Coatimundis are rarely seen in the desert or open grassland in the southwestern parts of the U.S. Climbing trees with their sharp claws and balancing prehensile tails, the tropics are where you would encounter the intelligent and playful coatis.

Back to my riddle, “What does a kiddie show and nuts” have to do with the Boyce Thompson Arboretum? Well, in 1999, a pistachio tree was planted at the Boyce Thompson Arboretum by William “Bill” Earnest Thompson, known as “Wallace,” in honor of Ladimir Kwiatowski, affectionately called “Ladmo.” “Ladmo always was a nut,” Wallace said. Why was this tree planted at the Arboretum? Oh, I don’t know…maybe because Wallace had a certain family connection. According to interviews with Wallace, he lived a privileged childhood in upstate New York, where his father traded stocks at his office in the Empire State building. Wallace had fond memories of floating down the Hudson River in the family yacht and visiting his grandfather at his Rancho Joaquina estate in Phoenix. Wallace’s grandfather was the brother of William Boyce Thompson. (Wallace’s likeness to WBT was uncanny!)

Why would we know Wallace? If you grew up in Arizona or had children living here anytime from 1954 to 1989, you would know him. Or you may recall that a few years ago, I mentioned

in a STP article titled, “Arizona Icons,” that Wallace and Ladmo was a beloved kiddie show that ran for almost 36 years on Channel 5, KPHO. (Unfortunately, you might have missed this show if you didn’t reside in Arizona those years, as it was only broadcast locally.) Most cities and states had their own clowns. We had ours. It was the longest running show in the nation, in which Wallace created, produced, and hand wrote the scripts. Wallace later joked that “Gerald,” the bratty rich kid’s character, portrayed by Pat McMahon, was likely inspired from some of his own personal experiences. In 1952, at age 22, Bill Thompson or Wallace, drove his 1932 Pontiac to Phoenix to “reinvent myself out West.” Born in 1931, perhaps the Depression Years, World War II, or family dynamics influenced Wallace’s career decision, but he wanted to “make people laugh.”

If you haven’t been to the Boyce Thompson Arboretum, it is worth a hike or stroll. It would not exist today, if it weren’t for William Boyce Thompson’s generous monetary gift and love of plants. The Arboretum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its iconic place in Arizona’s science and education is significant, as well as its national contributions.

There is much more to see: Ayer Lake, a man-made reservoir, used to provide irrigation water to the Arboretum gardens, “Castle on the Rock,” a 7,000 sq. ft. mansion perched on cliffs 200 ft. above the Arboretum and built for WBT’s winter home, and the newest Wallace Garden Collection. By mere coincidence in name, Henry B. Wallace donated 6,000 desert trees and plants in 2015 from his private garden. This rare gift was transported by trucks, 75 miles from north Scottsdale and replanted at the Arboretum. Late fall or early spring would be a lovely time to check it out. And while you are there, head towards the Festival Area, across from the Clevenger House. Walk down towards Queen Creek and look for two very special nut trees.

TPR Foundation Happenings

Rodger Page, Past President

We are entering the fall season and are happy to start welcoming back our snowbirds. The TPR Foundation Board has been actively preparing for fall and winter activities over the summer. We invite you to visit the Foundation’s website (tprfoundation.org ) to stay informed about the latest events. We want to remind you that it is easy to sign up or register for upcoming events on our website and to view the Board’s initiatives aimed at supporting Trilogy and the Southeast Valley community.

Spotlight on Foundation Board Volunteers

Board Member: Mary Manning is the newest member of the Foundation Board. She and her husband, Tom, moved to Trilogy in September 2017. She was a teacher from 1990 to 2004 and continued to substitute and volunteer, especially in her granddaughter’s classroom. Because of her love of the outdoors and animals, she also volunteered at the Phoenix Zoo. Mary and her husband love to travel and have taken many cruises. They have a daughter and a family who live in Power Ranch, and a son and a family who live in Minnesota. They spend their summers at their cabin in the Heber/Overgard area, where they golf, kayak, and volunteer at their church’s thrift store. Mary played in several Foundation golf events and began discussing with Miriam the possibility of making a few changes. This led to her involvement in the Foundation, where she began soliciting prizes for raffle and auction items. Due to her desire to help others, this involvement ultimately led to her appointment as a board member in 2024.

Update on Foundation Programs and Events:

Smith Machine Dedication: The TPR Foundation will host a dedication of the Smith Machine in the Fitness Center on Tuesday, October 21, at approximately 3:00 pm, following the “Meet and Greet” with our new Executive Director, Michelle,

in the Cafe. We would encourage all to attend this dedication and learn more about the machine and its use.

Fall Wine Tasting Event: The annual Fall Wine Tasting Event is scheduled for Monday, November 3, at Slate from 4:00 to 6:00 PM. This is always a fun event, and we encourage your participation. All profits from this and every event sponsored by the TPR Foundation are used to support senior citizens in the Southeast Valley. Slate makes a $5 donation to the Foundation for every bottle of wine that is sold at the event. This is an incredibly generous support for our mission. As of the time of writing this article, the menu and wine selections are still being developed, as well as the pricing for this event. Information about the wine tasting and registration will be available on the website by the time this article is published.

Tranquility Garden Memorial Service: The annual memorial service for those who are no longer with us will be held in the Tranquility Garden, located next to the swimming pool, on Saturday, November 21. To recognize friends and loved ones, a tree sculpture was designed and placed in the garden with leaves available for purchase for $200 each. We have placed approximately sixty-two engraved leaves on the tree. There are a total of two hundred leaves on the trees, so there are still plenty of leaves available for purchase. Please contact Linda Anderson (480-688-9551) for information or to purchase leaves.

Mark these dates on your calendar

Tuesday, Dec. 9: Bill Katz Memorial Annual Golf Event (the date of this event may change)

Monday, Jan. 26: Winter Wine Tasting Event

Monday, Mar. 30: Spring Wine Tasting Event

Additional information about these events will be in the November San Tan Press and on the TPR Foundation website (tprfoundation.org ).

The Foundation’s Mission: To work in partnership with community organizations to improve the health, well-being, and quality of life for senior adults living in the Southeast Valley communities, including Trilogy at Power Ranch.

• Give your front porch a mini update, add colorful flowers, plants, accessorize plaque or sculpture

• Replace worn out welcome mats

• Front Door, clean surface, glass or scuffed repaint or refinish doorbell work & doesn't stick

• Yard clean up, add colorful pull weeds, trim trees and branches the house or block a view

• Repair any irrigation leaks and to ensure they work properly water fountain & BBQ grill

• Declutter rooms for an easy personal pictures from walls paint, remove pictures from

• Avoid leaving personal items

have your R/O & soft water around the house that leave a big notice closely at the age of roofs, A/C

w/style (Deanna can help you powerful first impression & to help a home sell faster and fresh paint and new carpet

Happy Birthday Dick Ekstrom

On September 4th 1935, the world was introduced to Richard ( Dick) Ekstrom weighing in at 7 lbs 14 oz. When he was a young boy, his mother and father and the family moved to Southern California to take advantage of a new opportunity. Prior to moving, Dick had played juvenile hockey but learned that it had not caught on yet in his new town. One day, he was strolling by an ice arena near home that offered figure skating lessons. He went in and joined and adapted well to this new passion. His coach recommended that he should have a partner to perform ice dance routines.

AT LAST! Sondra was introduced to him and he was smitten. On one visit to the arena, he noticed an audition request for performers for the Ice Capades. It sounded like a good idea and he figured he would need to separate himself from the pack in order to be hired. He needed an edge so he dressed up in light blue skater slacks and a flashy red top to the audition and he was hired. He travelled by train for a year and a half performing sometimes three shows in a day. During this time, Sondra was dancing with the Holiday on Ice group.

Dick and Sondra decided to get married so they both retired from their ice skating careers and were eager to see what new challenges were in store for them. In order to support their life back in Southern California, Dick began working for UPS. While working for them he decided he was destined for bigger and better things so he enrolled in Cal State LA. After graduating he found employment in the aerospace industry.

After retiring from aerospace they purchased a fifth wheel trailer and travelled the US extensively for 15 years. When they retired from the mobile lifestyle, they purchased a home in Trilogy where he was welcomed by the wheezer bicycle group and was called “Little Dick”. Sondra and Dick have been married for 68 years. A birthday celebration for Dick was recently hosted by his many Trilogy friends.

In Memoriam

If you would like to submit information for the In Memoriam section: Submissions must be made by family members by emailing to santanpress@tprcoa.com or calling Terri Hagan at 480-279-2069 the following information:

• Full name of resident and date of passing

• Name of surviving spouse or partner In addition, family members may also express their thanks to neighbors & friends.

PARKING FOR SPECIAL EVENTS:

When attending a special event at the Clubhouse, such as the Holiday Gala, please try to avoid parking in Unit 1, E Chestnut Lane, E Cassia Lane, and South Peach Willow Lane. If parking in this area, please be considerate of the homeowners and utilize one-side parking.