OBJECTIVIES: Volunteerism Leadership Property Maintenance Objective Decisions Advance Value Ventana Views January 2015 Keeping Up Appearances Landscape renovation is an important part of property improvement, adding to the curb appeal of a community. Most first impressions of a community and its level of maintenance and value are made from the street. Even with conscientious trimming and maintenance, all foundation plantings get crowded after 5 years. That’s when it is time to renovate. As trees and shrubs gradually grow older and bushier, they expand by sending up new shoots at ground level, which develop into wide clumps of increasingly crowded stems. This preponderance of thick, woody stems cause the plant to lose vitality and become vulnerable to disease and insect attack. Ventana Lakes’ foundation plantings are over 20 years old. It was a great surprise to learn from our professional arborist that foundation plantings have a limited lifespan and should be renovated after 15 years. Renovation involves cutting the oldest and thickest of the stems down to ground level and removing them. The initial look is sparse or ugly, but come Spring, the period of greatest plant growth, shrubs will emerge from dormancy and all systems are go. Cutting stems back to the ground allows a new surge of energy to produce replacement shoots that vibrantly arise from the crown of the shrub and give older shrubs a new lease on life. There are some specific things to keep in mind when renovating landscaping, such as the time of year, location, maturity, usefulness, health and safety in removal or major amendment of the plant or area. There are several reasons for tree and shrub removal, usually involving damage from storms, disease, maintenance concerns or sheer size issues. If the right trees have been planted in the right places, they can remain much longer. It’s the close proximity to foundations, walls and sidewalks that create an earlier need for foundation plant renovation work. In years past, the Association’s contract landscaper attempted a renovation process. Unfortunately the community was not properly educated on the process, and it was stopped based on numerous resident complaints that the plants were being cut too much and the area looked ugly. So, when you see an area where the shrubs and trees look pretty sparse and cut way down, remember this is a part of the landscape renovation process. Come Spring, you will see better looking and healthier plants. “Wait till Spring, it will look beautiful” 2 Committee Meeting Schedules All Board of Directors Business Meetings and Workshops, as well as all Committee Meetings, are open to the Membership. All Owners are welcome and encouraged to attend and participate. Only Executive Meetings of the Board are closed, pursuant to ARS §33-1804. On pages 8 and 9, we list the group activities. Items listed with a symbol $, indicate additional costs to participate. Please contact the representative of the activity for additional information. The Board of Directors will meet for their Monthly Workshop at 11am on Wednesday, January 7. They will meet for the Monthly Business Meeting at 1:30pm on Wednesday, January 21. Both of these meetings will be held in the Yacht Club. All Residents are welcome and encouraged to attend all open meetings. 3 Community Connection CODE OF CONDUCT Ventana Lakes Property Owners Association 10874 W. Chino Dr. Sun City, AZ 85373 Hours of Operation Mon.-Fri. 8:30am– 4:30pm Administrative Office 623-566-6001 Evenings & Weekends leave message at X20 Staff: Facilities & Grounds Manager: John Lunsford [email protected] Administrative Manager: Rhonda Alegria [email protected] Events & Communications Coordinator: Gale O’Leary [email protected] The following condensed Code of Conduct Rule is being provided as a reminder to everyone what is acceptable behavior and language and that enforcement can be imposed for violating an established rule. For the full Code of Conduct Rule, please review Rule 7. The Board of Directors supports enforcement of this rule and employees do have the right to refuse service to anyone in violation of the Association Code of Conduct Rule. 1. All persons are to be courteous and respectful of others at all times. 2. All persons shall refrain from profane, indecent, and/or abusive language or actions. 3. Physical or verbal abuse directed at any person is forbidden. 4. No person shall harass or accost any other person Administrative Assistant: Lorraine Benson [email protected] Office Assistant: Karen Carr [email protected] Ventana Views: [email protected] Webmaster: [email protected] General Information: [email protected] Board Of Directors (all phone numbers are 623 area code unless otherwise indicated President Lori Norris [email protected] 878-9566 Vice President Ken Matz [email protected] 271-7225 Secretary Pat Roark [email protected] 748-9305 Treasurer Larry Englerth [email protected] 374-4216 Director Carol Burris [email protected] 825-8674 Director Anthony Fiore [email protected] 572-3128 Director Chet Homan [email protected] 255-5273 The Board of Directors does not endorse products, services, or workmanship being advertised in the Ventana Views and will never knowingly accept an advertisement which is illegal or fraudulent. The Board of Directors and Ventana Lakes POA assumes no responsibility for any loss or hardship (be it loss of life, property, equipment, bodily injury, money, time or other) incurred directly or indirectly by any person using any advertiser sourced in this publication. If you as a reader have a question about an ad and suspect that it might promote an illegal or fraudulent activity, please contact the Management Office to file a complaint; or check with the Attorney General’s Consumer Fraud line at 1-800-220-5424. Feature Index President Report Treasurer Report Events & Comm.Coordinator Administrative Manager Report Facilities Manager Report Exercise Groups Sports Groups Cards & Games Groups Craft Groups Social Groups Did You Know Scribbler Story Everyone has a Story 4 5 6 6 7 8 8 9 9 9 11 20 21 4 President Report Lori Norris, President Let’s start the new year on a positive note! How can we do that? It can be difficult when half empty vs. half full mindsets compete, and when negativity clashes with positive intentions. Granted, there are things that need to be repaired in our community, but look at how much we have achieved already. Rome was not built in a day, nor will Ventana Lakes be fixed in a year. But, we will get better results working together rather than against and by communicating rather than complaining. Please give staff a chance to explain rather than chastising them for things that are out of their control or things they are unaware are happening. Each day I start out with hope. I hope that residents recognize their Board and staff are making improvements that benefit the entire community. They say the wheels of justice turn slowly. Changing a negative mindset takes even longer. But, negative attitudes can turn positive, if one keeps an open mind to accept change. When negativity prevails, progress is slower and more costly in the long run. So, rather than focus on the negative, I will expend my energy in 2015 building on our positive focusing on our plans to accomplishments and focusing on our plans to accomplish even more positive results. I challenge and encourage you to do the same. Raise your head and look around. Recognize there are plans in place to address our deficiencies and take pride in the things that make living in this community enjoyable. Work with, not against. The Board can’t do it alone. We need staff and volunteers to mold and shape our community into an even more desirable place to live. Every resident can make a difference. Whether you are house bound, participate in events or are still working, you can contribute to your community. Step forward! Please ask, don’t demand. Disagreements do not have to be confrontational. The Board and staff want to hear your concerns and ideas, and we appreciate receiving them in a calm and professional manner. I care about our community just as much as you do, if not more, and I want to ensure its financial and structural integrity. Will you help us grow? Here’s to a new year moving forward together. 5 Treasurer Report Larry Englerth, Treasurer Master Operations Account: (excludes Activities and Reserve accounts) - Total operational revenue was $1,343,034 through the end of November with total expenditures of $1,300,591 for the same time period. The resulting operating surplus of $42,442 is approximately $18,124 greater than the first eleven months of 2013. The general outlook for the operating account is favorable. The Finance Committee completed work on the 2015 Operations budget and submitted its recommendation to the Board for approval. The budget includes normal inflationary factors along with maintenance issues, like long term lake quality and landscaping improvements that are not covered by the reserve account. We express our thanks to the committee members and the six individuals who committed their personal time to complete the research on various projects and issues. Over the past months, we have increased collection actions on past due accounts and are pursuing all options legally available to the Association. Of the thirteen accounts that have significant balances, two paid in full, six have entered and are fulfilling payment arrangements, two entered payment arrangements which they are not in compliance (further legal action taken) and three have not responded and legal action is being pursued. All payment arrangements are monitored for compliance and additional action will be pursued, if agreements are not fulfilled. To prevent a repeat of these accounts that accumulated excessive balances over several years, we have initiated action against two additional accounts. We have pulled all aspects of collections, except an initial past due reminder notice, from the accounting firm and are coordinating collection efforts through our staff. I appreciate the efforts of our Administrative Manager (Rhonda) in her efforts to collect the past due accounts. Masters Reserve Account – The Reserve balance at the end of November was $256,839 with the only pending payments being the performance hold on the tennis and pickleball courts (held until electrical and windscreen are completed) and the stove replacement for the Yacht Club. It is projected the reserve fund will end the year in the $265,000 - $280,000 range. The Finance Committee completed work on the 2015 Reserve budget and submitted its recommendation to the Board for approval. The Committee was provided a list of projects recommended by staff for maintenance issues or recommended by residents from a usage or aesthetic perspective. The objective of the committee was to address the required improvements and maintenance of amenities through a long term plan utilizing professional evaluations in determining the scope of work required and the urgency with which the work must be completed. The ultimate target is to reestablish the financial foundation of the reserve account with amenities that meet the requirements of our governing documents. We have been pleased by the comments and depth of the recommendations from residents and projects will be prioritized based on urgency and cost. This committee will continue to evaluate projects during the first half of 2015 to insure accurate data is available for the 2016 process. Resident involvement is appreciated. Gardens Accounts Gardens Operating and Reserve accounts are both tracking to budget targets. 6 Administrative Manager Rhonda Alegria, CAAM VLPOA contracts with Colby Management to provide accounting-only services to the Association. At the August Board meeting, the Board voted to extend that contract and established an Ad Hoc Committee to review the current contract and accounting processes. This Ad Hoc Committee, named CASA (Community Accounting Services Assessment), has been hard at work for months now. With the emphasis on efficiency, improved service and fiscal responsibility, the Committee is dedicated to evaluating this very complex project and providing recommendations to the Board if it is determined that a change is needed. The first phase of this project was to identify ways that we can become more efficient. Colby runs computer software which is not compatible with our onsite software, creating duplicate work on both sides. The CASA Committee evaluated the work of the Strategic Planning Committee, who had previously reviewed this matter, and concluded that it would not be feasible to change our software providers at this time, both from an economic position and from a priority standpoint. The CASA members agreed and began constructing a scope of work to solicit other vendors. Critical focus points were minimizing the impact on residents and improving services. How does this impact you as individual owners? Ideally, there should be little to no inconvenience to you during the transition. The Committee wants any changes that you will notice to be positive ones. We’re looking into some new services, such as the ability to ‘opt in’ to electronic billings and improved account access. The Committee will approach this transition carefully in a controlled, phased approach to minimize any glitches that may accompany the change process. The end result should be more efficient processing of our accounting functions and more payment and access options for our owners. More information will be provided as the project progresses. Gale O’Leary Events & Communications Tis the season – I hope you are all enjoying the Holiday party, photos will be on the website for you to view. Thank you Jan & Mike Borden for taking pictures, next time we will make sure to take one of you. Don Wetzel & Bill Jones set up tables, Nancy Munsch cleaned & decorated tables, organized and helped set up 25 gifts for the games. Carol Robinette took tickets at the door – kitchen help – organized 25 gifts for the games – cleaned tables off and sanitized them. Joan Weber, who was a guest, also chipped in where needed; kitchen, helping with the game etc. Huge thanks to everyone who helped make this party so awesome!!! ** Anytime you see a flyer advertising an event, tickets for that event are on sale. If the event price is $15.00 or more, I want to give you advance notice. I understand that some people are on a budget, this way you will know what is ahead and you can pick and choose. After 2 weeks of sales, it will be open to the public. Some of our upcoming shows are requiring a full house or they have the option to cancel the show. I am trying by best not to let 7 John Lunsford Facilities & Grounds Manager Over the past several years we have embarked on a program to improve the quality of the amenities in our community and as a part of that endeavor we recently had a professional evaluation of our lakes. The evaluation indicated that the lakes were in reasonably good condition but steps should be taken to improve them 1) Provide aeration to Landings Lake (Lake 1) and Lake Beardsley (Lake 2) 2) Continue the annual program of restocking the lakes with fish that control weeds and 3) establish a program to treat the lakes with a natural sediment reduction stimulus. The boat that you recently observed on the Lakes was installing the aeration system which should have been a part of the initial construction of the Lakes. Lakes 7, 8, and 9 previously had aeration installed and further study is being conducted to determine the need for aeration on Lakes 3, 4, 5, and 6. The lighting of the tennis/pickle ball courts was completed which leaves only the installation of the windscreen to complete this project. The windscreen has been backorder but we do anticipate this to be completed prior to the end of this year. The comments we have received from the residents that have Gale O’Leary - ECC that happen and asking you to work with me on this. *** When an event is over, would you all try to remember to pick up your table and throw your trash in the barrels on the way out. We also have a recycle bin; we are working on having it enclosed. Sometimes people forget or think that we have a crew that does this work; we have me and whoever volunteers to played on the new courts has been overwhelmingly positive. We anticipate this to be completed prior to the end of this year. The comments we have received from the residents that have played on the new courts has been overwhelmingly positive. We are in the process of establishing the recommended maintenance program to insure the courts are managed properly. We had a series of failures on the new heater at the Landings Pool and the company recently replaced this unit and it has been working well since the new installation. We did delay the annual maintenance work on the pools until January so that we did not inconvenience users during the holiday season. We have been having some problems with our lake 9 Fountain. We had a contractor out to take look at it he found out there was a short in the pump. The pump is being fixed all work is covered under warranty. From me and the field staff, we extend greeting for a Merry Christmas and express our appreciation for your support during the previous year. Continued from page 6 help me. So please try to remind them. I thank you very much ahead of time. **** My special thanks to Tom Dryfout for donating a TEXAS HOLD”EM table. Our group is getting bigger every month. Thanks Tom. Also to Jan Galluzo, She donated a KITCHEN AID MIXER; this was much needed for our bakers. We absolutely appreciate your thoughtfulness. Thanks, again. Gale O’Leary 8 Exercise Groups Sports Groups Cards & Games Social Groups Craft Groups 9 10 THE LEARNING CENTER An AARP Smart Driver Course will be presented at the Lakeside Building at the Landings, Saturday March 28, 2015 at 9 AM. The address is 20255 N. 106th Ave, Peoria, AZ. If you’re like many older drivers, it has probably been several decades since you last took a “driver’s ed” course. Meanwhile the roads, traffic laws and the very cars we drive have changed; as an example: Are you still driving with your hands at 10 and 2 O’clock? Research now indicates the safest place to place your hands is at 8 and 4 o’clock or 9 and 3 o’clock due to the chance of injury during an accident in which airbag inflates The Course is 4 hours short, satisfying most Insurance Companies requirements for a 3 year discount on your AZ Auto Insurance Premiums (contact your insurance company for more details). The multi-media course has been totally redesigned and is taught by AARP Volunteer Instructor and Ventana Lakes Resident Bruce Burnside. Participant cost is $15 for AARP members and $20 for non-members. Space is limited so call the Ventana Lakes Community office 623-566-6001 and reserve your place. Ventana Lakes Garden Club Understanding Seasonal Landscaping will be Master Gardener Kris Coates topic on Thursday, January 8th in Edgewater A at 1 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend. We will learn what to do each season in the way of fertilizing, pruning, etc., whether self-landscaping or using a hired company. Upcoming meetings will include a Yard Art Craft project, Cooking with Native Plants and a Yard Tour. A small donation is suggested to reimburse the Master Gardener. Valley View Community Food BankVentana Lakes has been very supportive of Valley View Community Food Bank and the thrift store connected to it (located at 10615 W. Peoria Ave, Sun City) This is really appreciated. Please continue to bring non-perishable food items to the office whenever you can. Thank you so much for your support of this valuable community program. Need anything picked up and your home? Call Tony 623-566-3894. Ventana Lakes Shalom Club "...miracle of miracles: the candle suffused with only one day's oil burnt for eight days..." It will be a greater miracle, if we don't put on eight pounds after last month’s Hanukah party! The food was really great! We owe a big "thank you" to those indefatigable members who outdo themselves each year preparing the traditional goodies. It has been an interesting year for our group. Several of our members went on to their greater reward, and to their survivors we again extend our collective condolences. We also have several members dealing with severe illnesses and injuries. To them we extend wishes for a speedy recovery. Hopes for a year of peace, harmony and good health are extended to all. As usual, members will be advised of upcoming meeting details by email or phone. Shalom, Burt Bacher 11 Ventana Lakes employs an Event and Communications Coordinator (ECC) to coordinate and schedule entertainment events for our residents and their guests. The ECC is also responsible for communicating with residents to ensure they are up-to-date on activities and concerns. Program success is determined by direct resident feedback and event participation levels. There are legal requirements your ECC must comply with, such as: liquor laws, regulations regarding food preparation, service and consumption and Fair Housing Act regulations dealing with age restrictions, facility use and discrimination issues. All events are self sufficient—no Association funds are budgeted for them. Therefore, a minimum level of participation is required to ensure an event is cost effective. An event may be cancelled, if a participation threshold is not met. Events are booked and advertised months in advance, and VLPOA residents are given first choice to reserve seats. When participation is low, seats are opened to the general public. It is disappointing when an event must be canceled due to poor response. Over the last six months, resident participation in events has declined, resulting in several cancellations. The ECC develops contacts with a multitude of entertainers who cater to HOAs, small groups and Active Adult Communities. She spends countless hours negotiating quality entertainment at the lowest price possible. Being an “unknown” entertainer does not mean “poor quality”. Past events have been of such high quality that other entities have attended them to preview and book our entertainers. Feedback and past behavior influence future scheduling. For example, last year’s New Year’s Eve event was well attended, but feedback received indicated fewer might attend this year’s event, because another local venue booked a preferable entertainer. Your ECC took precautions to ensure a successful New Year’s Eve event by opening some seats to outside guests. This event sold out in mid-November. Your ECC does not personally host all Ventana Lakes events, nor does she get paid to attend all events. She adjusts her schedule every week to compensate for the days that events are held. Volunteers are still needed to assist with all activities and events. Some monthly casino trips, dance nights, dinner shows and seminars are popular and well attended; others are not. The Board of Directors would like your input on event scheduling. Please help by completing the following survey and returning it to the Management Office by January 31, 2015. —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— Ventana Lakes Event Scheduling Survey # Options 1 Continue scheduling events 2 Limit scheduling Ventana Lakes events to 2-4 a month 3 Stop scheduling any events Y N Comments 12 Notary at your place by appointment. G.F. Bonifaz 623-221-6769 Ethan Allen solid wood bookcase with leaded glass doors, medium pecan color $125.00 Call 480-599-5840 New-Never Used—3 Wheel Rollator folding Walker with basket, tray and zippered pouch. Dark Blue. Purchased for $135.00 will sell for $85.00. Contact Joyce @ 623-433-8990. Maytag French Door Refrigerator. Black $699.00 Call 623-208-0886. Outdoor Electric Grill (Power Chef by Dimplex), Cost $300, Sell $45 Used twice Joan 562-208-1049 HP Printer, Model 7280, Scan, Print, Copy and Fax with CD-Book of instructions-extra ink-works good $25.00; HP Digital Camera Model R717-with battery, memory card, docking station, and cord $25.00; Kodak Digital Camera-Model Z8612. Is with battery, memory card, and docking station $25.00 602-228-9489 Place your Classified Ad at a very reasonable cost; $1 for ten words , $2 for 20 words or $3 for 30 words. Here is your chance to sell some of your things that you just don’t want any more or to find a new “treasure” at a great price. Contact the office to place your ad. Sorry, but they can’t take credit cards so cash or checks only. Italian American Club Bruce Burnside opened the meeting with the pledge of allegiance and recognizing December birthdays and anniversaries. An invocation by Cathy Mannino included a moment of silence in memory of Pat DiGiovani. Surprise visitors from the North Pole giving gifts to an attendee at each table, a sumptuous meal and entertainment by the Diane Lindsey Band made this event a real Christmas memory. Cheesecake and apple pies topped off the festive evening. January's meeting will be held the second Thursday of the month, January 8th, as the first Thursday is New Years Day. Mark your calendars and join us at a Member's only meeting with Pizza and a Penny Auction. Call Gail Hellquist at 623-234-2200 to get your tickets, and remember to bring a wrapped item for the penny auction. The February 5th meeting celebrating Valentine’s Day is open to members and guests. Mary Jo Johnson—a favorite of us all—will entertain, and a great dinner will accompany the entertainment. Tickets are $12.00 for members and $15.00 for guests. Please bring a food item for the Food Bank at every meeting. The Ventana Lakes Italian-American Club is open to all Ventana Lakes residents who share an interest in all things Italian. Call President Bruce Burnside, 623-322-6257, if you have questions or are interesting in joining. Chuck Hellquist, Secretary Beginning in February, trash and recycle cans will be picked up on the same date. Watch your water bill for more information on this. You can now submit your Architectural request applications via email to [email protected]. 13 VLPOA Election Information – BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION The Election Committee Chairperson this year is resident Kathy Freda. Make sure your assessments and auto payments are up-to-date to ensure your vote will count. IMPORTANT ELECTION INFORMATION If you plan to seek a Board seat, you must submit a Declaration of Candidacy and documentation showing you are a Ventana Lakes homeowner and at least 55 years of age (driver’s license, passport or government issued photo ID card). The declaration is a personal written statement expressing your interest in a board seat in your own words. You may also include a digital resume (CD or e-mail) not to exceed 350 words. Your information must be positive in tone. Submit your declaration (and resume, if desired) to [email protected] no later than Friday, January 9th 2015 at 4:00 p.m. for publication in the February Ventana Views. Be advised that Election Rule 15 was updated to address write-In votes. Please read Rule 15 carefully. The following is a summary of the rule: Any homeowner may write-in the name of a Ventana Lakes homeowner. To qualify as a write-in candidate: The write-in candidate’s name cannot already be listed on the ballot. The write-in candidate must meet the requirements of the CC&R’s. The write-in candidate should submit a Declaration of Candidacy prior to the Annual Membership Meeting (March 3 rd 2015). The individuals who write-in a candidate’s name must ensure that the candidate is aware of his or her write-in status. The write-in candidate must: Be present at the Annual Membership Meeting to verify his or her eligibility and accept the position, or Be available via electronic means on the day of the Annual Membership Meeting to verify his or her eligibility and to accept the position. Should a write-in candidate not accept or not qualify, the candidate with the next highest votes shall be advanced to a vacant Board position. MEET THE CANDIDATES SCHEDULE Three “Meet the Candidate” sessions are scheduled for all self-declared and write-in candidates to present their qualifications and their positions on issues and for community members to question the candidates. These meetings will be held at the Yacht Club: Thursday - January 15th at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday - January 27th at 1:00 p.m. Saturday - February 7th at 10:00 a.m. VOTING PROCEDURES FOR 2015 BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION Ballots will be mailed to each homeowner of record approximately 30 days before the Annual Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, March 3, 2015. If you have not received a ballot by Thursday, February 5th, please call the Management Office. Voting in person will take place on March 3rd between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. If you prefer to vote by mail, you may mail your ballot in the control numbered envelope provided, or deposit it in the locked voting box in the Management Office no later than 2:00 p.m. on Monday, March 2rd. The control numbered envelope is used ONLY to validate that the ballot was returned by a property owner and is not a duplicate. No one can use this control number to learn how you voted or connect that ballot to you. Please do not tamper with the control number. If you mark over the control number or scratch it out, your vote cannot be validated and therefore will not be counted. If you have any questions, please contact the Management Office (623) 566-6001. 14 TIME IN A BOTTLE JANUARY 17 - SATURDAY - Brought to us by TERRY DAVIES SHOW STARTS 7:00 p.m. in the YACHT CLUB. Please don’t wait until the last minute to get your tickets. They are only $20.00 and you can get them NOW at the office. There are a few of our residents who have seen this show and have asked me to PLEASE bring it to Ventana Lakes. So, here it is! E N J O Y !!! ********************************************************************************************************************************************** TIME IN A BOTTLE From Jim Croce to Dan Fogelberg – from Carole King to James Taylor, “Time In A Bottle” presents an unforgettable couple of hours of some of the greatest American music to come from the 1970’s. From the end of the 1960s, it became common to divide mainstream rock music into soft and hard rock, with both emerging as major genres of popular music. In the early ’70s, rock music mellowed out creating the distinctive, laid-back sound of soft rock. The smooth and easy feeling this music inspires is perfect for life’s most meaningful moments. These are songs that just make you feel good. “Time In A Bottle” re-creates the best of the Soft Rock era. Featuring the hits of Jim Croce, Carole King, James Taylor, America, Dan Fogelberg, Neil Young, Gordon Lightfoot and many more amazing singer/songwriters. TIME IN A BOTTLE will rock you gently. JANUARY B I N G O every Monday At the Yacht Club at 6:30 The snack bar closes after the break. * * * * * * * * * * JANUARY - WEDNESDAYS 12:30 - 2:30 BEGINNER LINE DANCE LESSONS $4.00 Y.C. Every Wednesday. If there is a Board Meeting they will hold the lessons in the Lakeside building. * * * * * * * * * * JANUARY 4 - SUNDAY - 3:00p.m. BILLIARDS ROOM - Yacht Club FREE Professional Trick Shot Billiard Exhibition BY: STEVE LILLIS One show only and free door prizes Appeared on ESPN and other TV networks worldwide with overseas travel to 15 foreign countries President and Founder of International Ministry Organization called Gospel Trick Shot Ministries, Inc. Chaplain of the U.S. Men's Professional Pocket Billiard Tour Please, Call or sign-up at the office if you will be attending. “IN MEMORY OF ELLA” Donations will be accepted Commemorating Steve’s granddaughter Elizabeth Fuehring Elizabeth was taken from them far sooner than she should have been. At just 2 1/2 years old Ella was enjoying a day out at the farm when tragedy struck and she was hit by a shuttle bus along with her mother and a few friends. She passed instantly & her mother, Sarah Fuehring, was rushed into surgery with a broken femur. Google - Elizabeth Fuehring for more info. * * * * * * * * * * JANUARY 9 - FRIDAY - 6:30 TEXAS HOLD’EM TOURNAMENT STYLE There will be a $10.00 buy in at the Yacht Club and a $3.00 sign-up charge at the office for your admission ticket. If there are over 12 people, then 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes will be given out. If there are under 12 people playing, there will only be 1st and 2nd place prizes. * * * * * * * * * * 15 We will be serving refreshments and sweets to our players. Marty will be your host at this Tournament Style Texas Hold’em Night, and he is willing to come back once a month if we have a good showing. Let your friends know about this fun event and don’t forget to sign up early. * * * * * * * * * * JANUARY 11 - SUNDAY - 12:30 NEIL DIAMOND TRIBUTE AT WILD HORSE Bus picks up at the Yacht Club at 12:30 MATINEE SHOW - 3:00 (first come, first serve seating) DINNER - Choice of 2 restaurants HOME - Bus leaves Wild Horse Pass Casino at 7:30pm PRICE - $20.00 includes all of the above plus gratuities There’s not been a Neil Diamond Tribute artist like Dean Colley, who has the extraordinary look, moves and sound of Neil himself. Backed by his awesome band, Dean takes the audience on a musical journey through the history of Neil Diamond and performs ALL the hits including “Cracklin Rosie,” “America,” “Song Sung Blue,” “Cherry Cherry,” “Holly Holy,” and other audience favorites from the Neil Diamond catalog. Wherever Dean plays, packed houses follow and the show’s reviews are stellar. *** This event will sell out - get your tickets now. *** * * * * * * * * * * JANUARY 13 -TUESDAY - 8:30 - 1:00 S.A.L.T. MEETING AT THE Y.C. (POLICE DEPARTMENT) Seniors and Law Enforcement working together. Free lunch. You must sign up to reserve a spot. No walk-ins. To sign up, call Darryl Rivers at 623-773-7093. Don’t wait , the seating is limited. * * * * * * * * * * * JANUARY 15 - THURSDAY - YC - 7:00 MEET THE CANDIDATES SESSION Meet the candidates session shall be held on the following dates and times. This is part of the 2015 Election process for the Board of Directors. Thursday, January 15h @ 7:00 Tuesday, January 27th @ 1:00 Saturday, February 7th @ 10:00 * * * * * * * * * * 16 Sunday Monday Tuesday 4 5 6 ACTIVITY MEETING Y.C. - 1:00 12 13 “IN MEMORY OF ELLA” QUIK SHOT BY STEVE LEWIS 11 BUS TRIP, CASINO, NEIL DIAMOND TRIBUTE & DINNER BEGINNER LESSONS $4 ----------WORKSHO Y.C. 1 POLICE DEPARTMENT S.A.L.T. MEETING 8:30 - 1:00 $20.00 18 Wedn 19 20 2 SOUND ME -------BOARD Y.C. 25 26 27 CANDIDATE SESSION 1:00 Y.C. 2 HEALTH S Y INFO ON N nesday 7 LINE DANCE LAKESIDE 4.00 --------------OP MEETING - 11:00 14 21 EETING - 8:00 17 Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 LINDA & DAVE LINE DANCE LESSONS 8 9 BAKING SESSION SEMINAR BENEVILLA ------------TEXAS HOLD’EM TOURNAMENT 6:30 15 16 SCREENINGS Y.C. NEXT PAGE 17 TIME IN A BOTTLE 7:00 - $20.00 - Y.C. TERRI DAVIES SHOW CANDIDATE SESSION 7:00PM Y.C. 22 23 BAKE SESSION LINE DANCE PARTY 6:30pm - 9:30pm $7.00 @ DOOR 29 30 31 KARAOKE Y.C. - 6:30 - $2.00 THE BREEZE 7 - 10 $6.00 DANCE -----------MEETING - 1:30 28 10 24 18 JANUARY 17 - SATURDAY - YC - 7:00 TIME IN A BOTTLE / TERRY DAVIES $20.00 From Jim Croce to Dan Fogelberg – from Carole King to James Taylor, “Time In A Bottle” presents an unforgettable couple of hours of some of the greatest American music to come from the 1970’s. From the end of the 1960s, it became common to divide mainstream rock music into soft and hard rock, with both emerging as major genres of popular music. In the early ’70s, rock music mellowed out creating the distinctive, laid-back sound of soft rock. The smooth and easy feeling this music inspires is perfect for life’s most meaningful moments. These are songs that just make you feel good. “Time In A Bottle” re-creates the best of the Soft Rock era. Featuring the hits of Jim Croce, Carole King, James Taylor, America, Dan Fogelberg, Neil Young, Gordon Lightfoot and many more amazing singer/ songwriters. TIME IN A BOTTLE will rock you gently. Please don’t wait until the last minute to get your tickets. They are only $20.00 and you can get them NOW at the office. Please don’t wait until the last minute. There are a few of our residents who have seen this show and have asked me to PLEASE bring it to Ventana Lakes. So, here it is! E N J O Y !!! * * * * * * * * * * * JANUARY 23 - FRIDAY - 6:30 - YC - $7.00 LINE DANCE PARTY W/KORT KURDI Join Kort on the dance floor for a wonderful evening of fun and easy line dances everyone can enjoy! Kort will do a walk-through of each dance, call the steps and dance along with us! BYOB AND SNACKS. * * * * * * * * * * * JANUARY 27 - TUESDAY - 1:00 - YC CANDIDATE SESSION * * * * * * * * * * * We are always in need of volunteers. Please call the office, one or two hours really makes a difference. Thank you. * * * * * * * * * * * JANUARY 28 - WEDNESDAY - Y.C. RIGHT PATH HEALTH SCREENINGS is returning to Ventana Lakes. Is Your Health at Risk? Find Out! HEART DISEASE – STROKE – CANCER – ANEURYSM - KIDNEY/LIVER DISEASE . . The screenings available are: CARDIOVASCULAR SCREENINGS Heart Ultrasound Arial Fibrillation P.A.D. (Peripheral Arterial Disease) Carotid Arteries - Ultrasound Thyroid Ultrasound ABDOMINAL ULTRASOUND SCREENINGS Abdominal Aorta Gallbladder Kidneys Pancreas Spleen Liver____________________ All 11 screenings - $200 BP, Pulse, and blood oxygen saturation level FREE w/ all screenings (Comparable screenings in a medical setting would cost $2-3,000 or more) Appointments are required. Call: 602-254-7130 Don’t miss out. Space is limited! www.cathedralhealthservices.org/ screenings.htm * * * * * * * * * * * * JANUARY 30 - FRIDAY 6:30 - Y.C. KARAOKE PAY $2.00 at the door. Snack bar will be closed. BYOB and snacks. We provide ice and water * * * * * * * * * * * * JANUARY 31 - SATURDAY - 7:00 - 10:00 THE BREEZE DANCE BAND w/ Joey & Gloria . Dance to the 50’s - 60’s -70’s -80’s. Disco - Country - Motown - Ballroom. Get your dance tickets for $6.00 now at the office. We also will be selling Burger Baskets for $5.00. (burger - chips - drink - cookie) You must get your meal ticket at the office so that we have a head count. We will also be having a 50/50 raffle. * * * * * * * * * * * 19 LOOKING AHEAD -------------------------------------------------------------------------------MARCH FASHION SHOW - CHICO’S OUTLET - $7.00 ALLEN EDWARDS - SHOW & DANCE - $10.00 BUS TRIP - CASINO - SHOW (NASHVILLE GOLD) - DINNER $20.00 TEXAS HOLD’EM TOURNAMENT STYLE SMALL BUSINESS EXPO RUMMAGE SALE LINE DANCE PARTY W/KORT KURDI KARAOKE W/BILL JONES, CYRIL COLBERT & JAY DOG PARADE W/PHYLISS ZUBIC MARK STONE - (MENTALIST) COMEDY, MINDREADING & E.S.P. AARP CLASS W/ BRUCE BURNSIDE TOM & JERRY DANCE BAND --------------------------------------------------------------------------------HAPPY EASTER MONTHLY DINNERS UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN * SNOWBIRD PARTY MOTOWN & DISCO PARTY W/ TNT ENTERTAINMENT SINGLES GET TOGETHER GET TO KNOW YOUR NEIGHBOOR NIGHT (DINNER & ? ? ? ) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----There are many different things coming your way. Please consider volunteering for one of these events. If you have any suggestions for an event, let me know. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20 CONTINUED FROM DEC. ISSUE BY Sheila Lester-VLPOA Scribblers CHEYENNE, THE PRAIRIE MUSTANG After the loss of the lilly filly, the herd was too nervous to sleep and kept wandering on toward new grazing. Cheyenne wasn’t exactly sure what had happened but he knew the smell of wolves and fear and blood were things he wanted to get far away from. This time White Star didn’t have to goad him into moving. He was only too happy to keep going. Morning brought them to a small canyon, protected from the winds and cold and carpeted with bright green new grass. This time the herd waited for Banjo to lead the way. All was safe for them. There was plenty of grass and a nice stream fed by the melting snow running off of the canyon walls above. It was perfect horse country. As the mares dropped their foals, Banjo’s little band had grown to fourteen. They spent time in the canyon, grazing, getting back their thin layer of fat. They shed their unsightly winter coats in exchange for a sleek new summer look. The foals played and nursed, and it wasn’t long before the mares began to wean them. They quickly learned to eat grass on their own. They started to develop into pretty little fillies and handsome colts. Banjo and their mothers had passed on their best qualities. As he realized his brood was stronger and the grass was thinning, Banjo nipped at the mares and foals and started them on a migration around his territory. He had created a route and routine to provide his harem with a new and abundant supply of grass and convenient watering holes. He avoided other herds and the two-legged wolves. Cheyenne and his friend, Buckskin, were now two year old bachelors. It was time they left the herd. It took a few nips and some strong bites from Banjo to convince them they were on their own. Looking back over his shoulder, Cheyenne caught the last sight of his mother. He was on his way to a new life. Cheyenne had grown into a handsome dark brown horse with black points. His mane and tail were nearly blue they were so dark. His legs were the darkest of brown and he still had that faint black streak down his back. His frame was tall yet compact and he bore his mother’s white star on his forehead. He truly was a mustang of the plains. Buckskin was shorter and smaller. He, too, had dark points, dark mane, tail and legs. They both looked as if they had walked into a deep bog of mud. As the youngsters topped a low rise, they saw a very large herd of horses ahead of them. They were anxious to join a band and ran to catch up with the others. By the time they realized these were not wild horses, it was too late. Riders were closing behind them and there was only one way to go…forward into the herd. They had stumbled onto a herd recently purchased and being taken to the U.S. Army at Fort Laramie, Wyoming. Cheyenne and Buckskin soon became separated and Cheyenne was now more frightened than he had ever been. Most of the horses were rough-broke and had been around men before. Cheyenne had not. He did his best to stay in the center of the milling animals, away from his captors. The Ventana Scribblers welcome anyone interested in creative writing. We meet the second and fourth Saturday of the month. Please join us. Call Sheila Lester at 623-594-6181 for details. 21 Ventana Lakes has over 3200 residents, each with a unique and interesting story. In this Issue, we continue our series of Spotlight stories, bringing those stories to you. If you have a suggestion on a Resident to profile, please submit your suggestion to the Communication Committee. Everyone Has a Story Kathy Freda’s eyes fill with tears as she tells the story of being in Manhattan on September 11, 2001. Yes, our Kathy Freda, a New Yorker who speaks her mind in her pronounced Brooklyn accent. She still gets emotional when talking about that horrendous day over thirteen years ago. That day started like any other weekday. She took the train into Penn Station and walked uptown to her office at West 44th Street and Broadway. When the first plane hit the World Trade Center, she thought a stunt plane had gone off course. From her office window on the 50th floor, she could see the plane sticking out of the tower. The image shocked everyone. When the second plane hit, terror and the realization that something was very wrong swept the city. Emergency protocols were in place and as fire warden, Kathy made sure everyone safely evacuated the floor. All buildings were considered a target. The Port Authority Bus terminal and Penn Station were closed, everyone was at a loss as to where and what to do. Kathy’s focus became locating her husband Fred, who was also working in Manhattan. They connected, but any attempt to get out of Manhattan was a nightmare. A mass exodus was in progress. People jammed into any vehicle that was leaving the city. A wave of people walked across bridges to exit the city. She thought she would never see the end of that sea of people. Kathy recalls, “People say New Yorkers don’t care about anyone but themselves. Well, that day everyone helped each other, even strangers.” After nearly eight hours since the first plane struck, Kathy and Fred finally headed to their home in New Jersey. It was so eerie walking to Penn Station with all the streets empty. One could stand in the middle of 42nd Street and Broadway and see nothing. The only sounds were sirens and the echoing of people proclaiming the end of the world. They got on the first train out of Penn Station, which was packed. “As we got into New Jersey, you could see the smoke. It was surreal. We were fortunate that we did not lose anyone that day, but a part of me was forever changed. For weeks after that tragic day you could still see the smoke.” The next day Kathy stated, “I wasn’t going to let a terrorist get the best of me, so I went to work.” Kathy and Fred moved to Ventana Lakes in 2010. She is a member of the Strategic Planning Committee, the Election Committee, Prides and works in the Yacht Club kitchen. One never knows what is behind the happy façade of our neighbor. Contributed by Jan Borden of the Communications Committee 22 Interested in advertising with us? Send us an email at [email protected] or contact the Management Office. Special Rates for VLPOA Residents! Residents are welcome to submit articles or article suggestions. All submissions must be received by the 12th of the prior month and are subject to approval. Please provide electronic copy, preferably in 12 pt. Arial font (for articles only; ads will be published as submitted) to [email protected]. 23 ARIZONA ROOF RESCUE LLC 3635 W Rose Lane, Phoenix, AZ 85019 Licensed-Bonded-Insured ROC.#264597 Dual Licensed for Residential and Commercial Alan Monzon, Operations Manager Office # 602-242-2706 - Fax # 602-595-2704 E-Mail # [email protected] www.arizonaroofrescue.com Repair or replace shingle and tile roof systems, flat roof systems, foam roof repair Pigeon issues, maintenance, coatings, venting free inspection & free estimate We are a Member of the B.B. Bureau, Service Magic Mem- 24 25 15030 N 99 th Avenue Sun City, Arizona 85351 $9.95 OIL CHANGE 26 27 28 29 30 Listen Assist is available for the Hearing Impaired at all Yacht Club functions. Bring your own FM radio and headphones and tune to 101.9. 31 2 0 1 4 VENTANA LAKES HOLIDAY PARTY X M A S HO! HO! HO! Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 5 6 ACTIVITY MEETING BEGINNER LINE DANCE LESSONS LINDA & DAVE LINE DANCE LESSONS 7 BOBBY BROOKS SHOW CANDIDATE SESSION 10 11 13 14 8 9 BUS TRIP CASINO, ABBA & DINNER GOLD EVENT USA 15 16 12 LINE DANCE PARTY 17 18 19 SOUND GROUP 22 23 24 25 26 20 21 TEXAS HOLD’EM POKER DAN ST. PAUL COMEDY SHOW 27 28 KARAOKE THE UGLY SWEATER CONTEST PARTY & DANCE W/D.J.
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