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R I O V E R D E Rio Verde Community Association 1 Roadrunner The Roadrunner is published twice a month by the Rio Verde Community Association Rio Verde’s Website www.rioverdearizona.com Next Roadrunner Deadline Noon Monday, November 28 December RVCA Board Meeting: 2 p.m. Thursday, December 15 Minutes of the Nov. 17 meeting will be attached to next issue CRC News... page 3 Interested in Serving on RVCA Board? See page 2 for information on how to apply- deadline Dec. 8 RVCA Board Highlights Amenity Agreement, 2017 Budget...see page 2 Next Issue December 2 Issue No. 16-20 - November 18, 2016 Tomorrow... Saturday, Nov. 19 CRC Bake Sale & 50/50 Raffle 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Rio Verde Community Center Attention All Bakers! Please deliver your donated baked goods to the Community Center between 4 and 8 p.m. today (Nov. 18). Verdes Art League Fall Craft & Art Show Noon to 5 p.m. Tonto Verde Clubhouse Featuring the work of 31 Rio Verde and Tonto Verde artists working in a wide variety of mediums including oil, acrylics, watercolors, woodwork and ceramics. In addition there will be note cards, holiday decorations, jewelry, coloring books, handbags, gourd art, bead weaving, quilts, dolls and lots more. Happy Thanksgiving Holiday Dinner Buffet at the Club 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Thursday, Nov. 24 $39.99++ - Kids 6-11 $19.99++ 471-0963 - [email protected] Your Input Is Needed... Proposed Town Center Plan At the Nov. 11 Town Hall Meeting, the Town Center Planning Committee provided the community with the first look at a comprehensive plan for current and future development of the Town Center. This plan, which is just a proposal at this stage, was developed with the help of David Davis, an expert in community planning and urban design. Your input is important. The plan will be refined and updated based on resident comments and suggestions. Let the Town Center Planning Committee Know What You Think First, look over the Planning Presentation from the Town Hall meeting that was emailed to all residents on Nov. 14. Then take a look at the blow up of the plan rendering in the Community Center lobby. Finally email your comments to [email protected] . You can also submit your comments in writing to the RVCA Office. (Note: Comments from the Town Hall meeting are attached to this issue of the Roadrunner- see page 10.) In developing the plan, the Town Center Planning Committee, chaired by John Fischer, sought to preserve our unique culture and sense of community, provide outstanding amenities for an active lifestyle and encourage development of a sustainable lifestyle that will enhance home values and attract the next generation of buyers.

Transcript of RIO VERDE Roadrunner - Constant...

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RoadrunnerThe Roadrunner is published twice a month by the Rio Verde Community Association

Rio Verde’s Website www.rioverdearizona.com

Next Roadrunner DeadlineNoon Monday, November 28

December RVCA Board Meeting: 2 p.m. Thursday, December 15 Minutes of the Nov. 17 meeting will be attached to next issue

CRC News... page 3

Interested in Serving on RVCA Board?See page 2 for information on how to apply- deadline Dec. 8

RVCA Board HighlightsAmenity Agreement, 2017 Budget...see page 2

Next Issue December 2 Issue No. 16-20 - November 18, 2016

Tomorrow... Saturday, Nov. 19CRC Bake Sale & 50/50 Raffle9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.Rio Verde Community CenterAttention All Bakers! Please deliver your donated baked goods to the Community Center between 4 and 8 p.m. today (Nov. 18).

Verdes Art League Fall Craft & Art ShowNoon to 5 p.m.Tonto Verde ClubhouseFeaturing the work of 31 Rio Verde and Tonto Verde artists working in a wide variety of mediums including oil, acrylics, watercolors, woodwork and ceramics.In addition there will be note cards, holiday decorations, jewelry, coloring books, handbags, gourd art, bead weaving, quilts, dolls and lots more.

Happy ThanksgivingHoliday Dinner Buffet at the Club

11 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Thursday, Nov. 24 $39.99++ - Kids 6-11 $19.99++

471-0963 - [email protected]

Your Input Is Needed...Proposed Town Center PlanAt the Nov. 11 Town Hall Meeting, the Town Center Planning Committee provided the community with the first look at a comprehensive plan for current and future development of the Town Center. This plan, which is just a proposal at this stage, was developed with the help of David Davis, an expert in community planning and urban design. Your input is important. The plan will be refined and updated based on resident comments and suggestions. Let the Town Center Planning Committee Know What You ThinkFirst, look over the Planning Presentation from the Town Hall meeting that was emailed to all residents on Nov. 14. Then take a look at the blow up of the plan rendering in the Community Center lobby. Finally email your comments to [email protected]. You can also submit your comments in writing to the RVCA Office. (Note: Comments from the Town Hall meeting are attached to this issue of the Roadrunner- see page 10.)In developing the plan, the Town Center Planning Committee, chaired by John Fischer, sought to preserve our unique culture and sense of community, provide outstanding amenities for an active lifestyle and encourage development of a sustainable lifestyle that will enhance home values and attract the next generation of buyers.

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The Roadrunner is published twice a month by

The Rio Verde Community AssociationEditor: Linda HefterAssociation Staff:

Doris Findling, Connie Sauter & Angelita Vargas

Rio Verde is an Active Adult Community for Persons Age 55 and Older

Our Community...Trash Pick-up Holiday Schedule: Due to the Thanksgiving holiday trash and recycling will be picked up on Saturday, Nov. 26, rather than on Friday, Nov. 25.2016-2017 Community Directory: Don’t forget to pick up your free copy of the new Verdes Community Directory at the RVCA Office.Support Your Local Post Office: The Rio Verde Post Office is ready to help with all your holiday mailing needs. The counter is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. With Sympathy: The Association issaddened to learn of the death of Nancy Lasco.

Interested in Serving on the RVCA Board?If you would like to be considered by the RVCA Nominating Committee, deliver your application to the RVCA Office by Thursday, Dec. 8.Application RequirementsInclude your name, Rio Verde address and phone number, number of years in Rio Verde, length of stay in Rio Verde per year, education and employment background and list of boards and committees served on in Rio Verde. Also answer the question: Why do you desire to serve on the RVCA Board? Questions? Call the RVCA Office at 471-2068.2017 Nominating CommitteeThe members of the 2017 Nominating Committee are:Chair Gary Holcomb, Jill Arnold, Becky Darley, Judy Haggard and Bill Hoffman. The members of the Nominating Committee wereapproved at the Nov. 17 Board Meeting.

Highlights of the Nov. 17 RVCA Board Meeting...Rio/Tonto Amenity Sharing Agreement Update: The motion to approvewas tabled to allow for additional resident input. A Town Hall meeting is tentatively scheduled for 3 p.m Tuesday, Dec. 6, in the Church Sanctuary.2017 Budget Approved: The total RVCA budget approved for 2017 is justunder $3.8 million. The 2017 annual assessment per residence is $3,502. Owners of an unimproved lot will pay $1,168. The annual assessment notice will be mailed to all residents next week.Wireless Keypads for Community Center Pool Approved: A wireless keypad-fob system was approved to meet pool safety and security concerns. The system can be monitored from the Office. Minutes: The minutes of the Nov. 17 Board Meeting will be attached to theDec. 2 issue of the Roadrunner.

Firewise Day: Thank you toeveryone who supported last week’s annual Verdes Firewise Day. Almost 200 residents of Rio Verde and Tonto Verde attended the meeting and more than a $1,000 was raised. In the photo, Tonto Verde Firewise Chair Tom Mulleady and Rio Verde Firewise Chair Eb Scheuing pose with new Fire Chief Jay Ducote.

Health & Wellness Update...Holiday Exercise Class Schedule:All classes will meet as scheduled during Thanksgiving week. Please note that the 6:45 a.m. Men’s class and the 8:30 a.m. Chair Class will meet on Thanksgiving Day. For a full list of classes pick up a copy of Rio Verde’s Health & Wellness News at the Community Center or Post Office. Introduction to Tai Chi: Tuesday, Nov. 29: Dane Boles of United Tai Chi and Wellness will present an Introduction to Tai Chi at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 29, in the Community Center Multi-Function Room. Dane will discuss the many health benefits of Tai Chi and demonstrate some of the warm-up moves. The Nov. 29 presentation is free and open to all Verde residents. Rio Verde’s weekly Tai Chi class will resume at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, and continue every Thursday through April. Questions? Contact Dane Boles at [email protected] or 602-463-9944.CPR/AED Class: Saturday, Dec. 3Registration is open for the Fire District free CPR/AED class scheduled from 1 to 5 p.m., Saturday Dec. 3, in the Community Center Multi-Function Room. To register call Fire District Office at 471-2304. CPR/AED classes will also be held on Jan. 7, Feb. 4, Mar. 4 and Apr. 1.

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CRC News...The Luminary Committee Needs Your Help: Christmas Eve is a magical time in Rio Verde thanks to the CRC and the dozens of volunteers who line the streets with thousands of luminarias. If you would like to help light up your neighborhood, contact Kathleen Watt at [email protected] or 720-273-2734.Christmas Eve Santa Party & Christmas Day Delivery: Santa and Mrs. Claus have confirmed that they will be visiting Rio Verde on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Watch for details! Pictorial Directories: If you had your photo taken for the new Community Pictorial Directory and did not receive your free copy last spring, call Josie Wamer at 471-4345 or email [email protected]. Baby Furniture Program: Company coming for the holidays? Time to request items from CRC’s large inventory of children's car seats, pac-n-plays, small toys, high chairs, strollers and more. In addition to items for young visitors, CRC has rollaway beds and adult and children’s bikes. Request forms are available in the Post Office window box. Questions? Call Betsy Stambaugh, Beth Evans or Gail Von Drashek.High Tea Luncheon: Jan. 25Save the date for CRC’s fabulous High Tea Luncheon on Wednesday, Jan. 25, in the Club’s Sundance Room. Everyone is encouraged to wear High Tea party hats and attire. If you don’t have a hat, there will be a hat rental booth. Watch for details and reservation information. Questions? Call Diana Magers, Mellody Fairbanks or Sharon VanderPoel.

Things To Do...Bunco Night: Monday, Nov. 21The next Bunco Night at the Community Center is Monday, Nov. 21. Play is from 7 to 9 p.m. Bring $2 in change. Reservations are required. Call Merideth Hale at 471-1003.Community Church Christmas Concert: Friday, Dec. 2Don’t miss the opportunity to hear the Beachfront Property in concert at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, in the Church Sanctuary. Enjoy an eclectic collection of holiday hits from White Christmas to old favorites with a new jazz twist. The Christmas concert is the first of a three-concert series. Series tickets are $90, individual tickets $40. Purchase tickets at the Church Office (471-7239).Verdes Hike with Jim Urban: Friday, Dec. 9Jim Urban invites everyone to join him on Friday, Dec. 9, for a hike in the Seven Springs Recreation Area north of Carefree. The five to six miles hike along Cave Creek and back is rated easy to moderate. Those wanting a more challenging hike can continue on the Skunk Tank (Trail #246) and complete a loop with a 1,200 feet elevation gain and great views. Meet by 9 a.m. in the Community Center parking lot for carpooling. Each vehicle will require a Tonto National Forest pass which is available at the Ranger Station en route. Good hiking shoes are sufficient. Bring water, snack or lunch, sun protection and an optional hiking stick. Drive time to the trailhead is one hour and 15 minutes, return should be by early afternoon. No advance sign up is necessary, just show up. Questions? Call Jim Urban at 471-3818 or email [email protected] Verde Book Club: Wednesday, Dec. 21The next meeting of the Rio Verde Book Club is set for 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21, at the Community Center. The December book for discussion is Four Seasons in Rome: On Twins, Insomnia, and the Biggest Funeral in the History of the World by Anthony Doerr. Questions? Call Susie Pringle at 471-7339.

Thank You from CRC: Many thanks to everyone who made CRC’s 2016 Plant Sale a great success. Pictured here are just some of the CRC members who worked on the Sale. Standing on the far left is landscape consultant Noelle Johnson. Read Noelle's latest Roadrunner column on page 9.

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Friday Golf Group Welcomes Second Generation Member:Tom Irick, son of long-time Rio Verde resident Bob Irick, has been invited to play in the Men’s Friday Golf Group now headed by Commissioner Terry Cummings. The Friday group was started more than 20 years ago by George Rockwell and now has over 40 members.

Rio Verde Country Club News...2015-2016 Annual Report Now OnlineThe Club's Annual Report is now available online. Go to www.rioverdearizona.com. Log into Member side then click on The Club, then on Club Governance, then on Club Finances.Christmas Tree Lighting Dinner Dance: Monday, Dec. 5As in past years, the Club will kick off the holiday season with the Christmas Tree Lighting & Dinner Dance on Monday, Dec. 5. Dress is club casual with denim permitted. Cost is $50++ per person. Watch for details.Town Hall Meeting: 3 p.m. Dec. 7All residents are invited to attend the Club’s Town Hall Meeting at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7, in the Sundance Room. Come learn about progress to date and plans for 2016-2017.Niners Christmas Party: Saturday, Dec. 10Attention Niners! Be sure to save the date for the Niners Ugly or Beautiful Christmas Sweater Party on Saturday. Dec. 10, in the Club Sundance Room. Cocktails will be available starting at 5:30 p.m. Dinner will be served at 6:15 p.m. Entertainment will be by Dave Karl. Watch for reservation details.Save the Date: March Couples Sonoran Desert ClassicIt is not too early to invite guests to play in the 2016 Sonoran Desert Classic Couples Invitational on Mar. 9, 10 & 11. Celebrate Arizona with golf, a ranch party and dinner dance. Watch for details.

Dining at the Club...Pub: Starbucks: 6:30 to 11 a.m. dailyLunch: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. dailyDinner: 5 to 8 p.m. Fri-SatCopper Room:Sunday Breakfast: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.Dinner: 5 to 8 p.m. Mon-SatNo Dinner on Sunday

Wednesday Experience Nights:Nov. 23 - Pasta Nov. 30 - TapasDec. 7 - Minnesota MadnessNovember Specials: Spaghetti & Meatballs - MondayQuestions & Take Out:Call 471-1050Reservations: 471-0963 [email protected]

Shopping at the Golf Shop...Corner Market Now Open: No need to drive miles to purchase some of theamazing food products made right here in Arizona. Check out the new Corner Market in the Golf Shop for great pasta, honey, tea, olive oil, popcorn, flour, dog treats and lots more--all locally sourced.CRC Items in Golf Shop: The Community Relations Committee also stocksa variety of products in its section of the Golf Shop. Shop for Rio Verde water bottles, flasks and napkins, plus wild rice grown by Rio Verde resident Paul Imle. You can also purchase copies of Bob Mason’s books. The Golf Shop is open from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day.

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Thank You: A Big Thank You toRVCC Golf Superintendent Dan Cutler and his maintenance guys for last minute help with compaction of the new Bocce Courts in time for the Ribbon Cutting on Nov. 15.

Tenth Annual Team Tennis TournamentTen years ago Jerrie Ellis suggested that the Tennis Club at Rio Verde hold a fall tournament similar to the ones she had organized in Colorado. The format is six-person teams with three women and three men. Each team plays the other five teams throughout the morning. The fun is sizing up the other teams and figuring out the best combinations to beat your opponent in men’s, women’s and mixed doubles. Rio Verde’s fall tournament is not only fun but also provides a great opportunity to welcome new players. This year the Red Team captained by Judy Haggard won. New members and guests playing in the tournament included Illa Alexander, Terri Allison, Mike Davis, Steve Graham, Bernetta Reardon and Tom Staab. Ten years have past and the tournament is still one of Tennis Club’s main events. Thank you Jerrie for suggesting this fun tournament format.

Team Tennis Winners: Lowell Dennis, Denny Ellis, Eva Zaleski, Cathy Hesse, Judy Haggard and Steve Graham

A Celebration...Sports Court ComplexDozens of residents turned out on Tuesday, Nov. 15, to celebrate the completion of Rio Verde’s dynamic new Sports Court Complex. Everyone enjoyed the food and music but the highlight of the celebration was the opportunity to try out the new pickleball and bocce courts. All residents and their guests are invited to come enjoy the pickleball, bocce and tennis courts. There are equipment boxes next to each set of courts for use by residents. Also watch for information about classes and instruction for beginners and intermediate players. Enjoy!

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Let’s Dance...Ballroom Dance NewsThere is still time to sign up for fall classes that continue through Dec. 14 and Dec. 16. (No classes during Thanksgiving Week.) All classes meet in the Community Center.Fall Schedule:Wednesdays: ●6 p.m. Basic Class ●7 p.m. Intermediate ClassFridays: ●6 p.m. Private and Semi-Private Lessons To arrange call instructor Roger Allen at 602-545-5435●7 p.m. Intermediate Class - Class is learning the Night Club Two Step Note: On Friday, Nov. 18, the class will be in the Dance StudioHoliday Dance PartyEveryone (singles and couples) is invited to the Holiday Christmas Dance Party from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, in the Community Center Multi-Function Room. Come for fun, dancing, good food and the opportunity to meet new friends. Bring your own drinks and glasses and an appetizer or sweet to share. Cost is $10 per person.The November Dance Party was great fun. Thanks to instructor Roger Allen and his partner, Michelle, and to DJ Chris Gelb.QuestionsIf you are interested in joining a class or have questions about the Holiday Dance Party, contact Ruth Orton at [email protected] or 480-264-4522.

Looking Ahead to January...Advanced Spanish Classes: Starting Thursday, Jan. 5Hola! Advanced Spanish classes begin at 4 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 5, in the Community Center and continue every Thursday through the end of February. Instructor Susie Pringle invites everyone to join the fun 90-minute class for reading, writing and conversation. The Spanish classes are open to all Rio Verde and Tonto Verde residents. Questions? Contact Susie at [email protected] or 471-7339. Con Abrazos!2017 Verdes ASU Lecture Series: Starting Tuesday, Jan. 10The 2017 eight-week Verdes ASU Lecture Series kicks off at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 10 with a look at The Future of the Suburban City: Lessons from Sustaining Phoenix by ASU Professor Grady Gammage Jr. The series will continue at 4 p.m. every Tuesday through Feb. 28. Topics include a look at U.S. participation in WWI, anti-aging interventions, the art of internment camps, evolutionary biology and mental disorders, journalism and technology, life on earth and beyond and the true music of the double bass. All lectures will be held in Club Sundance Room with the exception of the Jan. 31 and Feb. 14 lectures which will be held in the Church Sanctuary. Watch for details and the full schedule in the Dec. 2 Roadrunner.Line Dancing Lessons: Resume Tuesday, Jan. 17Tuesday afternoon Line Dancing Lessons with Carol Scheuing will resume at 4 p.m. Jan. 17, in the Community Center Dance Studio.

Halloween Pet Parade: Above are just a few shots from the Oct. 29 Pet Parade organized by the Rio Verde K-9ers. Thanks to everyone who participated!

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Neighbors Helping NeighborsPancake Breakfast: Saturday, Dec. 3VerdeCares looks forward to seeing you at our Fire District’s Annual Holiday Pancake Breakfast from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, at the Fire Station. The Pancake Breakfast is a fundraising benefit with donations going to VerdeCares. In addition to a great breakfast there will be lots of give-away gifts and the opportunity to visit with Santa. Enter the Sanderson Ford drawing for a new vehicle by bringing a new child’s gift to support Operation Santa Claus. Parking will be available at the Community Church parking lot with golf cart taxi service to the breakfast.Looking Ahead to Long Term SustainabilityIn 2016 VerdeCares expanded its board of directors to seven with representatives from each community it serves. The new board has identified as its key issue “long term sustainability.” For nearly seven years VerdeCares has existed on a basic “hand-to–mouth” income (contribution) cycle. For VerdeCares to continue to meet its goals, the board and founders realize there needs to be a succession plan. This plan would likely require experienced/paid community social worker professionals which would require an increase in fundraising within our communities. To All of our Volunteer and Supporters“Thank you” to all of our volunteers who give so much of their time and talents to support our neighbors’ needs through VerdeCares; and, “Thank you” to all who support our mission here in the Verdes through your donations. We exist Because of You and For You! VerdeCares MissionVerdeCares Mission is to be here when you need us. VerdeCares provides access to volunteer no-charge services, education, and activities that promote physical, mental and emotional health. We are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life and promoting the health and well-being of homebound adults, caregivers, those living with chronic illness and those returning from surgery within our Verde communities. Office Hours & Contact InformationThe VerdeCares Office is located on the corner of Forest Road and Avenida Del Ray. Office hours are 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday to Friday year round. Questions or need help call 471-8944.Happy Thanksgiving... from Your VerdeCares Volunteer Team!

Thanks for Supporting the Boys & Girls ClubThe Fore Peaks Sales Group thanks all the generous residents of the Verdes for donating almost $2,000 to the Boys and Girls Club of Fountain Hills during Fore Peaks recent Chili Cook Off. Spirited competition among four teams made for a great evening of chili tasting, wine, beer and casual conversation. Fore Peaks sponsored two teams and First American Title and NOVA Home Loans the other two. Almost 100 people attended the event.

Pool Visitor: Marlys Gahn took this great photo of an egret who recently hung out at the Community Center pool for about 30 minutes!Information & photos needed of wildlife sightings...The Club needs your help to support its application to be certified as a Audubon International Cooperative Sanctuary Golf Course. Needed are documented wildlife sightings within Rio Verde. There is a journal in the Clubhouse lobby to record sightings. Send photos to Jana O’Brien at [email protected]

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Verdes Habitat Committee Report...The Verdes Habitat Committee will be mailing its annual letter asking for your financial support for our 21st Home Build in the next few weeks. The letter will provide information on where to send your donations as well as how you can realize TAX savings. If you do not receive a letter by Dec. 15, please call Tom Mulleady at 480-275-7350.As many of you know, the Verdes Habitat projects were important to Jim Isaacson, a Rio Verde resident who passed away last year. Jim started the Verdes Habitat project over 20 years ago, and we hope to continue his dream. The Verde communities are proud of the fact that we are the only community in the United States to both fund and build homes for Habitat for Humanity. Anyone interested in volunteering can contact any of the Committee members listed in the box to the right.Habitat for Humanity is a home construction non-profit company that provides a “Hand Up, NOT a Hand Out” to deserving families. Qualifying families are not “given” a house. They must prove that they can make the no-interest mortgage payments (provided through Habitat), provide 400 hours of sweat equity to Habitat, and community work. They are truly invested in the process.Work Started on Oct. 25On Oct. 25, the Verdes Habitat team began work on a new home for the Soto-Arroyo family. The home is located at 1527 W. Pima St., Phoenix, AZ 85007. Ciro and his wife, Lizette, are excited to provide a safe home for their two-year-old son, Damian. Ciro works as a foreman for a landscape company and Lizette is a homemaker. Lizette and family members are eagerly helping at the construction site. The Verdes Committee will publish pictures regularly to show you the progress on the house while it is being built. Above is a picture from the wall-signing dedication that took place on Saturday, Oct. 29. Help Make a DifferenceHelp make a difference in the lives of the Soto-Arroyo family this year. The Verdes Habitat Committee needs $95,458 to complete this year’s home. We know we are up to the challenge! Your donation will be used solely for building the Verdes Habitat for Humanity Project home. Please send your generous donations to 18816 Four Peaks Blvd., Rio Verde, AZ 85263. Please note “Verdes Habitat Home” on the bottom of your check to ensure your donation will be dedicated to the Verdes project.

Please contact any member below for questions about Habitat for Humanity or the Verdes Habitat project. Tom Mulleady is current Verdes Habitat Chair.Tom Mulleady 480-275-7350Terry Cummings 480-313-1913 John Muilenburg 480-471-2108Rod Muilenburg 480-471-0029Michele Mulleady 480-275-7350Kathy Pommerening 480-471-4694Peter Sturman"480-471-3095

A Special Thank You...Rio Verde resident Jim Kilbourne was one of 41 veterans honored by his granddaughter's 8th grade class on Veterans Day in South Bend, IN. The inspirational celebration planned by the 8th graders included a band, orchestra and choir. Speaker was retired Chief Warrant Officer Richard Cardoza. Thank you to Jim who served in the Army during the Vietnam War and to all our Verde veterans. Also honored along with Jim was Rio Verde renter Norine Baloun’s 95 year old father who served in WWII.

Jim and Nicki Kilbourne

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Flowering Ground Covers and Perennials... Maximum Impact for Little Investmentby Noelle JohnsonDrive through any neighborhood with landscapes at least seven years old and you’ll likely notice a number of trees, shrubs and a succulent or two. However, it’s what you DON’T notice that impacts the curb appeal of your home. What’s missing you may ask? The answer is, smaller flowering plants.Take a look at a newly landscaped home and you’ll see the difference that colorful ground covers and perennials make to outdoor spaces as they provide both texture and color at low levels which attract the eye. So why are older landscapes frequently missing these vibrant little plants? The reason is that smaller flowering plants don’t live as long as shrubs and larger plants. Their typical lifespan averages three to five years after which time they are pulled out and most often are never replaced. Color & Differing Heights Key to Well Designed LandscapeIncorporating plants with color and differing heights are an integral part of a well-designed landscape. It’s important to realize that all types of plants work together to create an attractive landscape - trees provide vertical interest, shrubs serve to add height in the middle range, while perennials and other lower-growing plants create beauty at ground level. The larger the plant, the longer it lives, so don’t be dismayed if your favorite ground cover dies after 5 years in the ground. Instead, appreciate the beauty that it added to your landscape and replace with a new one or choose another smaller plant to take its place rather than leaving an empty spot devoid of color. While smaller plants may not live as long as trees and shrubs, they are cheap and easy to replace.Some Favorite Perennials & Ground CoversHere are some favorite perennials and ground covers that you may want to include in your garden: ●Angelita Daisy (Hymenoxys acaulis): Blooms year round, adding bright, sunny color to the garden.●Blackfoot Daisy (Melampodium leucanthum): Has attractive, dark green foliage and is covered in white daisies in spring and fall.●Firecracker Penstemon (Penstemon eatonii): Adds welcome winter color that lasts into spring, attracting hummingbirds.●Goodding’s Verbena (Verbena gooddingii): A native ground cover that has lavender flowers that fade to blue from spring into early summer attracting butterflies.●Pink Gaura (Gaura lindheimeri ‘Siskiyou Pink’): Provides delicate pink blossoms that resemble butterflies and blooms spring through fall.

For More Information...Noelle Johnson is a horticulturist, certified arborist and garden writer. Visit her website at www.azplantlady.comFor more information or to schedule a consultation, email Noelle at [email protected]. Her phone number is 480-415-8641.

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10 Rio Verde Community Association

QUESTIONS / COMMENTS RECEIVED AT THE NOVEMBER 11, 2016 TOWN CENTER CONCEPT MEETING

Q - Love the looks but hope you will have space for a dog park. That provides a wonderful social environment A - It has been discussed and we will continue to explore this Q - I like a lot of the ideas, but looks like you will be taking away parking spaces for walkways A - Actually with the bump outs and parking on both sides of Four Peaks as well as new golf cart parking, there will be more parking. And with walkways and cutouts there will also be more ability to walk around the Town Center Q - I've been here 18 years and have never been more excited. It's great to see walkways. Four Peaks has a stark coldness. How about some benches? A - Yes, there will be benches and they do add to the social environment of the street Q - I know fruit trees present problems, but those on Danny Lane are part of the identity of Rio A - We recognize that and are considering if they should be kept Q - Is this a Rio or Tonto/Rio initiative? And how are we going to pay for this? A - It is strictly a Rio initiative. As mentioned, there are a half dozen funding options but we can't consider that until we get feedback and suggestions from the residents about the entire Town Center concept Q - If the open area where the convenience store was is turned residential, who would be given the rights to design it? A - If that option is taken, it will be to serve as a revenue stream and Rio would definitely control the look and feel Q - In the diagram looks as if Malone Street would be closed to cars and that could be a detriment to the Country Club as it is a major entrance A - The design as depicted now does allow for golf carts but not cars. But if there is strong opposition, this can be looked at again Q - If we move the Post Office would we lose the parking there used for the two church services A - Rio doesn't own that property. Would hope the owners would continue to allow parking there for church goers Q - If the open property is used for residential use we need to remember that it will never be available again for other uses A - We haven't made a decision on any of these options yet. We do have two properties that we do own so have flexibility on how to best use them. The role of a master plan is to try to accommodate current and future needs and to think holistically The Diagram Shown at the meeting is on display at the Community Center. Please continue to give the Board and the Town Center Committee your comments. The committee includes B Baker, J Erfling, D Findling, J Fischer, D Fridovich, G Harvey, G Holcomb, J Justus, T Stegmann and K Sundahl. You can also email [email protected].